Sen. Moran Secures Critical Resources for Local Kansas Law Enforcement in Appropriations Package

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science – secured $14 million in federal resources for Kansas law enforcement to help equip local law enforcement with new crime-fighting technology, police cameras, emergency vehicles and other resources. These funds were included in the FY2026 three-bill appropriations package, which passed the Senate yesterday. The legislation now goes to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

“Our Kansas law enforcement need the best tools and training to perform their duties and keep our communities safe,” said Sen. Moran. “As the Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee that funds federal and local law enforcement, we worked to secure these resources. Rural law enforcement has fewer staff and resources to fight crime in their communities. These resources will help equip our officers and deputies as they work to protect Kansans.”

Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police:

"The Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police appreciates the opportunity to secure funding for public safety through congressional appropriations. There are many small agencies across Kansas that aren't able to budget needed equipment and this opportunity provides the chance to secure equipment to provide a higher level of safety for our communities and law enforcement officers.”

Kansas Sheriffs’ Association:

“The Kansas Sheriffs Association extends its sincere appreciation to Senator Jerry Moran and the Senate Appropriations Committee for their leadership and support in the passage of the recent Bill. This important legislation will provide sheriffs’ offices and law enforcement agencies across Kansas with access to modern equipment and advanced technology, enhancing officer safety while improving efficiency and effectiveness in serving our communities. Investing in reliable, up-to-date technology directly strengthens public safety and ensures deputies and officers have the tools necessary to meet today’s evolving challenges with confidence and professionalism. The Kansas Sheriffs Association is grateful for the continued partnership with federal lawmakers in advancing solutions that protect both law enforcement professionals and the citizens they serve.”

Kansas Law Enforcement Receiving Federal Resources:

Abilene Police Department

Brown County Sheriff

Chase County Sheriff’s Office

Crawford County Sheriff’s Office

Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office

Elwood Police Department

Ellis County Sheriff’s Office

Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office

Haskell County Sheriff’s Office

Kansas Bureau of Investigation

Leawood Police Department

Lindsborg Police Department

Logan County Sheriff’s Office

McPherson County Sheriff’s Office

Miami County Sheriff’s Office

Mitchell County Sheriff’s Office

Neodesha Police Department

Norton City Police Department

Osawatomie Police Department

Seneca Police Department

Smith County Sheriff’s Office

Trego County Sheriff’s Office

Unified Government of Wyandotte County

Victoria Police Department

Wathena Police Department

Wichita County Sheriff’s Office

Yates Center Police Department

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Sen. Moran Secures Federal Resources for KU Cancer Center in FY2026 Appropriations Package

This funding will be used to complete the construction of the cancer center

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science (CJS) – secured $36 million in funding for The University of Kansas Cancer Center to complete construction on the new cancer center. This funding was approved by Congress as part of a three-bill appropriations package and now goes to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

“The University of Kansas Cancer Center is a nationally recognized leader in the fight against cancer,” said Sen. Moran. “With these federal resources, The University of Kansas Cancer Center will be able to complete construction on this new, state-of-the-art cancer center and bring us closer to opening its doors for groundbreaking cancer research. This facility will expand the cancer services and research provided in Kansas and across the Midwest, saving lives and bringing us closer to finding a cure for cancer.”

“Today marks another milestone in our effort to strengthen the KU Cancer Center’s status among the best cancer centers in the nation,” said Douglas Girod, University of Kansas Chancellor. “Thanks to Senator Moran’s advocacy and efforts to secure this latest round of federal support, KU and its partners now have all the funding needed for construction of our new KU Cancer Center facility, which will enable us to further integrate research and clinical care to benefit patients fighting cancer. We are beyond grateful to Senator Moran for his commitment to the KU Cancer Center over the past two decades, and we look forward to continuing to work with him on initiatives that benefit Kansas patients, families and communities.”

As the Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS) and a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health & Human Services, and Education (LHHS), Sen. Moran has helped secure $105 million in federal resources since 2022 to build and equip the new facility. In May 2025, Sen. Moran participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for the new cancer center, which will bring expanded cancer care and research together in one place. Patients will have access to more innovative clinical trials and groundbreaking therapies developed on site.

Sen. Moran has requested $10 million in additional funding for The University of Kansas Health System in the LHHS FY2026 Appropriations bill to purchase equipment for the cancer center. This legislation is expected to be considered by the House as soon as next week and will then be considered by the Senate.

Items to note:

Sen. Moran has brought federal government leaders to the KU Cancer Center with the goal of showcasing the capabilities of its state-of-the-art facility, advocating for the importance of the center’s role in the region and helping to strengthen relationships with national cancer research partners.

Nov. 2025: Sen. Moran hosted National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya for a tour of The University of Kansas Medical Center, The University of Kansas Health System and cancer and Alzheimer’s research labs. The tour also included a site visit of the progress on construction of the new cancer center building.

July 2024: Sen. Moran hosted National Cancer Institute (NCI) then Director, Dr. Kimryn Rathmell, at the KU Cancer Center.

June 2023: Sen. Moran brought National Institutes of Health (NIH) then Acting Director, Dr. Lawrence Tabak, to Kansas to see firsthand the progress of the construction of KU Cancer Center’s new building.

Sen. Moran has worked to bring federal recognition to the work being done at KU Cancer Center, including advocating for the facility to be awarded the NCI’s most prestigious designation: Comprehensive Status.

July 2022: Sen. Moran joined University of Kansas leadership in announcing the facility had officially received NCI Comprehensive Status, making it the only comprehensive cancer center in Kansas and solidifying its standing as a national and world leader in the fight to treat and cure cancer.

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Moreno Blasts Ohio Commissioner Who Attacked ICE, Border Patrol as “Terrorists”

WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) sent a letter to Lucas County Commissioner Pete Gerken condemning his dangerous rhetoric that labeled DHS employees, ICE, and border patrol agents as a “terrorist group.”

“I find it extremely ironic that previously you publicly called for President Trump to be ‘respectful toward the local community,’” wrote Senator Moreno. “Yet, you yourself, in a public meeting, called federal law enforcement officers, who sacrifice so much to uphold our laws and keep our communities safe, ‘terrorists.’ Although your unhinged conduct, which is wholly unfit for someone holding public office, should not be surprising as you clearly have a pattern of engaging in disrespectful behavior and misconduct yourself that you teach and encourage in others as well.”

Read the full letter HERE or below.

Dear Commissioner Gerken,

I write today to express my sincere disgust regarding the dangerous public comments you made about our brave men and women in uniform at a Lucas County Commissioners’ meeting on January 13, 2026. Specifically, you stated, “I think DHS, ICE, and border patrol have gone from a legitimate, in the past, law enforcement agency, to a terrorist group.”

