Valadao, Fong Welcome Administrator Oz to Bakersfield for Healthcare Roundtable

BAKERSFIELD, CA – On Saturday, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) and Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20) hosted Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz in Bakersfield for a roundtable focused on healthcare challenges facing the Central Valley. The conversation brought together healthcare providers from across the community to discuss H.R. 1, the new Rural Health Transformation Program, and upcoming CMS regulations and federal policies affecting both patients and providers.

Prior to the roundtable, Congressman Valadao, Congressman Fong, and Dr. Oz participated in a site visit at Kern Medical. During the tour, they saw Kern Medical's new mobile health clinics, the medical student union building, and had a chance to speak with the hospital's doctors and nurses about the lifesaving care they provide to the community.

“Ensuring access to affordable, quality healthcare for Central Valley families is one of my top priorities, which is why I was honored to welcome Dr. Oz to Bakersfield to hear directly from our local healthcare leaders,” said Congressman Valadao. “For years, I’ve worked closely with providers, patients, and advocates to better understand the challenges facing our hospitals and rural communities, and today’s conversation reinforced the importance of continued collaboration. I appreciate Dr. Oz taking the time to engage with those on the front lines, and I look forward to continuing to work together to make sure the implementation of new policies and regulations allow our providers to keep serving our region effectively.”

“It was an honor to welcome CMS Administrator Dr. Oz to the Central Valley to hear directly from our community,” said Congressman Fong. “Ensuring access to quality rural healthcare is essential, and his visit underscored the federal government’s commitment to regions like ours. By engaging directly with local hospital leaders, Administrator Oz reaffirmed that the needs of Central Valley families are a priority. Today’s policy roundtable with local healthcare providers continues our work to strengthen healthcare access across our region.”

“The Trump administration is investing $50 billion to transform rural health care across the country, including in California’s Central Valley,” said CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. “But investing that money effectively means working closely with lawmakers and local stakeholders. That’s why I was happy to attend today’s roundtable with Congressman Valadao, Congressman Fong, members of the community, and representatives from more than two dozen Central Valley health care providers. By working together, we can help build a country where every American, regardless of ZIP code, has access to affordable, high-quality health care.”

“Kern Medical appreciates the visit by Dr. Oz, Congressman Valadao, and Congressman Fong, and the opportunity to participate in a productive discussion with regional healthcare leaders. These conversations are important as policymakers continue to evaluate the challenges facing hospitals that serve rural and underserved communities. We value the opportunity to share information and perspectives and look forward to continued engagement with federal and state partners," said Scott Thygerson, Kern Medical CEO.

Attendees included representatives from Kern Medical, Kern Family Healthcare, Adventist Health Bakersfield, Sierra View Medical Center, Valley Fever Institute, Kaiser Permanente, Anthem Blue Cross, Kern County Public Health, Kings County Department of Public Health, Psychiatric Wellness Center, Kaweah Health Medical Center, Bakersfield Memorial Hospital, Alzheimer’s Disease Association of Kern County, Clinica Sierra Vista, Hall Ambulance, Centric Health CA, Houchin Blood Bank, California Rural Indian Health Board, Inc., Valley Children’s Healthcare, Bakersfield Pregnancy Center, Tulare Pregnancy Center, Ridgecrest Regional Hospital, Telehealth Docs Medical Group, Kern County Human Services, Family HealthCare Network, Saint Agnes Medical Center, Central Valley Health Network, Bakersfield American Indian Health Project, Quality Team HomeCare, Community Health System, and VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, in addition to other members of the community.


Vasquez Votes to Cut Red Tape and Lower Housing Costs for New Mexicans

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On January 9, 2025, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) voted in favor of H.R. 5184, the Affordable HOMES Act, to lower manufactured home costs and pass on savings to New Mexican consumers.

Manufactured housing plays a critical role in New Mexico, where one out of every six homes is a mobile home. Working families, seniors, and those living in rural New Mexican communities disproportionately rely on mobile and manufactured homes as a reliable source of affordable housing, but their homes are coming under threat as greedy corporate landlords increasingly engage in predatory price gouging.

By repealing the Department of Energy’s 2022 regulations and restoring exclusive authority to regulate energy standards for manufactured housing to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Affordable HOMES Act cuts red tape — providing clarity for builders and streamlining standards to maximize cost-effectiveness — to ensure that working families are not priced out of home ownership.

“We should be making it easier, not harder, for working families to buy homes, and manufactured homes are a huge piece of the puzzle in New Mexico,” said Vasquez. “I support this bill to cut red tape and stop costs from being passed on to consumers, and I will always work to keep mobile homes within reach for those who rely on them most. We can move toward energy efficiency without pricing working families out of the roofs over their heads.”

Vasquez remains committed to protecting access to safe, affordable, permanent housing for all New Mexicans, including those living in mobile homes. He recently introduced the Keep Mobile Homes Affordable Act to crack down on predatory price gouging by greedy corporate landlords and protect long-time residents from being displaced from their communities.

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Vindman, Crenshaw Lead Bipartisan Effort to Target Online Sales of Illicit Drugs Laced with Fentanyl

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Eugene Vindman (D-Va.-07) and Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas-02) introduced the Targeting Online Sales of Fentanyl Act, bipartisan legislation to tackle the fentanyl crisis by addressing the online sale of counterfeit pills and illicit drugs laced with fentanyl.

“Enough is enough. Drug dealers selling fentanyl continue to take the lives of Virginians in every corner of our Commonwealth, and these dangerous cartels have adapted their tactics to evade law enforcement. The days of drug lords exploiting social media and encrypted platforms are over. Congress has a responsibility to act — so we are,” said Vindman. “This bipartisan legislation will help law enforcement identify the platforms, tactics, and loopholes being exploited so we can act decisively protecting families and preventing more senseless deaths.”

“Today we take a critical step toward shutting down the digital pipelines that fuel the fentanyl crisis. Far too many families have been torn apart because illegal opioids are being bought and sold online with reckless ease,” said Crenshaw. “H.R. 5744 will bring accountability, improve enforcement, and ensure we have the data and tools needed to stop these deadly drugs before they reach another community. This is about saving lives and defending our kids from a poison that has already taken far too many.”

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Sinaloa and Jalisco Cartels — global criminal enterprises that have developed global supply chain networks — rely on associates in the United States to distribute the drugs both at a retail level on the streets and on social media.

This bipartisan bill would require the United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) to issue a report on the online sale of drugs contaminated with fentanyl, methamphetamine, and synthetic opioids over the internet. The report would include information on the platforms hosting sales, the tactics and business models used by online drug dealers, and current efforts by the U.S. government to curb the problem.

Specifically, the Targeting Online Sales of Fentanyl Act would require the GAO to provide a report within one year, including:

Business models and techniques employed by online fentanyl traffickers;

Utilization of social media platforms in facilitating fentanyl transactions involving youth;

Scope and effectiveness of federal initiatives aimed at countering online fentanyl sales, including intergovernmental and interagency collaborations;

Enforcement mechanisms and processes employed by online providers to detect and report transactions; and

An analysis of the outcomes of referrals to law enforcement agencies regarding online fentanyl sales, along with areas requiring improvement.

The legislation is endorsed by the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), the Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC).

“The spread of fentanyl in our communities is devastating. It is being mixed with already deadly illicit drugs, hidden in counterfeit drugs, and being peddled at alarmingly high rates to our youth through social media. The data that will be produced due to Targeting Online Sales of Fentanyl Act will ensure the right resources and tools are being provided to law enforcement, government entities and private sector organizations to combat and deter sales of fentanyl on social media,” said Bill Johnson, Executive Director, National Association of Police Organizations. “With 76 percent of teen overdose deaths in 2023 linked to fentanyl, the time to act to protect our children is now. NAPO supports this important bill and thanks Representatives Vindman and Crenshaw for their advocacy and leadership.”

“In 2022, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) identified that drug traffickers were increasingly relying upon online platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook, and Instagram to circulate deadly counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl. Individuals who purchase these pills, which are primarily advertised to young people as routine over-the-counter prescription drugs, are not aware that these pills are often laced with deadly doses of fentanyl. Despite the significant risk posed by these online sales, Federal agencies lack reliable data to track these transactions or the effectiveness of potential countermeasures,” said Patrick Yoes, National President, Fraternal Order of Police. “Your legislation will provide this critical data by directing the GAO to investigate the methods used to enable such online sales and assess the procedures and efforts of Federal law enforcement and online providers in combating online sales of fentanyl. […] On behalf of the more than 382,000 members of the Fraternal Order of Police, I thank you both for your leadership on this important issue.”

