Budd Joins Blackburn, Colleagues in Bicameral Push to Hold Fraudsters Accountable for Stealing Taxpayer Dollars

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) joined U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) in introducing the Fraud Accountability Act yesterday, which would explicitly add fraud as a deportable offense under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The bill would also make clear that any person who commits a deportable offense, now explicitly including fraud, would be subject to denaturalization.

“North Carolina taxpayers shouldn’t be forced to foot the bill for blatant fraud schemes across the country,” said Senator Budd. “If government programs using taxpayer dollars are not run responsibly, we must ensure those who steal taxpayer dollars are held accountable.”

“Anyone who comes to the United States and steals from American taxpayers by committing fraud should be deported,” said Senator Blackburn. “The fraud schemes we have seen in Minnesota and across the country are a betrayal of hardworking American taxpayers, and individuals like the Somali scammers in Minnesota should be subject to both deportation and denaturalization for these crimes. The Fraud Accountability Act would hold these criminals accountable for robbing American taxpayers.”

U.S. Representative Buddy Carter (R-Ga.-01) led the legislation in the House of Representatives.

Read the full bill text HERE.

BACKGROUND

Federal prosecutors allege that the total amount of stolen taxpayer dollars in Minnesota could exceed $9 billion.

Under Governor Walz’s watch, front groups that pretended to provide social services stole billions of taxpayer dollars.

In 2024, the Biden administration scrapped a rule that required child care centers to verify that kids actually attended their facilities to receive federal funding.

The fraud extends far beyond Minnesota, which is why President Trump froze more than $10 billion in federal grants in five states following serious concerns about widespread fraud and misuse of taxpayer dollars in state-administered programs.

The Fraud Accountability Act would:

Amend the INA to explicitly add any crime of fraud—of any amount—committed against private individuals, funds, corporations, or government entities as a deportable offense; and

Revoke the naturalization of those who commit a crime of fraud or any other deportable offense.

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Capito Joins Senate Republicans in Blasting Tim Walz for Rampant Child Care Fraud, Demanding Accountability for American Taxpayers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor-HHS) and chairman of the Republican Policy Committee (RPC), joined her Senate Republican colleagues in demanding accountability from outgoing Minnesota Governor Tim Walz amid widespread reports of fraud and abuse of federal child care funding in Minnesota. The letter, led by U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy (R-La.), chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee; Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.); Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.); and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), chair of the Senate Finance Committee, was signed by the entire Senate Republican Conference.

This effort is in conjunction with the Trump administration, which has paused child care funding to Minnesota and other states pending verification and audits of how funds were used. There is also a current federal investigation into large-scale fraud in Minnesota’s social services programs.

Read the full letter here and below.

Dear Governor Walz:

We write to express serious concern regarding recent reports and federal investigations alleging widespread fraud and misuse of federal funds within Minnesota’s state-administered child care assistance programs.[1] The state’s apparent negligent management of federal funds raises significant concerns about the adequacy of the state’s oversight, verification, and compliance systems for safeguarding taxpayer dollars intended to support vulnerable children and working families. Unfortunately, these latest reports appear to reflect only the tip of the iceberg.

Federal prosecutors have been conducting a broader investigation of large-scale fraud in Minnesota’s social services programs.[2] Some authorities estimate that billions in federal funds across various programs, including child care, nutrition, Medicaid, and housing assistance, may have been misappropriated since 2018.[3] One example includes the “Feeding Our Future” scheme, where more than 50 individuals were convicted for diverting hundreds of millions of dollars in pandemic relief funds intended for school meals.[4]

Under the leadership of President Trump, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has acted promptly to freeze child care payments to Minnesota pending verification and audits of how funds were used.[5]The Constitution grants Congress the power of the purse, and the United States Senate is exercising its duty to ensure proper stewardship of federal taxpayer dollars for child care programs, and we take this responsibility very seriously. To that end, we are writing to request detailed responses to the following questions, on a question-by-question basis, no later than Thursday, January 22, 2026:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Capito: On Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, Republicans Back the Blue

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) expresses her gratitude for law enforcement officers and highlights how the Working Families Tax Cuts Act delivers on Republicans’ commitment to supporting law enforcement and improving public safety and border security.

“On National Law Enforcement Day, I want to express my sincere gratitude for the brave men and women in West Virginia and across the country who put themselves in harm’s way to keep our neighborhoods and communities safe. I will always Back the Blue, and I am proud that Republicans’ Working Families Tax Cuts legislation supports law enforcement and makes historic investments in public safety and border security. Republicans are delivering on our promise to make our streets safer and secure the border,” Senator Capito said.

How the Working Families Tax Cuts Bill Supports Law Enforcement:

Allocates $750 million in funding for Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC).

Provides funding for federal grants for local police departments through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (Byrne JAG) and Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program.

Provides funding for DOJ efforts to combat drug trafficking and precursor chemicals.

Allocates $46.5 billion for the border wall to keep violent illegal immigrants from coming into the country.

Provides much-needed funding for the Bureau of Prisons to address staffing shortages and improve facilities.

Expands U.S. Secret Service (USSS) recruitment and training efforts by providing essential resources.

Funds the hiring of additional Immigration Enforcement personnel.

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In Case You Missed It: Capito, Wicker Introduce the Success for BEAD Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) recently introduced the Supporting U.S. Critical Connectivity and Economic Strategy and Security for BEAD Act (SUCCESS for BEAD Act). This legislation would authorize states to use remaining funds from the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program for projects that support state’s deployment plan by enhancing public safety, improving network resiliency, strengthening national security, and developing a qualified workforce for emerging technologies. The overarching goal is to advance digital infrastructure readiness and sustain U.S. leadership in innovation by providing clear guardrails for the eligible uses of the remaining funds.

“West Virginians understand that strong, resilient broadband is essential to so many things. As states finalize their BEAD deployment plans, many will have remaining resources that can and should be put to work supporting long-term success of these networks. I’m glad to team up with Senator Wicker to introduce this legislation, which provides clear guidance so states can invest these leftover dollars responsibly in areas like network resiliency, national security, public safety, and more,” Senator Capito said.

“This bill is the next phase of target broadband projects in America’s heartland. Reliable connectivity is necessary to improve public safety, national security, telehealth care, education, and economic development. The United States has seen success in developing AI and emerging technologies. These projects would help our rural Mississippi communities participate in these successes. Local leaders know best how to utilize these funds. We should give them the flexibility to ensure these federal investments provide adequate connection for every Mississippian as soon as possible,” Senator Wicker said.

BACKGROUND:

As the National Information and Telecommunications Administration continues approving states’ final deployment proposals, it is anticipated that many states will be left with a significant remaining balance from their original BEAD allocations. Current estimates show roughly $20 to $22 billion in total across all 56 eligible entities. This legislation would serve as a “Part II” to the BEAD program following the approval of state deployment plans and would establish clear parameters and guidance for the permissible use of remaining, already obligated funds to ensure the success of the BEAD program.

SUPPORT FOR THE SUCCESS FOR BEAD ACT:

“The SUCCESS for BEAD Act is a timely, pragmatic proposal that helps ensure every non-deployment federal BEAD dollar delivers the greatest possible benefit for the American people. Once a state completes its deployment plan, any remaining funds should be put to work advancing the security, resilience, and long-term performance of our communications networks—especially as connectivity becomes more central to public safety, economic growth, and U.S. technology leadership. We look forward to working with Senators Wicker and Capito and all of Congress to advance this important legislation and ensure non-deployment BEAD dollars result in more secure, resilient, and reliable networks for decades to come,” Jonathan Spalter, President & CEO, USTelecom, The Broadband Association said.

“The SUCCESS for BEAD Act is important and timely legislation because it would use BEAD funding to further propel American connectivity. With its infrastructure focus – to close mobile broadband gaps and augment workforce training programs – it takes advantage of the Benefit of the Bargain round’s significant savings to improve rural access. WIA appreciates Senators Wicker and Capito for putting this bill forward," Patrick Halley, President and CEO, Wireless Infrastructure Association, said.

“CCA applauds Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) for leading the introduction of the ‘Supporting U.S. Critical Connectivity and Economic Strategy and Security for BEAD Act’ or the ‘SUCCESS for BEAD Act.’ Prioritizing investment of “non-deployment” funds from the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program on initiatives such as mobile and fixed wireless connectivity will complement and enhance current investments from the BEAD program and ensure maximum impact toward closing the digital divide. Directing the remaining funds toward advanced wireless networks is the fastest and most effective way to progress ubiquitous connectivity – especially in rural America, where these networks are an important part of the path to meaningful broadband access. Strengthening and improving these networks expands opportunities to access education, telehealth, commerce, and public safety as well as cutting-edge technologies including AI and precision agriculture in the communities that need them most. Congress appropriated these funds specifically to expand connectivity and putting them to work expanding and enhancing wireless networks, as well as by providing support for critical workforce personnel and ensuring accountability with resources for data mapping policies, stays true to BEAD’s original goals," Tim Donovan, President and CEO of Competitive Carriers Association, said.