Your statements were made in connection with the even more incoherent and perilous choice to rescind the Lucas County Commissioners’ prior agreement to accept a $70,000 grant from the Department of Homeland Security’s Operation Stonegarden program. These federal funds improve critical infrastructure in Lucas County, which makes the county safer for its citizens. According to Lucas County’s own Sheriff, the county has received and accepted such funds for nearly two decades. From Toledo Public Schools’ approximately $70 million budget deficit and Sheriff Navarre’s plea for a $6.57 million budget increase to address law enforcement staffing shortages, your decision to refuse federal assistance is particularly confounding when the financial situation in the county, which directly impacts Lucas County citizens’ basic services, is dire.

Even worse, rather than apologize, you publicly justified your comments and horrific decision, “I thought it was time for someone on our committee to speak up and say look, for $70,000 I don’t think we want to take money from an organization that has delegitimized itself.Your irresponsible rhetoric and decisions are wholly inconsistent with the duties that you swore a constitutional oath to uphold. In fact, it is your legal responsibility for example, to “work with all county elected officials and with judges to assure that they are properly funded to perform their statutory duties.” Ohio Revised Code 3.07 states that “any person holding office. in this county…who refuses or willfully neglects to enforce the law or to perform any official duty imposed on him by law is guilty of misconduct in office.” Your egregious designation of heroic federal law enforcement personnel as “terrorists” and your decision to refuse federal funds to support the critical infrastructure your Sheriff is begging for likely violated more than just Lucas County citizens’ trust and faith in you as an elected official.

This type of venomous language has led to federal law enforcement personnel being murdered in the line of duty where gunmen label their bullets “ANTI-ICE,” the encouragement of domestic terrorist attacks, including Molotov cocktail attacks on ICE and CBP officers, 13 an overall 3,200 percent surge in vehicular attacks against ICE agents and a more than 1,150 percent increase in assault and violence against ICE officers. Your disgusting declaration and decision to not fund critical criminal justice and safety infrastructure in Lucas County is not only an embarrassment but will likely lead to more violence against law enforcement personnel and result in even more danger posed by illegal immigrants to the community than the region has already suffered through.

I find it extremely ironic that previously you publicly called for President Trump to be “respectful toward the local community.” Yet, you yourself, in a public meeting, called federal law enforcement officers, who sacrifice so much to uphold our laws and keep our communities safe, “terrorists.” Although your unhinged conduct, which is wholly unfit for someone holding public office, should not be surprising as you clearly have a pattern of engaging in disrespectful behavior and misconduct yourself that you teach and encourage in others as well.

Please respond to my office not later than five days from receipt of this letter with answers to the following questions:

What is the total amount and percentage of federal funds included in the Lucas County budget?

Is calling federal law enforcement personnel “terrorists” at a public meeting consistent with your statutory duties as county commissioner?

Is refusing to fund critical infrastructure, safety, and security projects requested by your county sheriff consistent with your statutory duties as county commissioner?

Do you think calling federal law enforcement personnel “terrorists” is “respectful”?

Do you believe the citizens of Lucas County will benefit from the withholding of all federal funds?


Murray and McEnerny-Ogle Hail Coast Guard Approval of Fixed Span I-5 Bridge Proposal

Vancouver, WA – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, along with Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle issued the following statement celebrating the news that the Coast Guard approved a fixed span design for the I-5 bridge replacement between Vancouver and Portland.

“Keeping the I-5 bridge replacement moving forward is how we keep all of Washington state moving forward. This next milestone reflects the years of hard work our region has done to address navigational needs and ensure the bridge works for everybody, especially Southwest Washington. This is great news for commuters who won’t have to wait on a lift every time they cross the bridge and eliminates the only stoplight on I-5. This will be a big economic boost for the entire region as well—freight is going to get to where it needs to go a whole lot more quickly. This is a win-win-win for commuters, river users, and the entire Pacific Northwest. We’re committed to working with partners at every level of government, and presenting a united front as a region, to replace the I-5 bridge as quickly as possible for a faster—and safer—commute.”

As the top Democratic appropriator in Congress, Senator Murray has led Congressional efforts to secure the federal funding to make the I-5 bridge replacement a reality. A timeline of Senator Murray’s longtime leadership on the I-5 Bridge Replacement Project over more than two decades is HERE. Murray last visited the bridge in August of 2024 to celebrate the influx of federal funding she secured.

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Murray Tours UW’s AI Research Center After Securing $10 Million for Computing & Data Infrastructure to Advance Cutting-Edge AI Research

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

***PHOTOS AND B-ROLL FROM TOUR HERE***

Seattle, WA — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, toured the University of Washington’s Husky Secure Computing Data and Infrastructure project after securing $10 million for a new, cutting-edge computing and storage platform that will integrate advanced artificial intelligence (AI) computing to allow researchers to perform data-intensive AI research.

During the visit, Senator Murray learned more about the project and the cutting-edge AI research happening at UW—a nationally-recognized AI research hub—and spoke with researchers and students about how their work is critical for understanding the future of AI. Murray secured $10 million for the project through Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) in the Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations Bill she played a key role in negotiating as the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee. Senator Murray secured a total $14.5 million in CDS projects for UW in the three-bill funding package that passed the Senate on Thursday and is expected to soon be signed into law.

“When it comes to AI research, UW and Washington state are leading the way—and I’m proud to be bringing home $10 million in our funding bills to advance the cutting-edge AI research that’s happening at UW and take it to the next level,” said Senator Murray. “I worked to secure this funding because I know how critical this research is to expand Washington state’s AI workforce and talent pipeline and grow our competitive edge in AI and advanced computing. It was important to hear from researchers and students today about their work, and I can’t wait to see what kind of research breakthroughs they’re able to make with even more advanced computing infrastructure in the coming years. In Congress I’m fighting to make sure AI is working for us, not the other way around. It’s really important that the average American sees the benefits of AI—it can’t just be something that drives up profits for billionaires and CEOs.”

“UW is proud to be a nationally recognized AI research hub. With these additional federal resources secured by Senator Murray, UW will expand our institution’s computing and storage infrastructure to ensure that UW is able to take the cutting-edge work to the next level. The advancements we will make using AI will help people across a spectrum — and in more ways that people can imagine, whether that’s medicine, space exploration, or helping protect salmon. Investments like this will ensure that UW and the region continue to grow as a hub of innovation, which will bring more talent and jobs to Seattle and Washington state. We appreciate all of Senator Murray’s hard work on this critically important effort for UW. Her leadership in Washington, DC and at home cannot be overstated or overvalued,” said Robert J. Jones, President, University of Washington.

The University of Washington is a leading AI research institution, integrating AI and Machine Learning across a host of domains. UW will use the $10 million in funding Senator Murray secured to purchase servers and computing equipment that allow it to build its own data storage platform to support AI workloads and research. Currently, UW maintains a limited amount of server capacity that it can use to conduct AI research—but for larger experiments, it relies on AI platforms owned by others. Establishing its own in-house AI platform will enable UW to pursue more and larger-scale AI research, without the constraints and cost that come with relying on private-sector server capacity. This in-house AI platform will also broaden access to undergraduates to conduct experiments and strengthen Washington state’s AI workforce, expanding talent pipeline to meet growing demand.

