IN CASE YOU MISSED IT… Sen. Rick Scott Joins Maria Bartiromo on Fox Business to Discuss Pres. Trump’s Successful Operation in Venezuela and His More Affordable Care Act Fix Obamacare Crisis

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In case you missed it, Senator Rick Scott joined Fox Business’ Mornings with Maria this morning applauding President Trump and the U.S. military’s incredible operation that led to the arrest of narco-terrorist dictator Nicolás Maduro and calling for the release of Maduro’s political prisoners in Venezuela. Senator Scott has fought alongside the Venezuelan for years to ensure their return to a free and democratic nation, and the president’s actions are the start of a new day of freedom for the people of Venezuela.

Senator Scott also discussed his work to pass his More Affordable Care Act to fix the health care crisis Obamacare created. The bill will work to drive down health care costs and empower Americans to take charge of their health care, increase transparency and competition in the system, and allow families to shop across state lines for the plan that best fits their families’ needs. Led by Republican Study Committee Chairman August Pfluger in the House, the members More Affordable Care Act also is an answer to President Trump’s call to send any federal support directly to families, and not to insurance companies, through new HSA-style Trump Health Freedom Accounts which will allow families to look for a plan that best suits their needs.

See more from Senator Scott during his interview with Fox Business HERE or below:

Senator Scott outlines his More Affordable Care Act in Fox News HERE and with Chairman Pfluger in the Washington Examiner HERE.

The More Affordable Care Act:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maintains protections for pre-existing conditions; and

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

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Sen. Rick Scott: One Year After the Palisades Fire, Residents Still Await Accountability and Answers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senators Rick Scott and Ron Johnson released the below statements on the one-year anniversary of the Palisades Fire. Senator Rick Scott, chairman of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, and Senator Ron Johnson, chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee’s Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), continue to lead an ongoing congressional investigation into the January 2025 wildfires.

In the coming weeks, PSI will hold a congressional hearing to hear from witnesses and experts about what went wrong in California’s wildfire preparedness, response, and recovery, which has left residents with zero accountability and unable to rebuild.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Today marks one year since the Palisades Fire ravaged homes, businesses, and tragically took the lives of 12 people. A year later, victims are still struggling to rebuild their homes and lives, and they have virtually no answers or accountability from local and state officials.

“I have spent the last several months talking to victims of the Palisades Fire, holding hearings, and giving voice to victims who feel like they’re being ignored or left behind. Despite billions of tax dollars being sent to California to help with fire prevention and recovery, we’ve heard these victims describe how state and local officials failed to protect or prepare for these fires, and how bureaucratic roadblocks and indecision have prevented them and their friends and neighbors from rebuilding their lives. Victims reported that fire hydrants ran dry, and many were left on their own to fight or flee as the fires tore through their neighborhoods. Even now, a year later, they face obstacle after obstacle, even from their own state and local governments and the insurance companies they paid for coverage, in their journey to rebuild.

“This is why Chairman Johnson and I launched our investigation: to get answers for the victims of the Palisades Fire and the American people, and to hold state and local officials accountable so this tragedy does not happen again. Together, Chairman Johnson and I have sent multiple letters to federal, state, and local officials seeking information on California’s preparedness, mitigation, and response failures — including prevention efforts, prescribed burns, arson investigations, and overall disaster response and recovery. Since our investigation opened, we have reviewed thousands of documents regarding the response to the fire. We recently held a hearing in the Palisades to hear directly from victims, and we will soon hold a hearing in D.C. to hear from witnesses on what went wrong in the Palisades.

“We need to get to the bottom of this tragedy, hold those who failed to protect the people of California from these devastating fires responsible, and bring accountability for the billions of American taxpayer dollars sent to California for fire prevention and recovery. We will continue to dig and fight until we have the answers the victims and the American people deserve.”

Senator Ron Johnson said, “Today, we remember the 12 people who lost their lives and the families and communities devastated by last year’s California wildfires. Much of the destruction was preventable, and Californians are still rebuilding their homes and their lives. Senator Scott and I are working to get to the bottom of this tragedy and hold state and local officials accountable for failing to protect the people of California from these devastating fires. This was an unacceptable failure of our government to protect the lives and property of our citizens.”

As part of their investigation, Chairmen Scott and Johnson have sent multiple letters to federal, state, and local officials seeking information on California’s preparedness, mitigation, and response failures — including prevention efforts, prescribed burns, arson investigations, and overall disaster response and recovery:

8/20/25: Sen. Rick Scott on X – Meeting with Spencer Pratt on the Ground

8/22/25: Sen. Rick Scott Thanks AG Bondi for Helping Victims and Requests Briefing on California Wildfire Investigation

8/26/25: Sen. Rick Scott to DHS: We Must Review CA Disaster Funding After State and Local Botched Response to Wildfires

8/28/25: Sen. Rick Scott to USDA: We Must Review CA Disaster Funding After State and Local Botched Response to Wildfires

9/3/25: Sen. Rick Scott in Letter to DOI: We Must Review CA Disaster Funding After State and Local Botched Response to Wildfires

9/8/25: Chairmen Rick Scott and Ron Johnson Announce Congressional Investigation of Deadly California Wildfire

9/9/25: Sen. Rick Scott Introduces Legislation to Provide Tax Relief for Victims of Hurricanes, Wildfires, & Other Natural Disasters

9/12/25: VIDEO RELEASE: Sens. Rick Scott, Ron Johnson: ‘We’re Going to Get to the Bottom of What Happened’ with Palisades Wildfire

9/15/25: Sen. Rick Scott’s Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act to Support Victims of Natural Disasters Gains Bipartisan Support

9/17/25: Sen. Rick Scott, Chair Ron Johnson Request Records from LAFD for Congressional Investigation into Pacific Palisades Wildfire

9/26/25: Sen. Rick Scott in Letter to DOT: We Must Review CA Disaster Funding After State and Local Botched Response to Wildfires

9/29/25: Sen. Rick Scott on X - Meeting with AG Pam Bondi on investigation

10/03/25: Sen. Rick Scott, Chair Ron Johnson Request Records from LADWP for Congressional Investigation into Pacific Palisades Wildfire

10/08/25: Sen. Rick Scott on X – Statement on the arrest of individual regarding Palisades fire

10/10/25: Sen. Rick Scott, Chair Ron Johnson Request Records from Mayor of LA for Congressional Investigation into Pacific Palisades Wildfire

10/16/25: Sen. Rick Scott Asks Treasury Sec. Bessent to Review China’s Land Grab in Fire-Ravaged California

10/20/25: Sen. Rick Scott, Chair Ron Johnson Send Letter to LA City Council President Requesting Records into Pacific Palisades Wildfire, City’s Efforts to Redevelop Affected Areas

11/12/25: Sen. Rick Scott, Chair Ron Johnson Pen Letter to California Parks and Rec Director Ahead of Field Hearing on Pacific Palisades Wildfires

11/13/25: Chairmen Rick Scott, Ron Johnson Lead Field Hearing in California on Palisades Fire; Examining Impact on Seniors and Survivors’ Ongoing Recovery Efforts

12/3/25: As Sen. Rick Scott Leads Congressional Investigation into California’s Response to Palisades Wildfire and Use of Tax Dollars, Gov. Newsom Visits DC Asking for More

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Schatz: $14 Million Heading To Hawai‘i Island To Repair, Upgrade Fire Station, Help Strengthen Emergency Response At Pōhakuloa, Surrounding Areas

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today announced that the Department of Defense has awarded $14 million to repair a fire station at Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA) on Hawai‘i Island. While the station primarily serves PTA, existing mutual aid agreements allow the PTA Fire Department to respond to fires and other emergencies within 25 miles of its base and island-wide when requested.

“This new funding will help upgrade fire station facilities at PTA so that firefighters can better respond to emergencies in the area, fight fires more effectively, and help save lives and protect communities across Hawai‘i Island,” said Senator Schatz.

The funding will be used to make repairs to architectural and structural elements at PTA Fire Station Building 390, restoring the fire station to full operational capacity.

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Schatz: Trump Is Knowingly Dragging Us Into Another Conflict

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today spoke on the Senate floor against President Trump’s illegal incursion into Venezuela.

“The parallels to Iraq are alarmingly obvious,” said Senator Schatz. “The Justice Department can dress this up in charges of narcoterrorism. Secretary Rubio can talk about the promise of a better life for Venezuelans as a secondary effect. But Trump is being very explicit about the main goal. It’s the oil.”

Senator Schatz continued, “It turns out, Trump is basically George W. Bush, but with the corruption ratcheted up. How else do you explain the administration talking to oil companies before the strikes, but not Congress? We know how this is likely to end, and it will not be good for us.”

A transcript of Senator Schatz’s remarks is below. Video is available here.

No regime change wars. No regime change wars. I heard it from leftists. I heard it from right-wing people. I heard it from Bernie Sanders. I heard it from Donald John Trump. No regime change wars. And yet, here we go again.

Almost 25 years ago, George W. Bush and Dick Cheney cooked up claims of Saddam Hussein having weapons of mass destruction to justify going into Iraq. Last month, just 2 weeks before ordering the capture of Nicolás Maduro, Donald Trump designated fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction. Fentanyl is terrible. It is not a weapon of mass destruction.