“On behalf of the Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC), representing approximately 87,000 public safety members and 960 public safety associations, I am writing to express our support for the Targeting Online Sales of Fentanyl Act (H.R.5744). This legislation would require the Government Accountability Office to research online sales of fentanyl, synthetic opioids, and methamphetamine, which will help to educate and better equip law enforcement officers to combat these crimes,” said Board of Directors, Peace Officers Research Association of California. “PORAC sincerely appreciates your leadership and commitment to protecting communities from the online sale of illicit drugs, and we stand ready to assist in advancing this legislation.”

BACKGROUND

In 2023, the DEA seized nationally more than 77 million fentanyl pills and nearly 12,000 pounds of fentanyl powder. This is the most fentanyl seized by DEA in a single year and amounts to more than 386 million deadly doses of fentanyl prevented from reaching consumers — enough to kill every American.

That same year, the DEA reported that the Sinaloa and Jalisco Cartels use social media and encrypted messaging platforms to coordinate logistics and reach out to victims. One DEA effort — Operation Last Mile — comprised 1,436 investigations and resulted in 3,337 arrests and the seizure of nearly 44 million fentanyl pills and more than 6,500 pounds of fentanyl powder.

Among these investigations, more than 1,100 cases involved social media applications and encrypted communications platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Wire, and Wickr.

Click here for full bill text.

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Vindman, Finstad Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Defend the United States Against Foreign Digital Scam Operations

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Eugene Vindman (D-Va.-07) and Brad Finstad (R-Minn.-01) introduced bipartisan legislation to combat dangerous foreign scam networks that target Americans and undermine U.S. national security.

“With prices already too damn high, the last thing American families need is to fall victim to a scam. As a former prosecutor, I know far too many Americans have lost their life savings or had their personal information stolen by advanced foreign scam networks. It’s time Congress took action to protect consumers from fraudsters,” said Vindman. “I’m proud to lead this bipartisan effort to disrupt fraud and hold transnational crime networks accountable better protecting families across Virginia and the United States.”

“Malicious scammers that steal the data and hard-earned dollars of Americans often funnel stolen dollars and sensitive information to foreign criminal organizations, posing a direct threat to our national security,” said Finstad. “The Scam Defense Strategy Act improves our national cyber defense by enabling Cyber Command to better assess actions to disrupt these foreign crime networks. I’m proud to join Rep. Vindman in introducing this important legislation which will protect Americans, and our national security, from foreign exploitation.”

The SCAM Defense Strategy Act would direct the United States Cyber Command to submit a comprehensive report to Congress about what steps could be taken in cyberspace to protect Americans from foreign criminal groups that steal their money and personal information.

By taking decisive action against a fast-growing national security and consumer threat, this bipartisan legislation would strengthen the United States’ ability to combat cyber-enabled fraud and safeguard Americans’ financial and personal data. It would also help disrupt transnational organized crime networks linked to the Chinese Communist Party that jeopardize U.S. economic security, individual privacy, and national interests.

BACKGROUND

China-linked transnational organized crime networks operating across Southeast Asia steal at least $44 billion annually through text, email, and phone scams. These large-scale “fraud farms” are linked to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and have been associated with espionage activities, human trafficking, and financing regional conflict.

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Sen. Banks Delivers Remarks at 12th Annual Indiana Military Veterans Legislative Day

Indianapolis, Ind. – Today,Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) delivered remarks at the 12thAnnual Indiana Military Veterans Legislative Day.

See more photos from the event here

Key Excerpts:

Senator Banks: “Indiana is home to over 400,000 veterans. Since the Indian Wars and the Civil War, there have been 99 Hoosier Medal of Honor winners. We’re proud of our veterans’ legacy of service. You can see it in our war memorials, all around the city. You can also see our pride in the military all around the state…”

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Senator Banks: “Veterans choose Indiana because this is a patriotic state that values service, honors sacrifice and takes care of its own…. Hoosier veterans run more than 3,200 businesses, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs. Veteran’s issues have always been a deeply personal part of my job. In the State Senate, I was honored to chair the Veterans Affairs and Military Committee. Then when I was elected to Congress I served six years on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, making veterans issues a top priority. And now I’m proud to serve on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, working hard to make sure that our veterans get the benefits they have earned.”

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Senator Banks: “Last year, the VA and Congress working together were able to: Reduce the backlog of benefits claims by 60%, eliminate the backlog of veterans’ families waiting to enroll in healthcare, cut red tape in community care so it works better for veterans, and house 52,000 homeless veterans. That’s 52,000 more veterans with a safe, stable roof over their heads.”

Background:

Senator Banks is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. He previously served on the House Veterans Affairs Committee. Senator Banks is an Afghanistan veteran. Before coming to Congress, Banks chaired the Indiana Senate Veteran Affairs and the Military Committee.

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Barrasso Leads Bipartisan Bill to Expand Access to Genetic Counseling

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) recently introduced bipartisan legislation, the Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act, to expand Medicare coverage of genetic counseling services and improve access for seniors nationwide.

Genetic counselors are licensed health care professionals who help patients understand inherited health risks and interpret genetic test results. This guidance can help patients and their doctors make informed care decisions, personalize treatment plans, and support earlier and more accurate disease detection.

The Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act would allow Medicare to cover genetic counseling services furnished by genetic counselors. Currently, genetic counselors are not directly reimbursed by Medicare for their services, even though the same services are covered when provided by other health care providers. This gap in coverage limits access, particularly in rural communities, and leads to unnecessary wait times for patients.

“Coverage for genetic counseling can be life-saving for many patients – especially those facing a cancer diagnosis. By increasing access to these critical services, genetic counselors can help doctors provide clear treatment plans for patients in a timely manner,” said Senator Barrasso. “Our bill will ensure patients in Wyoming and across the country can access the high-quality, life-saving care they deserve as quickly as possible.”

“Genetic testing and counseling play an essential role in helping Vermonters and their families better understand their health. That includes helping cancer patients access personalized medicine to ensure they get the best possible care. But these services are few and far between in Vermont, leaving rural communities and patients behind,” said Senator Welch. “I’m proud to join Senator Barrasso in the fight to ensure every patient has the opportunity to make informed decisions about their health care.”

“Genetic counseling plays an important role in modern medicine, particularly for patients facing serious or inherited health conditions. By recognizing genetic counselors as Medicare providers, this bipartisan legislation will help reduce barriers to care, shorten wait times, and expand access to these critical services—especially for seniors in rural states like West Virginia,” said Senator Capito.

“Genetic counselors help patients figure out what type of care is best for them, often in life-saving situations,” said Senator Rosen. “This bipartisan bill will make sure they can provide that care for as many patients as possible. I’ll keep working to provide quality, affordable health care for Nevada families.”

“As a genetic counselor, I know how Medicare beneficiaries face unnecessary barriers to accessing the care they need,” said Carrie Haverty, MS, CGC, president-elect of the National Society of Genetic Counselors. “Our expertise goes far beyond interpreting test results – we help patients understand complex diagnoses, support informed decision-making, and provide compassionate counseling during some of the most difficult moments in their lives. These conversations empower patients, improve health outcomes, strengthen adherence to recommended treatments, and ultimately help reduce overall health care costs. Recognizing genetic counselors as Medicare providers is a critical step toward ensuring that every patient can access the comprehensive support they deserve.”

“As a Wyoming resident of four years and a pediatric genetic counselor, I am unable to practice in my own state because our current system makes billing and reimbursement nearly impossible—leaving Wyoming with no genetics providers and forcing families to travel hundreds of miles for essential care,” said Allison Weisman, MS, CGC, Pediatric Genetic Counselor. “I personally know families who have had to move away from Wyoming because they couldn’t access necessary medical and genetics services for their children with complex health needs, while others can only stay because they can afford the cost of travel. The Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act would be transformative for both me and the state of Wyoming, allowing me to advocate for a local position and finally provide in-state care to the families who need it most.”

Background:

Genetic counselors are health care professionals trained in genetics, counseling, and clinical care, and are licensed or certified at the state level.

There are nearly 7,000 certified genetic counselors in the United States, and the workforce continues to grow.

Under current Medicare policy, genetic counselors are not recognized as Medicare providers and cannot be reimbursed directly for their services.

This legislation establishes Medicare coverage of genetic counseling services furnished by licensed or certified genetic counselors.

Full text of the legislation can be found here.

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Blackburn, Colleagues Introduce National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), along with seven bipartisan colleagues, introduced the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act to help maintain American leadership and competitiveness in the global technology race. The legislation would authorize five years of support for quantum research and development (R&D) funded through federal science agencies.

