WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) joined 15 Senate Democrats to send a letter demanding answers from U.S. Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon on the Trump Administration’s proposal to eliminate student loan repayment options for millions of Americans.

The senators’ letter comes after the Trump Administration’s Education Department reached a settlement with the State of Missouri to abandon the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan – an income-driven repayment plan that links payments to a borrower’s income and family size – in response to a lawsuit from Republican attorneys general from multiple states.

“Pending court approval, the settlement would require the Education Department to stop enrolling borrowers in SAVE, deny all pending SAVE applications from borrowers that may have been waiting years for a response, and move the more than 7 million borrowers currently enrolled in SAVE into other less affordable repayment plans,” the senators wrote to Secretary McMahon.

“Unfortunately, the Education Department’s proposed settlement provides little direction or transparency for borrowers who will be forced into new repayment plans through no fault of their own. Namely, the proposed settlement provides no information on what, if any, resources or guidance the Education Department will provide to borrowers as they make these significant changes, or how much time borrowers will be provided to switch plans,” the senators continued. “The settlement also lacks clarity on the timeline for when these changes will be operationalized and when the Education Department and other federal loan servicers will communicate these changes to borrowers. Troublingly, the Education Department’s own public communications have conflicting information on the timeline in which borrowers can expect to receive information from the Department, ranging from ‘in the coming weeks’ to ‘in the coming months.’”

The senators also highlighted the harmful changes coming to student loan repayments following the passage of Republicans’ Big, Bad Bill, “These significant shifts in repayment options will only exacerbate confusion for borrowers, increasing the likelihood that borrowers will fall into the standard repayment option. This would result in significantly higher monthly payments for millions of borrowers. Many borrowers in SAVE would be unable to afford the high monthly payments in the standard plan, and as a result, these borrowers would likely fall into delinquency and default, which would have dire economic consequences for borrowers and their families.”

“It is imperative the Department take every action possible to ensure the 7 million borrowers currently enrolled in SAVE are provided with the information and resources necessary to avoid delinquency or default in order to avoid an even bigger default crisis,” the senators concluded.

The letter was led by U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.). Alongside Heinrich and Luján, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators , Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), and Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).

The text of the letter is here and below.

Dear Secretary McMahon,

We write to express our serious concerns with and ask questions about the proposed settlement reached in December 2025 with the state of Missouri to end the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan, a student loan repayment plan that has helped more than 8 million individuals across the country access affordable monthly payments. Specifically, we request additional information from the U.S. Department of Education (ED) regarding the proposed settlement’s requirement that the more than 7 million people who remain enrolled in SAVE switch to a different repayment plan. For the last several months, borrowers in SAVE have faced an onslaught of uncertainty and misinformation, and countless borrowers are likely to face significant hurdles in selecting and enrolling in a new repayment plan. As such, we urge the Department to provide borrowers in SAVE at least six months to apply to switch into new repayment plans before their next billing date.

First announced in July 2023 as the latest income-driven repayment (IDR) plan, the SAVE Plan seeks to better protect borrowers from unaffordable payments and runaway balances due to rapidly accruing interest and offers a clearer path to debt relief. According to Protect Borrowers, of the more than 8 million borrowers who enrolled in the SAVE plan, 4.6 million individuals had their monthly payments lowered to $0 and nearly half a million borrowers would have been provided with immediate debt relief, had the plan been allowed to take full effect. Unfortunately, due to court challenges, the plan has been enjoined since the summer of 2024. Rather than uphold the SAVE Plan, this settlement eliminates the plan and all of its benefits, which in turn will significantly hinder the ability of low-income Americans to access higher education or afford basic needs.

Pending court approval, the settlement would require ED to stop enrolling borrowers in SAVE, deny all pending SAVE applications from borrowers that may have been waiting years for a response, and move the more than 7 million borrowers currently enrolled in SAVE into other less affordable repayment plans.

Unfortunately, ED’s proposed settlement provides little direction or transparency for borrowers who will be forced into new repayment plans through no fault of their own. Namely, the proposed settlement provides no information on what, if any, resources or guidance ED will provide to borrowers as they make these significant changes, or how much time borrowers will be provided to switch plans. The settlement also lacks clarity on the timeline for when these changes will be operationalized and when ED and other federal loan servicers will communicate these changes to borrowers. Troublingly, ED’s own public communications have conflicting information on the timeline in which borrowers can expect to receive information from the Department, ranging from “in the coming weeks” to “in the coming months.”

Without clear information or guidance, borrowers could be unknowingly placed in the standard repayment plan. Further, as a result of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” ED is in the process of sunsetting ICR and PAYE while preparing to implement the Repayment Assistance Plan. These significant shifts in repayment options will only exacerbate confusion for borrowers, increasing the likelihood that borrowers will fall into the standard repayment option. This would result in significantly higher monthly payments for millions of borrowers. Many borrowers in SAVE would be unable to afford the high monthly payments in the standard plan, and as a result, these borrowers would likely fall into delinquency and default, which would have dire economic consequences for borrowers and their families.

Obliging borrowers to exit the SAVE Plan will also have particularly severe consequences for public service workers. Many government and nonprofit employees pursuing Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) deliberately enrolled in SAVE to ensure their payments remained affordable while completing the required 120 qualifying payments to access loan forgiveness. PSLF borrowers—including teachers, nurses, social workers, first responders, and other public servants—rely on income-driven repayment plans to maintain qualifying payment status without sacrificing their financial stability. While the time borrowers have been stuck in the SAVE forbearance has not counted towards PSLF credit, forcing these borrowers to transition out of SAVE with little guidance risks further lost time to debt relief and payment increases that could render continued public service untenable.

Finally, the settlement forces existing borrowers to leave their current plan, and switch into repayment plans with higher monthly payments much sooner than the July 2028 date required under the recently enacted One Big Beautiful Bill Act, with no clear rationale for the expedited timeline. This settlement now risks adding even further uncertainty within the student loan system and will exacerbate current application backlogs and delays across student loan servicers.

To date, more than 5 million borrowers are in default and 5 million more are behind on their monthly payments. Ten million borrowers are on track to enter default on their student loans in 2026, more than in the years prior to the pandemic. As such, it is imperative the Department take every action possible to ensure the 7 million borrowers currently enrolled in SAVE are provided with the information and resources necessary to avoid delinquency or default in order to avoid an even bigger default crisis.

As such, we request you provide answers to the following question by no later than February 6:

How long will borrowers be given to switch into one of the other income-driven repayment plans?

What information will ED provide to borrowers about the higher costs of alternate repayment plans and what options will be provided to borrowers that cannot afford higher payments?

By what date will ED and other federal student loan servicers reach out to SAVE borrowers with concrete guidance about next steps and information about how to repay their student loans?

Will ED allow borrowers forced out of SAVE to enroll in another IDR plan using their current income information on file to calculate their monthly payments?

If not, will ED require borrowers to recertify their income in order to switch into a new plan?

What are ED’s plans to support borrowers that do not select another repayment plan within the allotted time?

Will those borrowers be automatically placed in another repayment plan, and if so, which plan?

i. If borrowers do not select a plan within the allotted time and are unnecessarily placed in the standard plan, will borrowers be given time to switch into an income-driven repayment plan ahead of their next billing date? If so, how much time?

ii. Will ED give effect to the language in enrolled SAVE borrowers’ IDR applications stating that borrowers who request the plan with the lowest monthly payment or who request a plan that they do not qualify for, request to be placed in a plan with the lowest monthly payment and, if there are multiple plans with the same initial payment amount, ED will place them according to a specific plan order?

How will this transition be communicated to borrowers?

i. How many current email addresses does ED have for borrowers in the SAVE forbearance?

ii. What is the open rate and bounce back rate from these borrowers?

iii. Will ED provide this notice by mail and what is the return rate from physical mail?

How much notice will borrowers be provided regarding their forced placement in another plan ahead of their next billing date?

What were the factual, legal, and financial rationales underlying ED’s repeated guidance to end the SAVE Plan?

Why did ED decide to propose this settlement now, when the statutory termination of SAVE is not effective until July 2028?

When does ED expect the new Repayment Assistance Plan to be in effect?

Why did ED rescind almost all other parts of the regulation that created the SAVE plan—even provisions unrelated to the plan itself—including provisions to enable borrowers in default to access income-based plans, provisions to protect borrowers’ credit they have earned by making qualifying payments on loans prior to consolidating, and provisions to streamline the application and recertification process for all income-driven plans?

Can you provide internal analyses showing the projected financial impact of the settlement on borrowers who are forced into other repayment plans, including the amount that borrowers’ monthly payments will increase?

What steps is ED planning to take to ensure borrowers are not blindsided by higher monthly payments as a result of this settlement?

What is ED’s timeline for the upcoming negotiated rulemaking to effectuate this settlement?

How long does ED expect it to take for servicers to process applications?

Given the backlog of over 800,000 unprocessed IDR applications ED reported on December 15, 2025, what steps will ED take to ensure that borrowers attempting to switch from SAVE to another IDR plan are not harmed by processing delays, such as being reported as delinquent or experiencing lost months of credit toward IDR or PSLF forgiveness?