It was Donald Rumsfeld all those years ago who falsely claimed that there was “bulletproof” evidence linking Saddam Hussein to Al Qaeda. Marco Rubio has spent the past few months accusing Maduro of leading a cartel that even our own DEA doesn’t recognize. And just like the Bush administration insisted early on that oil revenue, not American taxpayers, would cover the cost of reconstruction in Iraq, Trump is hoping people will buy the fantasy that his incursion into Venezuela will be cost-free.

The parallels to Iraq are alarmingly obvious. And in fact, according to Trump himself, here’s the only way the situations are different. ‘The difference between Iraq and this is that Bush didn’t keep the oil. We’re going to keep the oil.’ He couldn’t be any clearer. The Justice Department can dress this up in charges of narcoterrorism. Secretary Rubio can talk about the promise of a better life for Venezuelans as a secondary effect. But Trump is being very explicit about the main goal. It’s the oil.

This is the same guy who, for 10 years and over 3 presidential runs, made not getting into wars a central premise of his campaign. And it scrambled the political coalitions – it really did. There were a lot of young veterans who came back from Iraq and Afghanistan and said, ‘What the hell is the Democratic Party even for if not to be the party of peace?’ That doesn't mean that we're opposed to the use of force in all situations. But as Barack Obama used to say, ‘I'm not opposed to all wars. I'm just opposed to dumb wars.’ And we got away from that. And Donald Trump seized that opportunity because he saw those young men and women who came home injured, physical and mental injuries, trying to reintegrate into society and say, ‘What was all that for? We have to stop regime change wars.’ And that's why he beat Hillary Clinton.

But it turns out, Trump is basically George W. Bush, but with the corruption ratcheted up. How else do you explain the administration talking to oil companies before the strikes, but not Congress? Talking to oil companies before the strikes, but not Congress. The Gang of Eight – not all of us. I understand 535 of us can't be briefed on an ongoing, kinetic, risky military operation. I'm an adult here. I don't think we have a right to know – all 535 of us. But there's a thing called the Gang of Eight, and they are supposed to be trusted with the most sensitive national security information. And they were not trusted with the national security information in real-time. But you know who was trusted with that national security information? We think oil executives. This is not an accusation I am making. This is an assertion that the president is making – that they were in on it before the kinetic engagement.

There is no reasonable explanation for this. We know how this is likely to end, and it will not be good for us. We paid a mighty price for our blunder in Iraq – in the thousands of lives lost, the trillions of dollars spent, and the untold new problems in the region and elsewhere. And in response, as a country, we said: no more. No more war, but especially not when our fundamental national interests are not at stake. And yet, Donald Trump is now knowingly, enthusiastically dragging us into another conflict again.

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WATCH: Slotkin Delivers Remarks on the Bipartisan War Powers Resolution on Venezuela

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin delivered remarks in support of the bipartisan War Powers Resolution that would bar further U.S. military action in Venezuela without congressional authorization. This comes after President Trump’s actions in Venezuela last weekend, and the capture of Nicolas Maduro.

“Whether you go in trying to do a limited military operation or not, at the end of the day, it’s American sons and daughters from places like Michigan that are called up to create calm, to create stability. This Administration has been very open about the fact that they now believe they own Venezuela. I stand here as a Senator, yes. But also, as someone who has seen this movie in other places,” said Slotkin on the floor of the U.S. Senate.

WATCH THE SPEECH ON YOUTUBE HERE

DOWNLOAD HERE

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U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s Statement on ICE Killing of Minnesota Civilian

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) released the following statement after the killing of a Minnesota civilian at the hands of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minneapolis:

“First, I want to express my deepest sympathy to the family and loved ones of Renee Nicole Good, a U.S. citizen, a mother, and a Twin Cities resident who was killed by ICE this morning. I can’t imagine the grief you are enduring.

“Like so many Minnesotans, I am heartbroken and angry. It is incredibly scary when a United States citizen can be shot and killed in her car by federal law enforcement. And it is disgusting when President Trump and Secretary Noem recklessly spin us with a story that this woman was dangerous and a domestic terrorist, apparently excusing this violence with no investigation. I’m grateful for the neighbors who were eyewitnesses to what was really happening on the ground. Now, we need a full and unbiased investigation conducted jointly by federal and state law enforcement to get all the facts and to get justice and accountability.

“But today, ICE must end this operation now, and leave Minnesota. Their presence is a clear and present threat that is terrorizing our community. To be clear, in Minnesota we are pro-public safety, and ICE is making us less safe.

“Finally, I urge my fellow Minnesotans to exercise your free speech rights in ways that show the best of who we are. We should not fall into the trap that Donald Trump is laying for us to foment chaos rather than peace, justice and accountability.”

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Sullivan, Murkowski, Begich Introduce Bycatch Reduction & Research Act

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski, and Congressman Nick Begich (all R-Alaska), have introduced the Bycatch Reduction and Research Act. The legislation, which builds on Sen. Sulivan’s landmark Alaska Salmon Research Task Force Act, would improve marine environmental data collection, particularly in the Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands, and Gulf of Alaska; prioritize technology that supports research, bycatch reduction, and protection of marine seafloor habitat; advance, streamline, and enhance electronic monitoring and electronic reporting in United States fisheries; and establish a fund to provide financial assistance for the deployment of gear and technology for reducing bycatch and marine seafloor habitat contact from trawl fishing gear.

“In recent years, Alaskans have witnessed unprecedented declines among some fish and crab species in parts of the state while, in other parts, runs have been strong and historic,” said Sen. Sullivan. “We need to get to the bottom of all potential causes of this increased variability, including concerns about bycatch and trawl gear habitat impacts, to strengthen the sustainability of our fisheries. My Bycatch Reduction and Research Act will continue to close the research gaps—building on the important work that was started by the Alaska Salmon Research Task Force Act, bolster our data collection, monitoring and reporting capabilities, improve the use of electronic monitoring technologies, and rapidly advance the use of equipment that will reduce bycatch. I urge my colleagues to advance this important legislation aimed at deepening our understanding of the unprecedented variability of our fish and crab stocks and reducing the incidence of bycatch.”

“Alaska’s fisheries are facing unprecedented challenges as our marine ecosystems are changing faster than ever before,” said Sen. Murkowski. “The Bycatch Reduction and Research Act of 2025 builds on the important work already underway by closing critical data gaps, strengthening research, and investing in practical tools that help fishermen reduce bycatch while protecting critical habitat. This thoughtful, science-based approach brings together researchers, managers, and industry to better understand what’s happening in our waters and ensure Alaska’s fisheries remain sustainable for generations to come.”

“The Bycatch Reduction and Research Act is an important first step toward putting Alaska fisheries on a more sustainable path by addressing the lack of abundance and impacts of trawl bycatch,” said Congressman Begich. “This legislation reflects what Alaskans have asked for: greater transparency, better monitoring, and practical solutions that involve fishermen and their expertise. By modernizing electronic monitoring, improving real-time genetic stock identification, and investing in new gear and technology that reduce bycatch and habitat impacts, this legislation supports innovation without placing additional burdens on small operators. Importantly, this bill helps fishermen be part of the solution - testing new gear and providing financial assistance to reduce bycatch and habitat. This legislation focuses on what must come first: better data and better tools. While this legislation does not solve every challenge facing Alaska fisheries overnight, by strengthening transparency and technology, this bill lays the groundwork for smarter management decisions and stronger future action to restore abundance and sustain our fishing families and communities.”

Alaska Stakeholder Support

“The Yukon River Drainage Fisheries Association supports this legislation as a vital step to address significant data and research deficiencies, particularly within the Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands, and Gulf of Alaska,” said Serena Fitka, executive director for the Yukon River Drainage Fisheries Association (YRDFA) and an Arctic Yukon Kuskokwim Working Group member of the Alaska Salmon Research Task Force. “This action is essential due to the critically low abundance of salmon stocks returning to western Alaska to spawn. By investing in the necessary science and monitoring tools to close existing research gaps, we can effectively address the concerns facing our wild salmon populations. This benefits not only the people of Alaska who rely on these resources but also the entire fishing industry.”

“I applaud Senator Sullivan for introducing this Bycatch Reduction and Research Act,” said Captain Bob Candopoulos, Alaskan sportfish and charter leader and owner of Saltwater Safari Company. “Last summer, I raised my concerns with him about our state’s bycatch challenges, and we had a productive discussion about using innovative technologies including improved fishing gear designs, sensors, and other tools to help reduce bycatch and protect the ocean floor. I appreciate how he took my ideas seriously and moved quickly to incorporate them into this legislation. It is encouraging to see my concerns reflected in this bill, and how he proactively continues to address bycatch by taking meaningful steps to ensure the long-term sustainability of our fisheries.”

“There is clear and growing concern across Alaska about the impact of bottom trawling on seafloor habitat and the fisheries important to Alaskans,” said Linda Behnken, executive director of the Alaska Longline Fishermen's Association. “Senator Sullivan's bill responds to that concern by providing funding for research and technology to reduce these impacts. Our members applaud Senators Sullivan and Murkowski's investment in reducing bycatch and the impacts of bottom trawling.”

“Senator Sullivan's bycatch bill takes action to address research gaps, prioritize technology advances, and provide funds for bycatch reduction and habitat protections,” said Gabriel Prout, third generation Bering Sea crab fisherman and president of Alaska Bering Sea Crabbers. “These actions are exactly the types of things needed to keep Alaska's fisheries healthy.”