"All consumers and businesses need trusted broadband connectivity. And as the economy becomes more reliant on new technologies such as AI, we should remember that there is no AI without broadband. To lead in AI, we need universal, secure connectivity, and that starts with robust broadband networks. Underlying our strategic competitiveness is building a skilled workforce in each state and locale. By investing in trusted, high-quality broadband and building a skilled workforce, we drive innovation across every sector - from defense to education to healthcare to manufacturing- we boost U.S. competitiveness, improve cybersecurity and close the connectivity gap," Dave Stehlin, Telecommunications Industry Association CEO, said.

"The Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) applauds Senator Wicker (R-MS) and Senator Capito (R-WV) for introducing the SUCCESS for BEAD Act—legislation that recognizes the importance of ensuring remaining BEAD funds are used to strengthen and sustain broadband deployment projects critical to America’s economic leadership in the digital age. By directing these funds toward high-capacity BEAD compliant Build America, Buy America fiber infrastructure, resources to accelerate and streamline permitting, and targeted workforce development, this bill supports resilient, future-ready networks and reinforces the domestic workforce and supply chains needed to deploy them. Importantly, the bill explicitly connects advanced telecommunications infrastructure and workforce capacity to the deployment and scaling of AI technologies—positioning fiber networks as the backbone of AI-driven innovation, productivity, public safety, and long-term economic competitiveness. By prioritizing projects in unserved and underserved areas, including rural and Tribal communities, the legislation helps unlock new opportunities for high-quality jobs, advanced education, telehealth, precision agriculture, and next-generation industries—ensuring that rural America is not left behind, but empowered as a full participant in America’s economic future," Gary Bolton, President & CEO, Fiber Broadband Association said.

Click here for bill text.

Click here for a section-by-section.

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Senators Collins, Shaheen Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Help Clinicians Provide Care for Patients Exposed to PFAS

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) introduced bipartisan legislation to better protect the health of Americans who have been exposed to toxic per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The Better Care for PFAS Patients Act would ensure the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Research (ATSDR) regularly assesses and updates clinical guidance regarding the health effects from exposure to PFAS.

“PFAS and other harmful contaminants have been discovered in private water systems in Maine and across the country, and contamination will only become more evident as testing becomes more readily available,”said Senator Collins. “This bipartisan bill would require the CDC to continuously update clinical guidance on the health effects of PFAS, helping to ensure that medical professionals and citizens have access to the latest information on these substances.”

“As we learn more about the health effects of PFAS, it’s imperative that we take steps to help protect Americans who have high exposure to these toxic chemicals,” said Senator Shaheen. “I have long fought to address PFAS contamination in New Hampshire so I’m proud to build on those efforts by introducing bipartisan legislation that would ensure health care providers have the most up-to-date information and guidance in order to best care for their patients. Finding new ways to support those impacted by PFAS will continue to be one of my top bipartisan priorities in Congress.”

Specifically, the Better Care for PFAS Patients Act would:

require the ATSDR to enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) to assess the health effects of PFAS and formulate clinical recommendations within two years of enactment;

direct NASEM to update its assessment of PFAS health effects and clinical guidance every five years or more frequently as determined by ATSDR; and

ensure ATSDR issues its own clinical guidance on addressing the health effects of PFAS within five years of enactment and update that guidance every five years or more frequently as determined by ATSDR.

The legislation has been endorsed by the Environmental Working Group, Southern Environmental Law Center, Merrimack Citizens for Clean Water, Testing for Pease, and the National PFAS Contamination Coalition.

The complete text of the bill can be read here.

As lead negotiators of the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Senators Collins and Shaheen secured $10 billion to specifically address PFAS and other emerging contaminants, $5 billion of which is targeted to small and disadvantaged communities.

Since 2024, Senator Collins has secured a total of $33 million in annual appropriations legislation to establish and support the PFAS Center of Excellence at the University of Maine’s New England Plant, Soil, and Water Research Laboratory. Senator Collins had previously secured $8,000,000 for UMaine to address PFAS contamination in 2022.

Last December, Senators Collins and Shaheen reintroduced the Relief for Farmers Hit with PFAS Act. This legislation would authorize grants for states to provide financial assistance to affected farmers, expand monitoring and testing, remediate PFAS, or even help farmers relocate.

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Cornyn, Senate GOP Blast Tim Walz for Abuse of Taxpayer Dollars, Demand Accountability for Minnesota Fraud

AUSTIN – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) and the entire Senate Republican Conference sent a letter led by Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA), chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, demanding accountability from outgoing Minnesota Governor Tim Walz amid widespread reports of fraud and abuse of federal child care funding in Minnesota. This letter builds on Sen. Cornyn’s recently introduced Fraud Accountability Act, which would explicitly add fraud as a deportable offense under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), and the Trump administration’s creation of a new Assistant Attorney General for Fraud to address the rampant misuse of taxpayer dollars across the country.

Under Tim Walz’s watch, front groups that claimed to provide social services stole billions of taxpayer dollars that could exceed $9 billion. Excerpts of the letter are below, and the full letter can be found here.

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

“Some authorities estimate that billions in federal funds across various programs, including child care, nutrition, Medicaid, and housing assistance, may have been misappropriated since 2018,” they continued.

“Under the leadership of President Trump, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has acted promptly to freeze child care payments to Minnesota pending verification and audits of how funds were used. The Constitution grants Congress the power of the purse, and the Senate is exercising its role to ensure proper stewardship of federal taxpayer dollars for child care programs,” they concluded.


Following Minnesota Somali Schemes, Cornyn, Blackburn, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Deport and Denaturalize Fraudsters

MCALLEN – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) joined Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), along with Sens. Tom Cotton (R-AR) and Ted Budd (R-NC), in introducing the Fraud Accountability Act, which would explicitly add fraud as a deportable offense under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The bill would also make clear that any person who commits a deportable offense, now explicitly including fraud, would be subject to denaturalization.

“The rampant and unprecedented fraud uncovered in Minnesota involving Somali-run childcare centers and nonprofits is unconscionable, and Governor Walz’s complete deflection of any responsibility for this massive theft of U.S. taxpayer dollars under his watch is cowardly but unsurprising,” said Sen. Cornyn. “Anyone who attempts to get rich at the expense of American taxpayers should be ashamed and held accountable to the fullest extent of the law, and I’m proud to introduce this bill with Senator Blackburn to ensure any illegal alien who is convicted of fraud faces swift deportation for their flagrant abuse of taxpayer funds.”

Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) is leading the legislation in the Senate, and Rep. Buddy Carter (GA-1) is leading companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

Background:

Federal prosecutors allege that the total amount of stolen taxpayer dollars in Minnesota could exceed $9 billion. Under Governor Walz’s watch, front groups that pretended to provide social services stole billions of taxpayer dollars. In 2024, the Biden administration scrapped a rule that required child care centers to verify that kids actually attended their facilities to receive federal funding. The fraud extends far beyond Minnesota, which is why President Trump froze more than $10 billion in federal grants in five states following serious concerns about widespread fraud and misuse of taxpayer dollars in state-administered programs. Texas Governor Greg Abbott this week directed Texas state agencies to investigate any potential child care funding fraud taking place in the Lone Star State.

The Fraud Accountability Act would:

Amend the INA to explicitly add any crime of fraud—of any amount—committed against private individuals, funds, corporations, or government entities as a deportable offense; and

Revoke the naturalization of those who commit a crime of fraud or any other deportable offense.


Daines Introduces Bill to Support and Expand Quantum Research

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today introduced the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act to support quantum research programs in Montana and across the nation. The bill reauthorizes Daines’ 2018 National Quantum Initiative Act through 2034, which expands research and development programs for quantum and photonics.

“In the past several years, Montana has become a leader in quantum and photonics research. The industry supports our economy and provides hundreds of Montana jobs. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan bill to ensure critical research programs continue so the U.S. remains at the forefront of cutting-edge technology,” said Daines.

Background:

Daines has long been a supporter of quantum research. Daines was an original sponsor of the National Quantum Initiative Act (NQIA), which was enacted in 2018 to establish a coordinated federal strategy for quantum computing. In 2025 he introduced the DOE Quantum Leadership Act to secure funding for quantum research at the U.S. Department of Energy- read the release HERE.