Senator Murray secured a total $14.5 million in CDS funding for the University of Washington. In addition to the $10 million for the Husky Secure Computing Data & Infrastructure project, Senator Murray also brought home $3 million for new fan blades for the Kirsten Wind Tunnel, and $1.5 million for improvements to UW’s Radiocarbon Lab.

Senator Murray knows how important it is for Washington state, and America, to keep its competitive edge in AI research—which means we must invest federal funding in scientific programs. The Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 2026 that Senator Murray negotiated—and that is expected to soon be signed into law—includes $1.8 billion for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) overall, an increase of $690 million over last year’s funding level. This includes no less than $55 million for AI research, an increase of $20 million, and up to $10 million for NIST’s Center for AI Standards and Innovation to advance AI research, standards, and testing. President Trump’s budget request for Fiscal Year 2026 proposed cutting NIST by more than 28 percent.

Senator Murray also played a key role in helping to pass the bipartisan Chips and Science Act which makes historic investments in American manufacturing, and research and development. The bill included AI scholarships through NSF, funding for the Department of Energy’s research and development on AI and machine learning, support for the National Institute of Standards and Technology work on AI and quantum information science, and resources for the creation of a NSF Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships which will focus on domestic development of AI and other quantum computing.

Over the past year, Senator Murray has also been outspoken against President Trump’s efforts to ban states from regulating AI, and she introduced legislation to stop the Trump administration’s pilot program putting AI companies between seniors on Medicare and their doctors.

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Padilla, Kim, Wicker, Cornyn Lead Bipartisan Bill to Drive Innovation and Strengthen Partnerships Between NASA and Space Industry

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and John Cornyn (R-Texas) introduced bipartisan legislation to drive space innovation in America through fostering collaboration between NASA and the commercial space industry. By creating the Public Private Talent Exchange Program (PPTE) within NASA, the NASA Talent Exchange Program Act would create partnership opportunities that can further grow expertise across government.

The bill would benefit California’s three NASA centers and the state’s burgeoning aerospace industry.

“Collaboration between NASA and our growing aerospace industry is crucial to advance America’s space leadership and groundbreaking innovations,” said Senator Padilla. “As budget cuts and mass layoffs at NASA centers in California and across the country jeopardize scientific research, our bipartisan bill will strengthen our global competitiveness and improve cooperation with space science experts by establishing a public-private talent exchange program.”

“The era of looking to the stars to see the future has only just begun, and by continuing to drive American innovation we help make a bright future possible for our country. This initiative is an important tool to make sure we are unlocking the full potential of talent across government and the space industry who are leading the way with groundbreaking technologies and securing America’s place as the space leader globally,” said Senator Kim.

“Public-private partnerships are crucial for innovation and economic development. Allowing leaders from NASA and top companies to participate in a fellowship will improve modernization and ensure the United States’ space program remains the best in the world. We are engaged in a 21st century space race. Congress must provide resources to ensure the United States’ success,” said Senator Wicker.

“As America continues to make advances in space exploration and technology, it’s important for our astronauts and researchers to be able to collaborate with the private sector to bolster our competitive edge,” said Senator Cornyn. “I’m proud to join my colleagues on this legislation to create a talent exchange program, which would help improve knowledge transfer and skill development for NASA’s missions.”

The PPTE would be a professional development program focused on giving NASA and industry professionals an opportunity to gain exposure and experience in a variety of subject and skill areas. Specifically, it would assign NASA employees into industry posts, as well as place industry professionals into positions at NASA. The exchanges would last between three months and two years with options to extend for an additional year.

The PPTE is modeled after a similar initiative that the Department of Defense has operated since 2018 that has allowed the Department of Defense to forge partnerships with private sector companies and share best practices.

The NASA Talent Exchange Program Act was previously included in the NASA reauthorization legislative proposal (NASA Reauthorization Act) to bolster NASA and help maintain American space leadership. The full NASA authorization process has historically been a bipartisan effort considered every few years.

Last year, Senator Padilla and U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) introduced the bipartisan Space Exploration Research Act to promote aeronautical and space research, educate a 21st century space workforce, and enhance U.S. commercial competitiveness in the space and aerospace industries.

Full text of the NASA Talent Exchange Program Act is available here.

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Padilla, Merkley, Colleagues Denounce Trump’s Partisan, Self-Celebrating Changes to National Park Service Access for 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, joined Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and 10 other Senators in sounding the alarm over the Trump Administration’s so-called “modernization” plans for national park access, including several alarming partisan, polarizing initiatives that undermine the spirit of public lands for all.

The Senators blasted the National Park Service’s (NPS) concerning decision to remove Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth from the list of fee-free days while adding President Trump’s birthday to the list. They expressed concerns about the highly problematic nature of these access changes, particularly the Administration’s determination that Trump’s self-celebration and aggrandizing was more important to honor than historic days celebrated across the country to commemorate the struggle for civil rights.

They also criticized the redesign of the 2026 America the Beautiful national park annual passes, replacing photographs of nature or historic buildings taken at national parks with images of Trump. The Senators stressed that this unprecedented, self-important change is also of questionable legality, as federal law requires an annual, open public competition to determine the pass designs.

“Not only does this send the deeply troubling message that these days of profound historical importance in the struggle for civil rights are not worth honoring, but it also further promotes the President’s agenda of self-celebration,” wrote the Senators.

“National parks are national treasures and exist as spaces where people, regardless of background and political affiliation, can come together and enjoy the outdoors. These changes do nothing to modernize how people visit national parks and are instead a thinly veiled attempt to use our nation’s most iconic landscapes to further the self-promotion of President Trump and disparage our shared history,” continued the Senators.

In addition to Padilla and Merkley, the letter was also signed by Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

The Senators requested answers to several questions related to NPS’ rationale and plans for the fee-free day changes, the agency’s process for determining the 2026 recreation pass designs, and whether U.S. residents will have the option to purchase America the Beautiful passes that do not depict President Trump.

Last month, Senator Padilla called on Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum to pause the implementation of the Administration’s expensive, discriminatory national park entry fees and annual passes for non-residents, which took effect on January 1, 2026 and have drastically increased wait times at parks. Padilla and his colleagues previously urged Secretary Burgum to immediately resolve looming staffing shortages at NPS following President Trump’s hiring freeze, cancellation of thousands of job offers for seasonal NPS employees, and buyout offers made without clear legal authority. Last May, Padilla introduced the RESERVE Federal Land Act to expand access to public lands, improve the visitor reservation process, and enhance transparency in how fees are collected for federal lands and national parks.

Full text of the letter is available here and below:

Dear Secretary Burgum:

We write to express our deep concern over the National Park Service’s “modernization of national park access” in 2026, announced on November 25, 2025. This so-called modernization includes several alarming partisan, polarizing initiatives that have no place within our nation’s public lands, which are meant for all people to visit and enjoy.

Among the announced changes is a decision to remove Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth from the list of fee-free days—days intended for celebration and increased affordability and access to our National Parks. At the same time, President Trump’s birthday will be added as a fee-free day. Not only does this send the deeply troubling message that these days of profound historical importance in the struggle for civil rights are not worth honoring, but it also further promotes the President’s agenda of self-celebration.