Will borrowers have any recourse if they lose out on months of credit toward loan discharge due to servicer processing delays?

Can you provide a timeline for when ED will update its systems to allow borrowers who were previously ineligible for income-based repayment (IBR) to enroll?

In addition to answering these questions, given the operational and logistical challenges raised by this settlement, we also request that the Department give borrowers at least six months to apply to switch into new repayment plans and hold borrowers harmless in the meantime by placing them in a processing forbearance that counts towards forgiveness, including PSLF. We also request the Department provide Congress with a comprehensive communications plan that details how the Department plans to work with servicers to provide updated, accurate information to SAVE borrowers as quickly as possible.

We believe these materials and steps are necessary to ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness for borrowers who are currently enrolled in SAVE.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

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Merkley, Rounds, Panetta, Moore, Carbajal Champion Bipartisan Effort to Strengthen Monarch and Pollinator Highways

Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and South Dakota’s U.S. Senator Mike Rounds partnered with U.S. Representatives Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19), Blake Moore (R-UT-01), and Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) to introduce new bipartisan legislation to support pollinator-friendly habitats along roads and highways in states across America.

The Roadside Pollinator Program Amendments Act builds upon the success of Merkley’s bipartisan Monarch and Pollinator Highway Act—which he led with Rounds and was signed into law as a part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The bipartisan Roadside Pollinator Program Amendments Act expands grant eligibility to non-profit organizations, increases application efficiency and award amounts, and reauthorizes the program until fiscal year 2031.

“Monarchs and pollinators are in grave danger, and we must do everything we can to help them thrive. As their populations decline at an alarming rate, we don’t just risk losing these beautiful creatures—we also face an existential threat to American agriculture, our planet, and food supply,” said Merkley. “Our bipartisan Roadside Pollinator Program Amendments Act is a common-sense idea to help states across the nation further transform thousands of miles of green space around roads and highways into natural pollinator habitat, a win-win for pollinator populations and our communities.”

“Pollinators play a vital role in putting food on the table, from our native prairies to productive cropland,” said Rounds. “Our legislation would improve natural habitats for pollinators so they can continue to support agriculture and healthy landscapes for generations to come.”

“The western monarch butterfly faces a significant chance of extinction in the next few decades, which is why we must act now to protect our pollinators,” said Panetta. “The Roadside Pollinator Program Amendments Act improves on the grants Senator Merkley and I secured in the Monarch and Pollinator Highway Actto carry out pollinator-friendly practices on roadsides and highways by expanding eligibility to non-profit organizations. Protecting our pollinators is a matter of environmental responsibility and agricultural resilience, and I’m committed to ensuring we do our part to save the species so central to the history and character of our home.”

“I’m excited to support this bill for reasons that go beyond my roots in the Beehive State,” said Moore. “It’s a strong example of putting public rights-of-way to good use. By planting native vegetation along roads and highways, we can enhance our landscapes while supporting healthy pollinator populations. I’m proud to work with my friend, Rep. Panetta, to extend this program.”

“Monarch butterflies and other pollinators are declining across the country — including here on the Central Coast, where the City of Goleta recently counted only two monarchs in its annual survey,” said Carbajal. “The bipartisan Roadside Pollinator Program Amendments Act is an important step forward in our work to protect and restore pollinator habitats.”

The bipartisan Roadside Pollinator Program Amendments Act is endorsed by Environment America, Natural Resources Defense Council, Xerces Society, Center for Biological Diversity, and Garden Club of America.

“Bees, monarch butterflies and other pollinators fill our skies with color, our stomachs with food and our hearts with awe – but these winged miracles are disappearing rapidly. In some cases, their populations have dropped more than 90%. We need to create more safe places for bees and butterflies to thrive by planting native, flowering plants in all 50 states, which is why it’s urgent Congress pass the Roadside Pollinator Program Amendments Act,” said Lisa Frank, executive director, Environment America.

“Bees and other pollinators, reeling from toxic pesticide use and other stressors, have never been more in need of safe, high-quality habitat for food and shelter,” said Daniel Raichel, Director of NRDC’s (Natural Resources Defense Council’s) Pollinators and Pesticides Initiative. “An extension of the roadside pollinator habitat program would help lower maintenance costs, enhance our country’s natural beauty, and provide critical protection for our imperiled pollinators.”

“Passing the Roadside Pollinator Program Amendments Act would be a win for pollinators and for all of us who drive our highways”, said Scott Black, Executive Director of the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation. “It will provide essential flowers that feed monarchs and other pollinators while helping beautify roadways across America.”

“Land along America’s roadways is increasingly recognized as important – and beautiful – habitat for imperiled pollinators,” said Mary Harman, Garden Club of America President. “In fact, some of America’s last remaining prairie remnants adorn thousands of miles of our nation’s roadways, and we are wise to care for and expand them. These thousands of miles of prairie strips support our pollinators, strengthen agriculture and preserve America’s rich, diverse ecological heritage. We thank Representative Panetta and Senator Merkley for introducing this important legislation.”

For years, Merkley has led the charge to revive the populations of monarchs and other pollinators, like honeybees. He leads the Monarch Action, Recovery, and Conservation of Habitat (MONARCH) Act with Panetta to help prevent the extinction of the Western Monarch butterfly and other critically important pollinators. Merkley has also hosted Monarch Butterfly Summits, in partnership with the U.S. Department of the Interior, the first of which announced a $1 million investment in the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Pollinator Fund and established a Pollinator Conservation Center at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. As former Chair of the Senate Appropriations subcommittee that funds the Interior Department, Merkley has secured more than $18 million in dedicated funding for monarch and pollinator conservation.

Full text of the Roadside Pollinator Program Amendments Act can be found by clicking here.

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Murphy on Substack: My Trip To Texas Confirmed We Can't Fund This Version Of ICE

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, on Friday published a Substack post detailing the horrors he observed while visiting the San Antonio immigration court, and calling on his congressional colleagues to take decisive action to end ICE’s lawless abuse and impunity. Murphy was in Texas this past week to conduct congressional oversight of ICE detention facilities in Dilley, and Pearsall, Texas, but was illegally denied access by DHS officials.

“What I saw in Texas was utter lawlessness: an agency out of control, making up its own law - with no respect for the actual law or the Constitution,” Murphy wrote. “DHS is terrorizing children and families because it can. They act like they are unaccountable. This is the same story in Minneapolis (and soon in other cities). Trump is constructing a personal political police force, as fast as he can. He is looking to create confrontations and chaos - especially in swing states - as a possible pretext for something more sinister: the takeover of state elections. ICE is, potentially, his gateway to rig the 2026 election.”

Murphy exposed DHS’ real on-the-ground targets: “Families who are complying with the law come to this court. These are not ‘illegal immigrants.’ These are people who are doing it the right way: showing up for court dates and making the legal case for asylum protection. Trump’s ICE is making a mockery of the process because no matter how meritorious the immigrant’s claim is, most get rounded up and put in detention as soon as they walk out of the courtroom.”

He offered specific examples of ICE systematically disregarding the law in their enforcement decisions: “It didn’t matter that [a couple involved in an immigration proceeding] had played by the rules. They came to America to follow the process and apply for asylum. They had a good case. They showed up for all their court appearances. And on this day, the judge didn’t order their detainment or removal: he saw merit in their case and scheduled their next hearing. But the ICE officers didn’t care. They were under orders from President Donald Trump to put in jail EVERY immigrant they could, including children. And no matter the legal status of the family or individual.”

Murphy also listed the myriad ways Trump is denying the right to due process and bending the rule of law:

“Trump kicked the local legal aid group out of the San Antonio courthouse and gave the “pro bono attorney” room (it’s still got that sign hanging outside) to ICE to use as their interrogation room.

An immigration judge was fired the night before I arrived, because she insisted on implementing the law and not ruling against every single immigrant applicant - a clear threat to any judge who is foolish enough to follow the law.

The ICE officers at the courthouse (who I give credit to for speaking to me) admitted they don’t target criminals; they are looking to lock up EVERYONE, even legal immigrants.

A giant ICE bus sits outside the courthouse each day, waiting to be loaded with immigrants.

The prison many get sent to - Pearsall Detention Center - has 1800 detainees and 4 rooms for legal consultations, basically guaranteeing most migrants never see a lawyer before the expedited fake legal process inside the jail results in their deportation. It’s not detention - it’s effectively a campaign of DISAPPEARANCES.”


Padilla, Booker Announce Legislation Cracking Down on Cruel ICE Detention Facilities and Practices

WASHINGTON, D.C. — With Congress set to consider legislation to further increase Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) funding and detention beds this week, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) announced the Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act to end the use of private, for-profit detention facilities, prohibit the practice of detaining families, and ensure due process for detained individuals. It would also end mandatory detention and increase federal oversight, accountability, and transparency of the immigration detention system.

The bill announcement comes after Padilla and Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) conducted an oversight visit last week to the largest detention center in California, located in California City, to learn firsthand of the concerns surrounding the inhumane conditions detained individuals are facing at the private, for-profit facility. 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.