Daines visited Montana State University’s new state-of-the-art quantum research facility in October 2025- read the release HERE.

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Daines Sends Letter Urging Efforts to Support American Sheep Industry

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today led a letter to U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer, voicing support for American sheep producers who have been disadvantaged by surging imports into the domestic market. The letter also highlighted a recent petition put forth by American producers to USTR and the U.S. International Trade Commission to initiate an investigation under Section 201 of the Trade Act of 1974 into foreign imports.

“We appreciate both your and President Trump’s decisive action to address unfair trading practices against American agricultural producers as well as efforts to enhance market access across the globe. America’s domestic sheep industry, already facing stubbornly high input costs and labor shortages, has suffered serious harm due to unchecked imports from foreign competitors over the last several years. As Senators who represent significant portions of the domestic sheep industry, we urge you to use all available measures at your disposal to support American sheep producers.

…America has a vested interest in maintaining our sheep industry, but without action multi-generational family run farms and ranches will no longer be viable. We appreciate the Trump Administration’s ongoing support for American agriculture and willingness to address injurious harm caused by unfair trading practices from competitors across the globe,” Daines wrote in the letter.

Senators Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), John Curtis (R-Utah), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) joined Daines in sending the letter.

Read the full letter HERE.

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In The News: Daines leads $5.2B quantum computing funding redux

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines spoke with the Bozeman Daily Chronicle about his National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act, which supports quantum research programs in Montana and across the nation. Read highlights from the story below.

Daines leads $5.2B quantum computing funding redux

Bozeman Daily Chronicle

Dan Astin

January 8th, 2026

“Montana Sen. Steve Daines is leading the brigade to recharge research and development funding for quantum computing, an advanced methodology utilizing simultaneous calculation to solve complex problems with exponential speed…

…Daines said he believes renewing the federal financial support could enable breakthroughs in medicine, wildfire detection, self-driving cars, artificial intelligence, banking and cybersecurity. The original funding for advancing the computing technology expired in 2023…

…Light mapping to detect wildfires, gas leaks, self-driving cars — a lot of this is happening in our backyard,” Daines said. “Institutions like Montana State University, they are producing science, technology, engineering and math grads … some of the best talent in the world. (The funding is) so we can attract and retain Montanans and great talent from around the country…”

…Daines toured MSU’s new Bozeman quantum computing research facility last October. Montana, particularly the Bozeman area and the southwestern part of the state, has one of the nation’s highest per capita concentrations of photonics or light-computation companies. Improvements in the industry are not only good for business, preventing Big Sky ‘brain-drain’, but are important for national security, per Daines.

“We’ve got to beat China,” Daines said. “We’ve got to maintain our advantage in terms of quantum computing and science. You look at what’s happened from where computational power was years ago until now — (increasing) speed and efficiency will be tangible measures in terms of … cybersecurity and encryption capabilities when you’ve got adversaries trying to break into our systems.”

Read the full story in the Bozeman Daily Chronicle HERE.

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Durbin, Duckworth, Casten Announce $4 Million In Federal Funding For College Of DuPage

CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and U.S. Representative Sean Casten (D-IL-06) today announced $4,000,000 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Education for College of DuPage. This grant comes from the Department of Education’s Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education Special Projects, which provides grants to institutions of higher education to support innovative projects concerning one or more areas of national need identified by the Secretary of Education.

College of DuPage will use the $4 million federal grant to develop and expand short-term, for-credit aviation and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) workforce certificates. Over the next four years, College of DuPage will launch new employer-validated programs and enhance program resources and technology. These efforts are designed to significantly increase the College’s aviation workforce output, increase certificate and degree completion, and create a scalable model for preparing students – including adult leaders, veterans, and dual credit high school students – for high-skilled, high-wage careers in aviation and UAS.

“One of the best things we can do for the next generation is fortify job training and employment opportunities,” said Durbin. “Today’s announced funding for College of DuPage will open doors for students and strengthen our workforce here in Illinois. It also demonstrates the importance of the Department of Education as the Trump Administration continues its attempts to dismantle the agency. Senator Duckworth, Representative Casten, and I will always work to ensure Illinois students have access to resources that put them on a path towards success.”

“Every student deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, which is why I’m proud to see this investment support the College of DuPage,” said Duckworth. “While this funding will reach our state this time around, it’s cruel that Donald Trump’s cuts to federal services have jeopardized programs that prepare the next generation—hurting the very middle-class families he swore to protect, all while enriching his billionaire buddies. That’s why I will continue doing everything I can at the federal level, alongside Senator Durbin, to safeguard these investments and help ensure every student across our state has the chance to succeed, both inside and outside the classroom.”

“College of DuPage serves more than 26,000 students and offers over 170 programs of study. This grant will strengthen academic programming and help students meet the evolving needs of the workforce. I’m happy to see this grant awarded to such a deserving institution,” said Casten.

“This transformative grant from the U.S. Department of Education allows College of DuPage to significantly expand our aviation and drone technology programs, addressing critical workforce shortages in these high-demand fields. By investing in advanced simulation equipment, personnel, and employer-aligned short-term certificates, we are creating accessible pathways to high-wage careers while strengthening the region’s aviation talent pipeline,” said College of DuPage President Dr. Muddassir Siddiqi.

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Durbin Releases Data On How His INFORM Consumers Act Has Impacted Online Marketplaces

Since the bill was signed into law, nearly three million third-party seller accounts have been suspended or removed for selling stolen, counterfeit, or unsafe goods

CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today released new data on how his Integrity, Notification, and Fairness in Online Retail Marketplaces for Consumers (INFORM Consumers) Act has helped clean up online marketplaces since the bill went into effect on June 27, 2023. Durbin’s staff collected data in response to a letter he and U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), the bill’s co-lead, sent to 46 companies that operate online marketplaces requesting information on the implementation and enforcement of the Senators’ INFORM Consumers Act and other efforts taken by the companies to combat the sale of stolen, counterfeit, or unsafe goods on their online marketplaces.

“Since the INFORM Consumers Act went into effect, I have continuously pressed for information on how consumers and online marketplaces have benefited from the bill,” said Durbin. “I’m pleased the bill is doing exactly what it’s intended to—to deter the online sales of stolen, counterfeit, and unsafe goods and to protect consumers. Our findings show that companies are aware of the INFORM Consumers Act requirements and the bill has pushed them to adopt better business practices. I will continue to work closely with the FTC to ensure companies remove sellers and accounts that violate their policies, the INFORM Consumers Act, and other laws.”

Durbin’s staff obtained the following data:

Nearly 40,000 “high-volume third-party sellers” have had their accounts suspended for violations of the INFORM Consumers Act. Of those, nearly 20,000 later had their accounts reinstated after coming into compliance with the INFORM Consumers Act requirements.

Nearly three million non-high-volume third-party seller accounts have been suspended or removed for selling stolen, counterfeit, or unsafe goods.

Nearly 24 million product listings were removed from online marketplaces.

The 46 companies that operate online marketplaces include 1stdibs.com, Inc., Alibris, Inc., Alibaba Group, U.S. Office, Amazon.com, Inc., Artsy, Belk Inc., bMarketplace (f/k/a Bonanza), LEGO Bricklink, Inc., Chewy, Inc., Depop, Discogs, eBay Inc., eBid Ltd., eCrater, Etsy, Inc., Express, Inc., Farfetch UK Limited, U.S. Office, Fashionphile Group, LLC, 1661, Inc., d/b/a GOAT, Houzz Inc., Kohl's Corporation, Macy's, Inc., Mercari US, Meta Platforms, Inc., Newegg, OfferUp, Inc., Oriental Trading Co., Inc., Beyond, Inc., Poshmark, The RealReal, Inc., Trendly, Inc. d/b/a Rebag, Redbubble Inc., Reverb.com, LLC, Ruby Lane, Inc., Shein Distribution Corporation, Shopify (USA) Inc., StockX Inc.,Target Corporation, Temu (WhaleCo, Inc.), ThredUp Inc., Transformco d/b/a Sears d/b/a Kmart, Urban Outfitters Inc., Vestiaire Collective, Walmart Inc., Wayfair Inc., and Zazzle Inc.