We as a country have sought to preserve and tell the story of our history, including through the National Park Service, which operates 20 national park treasures dedicated to the history of the civil rights movement and partners with dozens of other affiliated properties connected to the National Park Service through the African American Civil Rights Network.

This so-called modernization also includes the redesign of the America the Beautiful annual passes by replacing images depicting our nation’s public lands with photos of President Trump. This change turns the America the Beautiful pass—a program intended to promote access and affordability—into a vehicle for more self-celebration and self-aggrandizing. While the images on these passes are typically replaced every year, as outlined in the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, the selection process is required by law to occur through a public competition, not a unilateral administrative decision. As such, the legality of this change is questionable at best and already the subject of litigation.

National parks are national treasures and exist as spaces where people, regardless of background and political affiliation, can come together and enjoy the outdoors. These changes do nothing to modernize how people visit national parks and are instead a thinly veiled attempt to use our nation’s most iconic landscapes to further the self-promotion of President Trump and disparage our shared history. In light of these alarming changes, we request that you provide full and complete responses to the following questions no later than January 30, 2026:

1. Provide the Agency’s reasoning for removing both Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday and Juneteenth as fee-free days.

2. The National Park Service has traditionally celebrated both Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday and Juneteenth through ranger-led programs, interpretive talks, performances, community gatherings, and volunteer service opportunities. Will the National Park Service continue each of these traditions, and if not, what specifically will the National Park Service cancel in 2026?

3. Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (16 U.S. Code § 6804(a)(2)) requires an annual, open public competition for determining the recreation park pass designs and should be “used as a means to educate the American people about Federal recreational lands and waters.” In practice, this competition has been held by the National Park Foundation through their Share the Experience Photo Contest. While a competition was held for the 2026 passes, the winning image was relegated to the new, more expensive Nonresident Annual Pass, rather than the customary general Annual Pass. Please describe what process was used to determine the 2026 recreation pass designs, including those specifically for the general Resident Annual Pass depicting George Washington and President Trump and the Military Annual Pass depicting President Trump.

a. By what date does the administration plan to remedy this violation of federal law?

4. Will U.S. residents purchasing an America the Beautiful Annual Pass be able to choose an alternative design that does not depict President Trump?

a. Assuming some people will decide to forgo purchasing an Annual Pass if an alternative is unavailable, has the administration considered how this may reduce revenue and park visitation?

Sincerely,

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VIDEO: Senator Peters Commemorates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) released a video message to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day ahead of the holiday on Monday, January 19th, 2026:

“Dr. King’s commitment to civil rights and nonviolent protest forever changed our nation. His life exemplified the founding principles of our Constitution and Declaration of Independence, that ‘all men are created equal,’” said Senator Peters. “He helped move this country forward to a future where all Americans are afforded equal opportunity, rights, and dignity, no matter their race, gender, economic background, or sexual orientation.”

Peters continued, “So, together, let’s continue to stand against racism and injustice everywhere, and make sure that Dr. King’s legacy lives on for generations to come.”

To watch video of Senator Peters’ remarks, click here.

Below is the text of Senator Peters’ remarks as delivered:

“This year marks the 40th anniversary of the first federal celebration of Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

“Nearly 60 years since Dr. King’s assassination in 1968, we come together once again to recognize his legacy and his vision for a more just, equal future.

“Dr. King’s commitment to civil rights and nonviolent protest forever changed our nation. His life exemplified the founding principles of our Constitution and Declaration of Independence, that ‘all men are created equal.’

“He helped move this country forward to a future where all Americans were afforded equal opportunity, rights, and dignity, no matter their race, gender, economic background, or sexual orientation.

“However, as we have seen over the past year, many of the ideals that Dr. King advocated for are basically under siege across the country and it can often feel like we’re going backwards.

“But the path to equality has always been met with obstacles and resistance. So, just as Dr. King taught us, we must not surrender in this righteous pursuit.

“In 1965, after leading the 5-day, 54-mile march from Selma to Montgomery, it was Dr. King who said from the steps of the Alabama State Capitol: ‘the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.’

“So, together, let’s continue to stand against racism and injustice everywhere, and make sure that Dr. King’s legacy lives on for generations to come.”

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Reed, Colleagues Seek to Block Corporate Oil Investments in Venezuela from Being Reimbursed by U.S. Taxpayers

WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) is teaming up with U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) and several colleagues to introduce the No Taxpayer Funds for Corporate Investment in Venezuelan Oil Act.

This bill would prohibit the Trump Administration from providing taxpayer reimbursements for oil companies investing in Venezuela’s oil and gas sector.

In addition to Bennett and Reed, the bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA), Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Senator John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), and Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt) also co-sponsored the legislation.

“President Trump seized Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro without Congressional authority or even notification, and the next day, touted the investment opportunities created by this incursion. Now, he says the U.S. government should reimburse oil giants’ costs to rebuild Venezuela’s oil industry, which could reach at least $100 billion,” Bennet said. “This would be an outrageous misuse of taxpayer dollars, especially given the lack of oil industry interest in investing in Venezuela. The American people did not vote to subsidize this reckless misadventure.”

“Americans should not be on the hook to rebuild Venezuela’s oil industry or further subsidize investments by Big Oil companies,” said Reed. “President Trump needs to come clean about his plans for Venezuela and tell the American people why he is sending oil revenue to offshore bank accounts in Qatar.”

“President Trump was too cheap to pay for critical tax credits that millions of Americans rely on to afford their health care, but he’s open to spending billions of taxpayer dollars to rebuild Venezuela. How is that ‘America First’?,” said Kaine. “I urge my colleagues to join us in supporting this legislation to prevent the waste of Americans’ money on private investments in Venezuela’s oil industry, and in calling on the President to focus on the real issues—the cost of health care, housing, food, and more.”

“This president campaigned on America first. And while we have these crises over health care, rising costs of groceries, rising costs of housing, the American people on both sides of the aisle want the President focused on what he promised to do: address the cost of living – not engage in more endless warfare over oil,” said Schiff.

“The American people did not ask for our troops to be put in harm’s way in Venezuela to seize foreign oil – and they certainly don’t support a new taxpayer giveaway to help multibillion dollar oil companies get their hands on it to boost their own profits,” said Van Hollen. “We must pass this bill to stop Trump from giving away Americans’ tax dollars for corporate handouts in Venezuela.”

“President Trump is focused on enriching oil companies while Americans struggle to afford groceries, housing, and health care,” said Hickenlooper. “We refuse to allow taxpayers to foot the bill for U.S. oil companies’ start-up costs.”

“President Trump’s unconstitutional actions in the Caribbean have apparently always been about one thing: seizing control of Venezuela’s oil. There’s absolutely nothing in it for hardworking Americans,” said Welch. “Congress holds the power of the purse–this President cannot be allowed to waste taxpayer dollars on a handout to the oil industry.”