During the visit, the Senators met with dozens of Californians and other detained individuals, many with no criminal record, whom ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have swept up indiscriminately amid the Trump Administration’s mass detention and deportation campaign. Over 70,000 immigrants are currently detained by ICE, reaching historically high numbers. 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.

“Last week, I saw firsthand in California City the appalling, inhumane conditions that detained individuals are facing at for-profit facilities as detentions reach record levels. I met with countless people who were injured while being detained or whose basic medical needs are not being met — including a mother who was denied access to her medication to manage her diabetes and received no treatment after ICE grabbed her by the neck,” said Senator Padilla. “As Republicans funnel tens of billions to ICE and CBP, we need to bring back oversight and accountability to the federal detention system, while restoring the right to legal counsel and due process, ending family detention, and raising detention standards. Our bill would finally stop private, for-profit detention centers from lining their pockets by advancing Donald Trump’s cruel mass deportation campaign at the expense of our communities and economy.”

“Delaney Hall, and every detention center like it, are a moral stain on our country. The conditions are an abdication of the federal government’s responsibility to care for those in its custody. GEO Group was awarded a 15-year, one billion dollar contract by the Department of Homeland Security to warehouse our immigrant neighbors. As taxpayers, we’re footing the bill for a system that is brutalizing those detained within it. Enough is enough,” said Senator Booker. “With the Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act, we can move away from this system of neglect and cruelty. We can strike a blow against the corrupt for-profit prison model of incarceration. We can guarantee due process for our immigrant neighbors and ban mandatory detentions. Doing this will safeguard our communities and it will bring us steps closer to achieving an immigration system built on dignity and justice that we know is possible.”

The Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act is proudly endorsed by a nationwide coalition of over 125 organizations. In addition to Senator Padilla, current cosponsors in the U.S. Senate include Senators Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). The bill was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives in late 2025 by Representatives Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.-07) and Adam Smith (D-Wash.-09).

“Under the Trump Administration, we have seen a shocking surge in the detention of people who have committed no crimes, being locked up in increasingly horrifying conditions, and a dramatic increase in deaths in custody,” said Representative Jayapal. “People, including children, are being held in squalor, largely in private, for-profit detention facilities, all to pad the bottom lines of prison corporations that donate to Donald Trump and Republicans. As Trump has struck down legal pathways and made it nearly impossible to come to or stay in this country, even for those who have been here for decades, this will only continue to get worse. The Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act is a commonsense solution to protect the civil rights of every person in this country.”

“We are witnessing appalling conditions for immigration detention and a clear disregard for basic human rights,” said Representative Smith. “No one should be subjected to overcrowded cells, denied medical care, or held in facilities that profit off of human suffering. This legislation establishes the oversight and guardrails needed to end these abuses and ensure that people are treated with dignity.”

The Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act would bring much-needed justice and oversight to the immigration detention system. Specifically, the legislation would:

Prohibit the detention of families and children in family detention;

Phase out the use of private detention facilities and jails over a three-year period;

Repeal mandatory detention and replace it with a system that requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to present evidence that the people in its detention centers are a threat to public safety or national security;

Require DHS to establish civil detention standards that provide, at minimum, the level of protection in the American Bar Association’s Civil Immigration Detention Standards;

Mandate the Inspector General of DHS to conduct unannounced inspections with meaningful penalties for failure to comply with standards; and

End the use of solitary confinement in immigration detention.

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.

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Reed Statement on Need to Freeze Out Funding for ‘Out of Control ICE’ and Find Bipartisan Path Forward on Funding the Rest of Federal Gov’t

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), a member of the Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement on ICE’s out of control operations in Minneapolis and other communities across the country, as well as a possible path forward to prevent a partial government shutdown by funding the rest of the federal government:

“ICE under Trump and Stephen Miller is out of control. Under their ‘big ugly bill,’ Republicans gifted ICE a $75 billion slush fund.

“It’s up to Republicans to join Democrats in prioritizing law enforcement and public safety by ending these militaristic operations because, right now, ICE is trampling on people’s rights, brutally enflaming conflict, and gaslighting the American people instead of telling the truth.

“From Vice President Vance’s claim of “absolute immunity” to Secretary Noem calling First Amendment demonstrators “domestic terrorists,” it’s clear the President’s mass deportation campaign is dangerously un-American. Under past administrations, both Democratic and Republican, ICE acted like a law enforcement organization. Under the chaos of Trump, we see masked agents kicking in doors, trampling people’s rights, and shooting Americans in the street.

“It’s imperative for these inflammatory, mass-urban-assaults to cease. It’s time to restore the Constitution’s protections, reform ICE, and initiate independent investigations of these shootings and raids. Republicans have a choice to make: they can listen to the American people and swiftly fund every federal agency except ICE so we can ensure there are real reforms, guardrails, and accountability; or they can keep blindly following Trump’s chaos and jeopardize healthcare, defense, transportation, and education funding.”


SCHUMER STATEMENT ON RETURN OF LAST ISRAELI HOSTAGE RAN GVILI

New York, NY – Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) today released the following statement on the return of Ran Gvili’s remains to Israel:

“At long last, after 843 days, the body of Ran Gvili, the last Israeli hostage held by Hamas, is home.

“It has taken far too long, but finally, all those who fought for the release of the hostages can breathe a sigh of relief.

“I will never forget meeting with the hostage families for the first time in Israel just days after October 7th. They have fought bravely and tirelessly for the return of hostages and did not give up until every single hostage was brought home. Today my heart is with all of the hostages, their families, and those who advocated for their return who can finally begin on the path to recovery and healing.”

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Shaheen Statement on Minnesota Shooting and Appropriations

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement:

“The killing of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis was horrific and has rightly drawn deep concern from both sides of the aisle. This incident is tragically symptomatic of the Department of Homeland Security’s frequently lawless and chaotic approach to immigration enforcement. DHS should work hand-in-hand with local law enforcement and focus their efforts on criminals who pose a threat to our communities, but their approach has instead disproportionately targeted undocumented immigrants with no criminal record. In many cases these are neighbors deeply woven into the fabric of their communities. In some cases, immigration enforcement sweeps have even resulted in U.S. citizens and small children being detained or harassed. That is not acceptable. I, like the overwhelming majority of Americans, believe we need a secure border and that undocumented immigrants who pose a threat to others have no place in our country. But we also need an immigration system that is humane and abides by the rule-of-law.

“Reform is urgently needed at the Department of Homeland Security, and their dishonest response to the death of a U.S. citizen only underscores that. There is broad bipartisan consensus on 96% of government funding. The Senate should separate the five appropriations bills from DHS funding and pass them immediately to avoid a shutdown. The Senate then needs to have a real bipartisan discussion about what additional reforms we need to put in place to prevent tragedies like Minneapolis from happening across the country. I will vote against DHS’s funding until additional reforms are in place. Speaker Johnson needs to show leadership and bring the House back immediately to join us in this effort. There must also be an independent investigation, in partnership with Minnesota law enforcement, to hold accountable anyone responsible for violating the law.”

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Tuberville Launches Task Force to Eliminate Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in Taxpayer-Funded Education

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville joined his colleagues on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee in launching a committee task force to root out waste, fraud, and abuse in federal funding. The task force comes amid widespread reports of fraud and abuse of federal child care funding in Minnesota under Governor Tim Walz’s watch.

The task force aims to target three areas under the HELP Committee’s jurisdiction: health care, education, and labor & pensions. Sen. Tuberville will co-lead the subcommittee looking into education, alongside U.S. Sen. Jon Husted (R-OH). Fox News first reported the members’ launch of the task force.

“A little more than a year ago, the American people overwhelmingly voted for President Trump’s agenda to cut out waste, fraud, and abuse from our government,” said Senator Tuberville. “After losing more than 19 BILLION American taxpayer dollars under Tim Walz’s watch to fake Somalian daycares, it’s evident that there’s still work to be done. We must aggressively tackle this issue from all sides to ensure corrupt politicians never misuse Americans’ hard-earned taxpayer dollars again. As Chairman of the HELP Subcommittee on Children and the American Family, I’m proud to co-lead this task force alongside Sen. Husted to make sure every cent allocated for American education reaches its intended purpose.”

The HELP Committee has also launched an online portal for Americans to report fraud involving taxpayer dollars. Tips can be submitted here.

MORE:

Tuberville, Cornyn Introduce Stop Fraud by Somalia Act to Address Child Care Fraud

Tuberville says massive Somali fraud in Minnesota enabled by Ilhan Omar, Tim Walz

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

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Van Hollen, Alsobrooks, Warner, and Kaine Demand Answers on Trump Administration’s Takeover of DC Golf Courses

Today, Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) in urging the Trump Administration to give detailed explanations of the legal basis for the Administration’s recent move to oust National Links Trust (NLT) as the manager of DC’s historic municipal golf courses.

In a letter addressed to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and National Park Service Acting Director Jessica Bowron, the Senators raise concerns about reports that the Department of the Interior has terminated NLT’s 50-year lease to operate Washington, D.C.’s three municipal golf courses—East Potomac, Langston, and Rock Creek—without adhering to required contractual notice and cure provisions. It highlights NLT’s substantial investments and progress rehabilitating historically underfunded public courses, including the now-halted renovation of the historic Rock Creek Park Golf Course, and warns that lease termination jeopardizes public access, affordability, and preservation efforts.