After the INFORM Consumers Act took effect, there initially was no indication that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) had commenced any investigations or enforcement actions under the Act. Durbin and Cassidy sent a letter to the FTC in August of 2025 requesting information on the implementation and enforcement of the bill. Shortly thereafter, on September 5, 2025, FTC and the Department of Justice (DOJ) brought the first INFORM Consumers Act enforcement action against the online marketplace Temu, which sells heavily discounted goods shipped to consumers from China. According to the complaint, Temu violated the INFORM Consumers Act by failing to provide consumers with sufficient means to report suspicious marketplace activity and by failing to provide consumers with an adequate method to report suspicious product listings in its gamified shopping experiences, which allow shoppers to play games while browsing and purchasing products. Temu also failed to disclose required information about third-party sellers as part of its gamified product listings for its mobile website. The proposed consent decree imposes a $2 million civil penalty against Temu.

The INFORM Consumers Act was signed into law in December 2022 and combats the online sale of stolen, counterfeit, and dangerous consumer products by adding transparency and accountability to online transactions. It directs online retail marketplaces that include third-party sellers of consumer products to verify the identity of “high-volume third-party sellers,” which helps deter the online sale of counterfeit goods by anonymous sellers and prevents organized retail crime rings from stealing items from stores to resell online. Many companies have also gone beyond the requirements of the INFORM Consumers Act and verify the identity of non-high-volume third-party sellers. In addition, the INFORM Consumers Act requires online marketplaces to disclose to consumers in a clear and conspicuous manner on the product listing of any high-volume third-party seller a reporting mechanism that allows for electronic and telephonic reporting of suspicious marketplace activity to the online marketplace.

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ICYMI: Senator Gallego Speaks Out about Trump’s Dangerous, Short-Sighted Attack in Venezuela

WASHINGTON – Following Trump’s attack in Venezuela this weekend, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), an Iraq combat veteran, has been speaking out against the administration’s dangerous, short-sighted military action.

Before the Senate voted to advance Senator Kaine’s War Powers Resolution, Senator Gallego spoke on the Senate floor to highlight the parallels between the administration’s military actions in Venezuela and the lead up to the war in Iraq. Through interviews and statements throughout the week, Gallego has underscored that the American people do not want another forever war.

Watch what Senator Gallego has been saying this week below:

The Weeknight on MS Now

“Let’s be clear: The American public does not want this. The American public does not want another forever war. They want prices to be lower, they want to buy a house, they want to have their kids get a job. Right now, what’s happening with this president? He’s doing everything he can because he can’t control the things that people really care about, which is the ability to live a good American life because he doesn’t want to go against his rich buddies. So instead, he’s going to distract with all these wars. The problem with that is it’s going to get us in trouble, and it’s not going to get us anything. When it comes to everyday working-class people, their insurance is going up, health care premiums are going up, cars – you can’t afford to buy a car. You can’t afford to buy a home. Wages aren’t going up, and now your kids are graduating college and they can’t even get a job. And what is this guy doing? Only trying to figure out how to get contracts for all these big oil companies and try and take over further land in Greenland – whatever it is –but not dealing with the real issues that are happening right now at every day America. But what he will do is send your working-class kids to go fight for his little foreign wars.”

Morning Joe on MS Now

“At the end of the day when people are shooting, that is war. When you’re engaging with the power of the United States military, that is war. You need to get permission from us and part of that permission structure is important because we would ask, what is the day after plan? And then maybe we wouldn’t be in the situation where were all wondering what the hell is going to happen in the Western Hemisphere”

“The American public does not want this; the American public doesn’t want their boys and girls from Florida, from Nebraska, from Arizona to go fight for big oil. That’s not what this last election was about. How is that gonna bring the cost of living down? How is that gonna help be buy a house? How is that gonna help my kids graduate college and get a job? All its going to do is help the shareholders with big oil but its only gonna end up putting a bullet in the ass of the kid from Ohio.”

Univision

“Lo más importante que nosotros, como estadounidenses, debemos entender es que lo que sucedió hoy es legal. Por supuesto, es bueno que Maduro no esté allí. Por supuesto, es bueno que el pueblo de Venezuela tenga una oportunidad de libertad, de que Venezuela sea libre; eso tiene que venir de los venezolanos, no de los Estados Unidos, pero lo que sucedió hoy es ilegal.”

Fox News

“What [Trump] is asking for is permission. He could’ve asked for permission. He could’ve asked anytime. What he doesn’t want is for us to tell him yes or no. What we’re going to ask is what is the reason? What is the cause, and what is the endgame? Who is going to occupy and who is actually in charge of Venezuela? Who is going to be dictating internally in Venezuela? And how is that going to make us any safer? There is no plan and pretext for what’s to happen post this action against Maduro.”

“When the American people have been very clear that they do not want to be occupiers again, we do not want to be the world police.”

NBC News Now

“The whole MAGA crowd that’s been talking about ending wars has just been duped by their own man, who basically had been slowly calibrating us to the point where were going to get to this situation. Theres no reason why you should have F-35’s involved in a war; there’s no reason why you should have so many Navy shirts invoked in a war if you’re just doing a police action. All this is one more excuse for us to either occupy Venezuela, take their oil, more importantly you’re violating the constitution of the United States.

“These guys have no idea what they’re doing, no clue, they can’t even tell us who’s in charge of Venezuela right now. So now we are involved in this war, and thy can’t even tell us what the end goal of this is nor the result of what this is going to be and that’s not how we should be conducting ourselves.”

Inside Politics with Dana Bash

“Marco Rubio came into the Senate and talked with 100 senators and lie straight to our faces and said that this is not a regime change. Clearly, it is now a regime change. Now they’re saying like, no, this isn’t a war, we don’t need to talk to the Senate. Now they’re saying we’re going to occupy, we’re going to control, we’re going to blockade. Those are military actions. They need to get permission from Congress, and we need to make sure also we say, no, this is not the way we want to operate. There are better ways for us to deal with this. We can bring security to the Western Hemisphere. We can bring relief to these Venezuelan Americans and Venezuelans that have been preyed upon by the dictatorship. But certainly, we’re not going to go about it in this unconstitutional way.”

Watch more:

The Bulwark

Entravision Network

ABC15 (Phoenix, AZ)

Read more:

AP: Senate considers limiting Trump’s war powers after Venezuela raid [Stephen Groves and Joey Cappelletti, 1/8/26]

Task and Purpose: For some veterans, the specter of Iraq and Afghanistan looms over the Maduro raid [Jeff Schogol, 1/5/26]

KJZZ: Sen. Gallego on Venezuela: ‘American people did not ask for this, Congress did not authorize this’ [Bridget Dowd 1/4/26]

1/9/26


Gillibrand Announces 2026 Service Academy Nominations From Central New York

New York, NY – Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, announced her nominations for candidates from Central New York to three of the nation’s service academies: the United States Military Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, and the United States Naval Academy.

“It is my distinct honor to nominate some of the best and brightest individuals from Central New York to the nation’s service academies,” said Senator Gillibrand. “These young leaders have demonstrated exemplary academic achievement and dedication to their communities and nation. I look forward to seeing all that they achieve, and I thank them for their commitment to our country.”

A selection committee formed by Senator Gillibrand chose the nominees from a large group of qualified applicants. Decisions were based on criteria including academic record, leadership potential, and overall achievement. Final acceptance is determined solely by the service academies.

The United States service academies offer a first-class education as well as a chance for young people to serve our country upon graduation as commissioned officers in the United States armed services. This year, Senator Gillibrand nominated four candidates from Central New York to the service academies.

Senator Gillibrand’s nominees are listed below by their hometown and academies:

Charlotte Prior (Cazenovia, Madison Co.) – United States Military Academy

Alice Zhu (Manlius, Onondaga Co.) – United States Military Academy

Elijah Pomales (Rome, Oneida Co.) – United States Air Force Academy

Andrew Shaver (Oswego, Oswego Co.) – United States Naval Academy

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Gillibrand Announces 2026 Service Academy Nominations From Long Island

New York, NY – Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, announced her nominations for candidates from the Long Island to four of the nation’s service academies: the United States Military Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, the United States Naval Academy, and the United States Merchant Marine Academy.

“It is my distinct honor to nominate some of the best and brightest individuals from across Long Island to the nation’s service academies,” said Senator Gillibrand. “These young leaders have demonstrated exemplary academic achievement and dedication to their communities and nation. I look forward to seeing all that they achieve, and I thank them for their commitment to our country.”

A selection committee formed by Senator Gillibrand chose the nominees from a large group of qualified applicants. Decisions were based on criteria including academic record, leadership potential, and overall achievement. Final acceptance is determined solely by the service academies.

The United States service academies offer a first-class education as well as a chance for young people to serve our country upon graduation as commissioned officers in the United States armed services. This year, Senator Gillibrand nominated twelve candidates from Long Island to the service academies.