Specifically, the legislation would:

• Block reimbursements for capital expenditures, including leasing rights, infrastructure improvements, land purchases, building construction;

• Cover companies and subsidiaries based in the U.S., as well as international parent firms incorporated abroad;

• Prohibit reimbursements directly from both the Treasury and potential offshore accounts accessible or controlled by U.S. government officials.


Rounds Joins Lee and Roy on SAVE Act to Secure Federal Elections

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today joined Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Representative Chip Roy (R-Texas) in sponsoring the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act. This legislation aims to make certain that only United States citizens are participating in federal elections by requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration.

“Free and fair elections are a foundation of our democracy. Part of that fairness is making sure only United States citizens are voting for our leaders,” said Rounds. “This rule has been loosely enforced in blue states for far too long. I’m pleased to be joining Senator Lee on this legislation which requires proof of citizenship in order to register to vote.”

Specifically, the SAVE Act amends the National Voter Registration Act, setting requirements for states to verify U.S. citizenship. It outlines acceptable documentation for proving citizenship and requires states to set up alternative verification processes for citizens without standard documents. Additionally, the legislation compels states to purge non-citizens from voter rolls and establishes federal penalties for intentionally registering non-citizens.

Click HERE for full bill text.

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SCHUMER: A HISTORIC MOMENT FOR UPSTATE NY & AMERICA! AFTER YEARS OF ADVOCACY, SCHUMER CELEBRATES MICRON’S GROUNDBREAKING FOR TRANSFORMATIVE $100 BILLION INVESTMENT, BUILDING THE MOST ADVANCED MEMORY...

Schumer Worked To Convince Micron To Invest In Upstate NY, And Passage Of Schumer’s Bipartisan CHIPS & Science Law Sealed The Deal For Micron To Invest In America And Select Syracuse Area To Build Largest Semiconductor Facility In The Country

Thanks To Billions In Federal CHIPS Funding Schumer Delivered, Micron Will Make Largest Investment In NY State History, Investing Over $100 Billion In NY Over The Next 20+ Years Creating Up To 50,000 Good-Paying Jobs To Meet Soaring Demand For Micron’s Chips

Schumer: Micron’s Groundbreaking Marks Start Of The Next Chapter For Upstate NY’s Future

After years of work to rebuild semiconductor manufacturing in America through his CHIPS & Science Law, and working relentlessly to attract Micron to New York, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today celebrated Micron’s historic groundbreaking for its $100+ billion new chip fab complex, creating up to 50,000 new good-paying jobs in Upstate NY at what will be the largest and most advanced memory chip facility in America.

“Today is a historic day for Syracuse, Upstate NY, and for all of America. With the first shovels hitting the ground for Micron, and construction beginning on the largest semiconductor manufacturing facility in the country, we are ushering in the next chapter of Upstate NY’s future,” said Senator Schumer. “Today, we start reversing the trend of parents waving goodbye to their kids at the airport because there aren’t enough family-sustaining jobs. I dreamed of this day when crafting the CHIPS & Science Law because I knew with federal investment, we could bring manufacturing back to America, including Upstate NY. Micron’s $100 billion investment will transform these open fields near Syracuse into thousands of good-paying jobs making the advanced microchips that power nearly every technology from cell phones to AI. Micron’s groundbreaking is proof that America can and will lead in manufacturing once again, and it starts right here in Central NY.”

Schumer worked tirelessly for years to advocate to Micron the many benefits of Upstate NY, including reliable and cheap water and power, a highly skilled workforce, top-notch educational and research institutions, and other capabilities to lead in semiconductor manufacturing and innovation.

After Schumer successfully passed the bipartisan CHIPS & Science Law, which created the federal programs needed to spur semiconductor industry investment in America, Micron selected Central New York for its new advanced memory chip fab complex. Schumer’s CHIPS & Science Law delivered over $6.1 billion in funding for Micron to help the U.S. grow its share of advanced memory manufacturing from less than 2% today to approximately 10% by 2035. This funding will support the construction of Micron’s first two fabs in Central NY and an expansion in Idaho to help meet soaring demand for the chips Micron makes. Micron’s $100 billion investment is the largest private investment in New York’s history.

Over the next 20+ years, Micron plans to build a colossal complex of memory chip plants in Central New York, constructing up to four manufacturing plants at White Pine Commerce Park in Clay, NY. The company’s plans call for building a cleanroom space that will cover about 2.4 million square feet, the size of almost 40 football fields. Micron is the fourth largest producer of semiconductors in the world and makes memory chips that are essential to the technology people use every day, from cellphones to cars, and to critical technologies like AI, as well as technologies that are used by our military.

Micron will create up to 50,000 jobs across Upstate NY, including 9,000 new, good-paying jobs at its new chip fab complex across suppliers, and tens of thousands of construction jobs over the next 20 years to build its new facilities. The new manufacturing complex is expected to create an additional $9.5 billion in regional economic output starting in 2027, increasing to over $16 billion annually by 2041. Micron will also create nearly $20 billion in revenue for state and local governments to improve schools and other public services.

Schumer added, “This is not just a once-in-a-generation investment, it’s an investment that will span generations. I’m grateful for the partnership of Governor Hochul, County Executive McMahon, Rob Simpson of CenterState CEO, and so many others to get this done, and also for Sanjay Mehrotra’s vision and commitment to making this historic investment in Central New York. Some people said America could never be the manufacturing capital of the world, but we will prove them wrong. Soon, the chips powering the technology in nearly everyone's lives across the globe will be stamped ‘Made in Upstate New York.’”

Schumer said this transformational investment was just what he had envisioned when he helped write and champion the bipartisan CHIPS & Science Law. Now, Upstate New York is quickly becoming a global hub for the semiconductor industry thanks to his efforts, boosting the country’s national security and global competitiveness. In the next ten years, one in four American-made chips will be made within 350 miles of Upstate New York.

Micron is one of several agreements in New York for federal CHIPS incentives funded by Schumer’s bipartisan CHIPS & Science Law that are spurring major private sector investment and bringing manufacturing back to America. GlobalFoundries signed an up to $1.5 billion funding agreement for a $16 billion public-private investment over the next ten-plus years to expand and construct a second, new state-of-the-art computer chip fab in Malta, NY as well as a $3 billion first-of-its-kind chip packaging facility. Corning Incorporated finalized a $32 million agreement to make a $315 million investment that would increase production at its Canton facility of specialized glass vital for the semiconductor industry. Edwards Vacuum is nearing completion a new first-of-its-kind-in-the-country $300+ million dry pump manufacturing facility, supported by an $18 million CHIPS funding award.

Schumer concluded, “The pandemic showed us we can’t rely on overseas supply chains. We remember when chip shortages meant long waits for new technology and painful price hikes for families and businesses. We learned we can’t gamble with our national security and economic vitality by depending on competitors for critical advanced technology, or end up in a position where another country can cut us off. Thanks to Micron, our national security and our economy will be more secure, and we will once again have Upstate New York as the heart of our manufacturing.”