“As the largest and leading advocacy organization for sportfishing in Alaska, we work closely with the angling community and we see firsthand the importance of gathering the best available science to inform policy decisions,” said Shannon Martin, executive director of Kenai River Sportfishing Association. “This legislation would provide much needed funding to bridge critical data and research gaps and would meaningfully benefit Alaska’s fishery resources, the marine environment, and all fishing industry user groups. In particular, we appreciate that this bill provides measures for salmon tagging and genetic sampling research in the Gulf of Alaska, along with enhanced observer coverage in the commercial fishery through electronic monitoring. These provisions directly enhance KRSA’s mission to ensure the long-term sustainability of Alaska’s fisheries by strengthening data collection and management tools and represent a critical step forward in responding to the ongoing decline of Alaska Chinook salmon stocks.”

“As both a commercial fisherman and a salmon scientist, I see the consequences of changing ocean conditions and management uncertainty on the water and in our communities,” said Michelle Stratton, executive director of the Alaska Marine Conservation Council and a member of the Alaska Salmon Research Task Force in 2023. “This legislation comes at a pivotal time. Our coastal communities and food systems need thriving fisheries, and for that we need thriving ecosystems. The Act is a bridge between the two, supporting marine research, improved transparency, and practical tools for necessary reductions in bycatch and habitat impacts. By directly linking improved data and monitoring to fishery management decisions, this legislation helps ensure sustainable salmon fisheries while protecting fishing livelihoods and food security across Alaska.”

Background

Several fish and crustacean species that spend all or part of their life in the marine environment have been experiencing increased variability in their productivity and abundance. The legislation builds on recommendations identified by the Alaska Salmon Research Task Force, which sought to disentangle environmental and human-caused factors that may be contributing to species declines and survivability, including bycatch in the marine environment. The task force was originally convened as a result of legislation authored by Sen. Sullivan, which was signed into law in December 2022.

Among other specific provisions, the Bycatch Reduction and Research Act would:

Reconstitute the Alaska Salmon Research Task Force (ASRTF) and expand it to include groundfish and invertebrate ecology experts to create a Bycatch Reduction and Research Task Force that would review all research and reports published by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on Alaska salmon life history and Alaska trawl gear impacts on marine seafloor habitat, and provide priority recommendations for future research;

Create a satellite tagging research initiative to better understand Alaska salmon life history and migrations in the marine environment;

Create a genetic sampling grant program to support the genetic stock identification and age composition of Alaska salmon caught as bycatch in federal commercial fisheries;

Designate a clearer timeline and process for NOAA-approved exempted fishing permits (EFPs), including EFPs that aim to reduce bycatch and marine habitat disturbances, as long as they do not interfere with fishery conservation objectives;

Improve the public transparency of existing observer coverage in federal fisheries managed by NOAA;

Construct a flume tank to test technology or fishing gear aimed at reducing or mitigating bycatch and impacts to seafloor habitat contact from non-pelagic and pelagic trawl gear;

Provide non-federal financial support for the purchase or modification of fishing gear, equipment, and innovative technology to reduce or mitigate bycatch and seafloor habitat contact from non-pelagic and pelagic trawl gear.

Further background on supporting fishermen and coastal communities

In addition to several other pieces of legislation that Sen. Sullivan was able to pass supporting fishermen, subsistence harvesters, and coastal communities, Sen. Sullivan has passed legislation and finalized executive branch actions in a whole host of areas supporting healthy marine environments, sustainable fishing, healthy salmon runs, and going after illegal foreign trawl fleets, particularly from Russia and China.

Sen. Sullivan led a years-long fight to impose a comprehensive ban on the import of Russian-origin seafood into the United States given Russia’s non-reciprocal ban on the import of U.S.-sourced seafood. Sullivan initially succeeded in securing a 2022 executive order to ban Russian seafood imports, but that ban was circumvented as Russian seafood was shipped to and transformed in other countries, especially China, and then shipped into the United States almost duty-free. Sen. Sullivan then worked to secure a new December 2023 executive order and resulting U.S. Department of the Treasury determination to close this loophole. In 2025, he worked with President Trump to keep these 2022 and 2023 Russian reciprocity executive orders in place.

Alaska Salmon Research Task Force Act—Signed into law in 2022 (Public Law No: 117-328). This legislation required NOAA to convene an Alaska Salmon Research Task Force. The task force reviewed and reported on research about Pacific salmon in Alaska, identified applied research needed to better understand salmon migrations and declining salmon returns in some regions of Alaska, and supported sustainable management of salmon.

In 2024, Sen. Sullivan led the filing of an amicus brief in the U.S. District Court for Alaska in support of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council’s approval of Amendment 123. This action established a variable limit for halibut bycatch allocated to the commercial groundfish bottom trawl “Amendment 80” sector that is determined based on halibut abundance levels annually. This lawsuit was dismissed in 2024, ruling that the Council had acted lawfully in their decision.

Fighting Foreign Illegal Seafood Harvest (FISH) Act – A bill to combat foreign illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing by blacklisting offending foreign fishing vessels and strengthening enforcement by NOAA and the U.S. Coast Guard.

Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing Enforcement Act—A House bill (H.R. 774) signed into law in 2015 (Public Law No: 114-81). Sen. Sullivan was an original cosponsor of the Senate companion version of this legislation and is responsible for shepherding it through the Senate Commerce Committee. This legislation would implement the Port States Measures Agreements, increase coordination, and strengthen Coast Guard and Commerce Department enforcement against IUU fishing.

FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act—Signed into law in December 2025 (Public Law No: 119-60).

A provision by Sen. Sullivan was included in the FY 2026 NDAA to prohibit military dining facilities and commissaries from purchasing or selling seafood that originates or is processed in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to help Alaska fishermen and deny a market for Chinese fishermen.

FY 2026 Agriculture Appropriations—Signed into law in November 2025(Public Law No: 119-37).

Beginning in 2023, Sen. Sullivan passed an amendment on the Senate floor to prohibit the use of funds to procure seafood from China for use in USDA programs. This amendment has been carried forward in subsequent agriculture appropriations bills, including the recently enacted FY 2026 bill.

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Thune: Republicans Lead Nationwide Effort to Strengthen Rural Health Care

Clickhereto watch the video.

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor:

Thune’s remarks below (as delivered):

“Mr. President, as someone who grew up in rural South Dakota – in the town of Murdo, which has a population of roughly 500, and that would be rounding up – I know firsthand the joys of living in a rural community.

“I also know some of the challenges.

“Everything from package delivery to internet reliability can be more difficult when you live far outside a major city.

“And access to health care can sometimes be a real challenge.

“More than 100 rural hospitals have closed over the past two decades, and doctors can be few and far between in rural areas.

“Thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts legislation, however, help is on the way.

“Republicans’ legislation created a $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program to address the rural health care crisis.

“Instead of a top-down, Washington-directed approach, we are giving states the resources and the freedom to find solutions for the particular challenges in their state – and to find sustainable ways of ensuring rural health care access in their communities going forward.

“And the response has been robust.

“Every state in the union – red and blue alike – has applied for, and been approved for, funding from this program.

“And states have big plans.

“The Texas Tribune reports, and I quote, ‘The state’s health care agency said it will use the funds to strengthen rural health care clinics in a variety of ways, including: creating wellness and nutrition programs to rural providers; educating and attracting health care professionals to work in rural areas; and modernizing resources and technology in rural centers. More specifically, it plans to “add more than a thousand rural health care” positions with the additional funds.’

“Another news article reports on Ohio, noting, and I quote again, ‘The state’s proposal focuses on addressing barriers to healthcare by building on existing state investments to expand access to care, strengthen the rural health workforce and modernize facilities and technology.’

“Georgia will be using Rural Health Transformation funding to upgrade technology and invest in its rural workforce.

“North Carolina will use the fund to – among other things – ‘support more than 400 rural health facilities.’

“And Mr. President, the list goes on.

“My own state of South Dakota will be using its funding to invest in a number of priorities, including a major investment in telehealth, which can be a key way to access health care for those in rural areas.

“South Dakota will also be using its funding to create regional hubs for emergency services and improve access to maternal and infant health, to ensure the delivery of essential medical care.

“Mr. President, back in June, a few months before Democrats tried to repeal the Rural Health Transformation Fund, the Democrat leader said, and I quote, ‘This little fund to help reimburse rural hospitals is just a fraud.’

“He should tell that to his state, Mr. President, which applied for the program and received a $212 million grant.

“And that’s for 2026 alone.

“When the state announced its application, the office of New York state Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan stated, and I quote, ‘Expanding access to services in underserved communities is an important part of our effort to strengthen mental health care statewide. The Rural Health Transformation Grant will help New York State explore new partnerships, build our health care workforce, and pursue innovative opportunities to expand care in these areas.’

“Let me repeat that, Mr. President.

“‘The Rural Health Transformation Grant will help New York State explore new partnerships, build our health care workforce, and pursue innovative opportunities to expand care in these areas.’

“Well, Mr. President, that doesn’t sound like fraud to me.

“But perhaps the Democrat leader would have preferred his state to miss out on these resources.