Senator Gillibrand’s nominees are listed below by their hometown and academies:

Connor Ancipink (Islip, Suffolk Co.) — United States Military Academy

Kaleb Gatto (Riverhead, Suffolk Co.) — United States Military Academy

Julien Crampe (Garden City, Nassau Co.) — United States Military Academy

Katherine Mazaroski (Carle Place, Nassau Co.) — United States Naval Academy

Liam O’Hanlon (Greenlawn, Suffolk Co.) — United States Naval Academy

Stephanie Marcheret (Syosset, Nassau Co.) — United States Air Force Academy

Henry Peterson (Wantagh, Nassau Co.) — United States Air Force Academy

Luciano Stallone (Melville, Suffolk Co.) — United States Air Force Academy

LiAngela Ulloa (Hauppauge, Suffolk Co.) — United States Air Force Academy

Zareb Gonzalez (Brightwaters, Suffolk Co.) — United States Merchant Marine Academy

Chloe Horstmann (Lindenhurst, Suffolk Co.) — United States Merchant Marine Academy

Andriana Perez (Mastic Beach, Suffolk Co.) — United States Merchant Marine Academy

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Gillibrand Announces 2026 Service Academy Nominations From New York City

New York, NY – Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, announced her nominations for candidates from New York City to three of the nation’s service academies: the United States Military Academy, the United States Naval Academy, and the United States Air Force Academy.

“It is my distinct honor to nominate some of the best and brightest individuals from New York City to the nation’s service academies,” said Senator Gillibrand. “These young leaders have demonstrated exemplary academic achievement and dedication to their communities and nation. I look forward to seeing all that they achieve, and I thank them for their commitment to our country.”

A selection committee formed by Senator Gillibrand chose the nominees from a large group of qualified applicants. Decisions were based on criteria including academic record, leadership potential, and overall achievement. Final acceptance is determined solely by the service academies.

The United States service academies offer a first-class education as well as a chance for young people to serve our country upon graduation as commissioned officers in the United States armed services. This year, Senator Gillibrand nominated eight candidates from New York City to the service academies.

Senator Gillibrand’s nominees are listed below by their hometown and academies:

Caroline Zhang (Fresh Meadows, Queens Co.) – United States Military Academy

Katherine Candella (Brooklyn, Kings Co.) – United States Naval Academy

Zayan Dishan (Jamaica, Queens Co.) – United States Naval Academy

Noel Huynh (New York, New York Co.) – United States Naval Academy

Gabriel Usandivaras-Klaehn (New York, New York Co.) – United States Naval Academy

Sienna Zara Lambrou (New York, New York Co.) – United States Air Force Academy

Elizabeth Matheson (New York, New York Co.) – United States Air Force Academy

Ethan Han (Staten Island, Richmond Co.) – United States Air Force Academy

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Gillibrand Announces 2026 Service Academy Nominations From Rochester-Finger Lakes Region

New York, NY – Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, announced her nominations for candidates from the Rochester-Finger Lakes Region to two of the nation’s service academies: the United States Military Academy and the United States Air Force Academy.

“It is my distinct honor to nominate some of the best and brightest individuals from the Rochester area to the nation’s service academies,” said Senator Gillibrand. “These young leaders have demonstrated exemplary academic achievement and dedication to their communities and nation. I look forward to seeing all that they achieve, and I thank them for their commitment to our country.”

A selection committee formed by Senator Gillibrand chose the nominees from a large group of qualified applicants. Decisions were based on criteria including academic record, leadership potential, and overall achievement. Final acceptance is determined solely by the service academies.

The United States service academies offer a first-class education as well as a chance for young people to serve our country upon graduation as commissioned officers in the United States armed services. This year, Senator Gillibrand nominated three candidates from the Rochester-Finger Lakes Region to the service academies.

Senator Gillibrand’s nominees are listed below by their hometown and academies:

Diyar Niyazov (Farmington, Ontario Co.) – United States Military Academy

Hailey Wardell (Penfield, Monroe Co.) – United States Military Academy

Mary Pisciotti (Rochester, Monroe Co.) – United States Air Force Academy

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Gillibrand Announces 2026 Service Academy Nominations From The Capital Region

New York, NY – Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, announced her nominations for candidates from the Capital Region to three of the nation’s service academies: the United States Military Academy, the United States Naval Academy, and the United States Merchant Marine Academy.

“It is my distinct honor to nominate some of the best and brightest individuals from the Capital Region to the nation’s service academies,” said Senator Gillibrand. “These young leaders have demonstrated exemplary academic achievement and dedication to their communities and nation. I look forward to seeing all that they achieve, and I thank them for their commitment to our country.”

A selection committee formed by Senator Gillibrand chose the nominees from a large group of qualified applicants. Decisions were based on criteria including academic record, leadership potential, and overall achievement. Final acceptance is determined solely by the service academies.

The United States service academies offer a first-class education as well as a chance for young people to serve our country upon graduation as commissioned officers in the United States armed services. This year, Senator Gillibrand nominated seven candidates from the Capital Region to the service academies.

Senator Gillibrand’s nominees are listed below by their hometown and academies:

Alara Crisafulli (Voorheesville, Albany Co.) – United States Military Academy

Zexi Wang (Slingerlands, Albany Co.) – United States Military Academy

Rachel Gerber (Greenville, Greene Co.) – United States Military Academy

Ava Varghese (Delmar, Albany Co.) – United States Naval Academy

Yunhan Chen (Cohoes, Albany Co.) – United States Merchant Marine Academy

Cole Wiesner (Mechanicville, Saratoga Co.) – United States Merchant Marine Academy

Jason Ludlow (Lake George, Warren Co.) – United States Military Academy

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Gillibrand Announces 2026 Service Academy Nominations From The Hudson Valley

New York, NY – Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, announced her nominations for candidates from the Hudson Valley to three of the nation’s service academies: the United States Military Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, and the United States Naval Academy.

“It is my distinct honor to nominate some of the best and brightest individuals from the Hudson Valley to the nation’s service academies,”said Senator Gillibrand. “These young leaders have demonstrated exemplary academic achievement and dedication to their communities and nation. I look forward to seeing all that they achieve, and I thank them for their commitment to our country.”

A selection committee formed by Senator Gillibrand chose the nominees from a large group of qualified applicants. Decisions were based on criteria including academic record, leadership potential, and overall achievement. Final acceptance is determined solely by the service academies.

The United States service academies offer a first-class education as well as a chance for young people to serve our country upon graduation as commissioned officers in the United States armed services. This year, Senator Gillibrand nominated eleven candidates from the Hudson Valley to the service academies.

Senator Gillibrand’s nominees are listed below by their hometown and academies:

Ronald Bolte (Pearl River, Rockland Co.) — United States Military Academy

Charlene Conkey (West Point, Orange Co.) — United States Military Academy

Lila Sinacori (Campbell Hall, Orange Co.) — United States Military Academy

Yashica Bala (Scarsdale, Westchester Co.) — United States Naval Academy

Abigail Bennett (Pearl River, Rockland Co.) — United States Naval Academy

Mary Katherine DeBono (West Nyack, Rockland Co.) — United States Naval Academy

Robert Holstine (New City, Rockland Co.) — United States Naval Academy

Lucas O’Connor (Croton-on-Hudson, Westchester Co.) — United States Air Force Academy

William O’Hara (Cold Spring, Putnam Co.) — United States Air Force Academy

Claire Wagner (Poughkeepsie, Dutchess Co.) — United States Air Force Academy

Frank Zingg (Rye, Westchester Co.) — United States Air Force Academy

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Gillibrand Announces 2026 Service Academy Nominations From Western New York

New York, NY – Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, announced her nominations for candidates from Western New York to two of the nation’s service academies: the United States Naval Academy and the United States Air Force Academy.

“It is my distinct honor to nominate some of the best and brightest individuals from Western New York to the nation’s service academies,” said Senator Gillibrand. “These young leaders have demonstrated exemplary academic achievement and dedication to their communities and nation. I look forward to seeing all that they achieve, and I thank them for their commitment to our country.”

A selection committee formed by Senator Gillibrand chose the nominees from a large group of qualified applicants. Decisions were based on criteria including academic record, leadership potential, and overall achievement. Final acceptance is determined solely by the service academies.

The United States service academies offer a first-class education as well as a chance for young people to serve our country upon graduation as commissioned officers in the United States armed services. This year, Senator Gillibrand nominated five candidates from Western New York to the service academies.