The Senators also raise troubling reports that construction debris from the White House East Wing renovation was dumped on the East Potomac White Course, raising unresolved environmental and public health concerns due to a lack of transparency about testing and materials. The letter requests detailed explanations of the legal basis for the Administration’s actions, compliance with lease and environmental requirements, and disclosure of any risk assessments or remediation plans before any further action affecting these public assets proceeds.

“For decades, DC’s public golf courses have provided community-wide access to a sport that too often chose exclusivity over inclusivity. Even today, these courses have held a unique role in the District, offering free golf lessons and community development programs to residents of all ages. But the Trump Administration is attempting to rob local communities of these treasured recreational spaces. The public has a right to know what legal justification the Administration has for this takeover, as well as any public health and safety risks resulting from their activities on these properties. These historic courses should remain safe and accessible to the local community – instead of whatever vanity project Trump has next in mind,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“The Trump Administration seems to feel they have complete control of our nation’s capital, Washington DC, when in reality, we – the Senators of its neighboring states – know DC belongs to the American people and great people of the District. The Administration’s ousting of National Links Trust in addition to dumping their new ballroom construction debris on the East Potomac White Course is just further proof of this Administration’s complete overreach. I look forward to hearing back in a timely manner from Secretary Burgum and Acting Director Bowron to address these pressing concerns,” said Senator Alsobrooks.

“The decision to terminate the NLT’s lease without following proper procedure is just another example of the Trump administration’s extreme overreach, infringement on local institutions, disregard for ongoing investment projects, and indifference to the wants and needs of local communities,” said Senator Warner. “It’s hard to believe that this is anything more than another Trump ego trip at the expense of affordable and accessible public spaces.”

“During the Civil Rights Movement, activists secured equal access to these public courses while private clubs continued to discriminate,” said Senator Kaine. “National Links Trust continues to preserve that history and ensure everyone has an opportunity to get outdoors. At a time when Americans are begging for Trump to focus on the economy and making their lives better, he’s focused on erasing history and restricting access to America’s public lands. It’s time Trump does his job and focus on the American people—not himself.”

“Having Senators from Maryland and Virginia speak out makes clear that these courses are valued by people across the region and around the country,” said Will Smith, co-founder of National Links Trust. “Rock Creek Park Golf, Langston Golf Course, and East Potomac Golf Links are national assets – historic public spaces that embody access, inclusion, and affordable public recreation for golfers and families across the DMV. They are not only a point of local pride; they are public resources with national significance that deserve careful consideration and responsible stewardship. National Links Trust thanks Senators Warner, Kaine, Van Hollen, and Alsobrooks for their support and leadership in protecting these historic properties and national parks for the tens of thousands of people who enjoy them today and for future generations.”

Full text of the letter is available here and below:

Dear Secretary Burgum and Acting Director Bowron:

We write to express serious concerns regarding recent public reporting that the Administration has terminated the lease held by the National Links Trust (NLT) for operation of the municipal golf courses East Potomac Golf Links, Langston Golf Course, and Rock Creek Park Golf Course in Washington, D.C.

In 2020, National Links Trust was awarded a 50-year lease by the National Park Service to operate Washington D.C.’s three municipal golf courses, and to manage their refurbishment. On December 30, 2025, the Interior Department reportedly issued a letter terminating the lease, reportedly, for failure to complete required capital improvements and to provide a satisfactory plan to cure alleged defaults under the lease.

According to reporting in The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post, the National Park Service (NPS) may not have adhered to the legally required notification and consultation processes prior to taking steps that could materially affect NLT’s lease and operations. Pursuant to Section 17.1 of the Lease Agreement between the National Park Service and the National Links Trust (NPS Lease # NCR-3060-19-001) governing these three golf courses, the NPS (the Lessor) must first issue a written notice that identifies specific violations of the agreement and affords NLT (the Lessee) at least 45 calendar days to cure non-monetary defaults. . If remediation requires more than 45 days, the lease expressly provides that termination cannot occur as long as the lessee begins corrective actions within the 45-day period and thereafter diligently pursues such efforts to completion. National Links Trust was given none of these details in the notice of default issued to them October 29, 2025, by the National Park Service, as required by the lease agreement.

Over the five years NLT has managed DC’s municipal courses, it has made over $8.5 million in capital improvements to the courses, each of which had fallen into disrepair under previous management, due to years of deferred maintenance. NLT also initiated the first of three major course renovation projects, beginning with Rock Creek Park Golf Course. The renovation project at Rock Creek, one of the nation’s oldest public courses and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, included the construction of a new maintenance facility, clubhouse, driving range, and putting course, along with a comprehensive renovation of the course itself, led by renowned golf course architects Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner. This project has now been halted, following the termination of NLT’s lease. NLT's broader plan envisioned sequential renovations of Langston Golf Course and East Potomac Golf Links that would preserve each course’s historic nature while maintaining public access and affordability, a hallmark of these courses, which have served communities in Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Maryland for nearly a century.

We are further troubled by public reporting that dirt and construction debris from the demolition and renovation of the White House East Wing have been deposited on the 9-hole, White Course at East Potomac Golf Links. Reporting has raised concerns about the nature of this material, the lack of public disclosure regarding its contents, and the absence of transparency surrounding any testing conducted for hazardous substances. These reports raise serious environmental and public health concerns. East Potomac Golf Links is a heavily used public facility located along the Potomac River. The White Course in particular serves junior golfers, seniors, beginners, and community programs.

National Links Trust has worked in close partnership with the National Park Service to rehabilitate historically underinvested public assets, expand youth and community programming, preserve historic course design, and keep golf affordable and accessible.

Before the Department of the Interior or the National Park Service takes any action that would invalidate, suspend, or terminate NLT’s lease, we respectfully request clear answers to the following questions:

1. What specific statutory or contractual violation is being relied upon to justify potential action against NLT?

2. What notice, consultation, and cure provisions—if any—were triggered under the lease?

3. Why were Members of Congress and the District of Columbia not formally notified prior to reports of impending action?

4. What materials were deposited on the White Course at East Potomac Golf Links, and from which construction activities did they originate?

5. Was any hazardous materials testing conducted prior to or after deposition of this material? If so, by whom, using what standards, and with what results?

6. Why have testing results, if conducted, not been made publicly available?

7. What assessment has been made of potential risks to golfers, course employees, youth participants, and the surrounding environment?

8. What remediation plans exist if hazardous substances are identified?

9. How does the Department intend to ensure compliance with federal environmental and public health laws?

The municipal golf courses of Washington, D.C. are public assets with deep historical, recreational, and community value. Decisions affecting their future—and the health and safety of the public—must be guided by law, transparency, and respect for long-standing partnerships. We look forward to your prompt response and stand ready to work with the Department to ensure these matters are handled responsibly and in the public interest.

Sincerely,


Warren, Warnock, Senators Launch Investigation into Trump’s Cuts to Child Care for Rural Families

“Trump vowed to lower costs for Americans, yet his administration’s actions…make this (child care crisis) worse.”

Text of Letter (PDF)

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) led Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) in announcing a new investigation into how the Trump administration’s cuts to affordable child care programs are affecting rural families. The senators pressed the Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration of Children and Families (ACF) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide answers about the threats to child care programs in rural communities amid staffing and funding cuts to the agencies.

“Families across the country are being forced to choose whether to scale back work, forgo essential items, or break the bank to access and afford child care. The Trump administration’s dangerous cuts to the agencies whose programs make child care more accessible and affordable only make this situation worse,” wrote the senators.

Child care has become “one of the biggest expenses families face,” forcing parents—especially mothers—to reduce their working hours or leave the workforce entirely. This problem has an especially tough impact on families in rural areas, where they spend even more of their income on child care and where child care is even harder to find. Recent polling indicates that one in five rural families are “having trouble finding work, are cutting back on basic necessities, and are putting off growing their families due to a lack of affordable options that meet their family’s needs.”

Over the last year, the Trump administration has attacked child care programs and raised even more uncertainty for families, including by:

Rescinding a Biden-era rule that improved child care providers’ financial stability while lowering costs for families;

Attempting to freeze, with no justification, $2.4 billion in Child Care and Development Fund funding in five states;

Holding Head Start funding hostage as a way to force grantees to comply with onerous and vague new regulations;

Closing half of the field offices for ACF, which administers Head Start, and laying off 500 of its employees (about 30-40 percent of the agency);

Slashing over $1 billion for food assistance programs for rural schools and child care programs to buy local food from farmers; and

Draining the USDA Rural Development (USDA RD) field offices of local employees who know their communities best.

Polling conducted since President Trump took office indicates rural Americans want “federal action,” specifically in the form of increasing funding that expands “options for affordable, quality child care.”

“The Trump administration has done the exact opposite,” wrote the senators.

“Trump vowed to lower costs for Americans, yet his administration’s actions disregard “one of the biggest expenses families face”—child care—and the resources needed to alleviate the country’s ongoing child care crisis,” the lawmakers concluded.