“Perhaps he would disagree with the Democrat governor of Hawaii, who said, and I quote, ‘As a relatively small state, this will help us a lot to keep our hospitals open, to make sure there are providers available to have telehealth available.’

“Mr. President, the Democrat leader can spread all the disinformation he wants.

“The Rural Health Transformation Program is in effect, and every state in the union is benefiting.

“And Republicans will continue to work to make health care more affordable and accessible for American families.

“I want to thank Dr. Oz and his team at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for their tireless work to get this program up and running on an expedited timeline.

“And I look forward to seeing all the ways this program will help transform health care in rural America.”


ICYMI IN USA TODAY: America Has a Low-Grade Fever, Restoring the American Dream is the Cure

Last week, Senator Warnock authored an op-ed appearing in USA Today connecting how decades of our country’s affordability crisis have changed our relationship with our neighbors

The op-ed follows the Senator’s keynote speech at the Center for American Progress in December of last year

USA Today: America has an economic fever. Helping people is the cure

Senator Reverend Warnock: “The reality is that the cost of living is out of control and the middle class is disappearing. There is a growing sense that our best days are behind us, that even if we work our hardest, our children will fall behind”

Washington, D.C. – Last week, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) wrote an op-ed offering a new perspective on the twin spiritual and affordability crises plaguing the United States. The article was published in USA Today and argued that the ongoing affordability crisis has created a spiritual crisis in America.

“Our country is attempting to put on a brave face despite a collective pain we have not quite named, but the reality is that the cost of living is out of control and the middle class is disappearing. There is a growing sense that our best days are behind us, that even if we work our hardest, our children will fall behind,” wrote Senator Warnock.

The piece also highlights how decades of politicians failing to center the people they serve have undermined the American Dream, created a cycle of division and despair, and ultimately led to the deep divisions and economic disparity we see today.

“The uncomfortable truth is, for decades, America has suffered from a low-grade fever that has gnawed away at the promise of the American dream. The puny language and vocabulary of partisan politics is not up to the task of this moment. What ails us is deeper,” SenatorWarnock continued.

The article concludes with Senator Warnock proposing more creative and aggressive solutions.

“Our economic needs are inherently spiritual. Only when we address these needs can we begin to rebuild trust in one another. Only then can we once again begin to see our neighbors as crucial to our own success and consider the opportunities their children have as if they were our own. To truly fix our spiritual crisis, we must restore the promise of the American dream.”

See below Senator Warnock’s Op-Ed published in USA Today:

America has an economic fever. Helping people is the cure.

America has suffered from a low-grade fever that has gnawed away at the promise of the American dream.

“I don’t know what’s wrong, but I don’t feel good.”

We have all said it about our health. You know the feeling when you wake up, and something just doesn’t feel right?

That’s where our country is right now and has been for some time. It’s the unease I hear from my congregation and neighbors in my home state of Georgia. It’s the shared ache and chills of a nation that senses something deeper than just our politics is broken.

America has a low-grade fever.

Our country is attempting to put on a brave face despite a collective pain we have not quite named, but the reality is that the cost of living is out of control and the middle class is disappearing. There is a growing sense that our best days are behind us, that even if we work our hardest, our children will fall behind.

What keeps me up at night is the fact that it would be harder for a kid today to do what I did years ago, going from public housing to the United States Senate.

The uncomfortable truth is, for decades, America has suffered from a low-grade fever that has gnawed away at the promise of the American dream. The puny language and vocabulary of partisan politics is not up to the task of this moment. What ails us is deeper. America is struggling with a spiritual crisis.

If people cannot have faith in economic opportunity, they put faith in strong men with strong words and even stronger anger. It is why we are caught in the throes of a politics defined by rage, anger, division and fear.

It’s why we see armed and masked officers by our schools and churches, why troops patrol American streets. All of those images are meant to convince us that we are at war with one another.

This manufactured crisis creates the context needed to move wealth from the bottom to the top. Socialism for the rich. Robin Hood’s credo in reverse.

The president wants us to be angry at those who have the least. What we all should be angry about is the fact that too many can’t afford the health care they need to live, and that millions of young people can’t afford a home.

Corporate profits keep hitting record highs while everything costs more. Yet wages have flatlined.

We should be furious that our children will face greater challenges and have fewer opportunities than we did. Long before I was elected to represent the great state of Georgia in the U.S. Senate or was the pastor at the pulpit made famous by Martin Luther King Jr., I was a Head Start kid.

In 1965, President Lyndon Johnson declared: “Five- and 6-year-old children are inheritors of poverty’s curse and not its creators. Unless we act, these children will pass it on to the next generation, like a family birthmark.”

The Head Start program, created by the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, gave a preschool-age child like me a chance by stirring a love for learning and closing the word gap that is too common among poor kids. In America, your parents’ income shouldn’t determine your outcome.

That education, aided by parents who were poor but had good sense, helped get me to where I am today. Pell grants and low-interest student loans enabled me to make my way through Morehouse College.

I am a product of good public policy that reflected the covenant we have with one another. I know that all our children can succeed if we give them a chance.

I’m a Matthew 25 Christian: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger, and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me.”

These are basic spiritual needs that speak to what our government could and should be doing for the people.

Our economic needs are inherently spiritual. Only when we address these needs can we begin to rebuild trust in one another.

Only then can we once again begin to see our neighbors as crucial to our own success and consider the opportunities their children have as if they were our own. To truly fix our spiritual crisis, we must restore the promise of the American dream.

I am committed to being among those voices summoning all of us to that higher calling.

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Welch Joins Legislation to Block Trump's Illegal Executive Order Undermining AI State Safeguards

Bill was also filed as an amendment to the appropriations package in the Senate

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined U.S. Senator Ed Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, and nine Senators in introducing the States’ Right to Regulate AI Act, legislation to prohibit the Trump Administration’s implementation of an Executive Order that attempts to block states from regulating artificial intelligence (AI). The legislation was also filed as an amendment to appropriations legislation that the Senate may consider in the coming days.

“At a moment when we should be putting every effort into finding ways to make AI safer, this executive order threatens consumer rights and safety by tying states’ hands,” said Senator Welch. “Congress must reverse President Trump’s order so we can get to work on commonsense policies at the federal level that protect individuals and communities.”

“Trump’s lawless AI Executive Order is a direct threat to our children, to workers, to our planet, and to marginalized communities,” said Senator Markey. “While I am confident that the courts will strike down Trump’s illegal power grab, Congress has a responsibility to assert its legislative authority and block this Executive Order. I will be pushing for a vote on this legislation as part of any appropriations legislation and urge my colleagues to join me in defending the right of states to regulate AI.”

The States’ Right to Regulate AI Act is also cosponsored by Sens. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.).

Read and download the full text of the bill.

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Young, Cantwell Introduce Bill to Help Small Businesses Succeed in Digital Economy

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) introduced the AI for Mainstreet Act, legislation that would provide training, guidance, and support to American small businesses choosing to evaluate and implement artificial intelligence (AI).

The Small Business Administration established Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) nationwide to provide support and training to American small businesses. The AI for Mainstreet Act would expand the support and training from SBDCs regarding AI, including how to utilize AI to streamline business functions and operations, better plan for unexpected circumstances, protect data and intellectual property, and improve cybersecurity.

“Our bill will provide training, guidance, and support to ensure more American small businesses are equipped with the tools needed to compete in today’s evolving digital economy,” said Senator Young.

“As artificial intelligence becomes an essential workplace tool, small businesses should not be left behind. This legislation will help provide guidance and training to thousands of Washington small businesses on how they can use AI to help their businesses grow and thrive,” said Senator Cantwell.

U.S. Representatives Mark Alford (R-MO-04) and Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03) introduced companion legislation in the House in 2025.

The legislation is endorsed by Americans for Responsible Innovation (ARI) and Salesforce.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, but too often they lack access to the tools and training that power success in a fast-changing economy,” said ARI President Brad Carson. “The AI for Mainstreet Act ensures entrepreneurs everywhere, not just in tech hubs, can tap into the potential of AI to grow their businesses. By pairing trusted small business development centers with modern AI resources and guidance, this bill Main Street to lead in innovation.”

“At Salesforce, we see every day how trusted, agentic AI tools can help small businesses streamline operations, strengthen customer relationships, and compete in a rapidly evolving digital economy. The bipartisan AI for Main Street Act is an important step toward ensuring entrepreneurs across the country have access to the training and guidance they need to adopt AI responsibly. Expanding AI education through the Small Business Development Center network will help close the skills gap and ensure businesses in every community—not just major tech hubs—can benefit from innovation. We support efforts that prioritize workforce readiness, transparency, and responsible guardrails so AI adoption drives sustainable growth for America’s small businesses,” said Hugh Gamble, Head of Federal Affairs, Salesforce.


Rep. Adams Votes for Bipartisan ACA Tax Credit Renewal, Lowering Healthcare Costs for Charlotte-Mecklenburg

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12) released a statement following her vote to restore the bipartisan Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits. This follows Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries’s successful discharge petition to bring the tax credit bill to the House floor after Speaker Mike Johnson’s refusal to let the House vote on the extension in 2025.