Senator Gillibrand’s nominees are listed below by their hometown and academies:

Torianne Franke (Niagara Falls, Niagara Co.) – United States Naval Academy

Brooke Heeter (Lake View, Erie Co.) – United States Naval Academy

Meer Renschler Pandey (Buffalo, Erie Co.) – United States Naval Academy

Dominik Engel (Buffalo, Erie Co.) – United States Air Force Academy

Claire Smaldino (North Collins, Erie Co.) – United States Air Force Academy

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Schumer, Gillibrand Announce $3.6 Million In Federal Funding For Western New York To Replace Lead Pipes & Upgrade Water Infrastructure

Pending Legislation Includes Critical Fed Funding For Western NY To Replace Lead Pipes, Increase Access To Clean Drinking Water, And Make Wastewater Infrastructure Safer

Schumer Stood At Active Lead Pipe Site In Erie County Calling For More Federal Funding To Ensure Drinking Water Is Safe For Western NYers

Schumer, Gillibrand: Fed $$ Is Secured For Western NY For Improved Water Systems!

Today, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced that they secured $3,600,000 in federal funding for critical local water infrastructure projects across Western New York in the fiscal year (FY) 2026 Interior spending bill that is expected to pass in the House of Representatives later today and sent to the Senate. The senators personally secured funding for these projects as congressionally directed spending requests. Schumer in 2024 stood at an active lead pipe site in Erie County to push for this federal funding so Erie County can accelerate their efforts to remove thousands of service lines and ensure the region’s families have the safe, reliable drinking water they deserve.

“No amount of lead is safe for children and families in Western NY, which is why I stood at an active lead pipe site in Erie County two years ago to push for more federal investment. Today, I am proud to announce that I have secured $3.6 million in federal funding so communities across Western New York can upgrade their drinking water and wastewater systems, so families and local businesses have access to the water they need and deserve,” said Senator Schumer. “From extending public water service in the Town of Ellicott to replacing lead service lines across Erie County, these projects will support communities throughout Western New York. I will always fight to keep New York’s drinking water clean and our communities safe and healthy.”

“I am thrilled to bring home $3.6 million in federal funding to upgrade water infrastructure in Western New York,” said Senator Gillibrand, member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “These projects will increase access to safe drinking water, improve wastewater infrastructure, and remove lead pipes that pose a threat to the health and safety of our communities. I am proud to deliver these funds, and I will continue working to ensure that New Yorkers’ water is safe and clean.”

A full list of funded projects is below:

$1,600,000 for Erie County Water Authority to Replace Lead Service Lines

The supported project will involve the replacement of lead service lines and galvanized service lines requiring replacement throughout the Erie County Water Authority’s direct service area. Grant funding will help offset the high cost of replacement and allow the ECWA to prioritize homes with vulnerable populations. This project is part of Erie County Water Authority’s systemwide Lead Service Line Replacement Program and supports compliance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Lead and Copper Rule Revisions and Improvements.

$1,000,000 for the Town of Ellicott for Fluvanna Water Service Area Extension

The project will include construction of water main to extend public water service to the Fluvanna area of the Town of Ellicott providing the area with a safe and abundant water supply from the City of Jamestown BPU. Currently many Fluvanna residents rely on private groundwater wells, a significant number of which do not meet current health standards. This project will eliminate health risks by installing new water mains, hydrants, and meters to deliver clean, regulated public water to the community.

$1,000,000 for the Town of Elma for Consolidated Wastewater Treatment Plant

The project will consolidate two aged wastewater treatment plants (WWTP), ensuring safety for residents and school occupants while safeguarding water quality in Buffalo Creek and nearby areas. In partnership with Iroquois Central School District, the Town of Elma will utilize these funds to replace aging facilities that serve 147 parcels and discharge into Buffalo Creek, to ensure safer, more reliable wastewater treatment. Design work is underway, and this funding will help advance construction of this critical infrastructure upgrade.

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Grassley, Colleagues Press Minnesota Governor Walz Over Rampant Child Care Fraud, Demand Accountability for American Taxpayers

WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) joined the entire Senate Republican Conference in demanding accountability from Minnesota Governor Tim Walz amid widespread reports of fraud and abuse of federal child care funding in Minnesota.

The Trump administration has paused child care funding to Minnesota pending verification and audits of how Minnesota and other states are using federal funds. There is a current federal investigation into large-scale fraud in Minnesota’s social services programs. Grassley’s Senate Judiciary Committee is investigating the ongoing issue of government fraud in Minnesota and beyond, including a subcommittee hearing on January 28th.

“The state’s apparent negligent management of federal funds raises significant concerns about the adequacy of the state’s oversight, verification, and compliance systems for safeguarding taxpayer dollars intended to support vulnerable children and working families. Unfortunately, these latest reports appear to reflect only the tip of the iceberg,” the senators wrote.

“The Constitution grants Congress the power of the purse, and the United States Senate is exercising its duty to ensure proper stewardship of federal taxpayer dollars for child care programs, and we take this responsibility very seriously,” they continued.

Read Senate Republicans’ full letter HERE and below.

January 8, 2026

Governor Tim Walz

130 State Capitol

75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

St. Paul, MN 55155

Dear Governor Walz:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Q&A: New Food Pyramid Restores Common Sense

Q: What do the new federal Dietary Guidelines recommend for Americans?

A: After one year back in office, it comes as no surprise the Trump administration continues to deliver on its campaign promises to Make America Healthy Again and address chronic health conditions and childhood illness. Updated every five years, the federal Dietary Guidelines impact federal nutrition policy and food programs, including meals served in school lunches and to members of the U.S. Armed Forces.

The push for common sense, science-driven dietary recommendations is welcome news. The guidelines are a wake-up call to families to tap the brakes on junk foods that accelerate the risk for obesity, heart disease, cancer and diabetes. The U.S. faces the highest obesity and Type 2 diabetes rates in the developed world. The Trump administration tackles this public health crisis by restoring common sense guidelines and prioritizing real food, including fresh fruits and vegetables, full-fat dairy products and protein, recommending Americans beef up their daily protein consumption and include the nutrient at every meal, such as eggs, poultry and red meat. The updated Dietary Guidelines take aim at added sugars and artificial sweeteners that studies show contribute to diabetes and risk of obesity, suggesting no more than 10 grams of added sugar per meal.

The guidelines usher in a welcome dose of reality to encourage Americans to eat fresh food. It’s pretty simple. As a lifelong family farmer, I often use my platform to educate people that food doesn’t grow on the supermarket shelf – fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts come from the soil planted, tilled and harvested by farmers. Livestock and poultry producers work 24/7 to produce wholesome, protein-rich eggs and meat that Americans count on for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I’m glad the guidelines make no bones about it: Americans ought to avoid packaged foods that are high in sodium and sugar, including sweetened beverages and energy drinks. Instead, Americans ought to eat three servings of dairy products daily, including whole milk and full-fat options that studies have shown help regulate blood sugars and weight loss. Notably, the American Medical Association welcomed the updated dietary guidelines for providing Americans with clear direction for better nutrition on their plates. As a member of the Senate Finance and Agriculture Committees, I’ve scrutinized the work of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee over the years. I’ll continue my congressional oversight as these new federal regulations are implemented to keep scientific integrity intact.

Q: Why did you cosponsor the bipartisan Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act?

A: As a farm kid, I grew up drinking whole milk that came straight from our dairy barn to the kitchen. To this day, I enjoy whole milk with my meals. During the Obama administration, the so-called Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act enacted dietary guidelines that restricted schools who participate in federal nutrition programs from serving whole milk. It limited milk choices for students to nonfat or 1 percent milk. This federal policy missed the bullseye on nutrition and student preference by a country mile. Both the House and Senate have passed my bipartisan bill that would allow schools to serve 2% and whole milk again in the cafeteria. Our bill recognizes scientific research that shows full-fat dairy is part of a healthy diet. It also provides a boost to America’s dairy industry and local family farmers to offer the full range of wholesome, better-tasting milk to the nation’s school lunch programs.


VIDEO: Heinrich Delivers Floor Speech on Future of Permitting Reform

Heinrich: “Across New Mexico and the country, people are looking at their bills and asking how they are going to find the money to keep their lights on.

“The answer is that Americans need more affordable energy, more electrons on the grid, not less, and they need it now."

WASHINGTON – This week, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, delivered remarks on the Senate floor on how the Trump administration’s actions to cancel and stall energy projects are killing jobs, skyrocketing electric bills, and threatening permitting reform.

The speech comes as Donald Trump has suspended every permit for offshore wind projects and stalled the permits of more than 500 clean energy projects – exacerbating our nation’s energy affordability crisis.

VIDEO: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, speaks on the Senate floor about the future of permitting reform, January 7th, 2026.