“I’ve worked for years to reauthorize the National Quantum Initiative, and I’m pleased to join my colleagues in introducing a bill that will ensure America will dominate the global quantum race. Tennessee will play a critical role in making certain we do not fall behind adversaries like Communist China,” said Senator Blackburn. “The National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act would reauthorize quantum programs to accelerate innovative quantum research, protect our national security, and advance President Trump’s goal of American quantum supremacy. We must pass this without delay and incorporate my quantum bills focusing on quantum manufacturing and near-term uses.”

“We need to ensure the United States has the talent and research capabilities required to lead the global tech competition and outcompete China. Quantum technologies promise to dramatically transform every industry and sector of our economy and revolutionize our technological capabilities,” said Senator Young. The National Quantum Initiative strengthens the research and development investments and builds a strong workforce which plays a critical role in safeguarding America’s economic and national security. This legislation, which reauthorizes the NQI, is critical to ensuring American leadership in quantum technology.”


Blumenthal Statement on Preliminary Injunction for Revolution Wind

[Hartford, CT] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal released the following statement today after a U.S. District Court judge issued a second preliminary injunction allowing work to continue on the Revolution Wind Project.

“Once again, a court has struck down Trump’s senseless stop work order on Revolution Wind because the administration has failed to produce a single shred of evidence to support its fantastical claims. After losing in court once already, Trump seems intent on costing Connecticut workers thousands of jobs and raising electric prices for Connecticut consumers. This repeated effort to stop a project—already nearly 90% complete—plainly flouts laws, facts and public interest. His vengeance is just plain cruel and stupid. He should abandon this insane campaign and get out of the way,” Blumenthal said.

In August and December 2025, the Trump Administration issued stop work orders on the nearly complete Revolution Wind project. Blumenthal wrote to Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum demanding answers regarding Trump’s interference in the project and clarity on so-called national security concerns. The Trump Administration did not respond to either request.

Copies of those letters can be found here and here.

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Budd Joins Scott, Colleagues Recognize Trump Administration’s Successful Military Operation in Venezuela

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) joined Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.) and several of his Senate Republican colleagues in introducing a resolution commending the U.S. military’s execution of Operation Absolute Resolve, in Venezuela, to arrest indicted narco-terrorist dictator Nicolás Maduro. The resolution praises the Trump administration’s leadership in the fight for a freer and more secure Western Hemisphere, paving the way for a democratic Venezuela.

“Operation Absolute Resolve was a successful use of U.S. military strength to hold Maduro accountable for years of rampant narco-terrorism, violent oppression of the Venezuelan people, and threats to America’s security in the Western Hemisphere. I stand firmly with my colleagues in applauding the Trump administration’s flawless operation, led by special operations forces from Fort Bragg, to remove Venezuela’s illegitimate dictator and send a clear message to hostile nations that jeopardizing the safety of the American people will not go without consequences,” said Senator Budd.

“This decisive mission demonstrated American strength and resolve, arrested an indicted narco-terrorist who has killed hundreds of thousands of Americans, and sent a clear message that the United States will no longer tolerate criminal regimes that endanger American families, especially in our hemisphere. A Latin America free of socialist and communist rule is in the best interest of the United States, and that’s why for years, I have fought alongside the people of Venezuela to restore their God-given freedom and liberty. It’s incredible to see the community come together with such gracious excitement for the future of their nation. Thank you, President Trump, Secretary Rubio, and Secretary Hegseth, for fighting for the Venezuelan people. I am proud to stand with them and all of Latin America in celebrating this incredible occasion,” said Senator Scott.

U.S. Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), John Curtis (R-Utah), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) also co-sponsored the resolution.

Read the full resolution text HERE.

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Capito Joins Colleagues in Introducing Bipartisan Bill to Expand Access to Genetic Counseling

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) joined U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) in introducing the bipartisan Access to Genetic Counselor Service Act, legislation to expand Medicare coverage of genetic counseling services and improve access for seniors nationwide.

Genetic counselors are licensed health care professionals who help patients understand inherited health risks and interpret genetic test results. This guidance can help patients and their doctors make informed care decisions, personalize treatment plans, and support earlier and more accurate disease detection.

The Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act would allow Medicare to cover genetic counseling services furnished by genetic counselors. Currently, genetic counselors are not directly reimbursed by Medicare for their services, even though the same services are covered when provided by other health care providers. This gap in coverage limits access, particularly in rural communities, and leads to unnecessary wait times for patients.

“Genetic counseling plays an important role in modern medicine, particularly for patients facing serious or inherited health conditions. By recognizing genetic counselors as Medicare providers, this bipartisan legislation will help reduce barriers to care, shorten wait times, and expand access to these critical services—especially for seniors in rural states like West Virginia,” Senator Capito said.

“Coverage for genetic counseling can be life-saving for many patients – especially those facing a cancer diagnosis. By increasing access to these critical services, genetic counselors can help doctors provide clear treatment plans for patients in a timely manner,” Senator Barrasso said. “Our bill will ensure patients in Wyoming and across the country can access the high-quality, life-saving care they deserve as quickly as possible.”

“Genetic testing and counseling play an essential role in helping Vermonters and their families better understand their health. That includes helping cancer patients access personalized medicine to ensure they get the best possible care. But these services are few and far between in Vermont, leaving rural communities and patients behind,” Senator Welch said. “I’m proud to join Senator Barrasso in the fight to ensure every patient has the opportunity to make informed decisions about their health care.”

“Genetic counselors help patients figure out what type of care is best for them, often in life-saving situations,” Senator Rosen said. “This bipartisan bill will make sure they can provide that care for as many patients as possible. I’ll keep working to provide quality, affordable health care for Nevada families.”

“As a genetic counselor, I know how Medicare beneficiaries face unnecessary barriers to accessing the care they need,” Carrie Haverty, MS, CGC, president-elect of the National Society of Genetic Counselors, said. “Our expertise goes far beyond interpreting test results – we help patients understand complex diagnoses, support informed decision-making, and provide compassionate counseling during some of the most difficult moments in their lives. These conversations empower patients, improve health outcomes, strengthen adherence to recommended treatments, and ultimately help reduce overall health care costs. Recognizing genetic counselors as Medicare providers is a critical step toward ensuring that every patient can access the comprehensive support they deserve.”

“As a Wyoming resident of four years and a pediatric genetic counselor, I am unable to practice in my own state because our current system makes billing and reimbursement nearly impossible—leaving Wyoming with no genetics providers and forcing families to travel hundreds of miles for essential care,” Allison Weisman, MS, CGC, Pediatric Genetic Counselor, said. “I personally know families who have had to move away from Wyoming because they couldn’t access necessary medical and genetics services for their children with complex health needs, while others can only stay because they can afford the cost of travel. The Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act would be transformative for both me and the state of Wyoming, allowing me to advocate for a local position and finally provide in-state care to the families who need it most.”

BACKGROUND:

Genetic counselors are health care professionals trained in genetics, counseling, and clinical care, and are licensed or certified at the state level.

There are nearly 7,000 certified genetic counselors in the United States, and the workforce continues to grow.

Under current Medicare policy, genetic counselors are not recognized as Medicare providers and cannot be reimbursed directly for their services.

This legislation establishes Medicare coverage of genetic counseling services furnished by licensed or certified genetic counselors.

Click here for bill text.

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Capito leads EPW Republican Letter Supporting Proposed WOTUS Revision

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Friday, January 9, Chairman Shelley Moore Capito (R-W. Va.) led all ten Republican members of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee in sending a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Army Corps of Engineers (Army Corps) to commend the Agencies’ proposed rule to revise the definition of “waters of the United States” (WOTUS).

“We applaud the proposal to revise the definition of ‘waters of the United States’ (WOTUS) issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers (Army Corps). The Agencies’ proposed rule would establish a clearer definition of jurisdictional waters subject to the Clean Water Act (CWA) that complies with the legal boundaries articulated by the Supreme Court, right-size federal and state jurisdiction over waters consistent with the CWA, and protect our nation’s waters. We appreciate the Agencies’ work during the development and consideration of the proposed rule to create meaningful opportunities for broad public input,” EPW Republican members stated in the letter.

“The Agencies’ proposed rule faithfully adheres to the text of the CWA and theSackett decision, a critical attribute that will ensure that the rule is legally durable. As the Agencies review public comments, we encourage the EPA and Army Corps to consider these comments and incorporate feedback to further improve the rule. We urge the Agencies to finalize a rule that, like the proposal, provides regulatory certainty, supports cooperative federalism, and follows the statutory text and the Supreme Court’s ruling. We look forward to the publication of the final WOTUS rule in the coming months,” the letter concluded.

To access the full letter, click here.