“I was proud to vote to restore the ACA tax credits today and lower healthcare premium costs for the people of Charlotte-Mecklenburg,” said Congresswoman Adams. “Affordable, accessible healthcare is one of the biggest issues facing my constituents but Republican policies—including $1 trillion cuts to Medicaid and $500 billion cuts to Medicare—have only served to raise costs, kick people off their insurance, and eliminate healthcare services across North Carolina. America is suffering from a Republican healthcare crisis that Congress cannot ignore. We must see the ACA tax credit restoration signed into law so we can lower premium costs and finally make life more affordable for everyday Americans.”


Congressman Aderholt Applauds Funding for Guntersville Project in Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the FY26 Energy and Water; Commerce, Justice, Science; and Interior and Environment conference package, negotiated on a bipartisan, bicameral basis. This package includes funding for a project in the city of Guntersville in Marshall County, which Congressman Aderholt had directly requested.

The project receiving funds is an expansion of the sanitary sewer into the Warrenton area of Guntersville for $2,174,898. This growing area, with new subdivisions, is currently not connected to the city sewer system and relies on septic tanks. The conversion of septic tanks and field lines to grinder pumps and low-pressure force mains will reduce the potential for biological contaminants to Lake Guntersville.

Community Project Funding returns tax dollars directly to local communities, ensuring federal spending addresses local needs and represents constituents.

“Republicans are delivering America First results by restoring U.S. energy dominance, strengthening nuclear deterrence, bolstering public safety, and eliminating Biden-era policies. This is responsible, transparent work in action,” said Congressman Robert Aderholt. “Appropriators are committed to restoring regular order to the committee process and are doing exactly what we said we would for the American people. Delivering real results.”

Appropriators have worked hard negotiating and finalizing bills. This Appropriations package keeps the committee on track to complete all 12 FY26 Appropriations bills.


Rep. Aguilar Votes to Extend Affordable Care Act Tax Credits and Lower Health Care Costs for Millions of Americans

House Democrats have taken action and now it’s up to Senate Republicans to join Democrats in sending this legislation to President Trump’s desk to lower health care costs

Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33) released the following statement on his vote in support of a three-year extension of the Affordable Care Act tax credits to lower health care costs after Republicans let these subsidies expire at the end of 2025:

“After months of sounding the alarm on the health care crisis in this country, House Democrats successfully forced a vote on legislation to reduce health insurance costs for hardworking people.

“By restoring and extending the Affordable Care Act tax credits for three more years, health care premiums will remain affordable for more than 1.7 million Californians and millions of Americans across the country. At a time when Americans are already facing an affordability crisis thanks to Donald Trump and Republican economic policies, we need to be doing everything in our power to cut costs across the board.

“Now, we have a real path forward in Congress to restore this vital lifeline. I urge Senate Republicans to join us in putting the hardworking American families we represent first. The American people can’t afford any more delays.”


Amo, Meeks, Garcia Demand Investigation into Trump Despot-Whisperer Witkoff’s Sketchy Business Dealings

Washington, DC – TODAY, House Foreign Affairs Vice Ranking Member Gabe Amo (D-RI), joined by House Foreign Affairs Ranking Member Gregory Meeks and House Oversight Ranking Member Robert Garcia, demanded the Acting Inspectors General of the Departments of Commerce and State immediately investigate potential conflicts of interest and ethics violations by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.

Evidence suggests that Mr. Witkoff is enriching himself and his family by making cryptocurrency deals with foreign financial backers while jet-setting between sensitive international negotiations supposedly on behalf of the American people. An investigation is needed to ensure that his conflicts of interest do not compromise our national security.

The Members write:

“Transparency and accountability in foreign financial relationships are essential to restoring public trust and ensuring that U.S. policy and business practices remain free from undue influence.”

“We urge you to investigate the potential conflicts of interest and ethics violations of Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff. Public reporting has suggested that Mr. Witkoff used his role to financially benefit himself and his family, including through his continued connections to World Liberty Financial.”

“In September 2024, Mr. Witkoff co-founded the cryptocurrency company World Liberty Financial (WLF) alongside his two sons, President Donald Trump, Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump, and Barron Trump. On November 12, 2024, President Trump announced that Mr. Witkoff would serve as his Special Envoy to the Middle East. Questions quickly arose about the potential conflict of interest between Mr. Witkoff’s new role and he and his family’s personal financial interests in WLF.”

“After President Trump took office in January 2025, Mr Witkoff claimed that he was stepping away from his role in WLF. In March of 2025, he stated that he was in the process of divesting from WLF and transferring his holdings to his sons. However Mr. Witkoff’s financial disclosure from August shows that he still has a financial interest in WLF.”

“The growing ties between WLF and the very countries Mr. Witkoff negotiates with as Special Envoy is particularly alarming.”

“Therefore, we respectfully request that you investigate the potential conflicts of interest and violations of ethics laws by Mr. Witkoff in connection with his personal and familial financial interest in WLF.”

The full text of the letter can be found here.

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Rep. Ansari Cosponsors Legislation to Impeach Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, Delivers Floor Speech Calling for Accountability and Oversight of ICE Following the Murder of  Renee Nicole Good

WASHINGTON – Today, Representative Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03) delivered a floor speech condemning Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the Trump Administration, including the leadership of Kristi Noem and Stephen Miller, following the killing of U.S. citizen Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis. Rep. Ansari called for an independent and immediate investigation, and announced she would join as an original cosponsor of Articles of Impeachment against DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, and plans to introduce legislation of her own to rein in ICE’s unchecked power.

“A woman is dead. A child has been left without a parent. And the American people are once again demanding answers. What happened to Renee Good demands a full, independent, and immediate investigation,” said Rep. Ansari. “This is what happens when a president weaponizes a federal agency against the civilian population. I am introducing legislation to rein in ICE, demand transparency, and stop the unchecked funding that enables these abuses.”

WATCH

Below is a transcript of Rep. Ansari’s full remarks as delivered on the House Floor:

Mr./Madame Speaker,

I rise today with outrage and with grief.

Yesterday, not even a full week into the new year, ICE killed a U.S. citizen—Renee Nicole Good—after shooting her multiple times as she seemingly attempted to drive away, blocking her from medical care and letting her die, all while a doctor stood by, offering to help.

The video of this tragedy is damning. I encourage every American to watch it and make their own judgement.

A woman is dead. A child has been left without a parent. A community is shattered. And the American people are left once again demanding answers from an agency that’s shown time and time again, that it operates without accountability.

What happened to Renee Good in Minneapolis demands a full, independent and immediate investigation.

I represent Arizona’s Third Congressional District—a diverse and rich community of immigrants.

For over a year now, ICE has been terrorizing my constituents.

No agency is above the law. Yet, ICE is now the most well funded law enforcement agency in the United States, receiving more funding than many national militaries around the world, while operating with virtually no meaningful checks or balances.

In the immediate aftermath of Renee Good’s death, the Trump administration did what it does best: it lied. Kristi Noem and Stephen Miller rushed to smear a dead woman as a “domestic terrorist,” while Donald Trump took to Truth Social to gaslight the American people—asking them to deny their own eyes and accept his version of events instead.

This is what authoritarianism looks like.

This is what happens when a president turns a federal agency into his personal paramilitary force, deployed against the civilian population of the United States.

Donald Trump has weaponized ICE, not to keep communities safe, but to terrorize them.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has called for ICE to vacate his city. I echo that call.

People in our communities don’t feel safe because they are not safe.

In my district, on Christmas Eve, a woman named Flor, a DACA recipient, was detained while Christmas shopping.

Why is ICE spending resources to detain a DACA recipient on Christmas Eve? They claim they are going after “real criminals” – that, too, is a lie.

Just days ago, ICE agents detained two day laborers outside a Home Depot in Phoenix, briefly detaining a U.S. citizen in the process.

These people aren’t criminals.

This isn’t law enforcement. This is a federal agency operating outside its mandate, using fear as a tactic.

To spread fear and chaos in our neighborhoods.

And it’s no coincidence. Stephen Miller is rapidly hiring thousands of new ICE agents, many poorly trained, some with troubling backgrounds, to meet reckless mass deportation quotas he’s set out.

Democrats in Congress have been sounding the alarm for over a year. Now the worst has happened. Renee Good was murdered.

We must work together, Democrats and Republicans alike, to call out this abuse of power.

That is why I am introducing legislation to rein in ICE, demand transparency, and stop the unchecked funding that enables these abuses.

I am also joining as an original cosponsor in an effort led by my colleague, Congresswoman Robin Kelly, to introduce Articles of Impeachment against Kristi Noem, the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

I urge my colleagues, Democrats and Republicans alike, to join us.

A woman has been murdered. Silence is no longer neutrality, it’s complicity.

We MUST rein in ICE, we must demand accountability, and we must protect our communities from the abuse of power.

Thank you and I yield back.

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Rep. Ansari Secures Over $9.8 Million for Seven Arizona Projects in Minibus Funding Package

WASHINGTON – Today, Representative Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03) celebrated the successful House passage of more than $9.8 million in federal funding for seven community-focused projects across Arizona’s 3rd Congressional District as part of the bipartisan, conferenced Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment funding package.

“These investments represent the priorities of our community—supporting innovation, public safety, transportation, and critical infrastructure,” said Rep. Ansari. “I’m proud to have worked to deliver federal resources that will strengthen Arizona’s economy, improve quality of life, and help our growing state meet both current and future challenges.”