“Any permitting deal is going to have to guarantee that no Administration of either party can weaponize the permitting process for cheap political points. By raising electricity prices and killing American jobs, this Administration has made it crystal clear that they are not interested in permitting reform, or bringing down the price of energy,” said Ranking Member Heinrich. “The bottom line is this: The Trump Administration needs to follow the law, they need to reverse their illegal stop work orders, and they need to start approving legally compliant energy projects. Full stop.”

A video of Heinrich’s floor speech can be found here.

A transcript of Heinrich’s remarks as delivered is below:

Thank you, Mr. President.

I am here today to join my colleague, Senator Whitehouse, in talking about permitting reform.

And I want to start with a story from my home state of New Mexico.

Right now, across my state and in Arizona, hundreds of workers are putting the finishing touches on a 3.5 gigawatt wind farm and a 550 mile transmission line.

Now for context, 3.5 gigawatts is roughly the equivalent of three and a half nuclear reactors.

This project is literally the largest clean energy project in North American history. Bigger than the Hoover Dam.

And that is pretty unbelievable.

But what’s even more unbelievable is that the permitting process for that transmission line and that generation started over 17 years ago – and the project is being energized as we speak.

So, think about that: It took nearly two decades to get the permits needed to build the project.

That’s 17 years of red tape.

That’s 17 years without the jobs this could create.

17 years of lost incomes, lost local spending, lost tax revenue.

17 years without the energy our nation needs to grow.

And 17 years without the roughly $20 billion economic impact on the Southwestern part of our country that we’re finally seeing.

Because the reality is that electricity is what powers our communities, our innovation, our economies, and our lives.

And electricity has powered this country since the 1880s.

But right now, we are facing an energy crisis of the Trump Administration’s own making.

First, electricity is becoming prohibitively expensive.

And while we know that permitting reform will help lower costs, the Trump Administration is dismantling the permitting process that we use to build new energy projects and get cheaper electrons on the grid.

Put simply: costs are high, we need reform, and the President is blocking our ability to do just that.

It’s no secret that right now, American’s electric bills are going through the roof. Since Trump took office, electricity prices have risen an average of 13 percent- in just a matter of months.

That’s double digits in well under a year.

Beyond the growing costs, demand is growing, too.

Grid Strategies, a power sector consulting firm, predicts that electricity demand will grow 32 percent by 2030 – just five years from now.

Across New Mexico and the country, people are looking at their bills and asking how they are going to find the money to keep their lights on.

The answer is that Americans need more affordable energy, more electrons on the grid, not less, and they need it now.

But we can’t build the future using the last century’s energy infrastructure and red tape.

We need to set up a system that can reliably get to a “yes” or a “no” on a permit in two to three years – not ten, not seventeen.

We know that permitting reform will work.

Scientists at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory estimate that by 2050, transmission expansion could save 270 to 490 billion dollars – billion, with a B.

And for every dollar spent on new transmission, over one and a half dollars would be saved in system costs.

That’s a 150% margin.

That’s a deal that’s hard to argue with.

And it's one of the reasons why I have been such a strong advocate for Congress taking up bipartisan permitting reform.

But instead of working to get Americans more affordable energy, the Trump Administration has been orchestrating a reckless, a vindictive assault on new energy projects.

On July 15th, the Interior Department began requiring Secretary Burgum’s personal review and approval of every single wind and solar energy project on public lands. Not mention things as trivial as Rights-of-Way.

What this really turned out to be was a de facto moratorium on new projects, new electrons on the grid.

And so far, 22 gigawatts – the equivalent of two new New York Cities – of solar, storage, and wind energy have been stalled because of this new review requirement.

And that doesn’t even include other actions from the Administration, we have seen stalled an additional 116 gigawatts of energy.

So if we’re counting, that’s the equivalent of powering 12 New York Cities.

Or, to put it bluntly: more than half of all the new power planned to be built in the United States over the next few years is tied up in one way or another.

Let me repeat that: this Administration has halted more than half of all new power planned to be built in the United States and brought onto the grid over the next four years.

And it gets worse.

President Trump’s Department of Energy cancelled 26 projects that would make our power grid more reliable.

The Department of Energy estimated the transmission built through these projects would have helped add 35 gigawatts of clean power to the grid over the next five years.

Now that’s gone, too.

That’s over 17 New York Cities worth of power that the Trump Administration has stalled, cancelled, or taken away.

The truth is that permitting reform in this building has not been a partisan issue.

It is about building big things again in the United States, providing hardworking Americans, skilled trade union people, with affordable energy, growing our economy, and a good job.

But to do any big energy project, you need a permitting system that actually works.

Right now, when Americans need more energy than ever before, our permitting system is frozen in place.

And it definitely isn’t going to work if federal agencies ignore statutory timelines, stall approvals, issue illegal stop-work orders on partially constructed, fully permitted projects, pause leases, and cancel projects that were already under construction.

So what this Administration is doing doesn’t just undermine one of our cheapest, sources of power—it wrecks the trust that is needed with the executive branch to do bipartisan permitting reform. It poisons the well.

Certainty is what is required for developers, for utilities, for consumers to benefit from faster permitting.

Any permitting deal is going to have to guarantee that no Administration of either party can weaponize the permitting process for cheap political points.

By raising electricity prices and killing American jobs, this Administration has made it crystal clear that they are not interested in permitting reform, or bringing down the price of energy.

The bottom line is this:

The Trump Administration needs to follow the law, they need to reverse their illegal stop work orders, and they need to start approving legally compliant energy projects.

Full stop.

And finally, I’ll say one last thing. Because, something that the senator from Rhode Island said, bears repeating: The challenge to doing permitting reform, is not in this building.

Usually, oftentimes the problem to getting to “yes” is in this building. It’s not the Chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, it’s not the Chairwoman of the EPW Committee- it is this Administration that is poisoning the well.

If we can turn that around, then I think we can all get back to the good work of trying to make our permitting system work for our country and for our economy.

Thank you, Mr. President.


Hoeven: Setting a Goal to Secure $1 Billion for Rural Health Transformation, Continuum of Care In North Dakota

Senator Outlines Importance of Statewide Fiber Optic Network, State-of-the-Art CAHs in Recruiting Health Care Workforce & Improving Access to Care

BISMARCK, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today held a press conference with Governor Kelly Armstrong and Pat Traynor, Interim Commissioner of the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, to set the goal of securing $1 billion for rural health transformation in North Dakota. Hoeven congratulated Governor Armstrong and his team on putting forward an excellent application that resulted in a $200 million award from the One Big Beautiful Bill (OB3) for the first year of the five-year Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), which is $100 million above the program’s baseline funding. The additional funds were awarded on a competitive basis, reflecting the merits of the state’s application.

This level of funding will be maintained in the coming fiscal years, provided the state meets the milestones outlined in its application and fully expends funds within the allowable period, bringing the potential total five-year funding for North Dakota to $1 billion. Hoeven outlined how years of effort have positioned North Dakota to have a head start in this competitive grant program, stressing the importance of:

North Dakota’s wide availability of broadband through the statewide fiber optic infrastructure managed by the Dakota Carrier Network (DCN).

North Dakota is currently one of the top states in the nation for fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) service and is on track to be the first state in the nation with 100% FTTH.

As governor, Hoeven worked to partner DCN with the state’s agencies, counties, university system and health care providers to support the expansion of fiber optic infrastructure in the state.

Hoeven built on these efforts as senator, advancing initiatives like the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s ReConnect program to fund broadband projects in rural areas.

This broadband system is critical to the implementation of telehealth services across the state and cost-effectively expanding access to health care.

Building a network of new, state-of-the-art Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) in communities like Rugby, Grafton, Hazen and Cando.

Hoeven worked through his role as Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee chairman to advance USDA loans and grants, along with CAH reimbursement, to help make the new facilities a reality.

Leveraging both telehealth and CAHs to:

Empower providers to recruit and retain health care professionals and better meet their workforce needs.

Provide access to a comprehensive continuum of care that is not only closer to home, but provides more timely health care.

That means patients have access to a full range of health care services through hospitals, nursing homes and home care that best meet their needs and individual situation.

“North Dakota put forward an exemplary application for the Rural Health Transformation Program, which secured competitive funding that nearly doubled the amount of funding we were set to receive under the program baseline to $200 million this year. We are positioned to sustain that funding level in future years, which is why we’re setting the goal to bring the total funding under this initiative to $1 billion,” said Hoeven. “This was made possible by our work to build the statewide fiber optic network, which really makes telehealth possible anywhere in the state, as well as our efforts to build new Critical Access Hospitals. The ultimate goal here is to establish a comprehensive continuum of care through rural North Dakota, providing people with cost-effective health care that best meets their individual needs.”