The senators requested the USDA provide, by February 16, 2026, details of how staffing cuts have affected rural child care programs, funding changes to rural child care programs, an analysis of how the government shutdown affected rural child care programs, and an assessment of the state of the child care crisis in rural communities.

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Welch Denounces Noem’s Weaponization of ICE on MS NOW: “It’s mass intimidation.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today joined MS NOW’s Ana Cabrera Reports to discuss the urgent and dire need for accountability from Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem on the shootings of civilians in Minneapolis by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials. The Senator also discussed his staunch opposition to any government funding package that provides additional funding for ICE.

“Noem’s got to go…when there is a serious, serious situation involving the death of two citizens, she calls them ‘domestic terrorists.’ No one has confidence that she’s doing this job on the level,” said Senator Welch. “I would [support impeaching Noem], if that’s what it took. But she should resign. I mean, she is a real problem because what she’s doing is turning the function of immigration and enforcement away from enforcement and into being kind of a shock troop that goes into cities and acts with impunity. She’s blown the job. We need immigration enforcement, but that’s not what she’s doing—it’s mass intimidation.”

Watch the interview and read key quotes from Senator Welch’s interview with host Ana Cabrera:

Senator Welch on the need for full and transparent investigations into ICE’s shootings of civilians in Minnesota:

“Well, we all saw the videos: two 37-year-old people—a mother of three and then an ICU nurse who works at the VA—were shot and killed. And the immediate response by Kristi Noem is essentially ‘no big deal,’ ‘it was their own fault,’ they’re ‘domestic terrorists.’ It’s truly a shocking situation, and I think many of my Republican colleagues are dismayed that there’s a refusal on the part of Kristi Noem or the Administration to even have an investigation. You know, when I talked to law enforcement officers here in Vermont, this is not policing that they at all respect. There has to be an investigation [into] the tactics of ICE.”

■ ■ ■

Senator Welch on the approaching government funding deadline and funding for DHS:

“We don’t want to shut down, we want accountability. And in fact, five of the six appropriation bills have been bipartisan, and we should move those. What we should do is have a separate vote on DHS. By the way, even with the shutdown, they had gotten $75 billion in the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill.’

“So, the debate here is about accountability, in my view, is that number one, we should have separate votes. That allows the American people to hold each and every one of us accountable—that’s Senator Thune’s decision. Number two, we should all agree that there absolutely has to be an independent investigation. Number three…ICE ought to get out of Minnesota. It is causing chaos and bedlam, and they should do a strategic withdrawal.”

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Rep. Adams Condemns the Killing of Alex Pretti at the Hands of Federal Law Enforcement

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (D-NC-12) released a statement calling for an end to federal overreach in Minneapolis following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti by a Customs and Border Patrol agent.

"The killing of Alex Pretti at the hands of federal law enforcement should shock every American. This ongoing assault and terrorizing of the American people must stop now.

I am calling on President Trump, Secretary Noem to immediately put an end to their reckless actions that are causing such great harm to communities in Minnesota and all across the country. Right here in Charlotte, we have seen the random targeting of American citizens and non-citizens alike by their own federal government. It is not right and we must speak up and speak out until it ends.

We must do better and I want to hear my Republican colleagues call for an end to this madness. Imagine if Alex or Renee Good were a member of your family, think of the outrage you would feel to know that your government could do this to you. We can and must do better."


MEDIA ADVISORY: Rep. Alford & Chairman Williams to Host Small Business Committee Roundtable in Kansas City, MO

On Friday, February 6, 2026, Rep. Mark Alford (R-MO) and Congressman Roger Williams (R-TX), Chairman of the House Committee on Small Business, will host a roundtable titled “Main Street at Work: Empowering Small Businesses to Deliver Greater Affordability” in Kansas City, Missouri. The purpose of this roundtable discussion is to hear directly from small businesses about how the Committee can best support them. Kansas City will be the Committee’s first stop on our small business roundtable series: The Open Road: Small Business Conversations Across Main Street America.

WHO: Representative Alford, Chairman Williams, Members of the Committee on Small Business, local small businesses and stakeholders

WHAT: The Open Road: Small Business Conversations Across Main Street America

Stop One: Main Street at Work: Empowering Small Businesses to Deliver Greater Affordability

WHEN: Friday, February 6, 2026, at 10 AM CT

WHERE: National WWI Museum and Memorial

2 Memorial Drive | Kansas City, Missouri 64108

Members of the press MUST RSVP by Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 5:00 PM CT: HERE


IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: The NewsOne article, titled “Rep. Al Green, Scott Turner, And Black On Blackface Crime,”

The NewsOne article below, titled “Rep. Al Green, Scott Turner, And Black On Blackface Crime,” speaks for itself.

You can access the article by clicking the link here.


Congressman Al Green to Hold Press Conference on Minneapolis Shootings, DHS, ICE, and Presidential Accountability

(Houston, TX) —Today, Congressman Al Green, a Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, will hold a press conference to address the recent shootings and killings in Minneapolis, Minnesota involving federal immigration enforcement, and to raise serious concerns regarding the funding, oversight, and conduct of DHS and ICE under the Trump administration. The press conference will take place via Facebook Live Stream at 1:00 p.m. CT.

Congressman Al Green stated, “The loss of life in Minneapolis is unacceptable. The American people are demanding accountability from DHS, ICE, and President Trump to ensure federal authority is not being abused in ways that put American lives at risk.”


Barr Secures $750,000 of Federal Funds for Bourbon County Water Project

Paris, KY—U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY-06) delivered $750,000 in federal grant funding for Millersburg Road Elevated Water Tank to the Bourbon County Fiscal Court. Barr secured the funding through the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026. He voted for the appropriations package earlier this month and President Trump recently signed the funding bill into law.

The Millersburg Road Elevated Water Tank project will provide critical water infrastructure improvements for Bourbon County by increasing water storage capacity, improving system pressure, and enhancing reliability for residents, businesses, and emergency services. This project will support continued growth in the region while strengthening resiliency against system disruptions, drought conditions, and fire emergencies.

“One of many wins for the Sixth District in the most recent America First government funding bill was federal dollars for the Water Tank Project here in Bourbon County,” said Congressman Barr. “This new elevated water tank will strengthen water reliability, protect public health, and support continued economic growth for families, businesses, and first responders. Investing in core infrastructure like this is how we prepare our communities for the future and keep Kentucky growing.”

“We are grateful to Congressman Barr for delivering the funding to make this infrastructure project a reality. This investment strengthens our water system, supports economic activity, and positions Bourbon County for continued growth,” said Bourbon County Judge/Executive, Michael Williams.


Rep. Bera Demands Kristi Noem’s Resignation as DHS Secretary

SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA — Today, Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06) issued a statement demanding the resignation of Kristi Noem as Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary. This follows the reassignment of Greg Bovino from his position as Customs and Border Protection commander-at-large.

“Greg Bovino’s exit from Minneapolis is not enough. Kristi Noem has lost the trust of the American people and must resign from her position as DHS Secretary.

“A complete and transparent investigation that delivers justice and accountability for the families of Alex Pretti and Renée Good cannot take place with her remaining in this position.

"Every individual found responsible for these senseless killings must be held accountable and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”


Boyle, House Democratic Delegation Call on PA’s Senators to Demand ICE Reform in DHS Funding Bill

PHILADELPHIA, PA – Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02), Dean of Pennsylvania's Democratic Congressional Delegation, led a letter to Pennsylvania Senators Fetterman and McCormick alongside Reps. Chris Deluzio (PA-17) and Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), calling on the Senators to demand ICE reform in DHS funding legislation. The letter was signed by all seven House Democrats from Pennsylvania.

“ICE is currently operating like a lawless, out-of-control agency. We cannot send it another blank check,” said Congressman Boyle. “I am calling on Senators Fetterman and McCormick to oppose any DHS funding legislation that does not deliver meaningful reforms to hold ICE accountable.”

The full letter is available here. The letter was signed by Representatives Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Dwight Evans (PA-03), and Summer L. Lee (PA-12).

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Bresnahan Visits West End Fire Company to Present Over $1 Million in Federal Funding for Firefighting Vehicles

BRODHEADSVILLE, PA: Today, U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) joined leadership of the West End Fire Company and local officials for a press conference announcing a $1,170,000 federal investment he secured for the company. The funding will go towards the acquisition of a rescue truck and an engine truck.

“Volunteer fire departments are essential to community safety,” said Rep. Bresnahan. “When emergency strikes, these brave volunteers answer the call and put their lives on the line for others. This $1.17 million federal funding is a critical investment in safety for Chestnuthill Township and the surrounding communities. I look forward to seeing these vehicles put to work serving our neighbors.”

Rep. Bresnahan was joined by West End Fire Deputy Chief Michael Manfre, Jr., former West End Fire Company President Jeff Weiss, State Representative Jack Rader, and Chestnuthill Township Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Chuck Gould.

“On behalf of the West End Fire Company, I want to sincerely thank Congressman Bresnahan for his leadership and support in securing over $1 Million in federal funding for our department,” said Mike Manfre, Jr. “Our members volunteer their time, train extensively, and respond at all hours, and that commitment is only possible with the support of their families and employers. This investment helps honor that commitment by giving them the tools they need to safely serve the community.”