The seven AZ-03 funded projects include:

Arizona State University Center for Heat Resilient Communities–$2.062 million

Arizona State University CHIPS and Domestic Manufacturing Research Initiative – $2.062 million

Valley Metro – $1.0 million

Axiom Community of Recovery Transition to Recovery and Reentry – $580,000

Arouet Foundation’s 2026 Reentry Prosperity Model – $1.008 million

City of Phoenix’s Real Time Crime Center – $2.062 million

City of Tolleson Wastewater Digester #4 Project – $1.092 million

Rep. Ansari worked closely with local governments, research institutions, and community

partners to secure the funding that meets the needs of AZ-03 residents.

SUPPORT FOR ANSARI’S PROJECT ADVOCACY:

“On behalf of the City of Phoenix, I want to express my gratitude to Congresswoman Ansari for this critical investment in our Real Time Crime Center," Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said. “The state-of-the-art Real Time Crime Center at our new police headquarters will strengthen our ability to protect our residents, support our officers with modern tools, and help officers respond to crime with greater speed and precision. It represents a meaningful step toward a safer, more resilient Phoenix. Our city is built on innovation, and I am grateful for this partnership with the federal government to help us utilize technology to reduce crime citywide. I urge the Senate to pass this critical funding.”

“We are incredibly grateful for Rep. Ansari's advocacy and support in requesting this critical funding for Valley Metro,” said Valley Metro CEO Jessica Mefford-Miller. “The $1 million investment will strengthen our partnerships with local law enforcement and behavioral health professionals to provide compassionate, effective responses and connect individuals with essential services, helping to create a more positive transit environment.”

“We are thrilled and deeply grateful to Congresswoman Ansari for her leadership in advancing this important investment. Every woman coming home deserves the chance to return to her family healthy, supported, and with real opportunities for success. This funding recognizes that the reentry period is critical and deserves thoughtful, evidence-based support. This investment will reduce recidivism, help prevent overdose, and strengthen families and communities across Arizona,” said Alison Rapping, CEO of Arouet.

“These congressional investments highlight Arizona State University’s ability to meet urgent challenges with practical solutions that serve Arizona and the nation,” said Sally C. Morton, Executive Vice President of ASU Knowledge Enterprise. “From strengthening heat preparedness to advancing water-efficient technologies for domestic semiconductor manufacturing, these projects protect public health, reinforce critical infrastructure, and support economic competitiveness in water- and heat-stressed regions. Congressman Stanton and Congresswoman Ansari understand Arizona’s unique position regarding both issues, and the university appreciates their support. We are eager to be of service to ensure this research delivers measurable benefits and solutions.”

During negotiations with Republicans, Democrats successfully removed every extreme Republican policy rider from the appropriations package. President Trump and congressional Republicans had attempted to attach more than 140 policy provisions to the fiscal year 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment funding bills. By eliminating these riders, Democrats blocked efforts to weaken gun safety laws, expand oil and gas leasing on public lands, roll back investments in renewable energy, and impose harmful culture-war restrictions on LGBTQ+ Americans’ right to live authentically.

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ICYMI: Bacon Op-ed in The New York Times: Trump Needs to Change Course on Venezuela

Washington – In a new op-ed published in The New York Times, Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) discussed the latest developments in Venezuela and the need for the Trump administration to back Venezuela’s rightfully elected leaders.

You can read the op-ed published in The New York Times here or below:

Political pundits love black-and-white answers, but a realistic assessment of President Trump’s actions in Venezuela is a shade of gray. How dark or light that gray becomes will depend on Mr. Trump’s future actions. He had good reason to capture Nicolás Maduro over the weekend, and the operation could be a geopolitical as well as a military success — if the president changes course.

Capturing Mr. Maduro stands to help Venezuela and its region. Mr. Maduro was a terrible dictator. He and his predecessor destroyed Venezuela’s democracy and economy, taking the country from the wealthiest in South America to the poorest. Many people are starving in that resource-rich nation. Mr. Maduro’s removal weakens Cuba, which relied on his economic generosity, and will probably undermine Russia’s and China’s influence within Venezuela.

Mr. Maduro also was indicted on charges relating to facilitating cocaine trafficking to the United States. Opioids such as fentanyl rightly get the most attention for their deadly effects, but cocaine overdoses have been rising. I’ve lost three brothers to drugs and alcohol, and I’ve seen the pain in my dad’s eyes. My dad is not alone; each year, too many moms and dads feel his pain.

Bringing Mr. Maduro to justice will not be enough to call his removal a success. The Trump administration still needs to show that the United States is acting in the interests of regional stability and of Venezuelans themselves. That starts with installing the country’s rightfully elected leaders.

Instead, Mr. Trump appears to favor working with Mr. Maduro’s vice president, Delcy Rodríguez. She is an illegitimate leader. In the 2024 presidential election, an opposition candidate, Edmundo González, won by a landslide, a result Mr. Maduro rejected. Mr. González ran as a stand-in for the opposition leader and Nobel laureate María Corina Machado, who would also make a fine president.

I hope the reports that Mr. Trump is miffed about not getting the Nobel Peace Prize — the one that Ms. Machado received — are false. Such envy should have no bearing on Venezuela’s future.

Neither should any narrow American commercial interests. Mr. Trump has said he intends to “run” Venezuela for a while and to control its oil production. Many Americans do not support the United States running Venezuela and don’t want oil to drive decisions about regime change. We reject transactional foreign policy devoid of morality.

If the president fails to empower Venezuela’s rightfully elected leaders and continues to focus on controlling oil production, support for this operation will shrink in the United States and abroad. America needs to show that we have altruistic goals, not just a desire to grab oil resources by propping up illegitimate leaders. Otherwise, Mr. Trump’s decision to invade Venezuela will end in failure, with consequences for the United States and the world.

The international rules-based order would suffer another blow, emboldening Russia and China. Mr. Trump has already been weak on President Vladimir Putin of Russia, even after his country invaded Ukraine by claiming it was fighting Nazis and threats to Russian security. China wants to retake Taiwan, by force if required, arguing that the island is a renegade province. I fear that both Russia and China will use our actions in Venezuela to justify their regional hegemonic aspirations.

I know there’s a difference between the United States and Russia and China. We favor democracy, and Russia and China oppose it. But we have opened the door for Mr. Putin and President Xi Jinping of China to dominate their neighbors, using rationales that sound like the one we have cited to justify our activities in Venezuela.

Mr. Trump’s actions also threaten to further diminish Congress’s authority. The administration failed to prepare or even inform Congress before ordering operations inside Venezuela. If combat continues there, the law requires the administration to seek congressional authorization. Though I support removing Mr. Maduro, I voted for a resolution on Dec. 17 that would have reasserted Congress’s constitutional role in deciding matters of war and peace. A weakened legislative branch undermines our government’s checks and balances.

Mr. Trump has not helped his case at home nor the United States’ case abroad by sending contradictory messages. The administration has depicted the Venezuela operation as a law enforcement mission to punish Mr. Maduro for his role in the illegal drug trade. Yet Mr. Trump last month pardoned Juan Orlando Hernández, the former president of Honduras, who was found guilty in a U.S. court of conspiring to import some 400 tons of cocaine to the United States. It is impossible to reconcile these two actions.

Yet Mr. Trump can still claim a great victory for freedom, stability and international order if he backs Venezuela’s rightfully elected leaders and lets Venezuelans govern themselves. If not, he will undermine all of those things — and, ultimately, America’s place in the world.

Don Bacon, Republican of Nebraska, serves on the House Armed Services Committee and is a retired Air Force brigadier general.

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Barr Votes to Rollback Biden Spending Levels, Deliver Critical Funds for Projects in the Sixth District

Washington, D.C.—Today, U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY-06) voted for the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026.

“Kentuckians sent me to Washington to rein in Biden-era spending, put America First, and deliver real results for our communities,” said Congressman Barr. “This funding package rolls back wasteful Washington spending while making targeted investments that strengthen public safety, modernize critical water and sewer infrastructure, and support American manufacturing and innovation right here in Central Kentucky. I will always fight to be a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars while bringing home key federal resources that help our communities grow, create jobs, and build a stronger future.”

The grants that will be funded through this package for the Sixth District include:

$2M to the University of Kentucky Graphite Manufacturing and Characterization Program

$96,192 to the City of Harrodsburg for Police Equipment and Technology Updates

$1M to Nicholas County for their Water Improvements Project

$1M to Clark County for Sanitary Sewer Improvements

$1M to Winchester Municipal Utilities for their Sanitary Sewer Project

$1M to the City of Lancaster for Sanitary Sewer Extension Project

$750,000 to Bourbon County for the Water Tank Project


Barrett Announces Winners of 2025 Congressional App Challenge

Lansing, Mich. — Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) today announced the winners of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge for Michigan’s 7th District.

WINNER: AgriVerse

AgriVerse, the first place app in this year’s challenge, was created by Okemos High School students Sai Pranav Tejas Valisetty and Rithik Parthasarathy who teamed up with Brian Lee and Vishwas Tattala from outside the district. The team’s mobile app is intended to help farmers and recreational gardeners raise crops and other plants by using artificial intelligence and a device’s camera to identify plant diseases or insects and provide information for addressing problems.