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Senator Collins, Colleagues Call for Accountability for American Taxpayers Following Alleged Child Care Fraud in Minnesota

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins joined Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA)–Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee–and the entire Senate Republican conference in calling on Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to provide information on the state’s social service programs amid widespread reports of fraud and abuse of federal child care funding. Some authorities estimate that billions in federal funds across various programs, including child care, nutrition, Medicaid, and housing assistance, may have been misappropriated since 2018.

The Senators asked Governor Walz several questions on Minnesota’s response to these claims of fraud and abuse, including what investigations have been conducted, the status of the state’s efforts to comply with federal directives, and what reforms the state has evaluated to prevent future incidents of fraud or misuse of taxpayer resources.

“Americans should not have to worry about their taxpayer dollars being wasted or abused, and it is incumbent on those in office to ensure these funds are properly safeguarded,” said Senator Collins. “This matter must be investigated so we can find out exactly how this happened and prevent similar incidents of fraud in Minnesota and other states. Transparency and accountability are crucial as a matter of fairness to law-abiding taxpayers whose public trust has been undermined.”

The complete text of the letter is available here or below.

Dear Governor Walz:

We write to express serious concern regarding recent reports and federal investigations alleging widespread fraud and misuse of federal funds within Minnesota’s state-administered child care assistance programs. The state’s apparent negligent management of federal funds raises significant concerns about the adequacy of the state’s oversight, verification, and compliance systems for safeguarding taxpayer dollars intended to support vulnerable children and working families. Unfortunately, these latest reports appear to reflect only the tip of the iceberg.

Federal prosecutors have been conducting a broader investigation of large-scale fraud in Minnesota’s social services programs. Some authorities estimate that billions in federal funds across various programs, including child care, nutrition, Medicaid, and housing assistance, may have been misappropriated since 2018. One example includes the “Feeding Our Future” scheme, where more than 50 individuals were convicted for diverting hundreds of millions of dollars in pandemic relief funds intended for school meals.

Under the leadership of President Trump, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has acted promptly to freeze child care payments to Minnesota pending verification and audits of how funds were used. The Constitution grants Congress the power of the purse, and the United States Senate is exercising its duty to ensure proper stewardship of federal taxpayer dollars for child care programs, and we take this responsibility very seriously. To that end, we are writing to request detailed responses to the following questions, on a question-by-question basis, no later than Thursday, January 22, 2026:

Please describe the state’s ongoing efforts to comply with federal directives to conduct a comprehensive audit of child care centers identified as high-risk.

What is the state’s estimated timeframe to achieve full compliance?

Please detail any additional verification requirements Minnesota has adopted or plans to implement in the near term to support proof of legitimate use of federal child care payments. In your response, please specify whether these verification requirements apply to each federal funding stream used to support Minnesota’s child care programs, including the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), COVID-19 pandemic relief funds, and any other sources of federal taxpayer dollars. Please also indicate whether any of the providers identified as high-risk receive Head Start or Early Head Start funding.

How often does the state conduct on-site monitoring, inspections, or investigative visits of licensed, registered, and state exempt child care providers that receive child care subsidies?

How many investigations has the state conducted since January 1, 2018, and what evidence of fraud has been uncovered?

Please detail specific examples of fraudulent billing, including but not limited to billing for children who did not exist or were not present; falsifying attendance records and/or names; enrolling ineligible children to increase reimbursement; overbilling for services not provided; and using fake business structures to draw down additional public funds.

Please describe the prior compliance and enforcement efforts the state has undertaken to address concerns about accountability raised in previous federal audits documenting oversight shortcomings in Minnesota’s child care assistance program.

Please list all regulatory and oversight actions (as well as technology and systems improvements for fraud prevention) that the state has undertaken since January 1, 2018, in response to the findings of federal audits documenting the systemic misuse of welfare funds, including but not limited to the May 2025 HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) audit report.

Please include the dates of implementation and scope of all mandated reforms to comply with federal audits.

In the May 2025 HHS OIG audit report, the OIG made the following three recommendations: (1) recover identified overpayments; (2) strengthen monitoring of attendance records; and (3) implement real-time electronic attendance reporting, as previously recommended by the Legislative Auditor. As of the end of 2025, these recommendations remain open, indicating that they have not been completely adopted by the state. Why have these recommendations not been completely adopted by the state, and who made the decisions not to expeditiously move forward with adopting the OIG’s recommendations?

Please describe any additional reforms Minnesota has evaluated for potential implementation to prevent fraud in the state’s federally funded welfare programs, including but not limited to individual registration requirements, use of fingerprinting technologies, etc.

Please provide detailed documentation for all providers receiving federal child care funds from the state of Minnesota since January 1, 2018, including attendance records, licenses, inspection and monitoring reports, complaints, and investigations.

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Senator Collins Delivers Floor Remarks Ahead of Successful Cloture Vote on Bipartisan Three-Bill Funding Package

Click HERE to watch and HERE to download video of her floor remarks.

Click HERE for a full-resolution photo.

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, delivered remarks on the Senate floor this evening ahead of the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to the final Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies; Energy and Water Development; and Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies funding bills. Following her remarks, the Senate invoked cloture on the motion to the proceed to the bill by a vote of 80-13.

More information on the three-bill package is available HERE.

A transcript of Senator Collins’ remarks is as follows:

“Mr. President, I anticipate that this evening, the Senate will take advantage of the opportunity to begin consideration of a carefully negotiated, fiscally responsible, bipartisan and bicameral package of Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bills that are vital to the safety, security, and economic well-being of all Americans. This fiscally responsible package includes funding for the following three bills: the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies legislation; the Energy and Water Development bill; and the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies appropriations. Among other things, it provides full year appropriations for the Department of Justice, the Department of Commerce, the Department of Energy, and the Department of the Interior. It also funds the National Science Foundation—a priority of mine—and the EPA.

“Mr. President, let me explain to our colleagues, who I think are well aware of this fact, that this package did not come together overnight. It is the result of months of work of bipartisan and bicameral negotiations, and last week, passed the House by an overwhelming vote of 397 to 28.

“I want to thank the House Chairman Tom Cole and Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro of the Appropriations Committee, as well as the Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Patty Murray, from whom we've just heard, for their hard work, including over the holidays, to get these bills done. We also could not have done it without the extraordinary staff that we are blessed to have, some of whom stayed up literally all night working on these bills. We also, Mr. President, worked closely with the Administration, which has issued a statement in support of passage of this package.

“Mr. President, the appropriations mini package that is before us would actually reduce discretionary spending while better focusing funding on key priorities of the American people. Let me highlight just a few of those priorities. The Commerce, Justice, and Science bill invests in America's economic development and trade relationships. It supports our state and local law enforcement, including through the Byrne formula program that supports a range of law enforcement activities, from prosecution to crime prevention. It funds space exploration and research in critical scientific and technological fields. The bill invests in the National Science Foundation, which supports research in all 50 states and helps to spur new discoveries that will advance health, prosperity, and welfare. The National Science Foundation is basic to much of the foundational research that leads to exciting technological and scientific breakthroughs. I am a strong supporter of the NSF. I'm pleased that we restored funding that was proposed to be cut. And I am also delighted that we dealt with an issue that has been a very high priority for me—and that is how we handle indirect research costs. I think we've come up with a good solution to hold steady how indirect costs are dealt with now at universities and colleges, independent nonprofit laboratories, medical institutions and hospitals, and other entities that contribute so much to our way of life.

“The Commerce bill also supports our oceans and fisheries and weather programs that are enormously important to our working waterfronts. As you can imagine, Mr. President, this is a particular concern to me, representing the State of Maine, where we are so proud of our fishing and lobster sectors that are synonymous with the State of Maine. Recently in Portland, there was a bad fire on the working waterfront, and it was extraordinary to see how everyone came together to work to put out the fire and also to help those who were affected, including our fishermen and lobstermen who had boats tied up to the wharf, the wharf owner, the restaurants on the wharf, businesses like Sea Bags, who are located on the wharf. Everyone came together in a sense of community that really defines my state. I want to express my thanks to Subcommittee Chairman Jerry Moran and Ranking Member Chris Van Hollen for their hard work on the CJS bill.

“Next, the Interior bill provides resources for the management and conservation of public lands while fostering economic development through critical energy programs. It supports tribal programs across the country. Helps ensure that Americans have clean air, water, and soil, and provides federal firefighters with the tools they need to prepare for and suppress wildfires. It also includes funding to fight the devastating impact of the Spruce Budworm, which is being experienced right now in the State of Maine and other states. I want to commend the subcommittee Chair, Lisa Murkowski, and the Ranking Member, Jeff Merkley, for their efforts in crafting this legislation.