“Large capital purchases like firetrucks are among the biggest challenges volunteer fire companies face, and this funding helps us address those needs in a thoughtful and sustainable way,” said former West End Fire Company President Jeff Weiss. “Thank you to Congressman Bresnahan and everyone who played a role in making this funding possible We take this responsibility seriously and are grateful for the trust placed in the West End Fire Company.”

“I want to thank Congressman Bresnahan for helping secure over $1 Million in federal funding for the West End Fire Company,” said Chestnuthill Township Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Chuck Gould. “This funding will go toward two new firetrucks, giving our firefighters dependable, up-to-date equipment to continue to serve our community safely and effectively. On behalf of Chestnuthill Township, I want to thank the volunteers of the West End Fire Company for everything they do day in and day out.”

“As a state representative, I see every day how important it is for our local communities and volunteer fire companies to have reliable resources and strong partnerships at every level of government,” said State Rep. Jack Rader. “This $1.1 million investment is a major win for Chestnuthill Township and for Monroe County. I want to thank Congressman Bresnahan for working closely with state and local leaders to deliver this funding and ensure our first responders have the equipment they need to protect our residents safely and effectively.”

Rep. Bresnahan secured $1,170,000 for the West End Fire Company and Brodheadsville to acquire two crucial firefighting vehicles, a rescue truck and an engine truck. These vehicles will improve the company’s ability to respond promptly and effectively to emergencies across Chestnuthill Township and the broader West End of Monroe County. Rep. Bresnahan secured the funding in the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026, which was signed into law on November 12, 2025.

Additional photos from today’s event can be found here.

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Buchanan Announces Retirement

Legacy Includes 51 Bills and Initiatives Signed into Law by 4 Presidents

Rated One of Most Effective in Congress by Non-Partisan Group

Longest-Serving Southwest Florida Republican

“Time to pass the torch and begin a new chapter”

WASHINGTON — Congressman Vern Buchanan (FL-16), whose no-nonsense business background helped make him a national leader on tax, trade and health care policy, announced today that he will retire at the conclusion of his current term after 20 years in Congress. Buchanan, Vice Chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, will leave office as the longest-serving Republican to represent Southwest Florida in the U.S. House of Representatives.

A successful entrepreneur before entering public office in 2007, Buchanan built a legislative record notable for both its impact and lasting results. Fifty-one of his bills and legislative initiatives were signed into law under four presidents—George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Joe Biden and Donald Trump—a rare achievement. The record—which includes securing $27.8 million to design and construct a national veterans cemetery in Sarasota—reflects Buchanan’s ability to advance meaningful legislation in divided government.

“Serving the people of Southwest Florida has been the honor of my lifetime,” said Buchanan. “Every achievement worth doing began with listening to my constituents and fighting for their priorities. I came to Congress to solve problems, to fight for working families and to help ensure this country remains a place where opportunity is available to everyone willing to work for it. After 20 years of service, I believe it’s the right time to pass the torch and begin a new chapter in my life.”

Shortly after arriving in Washington, Buchanan was appointed to the House Ways and Means Committee, which writes the nation’s tax, trade and health care laws. He later served as Chairman of the Ways and Means Tax Subcommittee and as a member of the prestigious Joint Committee on Taxation, where he played a key role in the development and implementation of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act—the most significant reform of the U.S. tax code in more than three decades. Buchanan also worked directly with the White House to pass the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA), modernizing North American trade and strengthening protections for American workers and manufacturers.

In addition, Buchanan currently serves as Chairman of the Health Subcommittee, where he has advanced bipartisan efforts to protect Medicare, expand access to care for seniors and veterans, and lower prescription drug costs. For more than a decade, he has served as Co-Chair of the Florida Congressional Delegation, helping unify the state’s federal priorities across party lines.

Beyond economic and health policy, Buchanan became one of Congress’s leading advocates for animal welfare. His bipartisan legislation to ban animal cruelty and torture nationwide was signed into law in 2019, marking one of the most significant federal animal-protection reforms in U.S. history. He is the only member of the U.S. House of Representatives to receive the Humane Society’s national “Legislator of the Year Award” twice.

Buchanan has also been a leading voice on protecting Florida’s natural resources, working to combat red tide, safeguard water quality, and protect manatees and coastal ecosystems vital to Southwest Florida’s economy and way of life. His broader legislative accomplishments include creating a national veteran identification card, providing targeted tax relief for Florida’s citrus growers, bolstering military preparedness, and advancing bipartisan legislation to support small businesses, strengthen Medicare and improve care for those who served. Taken together, his record has consistently placed him among the most effective members of Congress, according to independent analyses by the Lugar Center.

Buchanan’s commitment to public service was shaped by his own American Dream success story. One of six children raised in a 900-square-foot home in Inkster, Michigan, he watched his father drive a school bus by day and work the assembly line at night to support his family. Buchanan later served in the Air National Guard and became the first in his family to graduate from college. With his wife Sandy, he started a small business that would grow into one of the most successful enterprises in the country, creating thousands of jobs. A longtime civic and business leader, Buchanan previously chaired the Florida Chamber of Commerce and served on the board of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. While raising their two sons, Matt and James, the Buchanans also built The Buchanan Foundation, now recognized as one of the leading philanthropic organizations serving Southwest Florida.

Today, Vern and Sandy are the proud grandparents of ten grandchildren—a reminder, Buchanan says, of why public service and stewardship for the future matter so deeply.

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Carter introduces resolution condemning Minnesota church insurrectionists

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today introduced a resolution condemning the January 18, 2026, storming of Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, by protestors who interfered with congregants’ ability to peacefully assemble and freely exercise their faith.

The resolution states that the insurrectionists, including former CNN host Don Lemon, violated the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act and infringed on congregants’ First Amendment right to religious freedom, rendering illegal their protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity.

"I want to see these insurrectionists in handcuffs. Storming a place of worship and intimidating Christians in defense of pedophiles, murderers, and rapists is inexcusable. Don Lemon and every raving lunatic who participated in this mob - including politicians like Tim Walz who radicalized them - must be held accountable for inciting violence and disrupting churchgoers' right to practice their religion," said Rep. Carter.

The Department of Justice has launched an investigation into the incident and, to date, have made three arrests in connection to the insurrection.

Read the full resolution here.


ICYMI: Carter holds Insurance CEOs' feet to fire during heated E&C hearing

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter questioned CEOs of major health insurance providers during an Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health Hearing entitled, “Lowering Health Care Costs for All Americans: An Examination of Health Insurance Affordability.”

His line of questioning focused on the bloated compensation that the heads of these major companies- including Stephen Hemsley, CEO, UnitedHealth Group; David Joyner, Chairman and CEO, CVS Health; Gail Boudreaux, President and CEO, Elevance Health; David Cordani, President, CEO, and Chairman of the Board, The Cigna Health Group; and Paul Markovich, President and CEO, Ascendiun – rake in at the expense of patients’ health.

In Case You Missed It, watch and read the highlights below:

Watch Rep. Carter's remarks here

Rep. Carter: Between 2014 and 2024 the 7 largest for-profit health insurers including United, CVS, Cigna, and Elevance raked in over $10 trillion in revenue, $10 trillion, and $543 billion in profit. In fact, since the passage of the UnAffordable Care Act, the stock prices of these health insurers has increased by over 1,000%, 1000%. Premiums are rising and patients struggle to afford care. Insurance executive compensation continues to increase at the expense of patients. Americans now owe, and hear me and hear me clearly, Americans now owe $220 billion in medical debt, $220 billion. To put it simply the system is failing the people it’s meant to serve and that is the patients.

Mr. Joyner, in 2024 CVS Health spent a staggering $41 million in compensation to you and your colleague Karen Lynch. This is enough to cover the premiums for thousands of American families. How do you justify getting paid that much when so many of your patients struggle to afford skyrocketing premiums? $41 million, Mr. Joyner.

Mr. Joyner: Congressman, thanks for the question.

Rep. Carter: Don’t thank me for the question, just answer it please…

Mr. Joyner: That was not my compensation that you referenced. This past year my compensation was $17 million.

Rep. Carter: It was $17 million, pardon me.

Mr. Joyner: Of which 1.1 was my base salary, and the rest was long-term incentives.

Rep. Carter: I just met with some pharmacists out there who want to say you're welcome, they helped pay your salary.

Mr. Joyner: I think it’s important to note, based off the performance of the year, I did return my bonus back to the employee relief fund. So, the employees that were going through challenging and difficult times had the benefit of my bonus last year.

Rep. Carter: CVS employees?

Mr. Joyner: Yes, sir.

Rep. Carter: Going through the difficult, what about the patients who are trying to pay their premiums going through difficult times?

Rep. Carter: Let me ask you, Mr. Hemsley, Yes or No, don’t thank me for the question, just yes or no, have you ever personally looked a patient in the eye and explained why your company denied them a medication their doctor said was needed? Have you ever personally looked a patient in the eye and told them that?

Mr. Hemsley: I have looked patients in the eyes many times, I don’t recall whether it’s regarding prior authorization.