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Mississippi senator cosponsors law giving federal benefits to first responders with cancer

By J.T. Mitchell

With Friday observed as National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) is calling attention to a bill she cosponsored that expands access to federal support for families of firefighters and other first responders who die or become permanently disabled from service-related cancers.

Hyde-Smith was a cosponsor of the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act of 2025, which became law after being folded into the annual defense policy bill and signed by President Donald Trump on Dec. 19. The bipartisan bill was led by Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.).

The law amends the federal Public Safety Officers’ Benefits (PSOB) program to recognize occupational cancer as a line-of-duty death or disability – a change sponsors call a “vital update” reflecting the heightened cancer risks firefighters and other first responders face from chronic carcinogen exposure.

“The Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act recognizes that the lives and health of our first responders, whether law enforcement, firefighters, or EMTs, are deeply affected by exposure to dangerous contaminants and chronic carcinogens. Today, these first responders and their families will have better access to federal benefits,” Hyde-Smith stated. “I consider enactment of this law as a showing of our appreciation for those who put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities.”

Under the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act, the families of firefighters and other first responders who lose their lives or become permanently disabled as a result of service-related cancers are eligible for support from the PSOB program. Previously, benefits were generally limited to physical injuries sustained in the line of duty or deaths caused by duty-related heart attacks, strokes, or certain mental health conditions.

Firefighters are routinely exposed to dangerous carcinogens such as benzene and formaldehyde, often released in fires. A study from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health found firefighters face a 9% higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer and a 14% higher risk of dying from it compared with the general population, making occupational cancer one of the leading causes of line-of-duty deaths.

“This is a critical victory for our firefighters who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe, and for their loved ones,” Klobuchar stated. “This bipartisan legislation will ensure that the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program covers service-related cancers – honoring the commitment we make to our firefighters…and other first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice.”

“Our first responders epitomize courage and selfless sacrifice, confronting both the immediate perils of their duty, which are extreme, and the lingering health risks associated with their service,” Cramer added. “Their exposure to dangerous carcinogens happens on our behalf. When these heroes make the ultimate sacrifice, their families should not have to bear these burdens alone.”


Klobuchar, Smith Urge DOJ to Reverse Decision and Allow Joint Investigation Into Fatal ICE Shooting

FBI and Minnesota BCA Successfully Worked Together Following Hortman and Annunciation Church Shootings

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) are pressing the U.S. Department of Justice, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, to coordinate with state and local law enforcement and allow for a joint investigation with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension into the tragic shooting of Renee Nicole Good.

In a letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, Klobuchar and Smith called for a thorough, objective, and impartial investigation, which requires full cooperation with state investigators and local authorities.

“We write to express our serious concerns regarding reports that the Justice Department, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), is no longer coordinating with state and local law enforcement in the investigation into the tragic shooting of Renee Nicole Good. It is critical there be a thorough, objective, and impartial investigation. That requires full cooperation with state investigators and local authorities,” wrote the Senators.

“After the assassination of Melissa Hortman and the horrific shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church, federal officials worked closely and cooperatively with state law enforcement. As in those cases, state law enforcement and investigators can bring extensive expertise to this critical investigation,” the Senators continued.

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

Dear Attorney General Bondi:

We write to express our serious concerns regarding reports that the Justice Department, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), is no longer coordinating with state and local law enforcement in the investigation into the tragic shooting of Renee Nicole Good.

It is critical there be a thorough, objective, and impartial investigation. That requires full cooperation with state investigators and local authorities.

It was initially reported that the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) would conduct a joint investigation with the FBI, and had already begun investigating. According to BCA, the Justice Department has reversed course and is now not even allowing state investigators to access case materials and evidence.

After the assassination of Melissa Hortman and the horrific shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church, federal officials worked closely and cooperatively with state law enforcement. As in those cases, state law enforcement and investigators can bring extensive expertise to this critical investigation.

The administration’s decision raises serious questions about its objectivity, particularly after administration officials have made statements that conflict with the video and other evidence that has already become public. Therefore, we strongly urge you to reverse your decision and coordinate with state and local officials.

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Graham Introduces Legislation to Provide Relief to South Carolinians Affected by Hurricane Helene, Other Natural Disasters

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) this week introduced the Disaster Zone Energy Affordability and Investment Act, which aims to provide relief to South Carolinians who have been affected by Hurricane Helene or other natural disasters in the past or future.

Amidst the destruction and loss of life in South Carolina, Hurricane Helene damaged power lines across the state, causing millions of homes to go without power.

The Disaster Zone Energy Affordability and Investment Act would allow energy companies to apply unused tax credits from prior years, using the savings to more quickly repair damaged energy infrastructure, lower the overall cost of these projects and pass these savings on to energy customers.

“When Hurricane Helene rolled through South Carolina, it decimated power lines, leaving families without power for days, and in some cases weeks. The road to recovery is costly and still ongoing more than a year later,” said Graham. “I am pleased to introduce the Disaster Zone Energy Affordability and Investment Act, which incentivizes energy companies to support reconstruction efforts in communities hit hard by Helene and other natural disasters. By allowing energy companies to utilize unused tax credits, it will spur recovery and in time, pass savings onto the consumer. This legislation is a win-win for South Carolina.”

Graham’s legislation is supported by several energy companies, including Duke Energy, a major utility provider in South Carolina.

In addition to Graham, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Washington).

Background on the Disaster Zone Energy Affordability and Investment Act:

In recent years, Congress has authorized the extension of certain energy tax credits in order to stimulate economic growth and speed up recovery after natural disasters.

Under current law, businesses are permitted to transfer or sell these tax credits, yet the extent to which they may be used is heavily limited. For example, these energy tax credits are capped so that they can only be used to cover up to 75 percent of a company’s tax liability, and they are unable to be applied to prior or future tax liabilities.

This legislation would permit eligible, taxpaying companies to use energy tax credits – beyond current restrictions – to invest in areas designated as “disasters zones.” In order to qualify as a “disaster zone,” the area in question must be designated as such by either the President or a state governor.

In order to receive the full benefit of the tax credits, investments must be used to support energy development projects that assist in the rebuilding of damaged energy infrastructure. By lowering the tax burden on companies contributing to reconstruction efforts, the total cost of these projects will be reduced and communities will be able to rebuild faster after disasters.


Graham Joins Republican Senators in Demanding Accountability from Tim Walz Amid Minnesota Fraud Scandal

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) joined his Republican Senate colleagues in demanding accountability from outgoing Minnesota Governor Tim Walz amid widespread reports of fraud and abuse of federal funding in Minnesota.

Graham and his colleagues slammed Governor Walz over claims of the mishandling of billions of taxpayer dollars. They called on the governor to submit a report to Congress on the steps the State of Minnesota is taking to comply with the federal government’s order to conduct an audit of the federal funds in question and what measures, if any, the state took to try to prevent this widespread abuse of taxpayer dollars.

“We write to express serious concern regarding recent reports and federal investigations alleging widespread fraud and misuse of federal funds within Minnesota’s state-administered child care assistance programs. … Some authorities estimate that billions in federal funds across various programs, including child care, nutrition, Medicaid, and housing assistance, may have been misappropriated since 2018,” the senators wrote.

Graham and his colleagues continued, “Under the leadership of President Trump, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has acted promptly to freeze child care payments to Minnesota pending verification and audits of how funds were used. The Constitution grants Congress the power of the purse, and the United States Senate is exercising its duty to ensure proper stewardship of federal taxpayer dollars for child care programs, and we take this responsibility very seriously.”

This effort is in conjunction with the Trump Administration, which has paused federal child care funding to Minnesota and other states pending verification and audits of how funds were used. There is also a federal investigation into large-scale fraud in Minnesota’s social services programs.

In addition to Graham, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), John Thune (R-South Dakota), John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Jim Banks (R-Indiana), John Kennedy (R-Louisiana), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Rand Paul (R-Kentucky), Ashley Moody (R-Florida), Tim Scott (R-South Carolina), Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), James Lankford (R-Oklahoma), Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Eric Schmitt (R-Missouri), Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma), Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), Katie Britt (R-Alabama), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), Rick Scott (R-Florida), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota), Tim Sheehy (R-Montana), Jon Husted (R-Ohio), Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), John Hoeven (R-North Dakota), Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Josh Hawley (R-Missouri), Jim Justice (R-West Virginia), Steve Daines (R-Montana), Ron Johnson (R-Wisconsin), Jerry Moran (R-Kansas), Todd Young (R-Indiana), John Curtis (R-Utah), Dave McCormick (R-Pennsylvania), Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky), Roger Wicker (R-Missouri), John Boozman (R-Arkansas), and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa).

Read the full letter here.