“Finally, the Energy and Water Development bill will improve water infrastructure and promote American energy independence. It will also strengthen our nuclear deterrence posture, ensure our nuclear stockpile’s readiness and safety, and prepare for existing and future nuclear threats. Subcommittee Chair John Kennedy and Ranking Member Patty Murray worked tirelessly on this bill, and they have my appreciation.

“Mr. President, members ought to have a voice in the funding decisions that affect all of our states and constituents back home. The bills in this package were drafted with input from nearly every senator. Together, senators submitted literally thousands of requests to the committee for consideration. In some cases, these were programmatic requests, supporting programs that they know well from their own state's experience. In other cases, they were community development project requests, CDSs, and the legislation before us incorporates many of these requests and takes into account viewpoints from across the chamber, on both sides of the aisle. It truly is a member-driven product.

“Enacting this package, Mr. President, would bring the total number of full-year, Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations signed into law to six, as the first three bills, the Agriculture, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Legislative Branch bills were enacted in November. Mr. President, we're continuing our hard work.

“Yesterday, the final versions of the National Security, State Department and Related Programs, and Financial Services and General Government appropriations bills were released and publicly posted. The House of Representatives is slated to take up those two additional appropriations bills this week. It is our intention to complete work on all 12 of the annual appropriations bills this month. That is an ambitious goal, but it is one that we can achieve with cooperation and collaboration that has brought us to this second round of three bills today.

“I want to thank all of the members of the Appropriations Committee, and again, our extraordinary staff for their hard work. And I want to express my appreciation to Majority Leader Thune. He promised that he would bring appropriations bills to the Senate floor. That did not happen in the past, and I am delighted, but not surprised, that he has kept that promise. He has supported our Committee's process and worked to bring these bills to the Senate floor. Again, I urge my colleagues to support cloture on the motion to proceed to the package that is before us. And again, my thanks to all the members in both the House and the Senate who worked so hard to bring us to this point.”

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Cornyn Joins Sec. Hegseth on Arsenal of Freedom Tour in Texas

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) today showcased Texas’ robust defense industry with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth during the Texas leg of the Arsenal of Freedom Tour, which included a visit with wounded soldiers in San Antonio, a tour of Lockheed Martin’s F-35 plant in Fort Worth, and a stop at SpaceX’s Starbase facility in Brownsville, along with a swearing-in ceremony for service members at a U.S. Navy recruiting center in Westworth Village. Additional details and photos from the visits are below.

“Peace through strength was on full display during Secretary Hegseth’s Arsenal of Freedom Tour in Texas,” said Sen. Cornyn. “Home to world-class workers and facilities like those at Lockheed Martin and SpaceX, the Lone Star State stands ready to produce the military aircraft, space technology, and resources needed to prepare the United States to take on our foreign adversaries and tackle the threats of tomorrow. Under President Trump’s leadership, we will continue to ensure the U.S. military remains equipped and ready to defend our great nation.”

The Secretary and Senator kicked off the tour this morning in San Antonio, where they visited with Army soldiers who were wounded in Operation Absolute Resolve and thanked them for their service. Additional attendees included Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13).


Cornyn Praises Ban on State Department Appropriations to Mexico Amid Repeated Water Delivery Delays

BROWNSVILLE – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) today celebrated the inclusion of a provision he requested in the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2026 that prohibits funding from being sent to Mexico until the U.S. Secretary of State is able to certify that Mexico is delivering the water it owes to the United States under the 1944 Water Treaty:

“Until Mexico properly complies with the Water Treaty and delivers the water it owes the United States, there is no reason American taxpayers should be rewarding their bad behavior,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This provision to prevent funding from going to Mexico is yet another tool at our disposal to push for compliance and the long overdue water deliveries our farmers and ranchers need.”

Background:

Sen. Cornyn has led the charge in Congress to boost South Texas’ water supply and ensure Mexico fulfills its treaty obligations to provide annual deliveries of water to South Texas farmers and ranchers. In addition to securing more than $280 million in emergency assistance for Rio Grande Valley farmers and producers affected by the water shortage, he led a request last year to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio asking for renewed efforts to force Mexico to comply with the 1944 Water Treaty while also securing Secretary Rubio’s commitment to hold Mexico accountable for delays.

Previously, Sen. Cornyn sent a letter to NADBank urging for the restoration of their Water Infrastructure Fund, raised alarms after a Rio Grande sugarcane mill closed due to acute water shortages, cosponsored a resolution supporting diplomacy, and sent a letter to then-U.S. Secretary of State Blinken urging the Department to engage on Mexico’s violation of the intent of the treaty. Senator Cornyn also led a letter to the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on State and Foreign Operations urging them to withhold designated funds from Mexico until they enter into an agreement with the U.S. to balance the deficit of the water deliveries, which the House Appropriations Committee included in their funding bill. The Senator also introduced legislation last year to hold the Mexican government accountable for not meeting its water delivery requirements.

Under the Treaty Relating to the Utilization of Waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande, Mexico is obligated to deliver an average of 350,000 acre-feet of water annually over a five-year cycle as its contribution to the Rio Grande’s water supply. However, Mexico has consistently delayed fulfilling its water obligation until the end of the five-year cycle, which hinders South Texas farmers’ ability to plan for and grow crops as well as ranchers’ ability to provide water to livestock.


Sens. Cruz, Cornyn Introduce Stop Illegal Aliens Drunk Driving Act to Protect American Lives

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), and colleagues in introducing the Stop Illegal Aliens Drunk Driving Act. The legislation would strengthen current immigration laws to ensure that illegal aliens who drive drunk and kill or seriously injure someone can be arrested, detained, and removed from the United States as aggravated felons. Additionally, the bill would permanently bar those found guilty from obtaining an immigration status, such as asylum, or from holding a Green Card.

Sen. Cruz said, “This legislation closes a legal loophole that has prevented and would continue to prevent law enforcement from protecting Americans. It will directly contribute to making our communities safer, and I urge my colleagues to advance it without delay.”

Sen. Cornyn said, “Zero mercy should be shown to illegal aliens who not only defy our laws by unlawfully entering the country but also take it a step further to drive drunk, threatening American lives. By strengthening current immigration law to hold these offenders accountable, our bill sends a clear message: If you enter the country illegally and harm innocent citizens, we will find you, we will punish you, and we will make sure you never step foot on American soil again.”

The Stop Illegal Aliens Drunk Driving Act is endorsed by the Border Trade Alliance, the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), and NumbersUSA.

This legislation was cosponsored by Sens. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), and Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.).

Sen. Gallego said, “We can’t have a fair, orderly, and humane immigration system without clear rules that prevent dangerous criminals from remaining in our country. Drunk driving that results in severe injury or death is a serious and dangerous crime. Individuals who put lives at risk and endanger our communities should be held accountable.”

Sen. Budd said, “Driving under the influence of intoxicating substances can have serious life or death consequences, and any illegal alien who chooses to get behind the wheel in such a state should not remain in our country. I am proud to stand with Senator Cornyn and my colleagues to ensure that illegal aliens who commit such crimes are deported from and inadmissible to the U.S.”

Sen. Tillis said, “Illegal immigrants who drink and drive put innocent American lives at risk and should face serious consequences, including deportation. This legislation strengthens our laws to close dangerous loopholes and ensure those who commit serious criminal offenses are swiftly removed from our country.”

Sen. Lummis said, “The Trump administration is sending a clear signal to all criminal illegal aliens: you are not welcome in the United States. Too many American lives have been taken because illegal immigrants who should never have been in our country were driving under the influence on our roads. I am proud to support Senator John Cornyn’s legislation that puts public safety first, ends the cycle of excuses for criminal behavior, and ensures that illegal immigrants convicted of DUI are removed.”

Sen. Kennedy said, “It’s bad enough to commit a crime by crossing our border illegally—but it’s beyond inexcusable for illegal immigrants to put innocent people in harm’s way by driving under the influence. We’ve seen far too many American lives cut short by drunk drivers who shouldn’t even be in our country, and we ought to use every tool in our arsenal to make sure these tragedies never happen again. The Stop Illegal Aliens Drunk Driving Act will ensure illegal immigrants who hurt or kill people by driving under the influence are met with the full force of the law, and I’m proud to help introduce it.”

Sen. Schmitt said, “Driving under the influence and entering the United States illegally are both crimes that pose serious danger to the lives and livelihoods of American citizens. Any illegal who is caught driving drunk is doing both and should be immediately deported and never allowed to re-enter the United States. Our immigration and transportation laws must be enforced.”

Sen. Lankford said, “People who are not legally present in this country should be removed, especially if they have been convicted of driving under the influence. Federal law should be clear that no illegal alien should ever have a second DUI conviction.”