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Sens. Scott and Warnock honor the life and legacy of Reverend Richard Smallwood

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-SC) and Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) introduced a bipartisan resolution honoring the life and legacy of the late gospel music icon Reverend Richard Smallwood.

“Reverend Richard Smallwood’s music brought hope, joy, and strength to people of all backgrounds,” said Senator Tim Scott. “His voice transcended all genres of music. His heart pounded for the gospel of Jesus Christ. He pursued greatness in his industry because he knew Christ’s message needed to be heard in every corner of the music industry, and he achieved so many accolades – from the Gospel Music Hall of Fame to Grammy and Dove Awards – because his talents appealed to believers across every generation. Rev. Smallwood’s legacy is a life well lived in service to the Lord, lifting countless people closer to God. I am glad to see this resolution honoring his life pass with unanimous agreement on the Senate floor.”

“He poured his soul and his song into the work that he was going to do. There is an elegance and a simplicity to Richard’s music. It draws you in without a whole lot of fanfare,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “We remember a composer, a director, a musician, a singer. He had many gifts, and he poured them all out for the building of the Beloved Community and to the glory of God, and all of us are the blessed beneficiaries of what he left behind. So today we remember him not in silence but in song, not only with sorrow, but with gratitude, because a life like the one he lived in truth does not end. It echoes.”

Smallwood was born in 1948 in Atlanta and raised in Washington, D.C., where he learned piano by ear as a child, studied at Howard University, and later founded the Richard Smallwood Singers (1977). Smallwood was a respected figure in the faith community. He earned multiple honors during a career that included eight Grammy nominations, Dove and Stellar awards, and induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. He is widely credited with helping bridge traditional church music, classical influences, and contemporary R&B textures, crafting arrangements that choirs and soloists still sing today.

See the resolution text honoring Rev. Smallwood here.

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Sens. Scott, Risch, colleagues introduce resolution in support of religious freedom

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, introduced legislation expressing the need for America’s continued leadership on matters of religious freedom.

Religious freedom is a fundamental human right. Yet millions around the world are denied the basic freedom to worship and openly express their faith,” said Sen. Scott. “As it is a cornerstone of our country’s founding, the United States must remain a beacon for religious freedom and stand with those who seek nothing more than the ability to worship freely and without fear.”

“Around the world, religious freedom is under attack. Whether in China, Syria, across Africa, or beyond, Christians face alarming levels of persecution, from social discrimination to legal restrictions to systematic oppression. All people deserve the internationally recognized right to practice their freedom of religion, share their convictions, and live according to their beliefs without fear of reprisal. Here in America, we believe that all people are endowed with inalienable rights from their Creator and that religious freedom is a cornerstone of any free nation. America must continue to be a leader in defending religious freedom at home and abroad, and we must push our allies to do so as well,” said Sen. Risch.

Scott and Risch are joined by Sens. Ted Budd (R-NC), Dave McCormick (R-PA), Mike Crapo (R-ID), John Barasso (R-WY), Todd Young (R-IN), Katie Britt (R-AL), John Curtis (R-UT), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), and John Cornyn (R-TX).

The full text of the resolution can be found here.

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What They’re Saying: Endorsements for SECURE Minerals Act Introduced by Shaheen and Young

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Todd Young (R-IN) today led the introduction of the Securing Essential and Critical U.S. Resources and Elements (SECURE) Minerals Act to support domestic supply chains for critical minerals to meet national and economic security needs through the creation of a new Strategic Resilience Reserve (SRR).

The bipartisan, bicameral legislation is supported by: The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, American Critical Minerals Association, Arizona State University, Bipartisan Policy Center Action, Breakthrough Institute, Center for Public Enterprise, Employ America, Foundation for American Innovation, Institute for Progress, Jervois USA, New American Industrial Alliance, TechMet and Zeno Power.

Alliance for Automotive Innovation: “Sens. Shaheen and Young understand reliable access to critical minerals is key to a healthy and competitive auto industry in America. The SECURE Minerals Act’s new Strategic Resilience Reserve can support secure and accessible critical mineral supply chains, and lessen reliance on China while strengthening American innovation, manufacturing and jobs, and national security,” said John Bozzella, president and CEO, Alliance for Automotive Innovation.

American Critical Minerals Association: “The American Critical Minerals Association (ACMA) is excited to see the bipartisan, bicameral introduction of the Securing Essential and Critical U.S. Resources and Elements (SECURE) Minerals Act, led by Senators Shaheen, Young, Cortez Masto, and Rounds, alongside Representatives Wittman and Moolenaar. For several years, ACMA and its members have called for federal policy to derisk investments in the critical minerals sector. Alongside permitting reform, workforce development and common-sense tax policies, a strategic resilient reserve will act as an engine of growth for domestic and allied investments in securing the materials supply chain that drives our economy. This bill is a meaningful step in countering China’s monopoly over global markets. It will help catalyze investment as well as support long-term predictability and price transparency for U.S. critical minerals producers, processors, and consumers. ACMA applauds the introduction of this bill and looks forward to engaging with Congress on this effort,” said Sarah Venuto, Executive Director, American Critical Minerals Association.

Arizona State University: “The SECURE Minerals Act reflects a clear understanding that economic security and national security are now deeply linked,” said Arizona State University President and Chairman of the Board of In-Q-Tel, Michael Crow. “Securing a reliable, domestic supply of critical minerals is essential to protecting American industries, strengthening our workforce, and reducing dependence on concentrated global supply chains. This legislation positions the United States to compete, innovate, and build lasting partnerships with allies in areas vital to our future.”

Bipartisan Policy Center Action: “China’s dominance of the global critical minerals supply chain has created an unstable market that hinders domestic critical mineral projects. BPC Action applauds the introduction of the SECURE Minerals Act, which aims to combat price volatility, drive domestic investment in critical minerals, and strengthen American’s mineral security,” says Michele Stockwell, president of Bipartisan Policy Center Action (BPC Action).

Breakthrough Institute: “Critical minerals are key to American technological competitiveness and national defense and require a policy environment that supports innovation, protects the market from manipulation, and expands domestic production. A Strategic Resilience Reserve Corporation equipped with versatile financial instruments can maximize the efficiency of public sector support while promoting more open and transparent critical commodity markets,” said Climate and Energy Director Dr. Seaver Wang. “The SECURE Minerals Act is a crucial part of efforts to modernize and strengthen U.S. critical minerals policy, and will establish the market conditions America needs to compete with China across these vital supply chains.”

Center for Public Enterprise: “Throughout history, the United States has used the power of its balance sheet to support important sectors and industries of the economy, from housing to energy to transportation. With the growing innovation in the energy sector today, and increasing global pressures on critical minerals, a strategic resilience reserve to support our own domestic supply chain will help create price stability, not just for companies in the short run, but for consumers in the long run,” said Paul Williams, Executive Director, Center for Public Enterprise.