Rep. Carter: Well, Mr. Hemsley, let me tell you, I’ve practiced pharmacy for 40 years. I’m the one who had to look the patient in the eye and had to tell them that, on your behalf; it’s not fun.

Rep. Carter: Mr. Hemsley, I want to tell you a story about Andrea Kelly, she’s a single mother from Kentucky who was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer and has endured years of chemotherapy surgery and radiation just to stay alive. And she wants to stay alive because she’s got a seven-year-old daughter. Despite being stable on the medications for a year, United Healthcare is now denying Andrea her Lupron Injection and Veozah medication. According to her doctor, these denials are actively increasing, as you would imagine, and you understand, they are actively increasing Andrea’s risk of cancer recurrence. This is not about convenience or cost, this is about whether her cancer comes back. To quote Andrea, and I quote, “I am a single mom and would do anything to live as long as I can for my daughter, who is now seven. I need access to my medication so that I can live for my child.”

Rep. Carter: It was me, I was the one who went to the counter, I was the one who had to tell him that. Not you, not you, Mr. Joyner, not any of you on this panel, but me, the pharmacist, I was the one who had to tell them that. Mr. Hemsley, knowing that your company’s denial raises Andrea’s risk of cancer recurrence, why is United Healthcare overriding her doctors and denying her medication? Do you have any idea?

Mr. Joyner: Um, I don’t know that particular circumstance.

Rep. Carter: Can you help me out here because I want to help her, what can I tell her? What can I tell Andrea that she can tell her seven-year-old daughter?

Mr. Joyner: Actually, I would love to learn more about that and see if we can help solve that problem.

Rep. Carter: Let me ask you this Mr. Hemsley. President Trump’s proposing a bold new health care plan, I applaud him for that, one that finally puts patients in control. Thank God somebody finally realizes instead of sending the money, my colleagues, instead of sending the money to insurance companies, send it to the patients. Let them create a competitive marketplace. The President is proposing this, he wants to put patients in control, expand choice, and ensure transparent pricing. Can we count on you Mr. Himsley, to support President Trump’s great health care plan?

Mr. Himsley: Representative, we will be open to any kind of bipartisan solution, and I think the President’s thoughts contribute to the conversation, good ideas to be considered.


Carter announces House passage of $100M to support World Cup transit in host cities

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) announced $100 million in funding to help host cities, including Atlanta, cover transit costs associated with hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026.

This funding was included in the House-passed Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026.

“As Georgia prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, this transit funding will help ensure that visitors and fans from around the world experience the warm hospitality the South is known for,” said Rep. Carter. “Having successfully hosted international events in the past, Georgia is well-prepared to put these transportation dollars to work to deliver a seamless, world-class event that fans will remember for a lifetime.”

"MARTA will play a vital role in how visitors experience Atlanta and move around the metro region during the FIFA World Cup," said MARTA Interim General Manager and CEO Jonathan Hunt. "We appreciate that the Georgia Federal Delegation understands the importance of public transit to the success of the games and the efforts of Congressman Carter to secure these necessary funds."


Carbajal Secures Federal Funding for Ventura County Public Projects

Today, U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) announced new federal funding for projects across Ventura County. The funding was recently approved by Congress and signed into law through the Fiscal Year 2026 government funding bill. The bill includes investments for the Ventura County Sheriff's Office Unidentified and Missing Persons Forensic Genetic Genealogy Testing Initiative and dredging of the Ventura Harbor.

The funding package includes a $700,000 grant for the Ventura County Sheriff's Office Unidentified and Missing Persons Forensic Genetic Genealogy Testing Initiative. The funding will be used to investigate a backlog of unidentified human remains cases in the county.

“We’ve already seen very positive results from this initiative,” said Rep. Carbajal. “In just one quarter in 2024, the Sheriff’s Department and Medical Examiner’s Office used this genetic testing initiative to successfully identify and reunite four Central Coast families with the remains of their loved ones. These reunifications are only the beginning, and it’s critical we deliver the resources needed to bring closure to every family still waiting for answers.”

The funding bill also includes $5,980,000 in grants for the crucial annual dredging of the Ventura Harbor.

“It would be difficult to overstate the importance of the annual dredging project for the economic strength of Ventura County. The project not only ensures successful maritime navigation but is foundational to maintaining the vitality of commercial fishing, local tourism, recreational boating, and waterfront businesses,” said Rep Carbajal.

In the spring of 2025, Carbajal began to push for funding these projects through formal requests to the House Appropriations Committee for Fiscal Year 2026.


Carbajal Secures Federal Funding for SLO County Public Projects

Today, U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) announced new federal funding for projects across San Luis Obispo County. The funding was recently approved by Congress and signed into law through the Fiscal Year 2026 government funding bill. The bill includes investments in the San Luis Obispo County Jail Security System Project and will help fund an important dredging project in the Morro Bay Harbor.

The funding package includes $1,031,000 for the San Luis Obispo County Jail Security System Project. The funding will be used to replace the jail's security electronic system, which was installed in 2014. The system includes video surveillance, door controls, and intercoms for both the San Luis Obispo County Jail and the Honor Farm.

“Modernizing our correctional facilities is crucial for the safety of staff, inmates, and the surrounding community,” said Rep. Carbajal. “This federal funding represents a critical investment in public safety for San Luis Obispo County, and a significant upgrade from the current system.”

The funding bill also includes $4,120,000 in grants for the crucial annual dredging of the Morro Bay Harbor.


Casten Invites Community to Create Valentines for Veterans

Downers Grove, IL — U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) announced his office’s 2026 Valentines for Veterans program and encouraged students and community members to craft homemade valentines for local veterans and overseas service members.

“We owe our veterans a tremendous amount of gratitude,” said Congressman Casten. “These valentines – created right here in our community – are a great way to show appreciation for their selfless service to our country.”

Community members can deliver or mail cards to Rep. Casten’s office by Thursday, February 5th:

Lombard

200 W 22nd Street, Suite 229

Lombard, IL 60148

Oak Forest

15350 Oak Park Ave, Building A

Oak Forest, IL 60452

Photos from Rep. Casten delivering valentines to veterans in previous years can be found here.

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Rep. Smith statement on Holocaust Remembrance Day

Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chair of the House Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism and author of the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism Act of 2021, issued the following statement on Holocaust Remembrance Day:

“Today, on Holocaust Remembrance Day, we honor the lives and legacies of the more than six million Jews who died at the cruel hands of the Nazis, and we recommit ourselves to combating and calling out antisemitism whenever it rears its ugly head.

“As acts of antisemitic violence continue to rise throughout the globe—including the recent horrific terror attack targeting Jewish families during a Hannukah celebration in Bondi Beach, Australia—we must stand firmly with our Jewish brothers and sisters and strongly condemn these hateful atrocities through both word and action.

“The United States will never tolerate, excuse, or accept antisemitism within its borders—and anywhere else in the world—and we will remain steadfast in our mission to eradicate this spiritual cancer that metastasizes around the globe.”

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The Washington Times interview with Rep. Smith'WATCH: Congressman Chris Smith of New Jersey at the March for Life'

By Sean Salai

Published Tuesday, January 27, 2026

Hi, this is Sean Salai, culture reporter at The Washington Times.

We are out at the 53rd National March for Life, where we are interviewing pro-life leaders. I’m joined by Congressman Chris Smith, Republican from New Jersey, who just stepped off the stage.

[SALAI] You mentioned how the abortion pill is baby poison. And a lot of marchers we’ve been talking to today, they’re kind of happy with a lot that the Trump administration has done. They’re pleased that there’s been restrictions on federal funding for abortion. They’re also happy about the investigation announced into Planned Parenthood by the Small Business Administration.

At the same time, I hear a lot of people saying, “We need to go further. We’d like to see Mifepristone studied, restricted. We’d like to see the telehealth allowance from the Biden administration in 2022 lifted.” So I’m wondering, what do you want to see from the Trump administration this year?

[SMITH] Sean, all of the above. The abortion pill, which is baby poison, as you pointed out, kills the baby by starvation. It’s a hideous pill and chemical. But we now know, as a result of the most comprehensive study ever done, with almost no bias because they looked at tens of thousands of insurance claims, that about just under 11% of all women who take it have very severe adverse consequences, adverse events, as they call them, including hemorrhaging. They bleed, bleed, these poor women bleeding like this. They get sepsis, which could be life-threatening, and other kinds of anomalies.

And you know, the lies that were done by Clinton, Obama, and Biden especially, to make it more available by suggesting that it’s one-half of one percent complication rate. That is an absolute, unmitigated lie. Period. It’s not the case, and they did it because people running these sham trials and doing the investigations — I mean there’s almost no reporting by the abortion clinics about consequences from abortions. They never do it. My state doesn’t do it at all, the state of New Jersey.

Watch the video for the full conversation.


Reps. Chu, Mannion, and Carter Introduce Legislation to Help Schools Reopen and Recover after Disasters

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) joined Rep. John Mannion (NY-22) and Rep. Troy Carter (LA-02) in introducing the Restarting Education After Disasters Act, legislation to strengthen federal support for communities whose schools have been forced to close due to a disaster.