Sen Mullin said, "This common-sense measure is long overdue. Too many lives have been lost to reckless, drunk and impaired drivers. We certainly shouldn't add to that tragic number by allowing illegal aliens to have a pass for endangering drivers on American roads. Illegal aliens convicted of driving drunk and harming our citizens have no place in this country. In fact, these criminals should move to the very FRONT of the deportation line and be on the first flight home. Full stop."

Read the bill text here.

BACKGROUND

For decades, illegal alien drunk drivers have taken innocent American lives on our roadways. While current law requires such aliens be removed from the United States if convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated or impaired (DWI), there are many cases of criminal illegal aliens reentering the United States and committing additional DUI and DWI crimes.

The Stop Illegal Aliens Drunk Driving Act would help address this crisis and hold criminal illegal aliens accountable by classifying DWIs and DUIs resulting in death or serious bodily injury as aggravated felonies under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), ensuring that criminal alien offenders are deported and precluded from getting immigration status, including asylum and Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status.


Daines on Fox Business: Regime Change in Iran is “A Berlin Wall Moment for the Middle East”

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today joined Fox Business to discuss President Trump’s “Peace Through Strength” policy and its success around the world.

Watch the full interview HERE.

Daines on regime change in Iran:

Let’s be clear, the Iranian people will drive the regime change regardless of any action taken by the United States. This is a Berlin Wall moment for the Middle East. If you’re 45 years old or younger, you’ve only grown up knowing there’s been an Ayatollah in charge in Iran, but I’m old enough to remember, you are as well, Larry, that we used to have Iran as an ally of the United States. The Iranians were helping us in the Middle East. They were helping us push back on the Soviet influence in the Middle East. This is a remarkable moment. And, by the way, it’s not by accident. It’s been very intentional because of great leaders like President Trump and Bibi Netanyahu with moral clarity. They’ve been very decisive. They understand what it takes here to restore true peace and prosperity in the Middle East, and you think about the [Iranian] regime, not the people, but the regime is the leading state sponsor of terror in the world. Let’s not forget this. Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis exist because of this current regime. So, thank God for the resolve of President Trump, for the B-2 bombers that hit Fordow, for the message being sent. The oil field revenues have been declining putting Iran in a crisis economically speaking. This is a moment that’s been set up, and we pray and hope for the change coming here in Iran. It’ll break the right way and really restore freedom and liberty to the great people of Iran.

Daines on President Trump’s Peace Through Strength policies:

One thing I do know for certain is that the Democrats under Obama and under Biden, their appeasement strategy with these dictators is a failed strategy. You can’t win through appeasement. There’s one thing places like Iran, Colombia, Cuba, Venezuela understand, and that’s strength. They respect strength, they exploit weakness. And so, what it needs in Cuba is a spark. And once the people understand it’s going to be okay for them to challenge the regime, you have these major disconnects between the leadership and the people. I would say Iran probably has the greatest of any country in the world between what the Ayatollah thinks and the rest of the people believe. Iran generally is a pro-U.S., pro-west country. But the leadership is out of touch. I think in Cuba, similarly you’ve got the people there that are waiting for that spark. Don’t underestimate Marco Rubio.

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Durbin Calls On Republicans To Extend ACA Enhanced Premium Tax Credits

Last week, in a bipartisan vote, the House overcame GOP objections to pass a bill extending ACA enhanced premium tax credits for three years to prevent millions of Americans from losing health care coverage

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today took to the Senate floor to urge Senate Republicans to join Senate Democrats in voting to extend the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits. As Durbin made clear in his remarks, millions of Americans have relied on these tax credits to afford their health insurance, yet Republican lawmakers opted to allow the ACA enhanced premium tax credits to expire.

“Against the direction and wishes of the Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, 17 House Republicans joined every Democrat in the House to vote for an extension of the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced premium tax credits,” Durbin began.

Durbin emphasized the importance of these enhanced premium tax credits, which have allowed millions of Americans, including upwards of 500,000 Illinoisans, to afford their health insurance. Without these enhanced premium tax credits, more than four million Americans are expected to lose their health care coverage this year, while millions more will see their premiums double or triple.

“Last year, 22 million Americans relied on these tax credits to be able to afford their health insurance. But on January 1st, those credits expired because the Republican-controlled Congress refused to extend them.Because these tax credits have lapsed, millions of Americans are being forced to drop their health insurance or to pay double or triple for their health care plans.Families are already struggling with the expenses they face every single day – grocery prices, electric bills, mortgage payments. We shouldn’t add health insurance to that list,” Durbin said.

Durbin concluded his remarks by calling on his Senate colleagues to work across the aisle to find a path forward that would extend these enhanced premium tax credits and help millions of Americans afford their health care.

“The House has done its part. The only barrier to putting a bill on the President’s desk is this body, the United States Senate. Last month, Senate Democrats voted to extend the tax credits. Four Republicans joined us, but we fell short of the 13 we needed to get the job done. Now we have another chance. There is no excuse for further delay. We can act this week to avoid this health care catastrophe,” Durbin said. “I’ve spoken to colleagues on both sides of the aisle who have said that they want to make health care more affordable… Extending the premium tax credits is the only way to do that immediately.”

“Let’s come together on a bipartisan basis and surprise everybody. We can help provide Americans with the peace of mind that their families need to give them coverage if there’s a bad diagnosis, an accident, a tough hospitalization,” Durbin concluded his remarks.

To combat the rising cost of health care, congressional Democrats implemented ACA enhanced premium tax credits through the American Rescue Plan in 2021 and extended them in the Inflation Reduction Act through the end of 2025. As a result of these enhanced premium tax credits, the number of Americans covered on the ACA’s marketplace increased from 11 million in 2020 to 24 million in 2025. Despite millions of Americans relying on these enhanced premium tax credits, most congressional Republicans have refused to act to extend them, consequently threatening health care coverage for Americans that cannot otherwise afford to pay for their premiums. This is in addition to the nearly $1 trillion in cuts congressional Republicans made to Medicaid in the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which was passed at the direction of President Trump in order to fund tax breaks for billionaires.

Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.

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Durbin Statement On Federal Prosecutors Opening Inquiry Into Fed Chair Powell

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement after reports that the U.S. Attorney’s office in the District of Columbia has opened a criminal investigation into Jerome Powell, the Federal Reserve chair:

“The Fed is an independent body—and that drives President Trump crazy. He wants to weaponize every tool of government against perceived opponents of his unpopular agenda, and his lackeys at the Department of Justice unabashedly embrace and execute his worst instincts. We must keep fighting back against politicization, intimidation, and retribution in the White House and the Department of Justice.”

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Durbin Warns Of Crypto Risks Ahead Of Senate Committee Markups

As the Senate Banking & Agriculture Committees plan to consider crypto market structure legislation, Durbin states: “rushing this process poses a serious danger to the U.S. financial system”

WASHINGTON – As the Senate Banking and Agriculture Committees consider cryptocurrency market structure legislation this week, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Durbin, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, urged the Committee Chairmans to work across the aisle to explore proper protections and regulations in the crypto market before moving forward. In his remarks, Durbin noted that crypto assets are a risky, volatile, and unpredictable investment.

Durbin said, “While we await the release of the bill text, let me be clear: a strong crypto market structure bill must include the following provisions: ensure protections for investors, especially retail consumers; protect victims from fraud and crypto ATM scams; strengthen our financial stability; provide strong guardrails against money laundering; and prevent the President and his family from further enriching themselves.”

During his speech, Durbin reflected on the 2008 financial crisis which was spurred, in large part, by risky, subprime mortgages. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has stated that “Financial innovation and deregulation contributed to an environment in which the U.S. and global financial systems became […] far less stable than in previous decades.”

Durbin continued, “In the wake of this [the 2008 financial crisis], Congress moved to prevent a future crisis. We passed the Dodd-Frank [Act], providing much needed reforms to the financial system that protected consumers and increased accountability of Wall Street. But it has been nearly 16 years since Dodd-Frank was signed into law, and the financial system in America has changed dramatically. Today, it is the rise of cryptocurrency—a risky, volatile, and unpredictable investment—that requires meaningful regulation.”

The crypto industry has wide reach, with its value exceeding $4 trillion in 2025. Estimates show that the industry has 40 to 70 million active users each month.

“Naturally, the crypto industry is calling for rubber stamp regulation of this asset in the name of ‘innovation.’ Sound familiar? It’s the same reasoning the FDIC gave as the cause for the Great Recession. What does this mean? The next crypto crash could wipe out not just the fat cats, but a lot of working families—just like in 2008,” said Durbin.