Employ America: “Employ America is pleased to endorse the SECURE Act, which establishes a strategic resilience reserve, a high priority for the organization since we first proposed it in 2023 and co-authored the proposal with Daleep Singh. We applaud the efforts of Senator Shaheen, Senator Young, Representative Wittman, and Representative Moolenaar towards legislative enactment. The bill would establish an independent government corporation that deploys a robust and varied toolkit for the development of independent, liquid, free, and competitive commodity markets, and thereby combat China’s current market dominance in critical minerals and markets.”

Foundation for American Innovation: “Senator Shaheen, Senator Young, and Representative Wittman should be commended for their work on the SECURE Minerals Act. The bill’s Strategic Resilience Reserve will effectively combat CCP market manipulation while building transparent, American-led critical minerals markets and supply chains. Lawmakers should expeditiously work to enact this important piece of legislation into law,” said Pavan Venkatakrishnan, Policy Advisor at the Foundation for American Innovation.

The Institute for Progress: "China's rare earth dominance gives Beijing dangerous leverage over America’s industrial base. The Institute for Progress (IFP) strongly endorses legislation to establish a Strategic Resilience Reserve — an independent entity with an expansive toolkit designed to build resilient critical mineral supply chains. Just as Operation Warp Speed proved the government can accelerate innovation through smart incentives, an SRR would support the development of a competitive critical minerals market to outcompete China's state-directed dominance and secure America's technological future.”

Jervois USA: “As the owner of America's only cobalt mine, built at a cost of over $150 million from 2021-23, but never operated, Jervois is case in point for the damage caused by Chinese manipulation of critical minerals markets. With mechanisms such as contracts for differences and advanced market commitments, the SECURE Minerals Act will be key to securing U.S. critical minerals supply chains,” said Matthew Lengerich, President and Executive General Manager, Jervois USA.

New American Industrial Alliance: “NAIA is proud to endorse the SECURE Minerals Act to establish a strategic resilience reserve for critical minerals. As the importance of critical minerals only continues to rise, it is essential that we use all tools, both public and private, to secure our supply chains. The SECURE Minerals Act enhances our national security and broader economic resilience.”

Zeno Power: “As a U.S. company developing nuclear batteries for national security and space missions, we know that secure and reliable supply chains, from critical minerals to strategic isotopes, are essential to American competitiveness in the 21st century,” said Tyler Bernstein, CEO and Co-Founder of Zeno Power. “The SECURE Minerals Act provides domestic and allied critical mineral projects with long-term certainty, shifting leverage away from adversaries and toward U.S. and allied supply chains. It gives companies like ours confidence that we'll have access to the materials required to manufacture nuclear batteries, technology that's critical to America's ability to compete and lead in frontier environments.”

Click HERE to view a one-pager on the SECURE Minerals Act.

Click HERE to view a Section-by-Section of the SECURE Minerals Act.

Click HERE to view bill text.

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Sheehy Secures $12.2 Million for Montana in Latest Funding Bill

U.S. SENATE – Senator Tim Sheehy today applauded the Senate’s passage of a funding bill that includes $12.2 million for projects in Montana. The bill now heads to President Trump’s desk.

“I’m proud to fight for these commonsense priorities to upgrade critical infrastructure, support our local law enforcement, and ensure the needs of Montanans are front and center as the Senate continues its work to fund the government responsibly and return to regular order,” said Senator Sheehy.

Sheehy wins in the recently passed minibus include:

$3,000,000 – Montana State University VITAL and Bioinformatics Facilities Equipment

$750,000 – Montana Regional Incubator in Drought Resiliency at the University of Montana

$320,000 – Gallatin College Law Enforcement Academy – Montana State University

$140,000 – police vehicles for the Prairie County Sheriff’s Office

$100,000 – Search and Rescue equipment for the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office

$127,000 – Search and Rescue equipment for the Treasure County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office

$185,000 – police vehicles for the St. Ignatius Police Department

$420,000 – public safety communications equipment upgrade for the Glacier County Sheriff’s Office

$825,000 – 12th Street BNSF Railroad Sanitary Sewer Crossing Replacement Project

$1,750,000 – Missoula County for Water Well Upgrades

$4,625,000 – St. Ignatius Wastewater Collection System Replacement Project


Tuberville, Blackburn Introduce Bill to Increase Transparency for Veterans

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) in introducing the Veterans’ Bill of Rights Act to ensure veterans are informed of the rights they have under current law across all U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities and programs. Daily Caller first reported the bill’s introduction.

“Alabama is home to more than 400,000 veterans, and I always hear from them about how tough it is to navigate bureaucratic VA processes,” said Sen. Tuberville. “As Alabama’s voice on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I want to do everything I can to make it easier for our veterans. I’m proud to join Senator Blackburn in introducing the Veterans’ Bill of Rights Act to ensure veterans are fully aware of the benefits and services available to them by law. I’ll continue fighting to create a more transparent VA process for our veterans and keep the VA focused on its core mission of serving America’s heroes.”

“Navigating complex statutes, regulations, and internal policies can be confusing, leaving veterans unsure of what to expect or what questions to ask about the resources available to them,” said Sen. Blackburn. “The Veterans’ Bill of Rights Act would ensure veterans are clearly informed of their existing rights regarding VA health care, benefits, and services.”

The Veterans’ Bill of Rights Act is endorsed by Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS), Special Operations Association of America (SOAA), Veteran Action, and Concerned Veterans for America (CVA). Text of the bill can be found here.

BACKGROUND

Since coming to the Senate, Sen. Tuberville has worked tirelessly to implement targeted changes to how the VA delivers care for veterans. President Trump recently signed Sen. Tuberville’s Veteran Fraud Reimbursement Act to simplify the legal process for veterans who have been defrauded of their benefits.

The Veterans’ Bill of Rights Act would require the U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure veterans are clearly informed of their existing rights regarding VA-administered health care, benefits, and services, including:

Access to VA or VA-authorized providers, consistent with eligibility under existing law

Courtesy, dignity, and respect in all interactions with VA

Clear, complete information about treatment options and informed consent

Information on benefits, programs, and services for which the veteran may be eligible

Ability to apply for benefits at any time with clear eligibility explanations

Ability to seek care or raise concerns without retaliation or adverse action

Protection of personal information and medical records under existing law

Complaint filing with timely investigation and resolution

Transparent, written communication on claims, benefits, and appeals

Access to appeals and fair hearings under existing processes

This legislation would also require the VA to integrate this information into patient-facing materials, employee training, and to prominently display it at VA facilities and online.

MORE:

Tuberville, Sheehy Introduce Bill to Boost Health Care Transparency for Veterans

Senate Passes Tuberville Legislation to Help Defrauded Veterans

Tuberville, Blackburn Support Expanding Veterans’ Access to Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids

Tuberville Leads Veterans’ Mental Health Hearing in Montevallo

Tuberville, Moran Introduce Legislation to Give Cost-of-Living Increase to Veterans

Tuberville Introduces Legislation to Help Disabled Veterans

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

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Van Hollen Joins Bennet, Colleagues on Legislation to Block Taxpayer Reimbursements for Corporate Oil Investments in Venezuela

U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senator Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, and their colleagues in introducing the No Taxpayer Funds for Corporate Investment in Venezuelan Oil Act, which would prohibit the Trump administration from providing taxpayer reimbursements for oil companies investing in Venezuela’s oil and gas sector. Senate Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Senator Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Senator John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), and Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) also co-sponsored the legislation.