“Congratulations to Okemos students Sai Pranav Tejas Valisetty and Rithik Parthasarathy, and their teammates Brian Lee and Vishwas Tattala, for designing the winning app of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge,” said Barrett. “Mid-Michigan has long been home to cutting-edge engineering, and I’m proud of each of the students from our region who used their creativity and coding skills to design practical and educational apps. These young people are the next generation of innovators, and I look forward to seeing how they continue employing their knowledge and abilities to develop new, useful technologies that help our communities thrive.”

SECOND PLACE: FairMaps: Geometry of Democracy

FairMaps: Geometry of Democracy is this year’s runner-up created by Ishaan Mahapatra from Haslett High School. The app teaches users about legislative redistricting and allows them to try their hand at drawing hypothetical district maps.

THIRD PLACE: Ves

Ves is the third-place winner created by Cayla Marzban from Brighton High School. The app helps users monitor their lifestyle — diet, sleep, work schedule, etc. — to avoid burnout and live a more healthy life.

NOTE: The Congressional App Challenges is a national competition that Barrett and other members of Congress host each year to encourage middle and high school student participation in computer science and coding. The first-place winners will have their app displayed in the U.S. Capitol and will be invited to join other winners from across the country at the annual #HouseofCode reception in Washington, D.C. this spring.


Barrett Stands with Patients, Votes Against Blank Checks for Big Insurance Companies

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) today voted no on H.R. 1834, a bill that would extend COVID-era subsidies for big insurance companies who are raking in record profits while continuing to hike rates and deny record levels of claims. This legislation also didn’t offer any reforms to mitigate the rampant fraud, waste, and abuse in the program.

Instead of writing blank checks to insurance companies, Barrett is continuing to stand up for mid-Michigan families by fighting for health care reforms that put patients first and lower costs. He and his House colleagues last month approved the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act, which would lower insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs, expand coverage options for workers, and reduce hidden drug costs.

“The program that Democrats put forward today would advantage the top 1% income earners, on the backs of working-class Americans, and I simply can’t stand behind that,” said Barrett. “I’m looking for real reforms in health care that will empower patients [and] put more money in your pocket, so that you can choose the health care plan that works for you, while bypassing the health insurance companies for the profitability that they’ve been taking at our advantage.”

Barrett voted no on H.R. 1834 today, which would extend for three years the “enhanced” Affordable Care Act subsidies to insurers for health plans sold on the individual marketplace to enrollees who earn at least 400% of the poverty level. The bill includes no reforms to the broken program to prevent fraud, even though a government watchdog found that all but two of the fake accounts it created were approved for subsidies.

It also includes no income cap, despite the fact that the program had subsidized insurance for high-income households earning more than $500,000 per year.


Bean: It’s Time to Rethink the Foundation of American Healthcare

WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean (FL-04) released the following statement after voting against H.Res.780, a Democrat-sponsored resolution to revive the failed Obamacare COVID-19 enhanced subsidies that expired last year.

Congressman Bean said, “Americans are facing sticker shock nationwide—whether they’re on Obamacare or not—because the government continues to pour millions into a system that is fundamentally broken. Until we rebuild the foundation of America’s healthcare system, costs will keep climbing, and families will keep feeling the strain. That’s why I’m focused on market-driven reforms that lower costs, increase transparency, and give families real control over their healthcare.”

The measure passed 230-196 and now heads to the Senate.

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Statement from Congresswoman Beatty on the Retirement Announcement of Steny Hoyer

WASHINGTON, D.C.– Today, U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) released the following statement after Congressman Steny Hoyer announced that he will not seek another term in the House of Representatives:

“Steny Hoyer has built an illustrious legacy of purposeful policymaking for over four decades in Congress. He will be remembered as one of the most respected and trusted public servants of our time, and his steadfast commitment to the people of Maryland will continue to be felt in their communities.”

“His advocacy for the American people, especially those too often underrepresented, is reflected in a record of meaningful accomplishment. From the American Rescue Plan and the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act to the Help America Vote Act, his stewardship as House Majority Leader, and beyond, has served our country well and improved the quality of life for millions of Americans. His ability to build relationships and advance critical policy with intention and care, has strengthened our democracy.”

“Steny Hoyer has long been a principled and steady leader of House Democrats, and his guidance will be deeply missed. Our country is better because of his service, and I wish him and his family every success and happiness in this next chapter.”

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Statement from Congresswoman Beatty on Tonight's ACA Vote

WASHINGTON, D.C.– Today, U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) issued the following statement regarding the passage of Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credit extension in the House of Representatives:

“Today I proudly joined House Democrats to enthusiastically vote YES to extend the ACA tax credits, taking a monumental step forward in the fight to protect affordable health care for Ohioans and all Americans.”

“Let’s be clear: House Republicans fought us every step of the way in passing this bill and protecting health care. However, House Democrats prevailed, in spite of Republican-led efforts to sink this major health care win for Americans.”

“Now that the bill has achieved passage in the House, it is en route to the Senate for vote. I encourage Ohioans and all who depend on affordable health care to participate in your democracy by ensuring your elected representatives know where you stand on the extension of these credits.”

“These crucial tax credits lift the financial burden of health care for so many members of our valued Columbus community–especially the most vulnerable and marginalized among us: our elders, disabled people, kids, and other neighbors, depend on health care that doesn’t break the bank.”

“Without this extension, Affordable Care Act enrollees in Ohio could see their health insurance premiums skyrocket. Nationally, 1 in 4 ACA Marketplace enrollees say they will likely go uninsured if their costs doubled - this means people remain sick and some will die; leaving families to face impossible decisions regarding the health of their loved ones.”

“There’s still time not only for this vote but for open enrollment to secure affordable health care.”

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Rep. Bera on House Passage of Bill to Restore Enhanced Affordable Care Act Subsidies

WASHINGTON, D.C. –– Today, Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06) released a statement following House passage of legislation that restores enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies for three years. This vote comes after Representative Bera joined all of his House Democratic colleagues and four Republicans on a discharge petition to force this vote over the objections of House Speaker Mike Johnson.

"Since President Trump and Congressional Republicans allowed the Affordable Care Act subsidies to expire, Sacramento County families have been hit with massive increases in their health care premiums. Fewer people are signing up for coverage, and many of those who are renewing are being pushed into lower-tier plans that cover less and cost more out of pocket. Some are being forced to cancel their coverage altogether. These are the consequences of inaction.

"As a doctor, I know what happens when people lose access to health care. They delay care, skip medications, and end up in the emergency room with more serious conditions. That raises costs for everyone and puts more pressure on our health care system.

"That’s why I voted to restore these enhanced subsidies for three years. Every House Democrat signed the discharge petition to bring this bill to the floor, and I’m grateful to the 17 Republicans who joined us to get it passed. Senate Republicans and President Trump now have a choice to make: Do they act to bring families relief, or do they allow this affordability crisis to get worse?”


Congressman Bilirakis Secures Federal Grant Funding for Critical Infrastructure and Public Safety Projects Across Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus Counties

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Gus Bilirakis announced today that, with the passage of three appropriations bills in the House, he has secured $14,625,000 in federal grant funding for multiple critical infrastructure, public safety, education, and research projects across Florida’s 12th Congressional District. The funding is included in the Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS) Appropriations, Energy and Water Appropriations, and Interior Appropriations packages.

“These investments reflect my commitment to delivering results for our communities and ensuring taxpayer dollars are used wisely,” said Congressman Bilirakis. “These projects were identified by local government leaders as priority unmet needs. From improving public safety and protecting public health to strengthening water infrastructure and advancing lifesaving medical research, they have the potential to make a lasting, meaningful impact across our district-once these bills are approved by the Senate and signed into law.”

The Bilirakis-sponsored projects included in these appropriations bills are:

Hernando County Sheriff’s Office Advanced Forensics Tools and Equipment Upgrades-$2.875 million to support state-of-the-art digital and biological forensic tools, strengthening investigative capabilities and enhancing community safety amid evolving criminal tactics.

Citrus County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Communications System Enhancements- $3 million to replace aging mobile and portable radios with advanced, interoperable communications technology, improving situational awareness, security, and reliable communication among first responders during emergencies and all-hazards events.

Pasco County School Board Safety Enhancements-$1.75 million to deploy weapons detection software and additional security cameras across all 100 Pasco County school campuses, allowing the district to proactively address threats and enhance student and staff safety.

Pasco County Chlorine Booster Stations Project-$750,000 to support design, engineering, inspection, testing, and construction of three chlorine booster stations. This project will reduce water waste, ensure regulatory compliance, protect public health, and support Pasco County’s goal of operating infrastructure systems in a safe, compliant, and cost-efficient manner.

City of Brooksville Wastewater Infrastructure Planning-$1 million for engineering and design to expand the wastewater treatment facility to handle up to 5 million gallons per day. With rapid growth projected to push capacity limits by 2028–2029, this funding represents a critical first step toward long-term sustainability and environmental protection.

Citrus County Lift Station Improvements-$750,000 to improve wastewater system reliability and environmental protection through critical lift station upgrades.

City of Crystal River Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvements-$750,000 to enhance system performance and protect local waterways.

Hernando County Centralized Sewer System-$750,000 to help construct lift stations needed to decommission outdated RV sewer treatment package plants and connect them to a centralized sewer system, improving efficiency, environmental protection, and long-term sustainability.