The Restarting Education After Disasters Act would reauthorize and improve the U.S. Department of Education’s Immediate Aid to Restart School Operations (Restart) Program. Intended to help defray expenses related to restarting operations, re-enrolling students, and reopening K-12 schools impacted by a disaster, the Restart program historically receives one-time funding through disaster supplementals tied to specific federally declared emergencies. This legislation would newly authorize multi-year funding for the Restart Program, ensuring more predictable and timely assistance to affected schools.

Last year, the Eaton Fire forever changed the communities of Altadena and Pasadena, scorching 14,000 acres, destroying over 9,000 structures, and taking the lives of 19 of our loved ones. Multiple schools were burned to the ground, and many additional schools faced closures and relocations as well as severe impacts to teachers, staff, and students who lost their homes or were otherwise displaced by the fires. Despite these significant disruptions, Restart funding has been unavailable to schools impacted by the Eaton Fire because President Trump and congressional Republicans still refuse to take up Governor Newsom’s disaster supplemental funding request.

“I’m happy to join Reps. Mannion and Carter in introducing this legislation to provide an annual source of emergency relief funding for K-12 schools. The Department of Education’s Restart program is essential to helping schools reopen after disasters. But currently, Restart only receives one-time funding through specific disaster supplementals,” said Rep. Chu. “One year after the Eaton Fire devastated my district in Southern California, killing 19 people and destroying more than 9,000 structures including multiple schools, our community still hasn’t received a federal disaster supplemental. By providing annual funding for the Restart program, the Restarting Education After Disasters Act would ensure schools in my district and around the country don’t have to wait on a disaster supplemental to receive vital relief.”

Importantly, the bill would also expand eligibility for Restart to include schools impacted by state-declared disasters, not just federally declared emergencies—addressing a gap that leaves too many communities without access to critical federal support. The legislation would also ensure Restart funds can be used for facility and equipment repairs and minor renovations, helping schools pay for urgent infrastructure needs. In addition, it would prioritize assistance for schools closed for 30 days or more, directing resources to communities facing the most severe disruptions.

Extended school closures take an educational and emotional toll on students, families, teachers, and school staff, and it is important to get students back into classrooms as quickly and safely as possible. As schools across the country face increasing disruptions from floods, fires, hurricanes, and other extreme weather events, the Restarting Education After Disasters Act would ensure federal education recovery funding is reliable, equitable, and responsive.

Representative Mannion said, “As an educator for almost thirty years, I know that kids learn best in person, with stability, structure, and as little disruption as possible. What students, teachers, and families in Oneida experienced made clear that when disasters shut down schools, the consequences are felt far beyond the building. This bill is about making sure schools have the resources they need to reopen and recover quickly.”

Representative Carter said, “After a disaster, it’s imperative that we prioritize getting our students back into classrooms. This bill ensures schools aren’t left behind simply because a disaster didn’t receive a federal declaration. By reauthorizing and strengthening the Restart program with reliable funding, expanded eligibility, and clear authority to address urgent facility repairs, this bill gives states and schools the tools they need to recover faster and smarter. When schools are forced to close for weeks or months, students pay the price—and this legislation ensures federal support is there when it’s needed most.”

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Higgins, Freedom Caucus Board Urge President Trump to Continue Federal Immigration Enforcement

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) and the other members of the House Freedom Caucus (HFC) Board of Directors sent a letter to President Trump, urging him to maintain Operation Metro Surge and nationwide efforts to enforce federal immigration law.

The letter encourages President Trump to:

Maintain immigration enforcement in Minneapolis and nationwide.

Use all tools necessary–even the Insurrection Act–to secure the order necessary for the law to be enforced.

End funding for Sanctuary Cities.

Ensure the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is fully funded.


Reps. Cleaver, Brown, and Foushee Introduce Prison Libraries Act to Reduce Recidivism and Expand Educational Opportunities for Incarcerated Americans

(Washington, D.C.) - Today, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), Shontel Brown (D-OH), and Valerie Foushee (D-NC) re-introduced the Prison Libraries Act to expand library resources in U.S. state and territory correctional facilities, aiming to increase educational opportunities, advance reintegration efforts, and reduce recidivism. The bill will authorize $60,000,000 over six years for state prisons to expand library resources and services to support the education and skills training of incarcerated Americans.

“America’s correctional system is far too often focused on punishment rather than rehabilitation. The Prison Libraries Act is an attempt to shift this dynamic, providing incarcerated Americans with increased access to education and skills training services that will better prepare them for reintegration into society,” said Congressman Cleaver. “By making strategic investments in the rehabilitative components of America’s correctional facilities, we can reduce recidivism, strengthen public safety, and curtail the growing costs of our correctional system.”

“Everyone deserves to have access to learning, ideas, information and literature no matter where they are,” said Congresswoman Brown. “The Prison Libraries Act would help give incarcerated community members the resources they need to pursue knowledge and development opportunities they would not have otherwise received. When people have access to education and information, they’re better equipped to succeed when they come home, and our communities are safer and stronger.”

“Libraries give everyone the chance to learn and grow, yet many correctional facilities lack the infrastructure to provide these essential resources,” said Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04). “To reduce recidivism and support successful reintegration, our justice system must provide incarcerated individuals with ways to prepare for life after release. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Prison Libraries Act to help more prisons establish libraries and educational programs, giving people the necessary tools to build skills and successfully re-enter their communities.”

“Prison libraries open doors of opportunity and provide essential literacy support to address the urgent information needs of millions of incarcerated people in the United States,” said Sam Helmick, American Library Association President. “Funding from the Prison Libraries Act would expand educational services and provide incarcerated individuals with resources to build skills for employment and enable them to return to their communities better equipped for life after incarceration.”

Prison Libraries should not be treated as a privilege. They are one of the only places for people in prison to be connected to the world and intellectually stimulated. This is about the fundamental human right of all people to seek and receive information, and to access the ideas and lived experiences of others through literature; rights that are often abridged by carceral censors. We applaud Representative Cleaver for his inspiring effort to revive libraries in prisons through re-introduction of the Prison Libraries Act,” said Jonathan Friedman, PEN America’s Sy Syms Managing Director, U.S. Free Expression Programs.

Within the prison community, libraries offer escapism and a means for personal development through learning and acquiring new trades and skills that can be applied upon release. Ultimately, prison libraries are an innovative tool for rehabilitation and re-entry.

Over 600,000 individuals are released from federal and state prisons each year. Upon release, these individuals often struggle to reintegrate into their communities. This struggle is exacerbated by prisons often offering incarcerated individuals little to no educational or job training opportunities. The lack of such resourceful opportunities affects formerly incarcerated individuals' ability to find gainful employment once released and increases the likelihood of recidivism. Libraries are one of the most powerful and transformative resources against recidivism, but they tend to be substantially underutilized, scarce, insufficiently funded, and inadequately equipped with learning, training, information, and communication materials and technologies in American jails and prisons.

The Prison Libraries Act would authorize a competitive grant program for state and U.S. territory prisons to:

Offer adequate library services, including education and job training, digital literacy, career readiness programming, and computer and internet access, among other services, for free;

Invest in acquiring updated materials and equipment that reflect the prison population's interests, identities, abilities, and languages;

Expand the infrastructure of prison libraries;

Hire well-trained and qualified staff to manage libraries, their resources, and services; and

Build a collaborative relationship with respective local public libraries.

The Prison Libraries Act is endorsed by the American Library Association, Books Through Bars, Citizens United for Rehabilitation of Errants, DC Books to Prisons, Friends & Foundation of the San Francisco Public Library, Missouri Humanities, Missouri Prison Books, Prison Book Program, Prison Library Project at Claremont Forum, Prisoners Literature Project, Vera Institute of Justice, and Books to Prisoners Seattle.

The Prison Libraries Act is cosponsored by Representatives Ed Case (D-HI), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Cleo Fields (D-LA), Dwight Evans (D-PA), Jesús “Chuy” García (D-IL), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Julie Johnson (D-TX), Summer Lee (D-PA), LaMonica McIver (D-NJ), Emily Randall (D-WA), David Scott (D-GA), Terri Sewell (D-AL), Lateefah Simon (D-CA), Shri Thanedar (D-MI), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), and Bennie Thompson (D-MS).

Official text of the Prison Libraries Act is available here.

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.


Congressman Cohen Welcomes More Than $3 Million in Crime Prevention Funding

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today welcomed that more than $3 million in community project funding for law enforcement programs in Tennessee’s 9th Congressional District has been signed in to law.

The Memphis Police Department will receive technical upgrades, the Shelby District Attorney’s Office, in partnership with the YWCA Greater Memphis Domestic Violence Shelter/Safe Space, will receive victim-witness program support, and the City of Memphis will receive funding for its youth violence prevention program with each receiving $1,031,000, totaling $3,093,000, through requests Congressman Cohen made in the annual appropriations process.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

“Deterring crime and assisting crime victims is critically important, so I am pleased that my community project funding requests through the annual appropriations process made it through both the House and Senate and have now been signed into law. This money for our community will improve public safety and potentially save lives.”

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