Durbin then criticized the Trump Administration for failing to put in place common sense guardrails that would fend off another market collapse. Since returning to office, financial regulators like the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have dropped lawsuits against some of the largest, most dubious crypto companies, creating an environment of unaccountability.

“President Trump has pushed for deregulation of financial markets, including by taking his chainsaw to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in the name of ‘government efficiency.’ He has pardoned crypto executives that have allowed funds to flow to terrorists, drug cartels, and cybercriminals. And Trump has personally enriched himself, to the tune of nearly one billion dollars in just the first half of 2025, through crypto scams like memecoins,” said Durbin.

Durbin then spoke about crypto ATMs. Durbin previously introduced the Crypto ATM Fraud Prevention Act to help prevent scammers from stealing Americans’ savings through cryptocurrency schemes. Durbin’s legislation aims to crack down on crypto scams by adding layers of protections to crypto ATM transactions and requiring greater transparency from cryptocurrency ATM operators.

“These scams swindle unsuspecting Americans, usually senior citizens, who receive a phone call telling them that they owe taxes to the IRS or a penalty for missing jury duty. The scammer tells the victim that they can pay what they owe at a crypto ATM. Little does the victim know that the money they deposit into the crypto ATM [machine] is transferred to the criminal’s digital wallet… The FBI estimates that in 2025, victims lost more than $333 million to scams facilitated by crypto ATMs,” Durbin continued.

Durbin concluded by calling on Congress to meaningfully regulate the crypto industry and address the scams—noting Congress cannot make the same mistakes that leads up to the 2008 financial crisis.

Durbin said, “And we cannot expect taxpayers to support a multi-billion-dollar bailout for the crypto industry if there’s a crypto crash. Capitulating to the crypto industry and the self-imposed rush to mark up these forthcoming crypto market structure bills comes at the direction of a President who is trying to enrich himself.”

Durbin concluded, “As the Senate Banking and Agriculture Committees consider cryptocurrency [legislation], I advise Chairmans Scott and Boozman to work across the aisle to explore proper protections and regulations in the crypto market. Rushing this process is unwise and poses a serious danger to the U.S. financial system.”

Durbin has continuously raised concerns about the inclusion of crypto in retirement accounts, especially how it exposes plan participants to unnecessary risk and could have devastating impacts. Following the collapse of FTX, Durbin urged Fidelity Investments to reconsider its decision to allow 401(k) plan sponsors to offer plan participants exposure to Bitcoin.

Last June, Durbin sent a letter to Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer urging the Department to reverse a recent action to rescind guidance warning of the risks of offering cryptocurrency in employees’ 401(k) plans. Last April, Durbin sent a letter urging Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche to reverse the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) recent decisions to effectively terminate the Department’s cryptocurrency investigations and prosecutions.

Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.

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ICYMI: Gallego Talks About Immigration Enforcement in Phoenix

PHOENIX – In Phoenix last weekend, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) met with Arizonans across the Valley and took questions from local media on the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement and a potential ICE crackdown in Phoenix.

Senator Gallego’s stops included a visit to the Visionary Boxing Club to meet with boxing legend David Benavidez and a visit to the Desert West Market in Avondale to speak with small business owners.

Senator Gallego meets with David Benavidez, the Mexican Monster, at Visionary Boxing Club in Phoenix

See coverage below:

On the Airwaves

Arizona’s Family (Phoenix, AZ):

Senator Gallego: “When you’re using a weapon, you have to understand the full gravity of that.”

Reporter: “New cell phone video [of the Minnesota ICE shooting] was released this afternoon, that video was taken by the ICE agent himself. Gallego questioned why a trained immigration agent would shoot a video with his phone and hold a weapon at the same time. He said he hopes President Trump will rethink how these operations are carried out.”

Senator Gallego: “I wish the president would understand there is ways to have security, have immigration enforcement, have border security, without these type of methods they’re doing, which is scaring and bringing chaos to our neighborhoods.”

Fox 10 (Phoenix, AZ):

Reporter: “Senator Ruben Gallego held a media event today at his office in Phoenix. He calls the ICE crackdowns racial profiling and talked about what Democrats might do in response.”

Senator Gallego: “We’re going to look at the appropriations process — or any other process — to figure out how to pen these guys in to make sure they’re not abusing American citizens, that they’re focusing on criminals and not going after these people that just are here working and other than that have no criminal record. But it is a tough situation when this administration is more focused on causing harm than actually bringing security.”

Watch more:

Rico on Your Radio on Fuego 106.7 FM

Fox 10 (Phoenix, AZ)

Univision Arizona (Phoenix, AZ)

Telemundo Arizona (Phoenix, AZ)

Felipe Corral TV

In Print

Arizona Republic: Sen. Ruben Gallego warns AZ ‘cooks, mechanics’ ICE is targeting them [Ron Hansen, 1/9/26]

KJZZ: Gallego calls on Arizonans to be prepared after reports that ICE could target Phoenix[Wayne Schutsky, 1/9/26]

AZ Mirror: Gallego calls for ICE reforms as Phoenix braces for possible immigration enforcement sweep [Jerod MacDonald-Evoy, 1/9/26]

ABC15: Sen. Gallego reacts to ICE shooting, addresses reports of possible Phoenix operations [Adam Klepp 1/9/26]

Arizona Republic: Sen. Ruben Gallego says US attack on Venezuela like ‘deja vu’ [Megan Mendoza, 1/9/26]

KJZZ: Health care subsidy renewal splits Arizona congressional delegation along party lines [Wayne Schutsky, 1/9/26]

1/12/26


Gillibrand Statement On Legal Intimidation Against Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) released the following statement on legal intimidation against Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell:

“A government that demands blind obedience through punishment is the hallmark of authoritarian regimes, not America.

“I oppose the wanton act of legal intimidation against Federal Reserve Chair Powell and will continue to support the vigorous independence of the Federal Reserve. In the first year of this administration, its economic and legal campaign of fear, punishment, and chaos have failed the American people. Costs are rising, trust has fallen, and the American people and businesses are being hurt. This ridiculous and blatant abuse of power does not just hurt the Federal Reserve, but threatens the stability of the American economy.

“As Chairman Powell made clear, the administration’s legal targeting of him ‘is about whether the Fed will be able to continue to set interest rates based on evidence and economic conditions—or whether instead monetary policy will be directed by political pressure or intimidation.’ Regardless of party, I urge my colleagues to stand for the independence of our justice system and Federal Reserve to protect our economy and the American people.”

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Capitol Hill Report, 01-12-26

Senator Grassley’s weekly Capitol Hill Report is available HERE.

Topics include: Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funding, UnitedHealth Group’s Medicare billing practices, 2025 achievements and priorities for 2026, Grassley staff changes and the Afghan evacuee hearing.


Grassley Report Details UnitedHealth’s Record of Appearing to Game the Medicare Advantage System, Turning Risk Adjustment into Its Own Business

Report based on over 50,000 pages of UnitedHealth Group documents provided to Grassley

WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) released a majority staff report exposing UnitedHealth Group’s (UHG) record of what appears to be gaming the Medicare Advantage (MA) system, turning risk adjustment into its own business and siphoning off taxpayer money in breach of the program’s original intent. Grassley is a senior member and former chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. He currently chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee.

The report, “How UnitedHealth Group Puts the Risk in Medicare Advantage Risk Adjustment,” is based on a review of over 50,000 pages of UHG documents provided in response to Grassley’s congressional oversight requests, including internal training materials, policies, software documentation and audit tools. It shows how the company uses certain resources and strategies to capture a higher number of diagnoses and diagnosis codes than any other Medicare Advantage organization (MAO), resulting in higher payments from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) than any of its peers.

“Medicare Advantage is an important option for America's seniors, but as the program adds more patients and spends billions in taxpayer dollars, Congress has a responsibility to conduct aggressive oversight. Bloated federal spending to UnitedHealth Group is not only hurting the Medicare Advantage program, it’s harming the American taxpayer. My investigation has shown UnitedHealth Group appears to be gaming the system and abusing the risk adjustment process to turn a steep profit. Taxpayers and patients deserve accurate, clear-cut and fair risk adjustment processes,” Grassley said.

Read the full report HERE, and view the documents released by Grassley below:

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Background:

More than half of Medicare beneficiaries are currently enrolled in Medicare Part C, known as Medicare Advantage (MA). CMS pays each MAO a monthly, risk-adjusted amount for each beneficiary enrolled in their plans.