University of South Florida Molecular Profiling Center for Brain Research-$2 million to support the purchase and installation of advanced single-cell proteomics and transcriptomics and related research instruments. These technologies will accelerate research into Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, ALS, and other neurological disorders, including studies focused on traumatic brain injury (TBI), PTSD, and vascular dementia among Veterans.

Pasco County Sheriff’s Office Human Performance Program-$1 million to enhance equipment and technology that support deputy wellness, physical readiness, and injury prevention-reducing downtime, improving quality of life for deputies, and ensuring continued effective service to the community.

“These projects represent mission-critical investments that strengthen public safety, protect public health, support students, safeguard our environment, and prepare our communities for future growth,” Congressman Bilirakis added. “While these bills have passed the House, the funding is still contingent on Senate approval and the President’s signature. I will continue working to ensure our district receives its fair share of federal resources and that these funds are spent responsibly and effectively.”

In addition to these projects, Congressman Bilirakis previously secured $750,000 in federal grant funding for the City of Inverness to purchase a ladder fire truck, which was previously signed into law.


Congressman Bishop Secures Over $14 Million for Law Enforcement, Public Safety, and Clean Water in Middle & Southwest Georgia

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) a senior member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, secured over $14 million in funding for nine crucial projects in Middle and Southwest Georgia that help hardworking families have access to affordable, clean water. These projects also help communities update equipment for local law enforcement, fight child abuse as well as domestic violence, and continue improvements to Lake Seminole. The funds were included as part of a bipartisan appropriations bill, H.R. 6938, for Fiscal Year 2026 which funded the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of Commerce, and the U.S. Department of Energy as well as related federal science, energy, and environmental programs.

The bill passed the U.S. House by a vote of 397-28 and now proceeds to the U.S. Senate for approval before being signed into law by the president.

“Georgians work hard and Congress should be matching that effort to ensure that they can afford to live in safe communities with clean water,” said Congressman Bishop. “The funding that I secured supports our counties, towns, schools, and community organizations. It improves the quality of life for families throughout Georgia’s Second Congressional District, whether they live in urban or rural areas.”

The nine projects in Georgia’s Second Congressional District for which Congressman Bishop secured funding include:

$9,747,000 to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to manage invasive aquatic vegetation, restore access on Lake Seminole, and restore the local ecosystem;

$1,092,000 to the Lee County Board of Commissioners for a 1.0 million gallon per day well and treatment facility to provide safe, reliable, and potable drinking water to their residents;

$960,000 to the City of Blakely for a major water transmission line that would improve service to areas of the city that have very poor water pressure, including the Early County School System;

$739,000 to the Southwest Georgia Children's Alliance, Inc., to expand prevention programs, informed care practices, and justice system response to child abuse and domestic violence across 17 counties in Georgia’s Second Congressional District;

$629,000 to the Early County Board of Commissioners to upgrade its regional 911 emergency services equipment;

$478,420 to the City of Attapulgus for the first phase of a multi-phase plan to replace existing asbestos cement water mains within its drinking water distribution system;

$313,000 to Columbus State University for its campus police force purchase two new police cruisers, mobile data terminals, and security cameras to help its efficiency and operational capabilities as well as improve campus safety;

$306,000 to the City of Buena Vista's Police Department to replace old patrol vehicles and other obsolete equipment so that it will improve patrol effectiveness as well as officer and community safety; and

$120,000 to the City of Newton to upgrade its existing emergency services vehicles.

H.R. 6938 is the product of ongoing negotiations between Democratic and Republican Appropriators in the U.S. House and Senate as well as Congressional leaders in both chambers. Notably, the overall bill prevented more than $163 billion in Trump Administration cuts that would have gutted public services, law enforcement, and other crucial infrastructure programs. The bill was also stripped of partisan “poison pill” amendments.

Today, Congressman Bishop also voted on separate bipartisan legislation to restore the Affordable Care Act enhanced tax credits which expired at the beginning of January. The tax credits were eliminated as part of H.R. 1 in July of 2025 as part of the “big, ugly bill” to help pay for tax breaks that predominantly benefited billionaires. With the loss of the ACA enhanced tax credits, thousands of Middle and Southwest Georgians have seen their healthcare premium costs skyrocket.

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Congressman Bishop Votes to Make Healthcare More Affordable Again, Restore ACA Tax Credits for Millions of Hardworking Americans

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Sanford Bishop (GA-02) supported H.R. 1834, a bill restoring Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced tax credits through the end of 2028. These tax credits, which expired at the end of last year, help as many as 92,000 Georgians in the Second Congressional District and millions of Americans lower their monthly health insurance premiums. The premiums have already increased and are expected to spike by at least 114% in 2026 if the tax credits are not extended. The bill was approved with a bipartisan vote of 230-196.

“Today, I, along with a bipartisan group of U.S. House members, passed a bill to restore the ACA enhanced tax credits and make good quality health care affordable again. The U.S. Senate must quickly pass this bill, and the President should sign this into law,” said Congressman Bishop.

“The ACA enhanced tax credits were allowed to expire to help pay for billionaire tax breaks in the ‘big, ugly bill’ passed last July,” added Congressman Bishop. “Instead of making good quality care more affordable, Congressional Republican leaders are asking Americans to accept less coverage, less quality, and take on more of the cost for their health care treatment.”

Last month, Congressman Bishop joined House Democrats and a handful of House Republicans to support a discharge petition that would bring legislation directly to the U.S. House floor that would renew the ACA enhanced tax credits. This was because even though extending the ACA enhanced tax credits had the bipartisan support of a majority of U.S. House members, House Republican leaders had refused to allow a vote on the bill.

In October 2025, Congressman Bishop visited Columbus, Albany, and Macon where he heard from physicians and patients living in Georgia’s Second Congressional District about how the loss of the ACA enhanced tax credits would harm healthcare. He also highlighted the higher health care costs that Americans face because of H.R. 1, the “big, ugly bill,” which made largest cuts in history to Medicaid, a program that helps low-income and elderly Americans afford care.

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Scott Statement on FY26 Commerce-Justice-Science, Energy and Water, and Interior Minibus Appropriations Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 6938, the Fiscal Year 2026 Commerce-Justice-Science, Energy and Water, and Interior Minibus Appropriations Act:

“This bipartisan Minibus Appropriations Act repudiates many of the draconian cuts requested by President Trump in his FY26 budget request. While it does not increase federal investments to keep pace with inflation, this package will provide a modest overall funding increase for FY26. Democrats were successful in securing language reasserting Congress’s power of the purse. The bill also includes funding to help bring down costs for the American people and eliminates all of the partisan poison pill policy provisions included in the earlier House-passed versions of these bills.

“As co-chair of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Caucus, I helped secure increased funding for the Chesapeake Bay Program, a critical federal-state partnership that has guided Chesapeake Bay restoration for more than 40 years. This bill also maintains funding for a variety of Chesapeake Bay-related programs across the federal government helping to clean the Bay, increase recreational opportunities, and expand our local economy.

“The minibus also makes key investments in scientific research, including funding for the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, or Jefferson Lab, in Newport News. Jefferson Lab is conducting research at the forefront of nuclear physics to help us better understand the building blocks of our universe. Jefferson Lab is also leading a Department of Energy project building state-of-the-art data management infrastructure that will enable researchers throughout the United States to study fields previously inaccessible due to technological limitations. This bill provides the funding that Jefferson Lab needs to continue its research and develop this computing infrastructure.

“Additionally, the minibus maintains funding for the Community Relations Service (CRS) at the Department of Justice. I recently led a letter urging the Department of Justice to preserve this important agency. CRS plays a critical role in responding to community conflict through collaboration with local law enforcement agencies and local communities to facilitate peaceful resolutions and to reduce incidents rooted in hate. The minibus also includes funding to support re-entry and rehabilitation services for individuals returning to their communities or who need help – some of the most effective programs that help reduce crime and recidivism.

“Finally, I am pleased that the bill includes $4.97 million in Community Project Funding for Virginia’s Third Congressional District. These projects will directly benefit the Hampton Roads community by making critical investments in our communities. I am also pleased that this bill includes $4 million for the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River dredging which is an important priority supporting our local economy. I am honored to represent Virginia's Third Congressional District in Congress, and I will continue fighting to make sure that federal resources are available to strengthen the Hampton Roads community.”

Community Project Funding requested by Congressman Scott included in the FY26 Commerce-Justice-Science, Energy and Water, and Interior Minibus Appropriations Act include:

Old Dominion University, Improving Success in Siting Natural and Nature-Based Features for Flood Risk Reduction using Digital Twins as Decision Support Initiative, $1,031,000;

An Achievable Dream Inc., Social and Emotional Support and Crisis Prevention Initiative, $790,000;

Urban League of Hampton Roads, Incarcerated Persons Reentry Initiative, $1,039,000;

City of Newport News, Youth Diversion Program: Friday Night Nets, $750,000;

Hampton Roads Police Athletic League, Hampton Roads Youth Crime Prevention and Community Engagement Program, $860,000;

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-Norfolk District, General Reevaluation Report – Norfolk Coastal Storm Risk Management, $500,000.

For more information and to access factsheets on the FY26 Commerce-Justice-Science, Energy and Water, Interior Minibus Appropriations Act, please click the links below:

Extreme Republican Policy Riders Eliminated

Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Division

Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies Division

Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Division

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