The MA risk adjustment is meant to pay MAOs more for sicker enrollees with higher health care expenditures, so MAOs will not avoid enrolling sicker patients. The MA risk adjustment is based on enrollees’ diagnoses, as well as demographics. This means enrollees with more diagnoses generally have higher risk scores and generate higher relative monthly payments for MAOs. MAOs with more resources and superior strategies like UHG can capture more diagnoses and diagnosis codes to receive higher payments than less-resourced organizations. This seems contrary to the sixth principle of CMS’s Hierarchical Condition Categories (CMS-HCC), “the diagnostic classification should not reward coding proliferation.”

Key Findings:

Staff discovered UHG uses aggressive strategies to maximize its risk adjustment scores, appearing to leverage its size, vertical integration and data analytic capabilities to stay ahead of crackdowns by CMS aimed at counteracting overpayments due to coding intensity.

The company’s outsized influence among MAOs creates its own concerns. As UHG sells its insights and workforce to other MAOs, the company’s actions in response to CMS changes to the risk adjustment model can rapidly permeate the entire MA industry.

Key Finding One: UHG’s Specialized Workforce Designed to Drive the Scheme

UHG’s robust diagnosis capture workforce is enhanced by the company’s substantial data assets and AI capabilities, including the following:

Nurse practitioners employed or contracted by UHG to visit enrollees in their homes and assess current health status (known as in-home health risk assessments or HRAs);

Coders employed or contracted by UHG to conduct secondary chart reviews of external medical records to identify documented conditions not listed on invoices;

External providers paid or incentivized by UHG to assess enrollees for certain diagnoses and submit the corresponding diagnosis codes (known as “pay-for-coding"); and

Formally and informally integrated primary care providers and specialists whose diagnosis capture workflows are controlled by UHG.

UHG’s workforce does more than capture diagnoses used to maximize risk scores. Its in-home HRA providers also screen enrollees, including those in rural areas, for conditions using point-of-care technologies, which reduces barriers and expands access to care.

Other MAOs contract with UHG to provide in-home HRAs to their enrollees, to retrieve and review the charts of their enrollees and to support their own pay-for-coding programs.

Key Finding Two: UHG’s Ability to Rapidly Adapt to CMS Crackdowns

UHG appears uniquely suited to continuously identify new opportunities to capture untapped risk score-garnering diagnoses, due to its enhanced data assets, AI capabilities and clinical documentation expertise. These opportunities can occur when UHG identifies, in part, through reviews of research studies and recommendations from clinical societies:

New screening practices or technologies;

Diagnoses that can be made based on probability rather than definitive testing;

Diagnoses that can be reflexively applied in the presence of other diagnoses; and

Diagnoses that do not have well-defined diagnostic thresholds.

UHG deploys its in-home HRA, pay-for-coding and integrated provider workforce to capture these targeted diagnoses using the company’s circumscribed screening guidelines and diagnostic criteria, with the support of data analytics.

UHG-aligned providers document the diagnoses and the criteria supporting the diagnoses in UHG enrollees’ medical records, and UHG-aligned medical coders code the diagnoses in alignment with the company’s coding guidelines.

UHG sells its diagnostic criteria and coding guidelines to other MAOs, creating new “standard” definitions for these diagnoses and diagnosis codes within the MA space.

With no universally recognized, clear-cut criteria for defining many diagnoses and codes, it is difficult to determine if the criteria perpetuated by UHG is appropriate.

Examples:

Opioids:

Based on the documents provided, UHG guidance tells providers to diagnose “physical dependence” of opioids in patients who take prescribed opioids as directed and would have withdrawal syndrome due to “abrupt cessation” or “rapid dose reduction.” Meaning, an enrollee does not need to have experienced withdrawal symptoms to receive the diagnosis. By doing so, UHG can capture certain diagnostic codes for opioid dependence that apply to moderate and severe opioid use disorder, even in patients taking prescribed opioid medications as directed for pain.

Alcohol Use Disorder:

Based on the documents provided, UHG has directed its providers to diagnose patients with “alcohol use, unspecified” and “unspecified alcohol-induced disorder” if an alcohol disorder is present but definitive criteria for either “abuse” or “dependence” cannot be determined.

While UHG guidance states the diagnosis can be made based on the results of alcohol use disorder screening tools (including the four-question CAGE questionnaire), the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), recognized as the authoritative guide on diagnostic criteria for mental disorders, states a positive CAGE result is not sufficient to make a substance use disorder diagnosis.

In cases when a provider does not change an auto-populated alcohol dependency diagnosis with a more appropriate one within the system, the potentially erroneous diagnosis could stick with the patient in perpetuity. This is due to UHG’s instruction directing providers to diagnose enrollees with a past medical history of alcohol dependence with an “alcohol dependence, in remission” diagnosis.

Dementia:

The Alzheimer’s Association recommends screening Medicare beneficiaries for dementia each year through a combination of history-taking and a brief objective cognitive assessment. Patients with a positive screen should receive a full dementia evaluation to determine the appropriate diagnosis. However, based on the documents provided, UHG has taught its providers that dementia can generally be diagnosed with just two of the following: “abnormal [objective cognitive assessment], disorientation on [physical exam], memory problems on [review of systems], and loss of independence with [activities of daily living].”

In 2014, CMS removed dementia from its list of codes (CMS-HCC), partly due to concerns over upcoding. After CMS reintroduced the code in 2020, researchers found that “annual incident dementia diagnosis rates in MA increased by 11.5%” relative to traditional Medicare.

Past Grassley Actions:

Grassley chaired the Senate Finance Committee in 2003 when MA became law. Since then, he has been both an advocate and a watchdog for the MA program. Since 2015, he has pressed CMS and the Department of Justice to recover improper payments made to MAOs like UnitedHealth Group.

Last February, Grassley wrote to UnitedHealth, demanding detailed information on the company’s Medicare billing practices.

Grassley authored the 1986 legislation that strengthened the False Claims Act, which has recouped more than $78 billion for taxpayers since becoming law. In 2011, Benjamin Poehling, a former finance director at UHG, filed an ongoing suit under the False Claims Act (FCA), alleging when UHG used chart reviews and in-home HRAs to find opportunities to add codes, the company simultaneously ignored or failed to look for evidently inaccurate codes that were included in billing statements from healthcare providers. UHG would then allegedly submit these inaccurate codes to CMS to garner higher risk scores and MA payments.


Senator Hassan Helps Introduce Bill Empowering Students with Disabilities to Succeed in Higher Education

WASHINGTON – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) helped introduce the bipartisan Respond, Innovate, Succeed, and Empower (RISE) Act. This legislation would amend the Higher Education Act to eliminate the requirement that students with disabilities go through burdensome diagnostic testing if their disability is already documented. Senator Hassan introduced the legislation alongside Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jim Banks (R-IN), Todd Young (R-IN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Tina Smith (D-MN).

“Heading off to college is an exciting time, but for students with disabilities, it can also mean navigating barriers, unnecessary paperwork, and expensive tests to reestablish a documented disability,” said Senator Hassan. “This commonsense, bipartisan bill will help ease the transition from high school to college for students with disabilities, clarifying that colleges should accept the proof that students used in high school to establish disabilities, saving both students and universities time and money.”

“Students with disabilities have long-faced barriers to enter and succeed in higher education. The RISE Act would be a critical step forward to making higher education more accessible to learners with disabilities by streamlining the process to access critical accommodations to help them reach their educational goals,” said Lisa Marsh Ryerson, President, SNHU.

“No student should have to jump through extra hoops or incur extra costs to prove their disability,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This commonsense legislation removes unnecessary barriers for students with disabilities and gives them the resources they need to succeed in college.”

“This bill cuts unnecessary red tape and uses common sense to make sure students aren’t forced to jump through the same hoops twice. It lets them focus on learning instead of paperwork,” said Senator Banks.

The RISE Act is endorsed by the National Center for Learning Disabilities, American Council on Education, the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU), The Center of Higher Education Policy and Practice (CHEPP) at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), AHEAD - Association on Higher Education And Disability, All4Ed, American Psychological Association, Autism Society of America, Council for Learning Disabilities, EdTrust, Learning Disabilities Association of America, National Association of School Psychologists, National Disability Rights Network (NDRN), National Down Syndrome Society, SchoolHouse Connection, Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children, and The Advocacy Institute.

Read the full bill text here.

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Hawley Urges Congress to Pass His Legislation to Cap Credit Card Rates Following Trump Statement

WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) renewed his push for Congress to pass his legislation to cap credit card interest rates for working Americans. This comes after President Donald Trump called for a 10% cap on predatory credit card interest rates over the weekend.

“President Trump is right: working Americans are drowning in record credit card debt while the biggest credit card issuers get richer and richer by hiking their interest rates to the moon. It’s not just wrong, it’s exploitative. And it needs to end,” Senator Hawley said. “Congress should pass my bipartisan bill to cap these rates and deliver relief right away.”