“The American people did not ask for our troops to be put in harm’s way in Venezuela to seize foreign oil – and they certainly don’t support a new taxpayer giveaway to help multibillion dollar oil companies get their hands on it to boost their own profits,” said Senator Van Hollen. “We must pass this bill to stop Trump from giving away Americans’ tax dollars for corporate handouts in Venezuela.”

“President Trump seized Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro without Congressional authority or even notification, and the next day, touted the investment opportunities created by this incursion. Now, he says the U.S. government should reimburse oil giants’ costs to rebuild Venezuela’s oil industry, which could reach at least $100 billion,” said Senator Bennet. “This would be an outrageous misuse of taxpayer dollars, especially given the lack of oil industry interest in investing in Venezuela. The American people did not vote to subsidize this reckless misadventure.”

“Americans should not be on the hook to rebuild Venezuela’s oil industry or further subsidize investments by Big Oil companies,” said Senator Reed. “President Trump needs to come clean about his plans for Venezuela and tell the American people why he is sending oil revenue to offshore bank accounts in Qatar.”

“President Trump was too cheap to pay for critical tax credits that millions of Americans rely on to afford their health care, but he’s open to spending billions of taxpayer dollars to rebuild Venezuela. How is that ‘America First’?,” said Senator Kaine. “I urge my colleagues to join us in supporting this legislation to prevent the waste of Americans’ money on private investments in Venezuela’s oil industry, and in calling on the President to focus on the real issues—the cost of health care, housing, food, and more.”

“This president campaigned on America first. And while we have these crises over health care, rising costs of groceries, rising costs of housing, the American people on both sides of the aisle want the President focused on what he promised to do: address the cost of living – not engage in more endless warfare over oil,” said Senator Schiff.

“President Trump is focused on enriching oil companies while Americans struggle to afford groceries, housing, and health care,” said Senator Hickenlooper. “We refuse to allow taxpayers to foot the bill for U.S. oil companies’ start-up costs.”

“President Trump’s unconstitutional actions in the Caribbean have apparently always been about one thing: seizing control of Venezuela’s oil. There’s absolutely nothing in it for hardworking Americans,” said Senator Welch. “Congress holds the power of the purse–this President cannot be allowed to waste taxpayer dollars on a handout to the oil industry.”

Specifically, the legislation would:

Block reimbursements for capital expenditures, including leasing rights, infrastructure improvements, land purchases, building construction;

Cover companies and subsidiaries based in the U.S., as well as international parent firms incorporated abroad;

Prohibit reimbursements directly from both the Treasury and potential offshore accounts accessible or controlled by U.S. government officials.


Warner, Kaine, Scott, McClellan Statement on U.S. District Court Ruling Allowing Construction of the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Project to Resume

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA), along with U.S. Reps. Bobby Scott (D-VA-03) and Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-04) issued the following statement after the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia issued a preliminary injunction against the Trump Administration allowing Dominion Energy to resume construction of the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Project:

“We applaud today’s federal court decision granting Dominion Energy’s request for a preliminary injunction and allowing construction of the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project to resume. This project has already undergone years of rigorous review and is poised to deliver clean, reliable, and affordable energy while creating thousands of good-paying jobs in Hampton Roads. CVOW represents the kind of investment in domestic energy our region and nation need.

“Today’s ruling is a victory for Virginians, who otherwise would face increased energy costs as a result of the Trump Administration’s shortsighted opposition to clean energy. We will continue to work to protect this critical and growing industry and to ensure clean energy projects that have met every legal and regulatory requirement can move forward without undue political interference.”

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Warnock Secures $50M to Address Growing Energy and Water Demands from Data Centers

The Warnock provision secures $50 million for projects located in regions experiencing increased pressure on water and energy sources

Georgia is one of the leading data center and economic development hubs in the United States, with an estimated 100-200 data centers in the state

Georgia is facing the greatest demand for electricity in its history, in part due to data center construction

Senator Warnock: “This bipartisan legislation will help give Georgians and Americans relief from the energy and water pressures of new resource-intensive projects that have popped up in communities across the country”

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) secured $50 million to help ensure Georgians have resilient energy and water resources as economic development projects, including data centers, domestic manufacturing, and more continue to expand across the state. The funding will help get money to communities across the state so they can have access to more reliable, resilient water and energy grids. The provision passed the Senate as part of the annual 2026 government funding legislation.

“New economic development projects in Georgia are bringing jobs and exciting opportunities, but they are also putting pressure on local water and energy resources,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “This bipartisan legislation will help give Georgians and Americans relief from the energy and water pressures of new resource-intensive projects that have popped up in communities across the country.”

Senator Warnock is laser-focused on making life more affordable for Georgians. That’s why he fought against the Republican One Big Beautiful Bill Act which rolled back financial incentives that spurred 51 new domestic energy projects in Georgia. That GOP legislation is expected to increase electricity spending by up to $110 per year.

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Warren, Markey, Massachusetts Delegation Announce $92.78 Million in Federal Funding for 93 Key Projects Throughout Massachusetts

The projects focus on areas relating to critical infrastructure, energy and water development, justice, science, and rural development.

Washington, D.C. — Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Representatives Richard E. Neal (D-Mass.), James P. McGovern (D-Mass.), Lori Trahan (D-Mass.), Jake Auchincloss (D-Mass.), Katherine Clark (D-Mass.), Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.), Stephen F. Lynch (D-Mass.), and Bill Keating (D-Mass.) announced Massachusetts will receive an estimated $92.8 million in Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) in the Fiscal Year 2026 spending bill for 93 important community projects throughout the Bay State.

“I fought hard to secure this $30 million in funding because Massachusetts families deserve safer roads and flood infrastructure, cleaner water, a strong fishing economy, and programs that protect our youth. This funding will also preserve Massachusetts’ leadership in cutting-edge research. I’m grateful for our Massachusetts leaders’ partnership in securing this funding,” said Senator Warren.

“I’m proud to have worked with the entire Massachusetts delegation to secure over $92 million in funding this year for projects that will make our water cleaner, our environment healthier, our workforce stronger, and expand justice in our communities,” said Senator Markey. “From Provincetown to Williamstown, from Chelsea to Chicopee, it’s critical that we bring federal resources to our communities to make life better for everyone who calls the Bay State home.”

“Our communities deserve safe water, reliable infrastructure, and support for people working to overcome addiction. That’s why I spent the past year working with local leaders and my colleagues in Congress to cut through the gridlock and turn local priorities into real federal investments. These investments will make our cities and towns healthier and safer places to call home, and I look forward to seeing them put to use,” said Rep. Trahan.

“Clean water has been my infrastructure priority for the MA-4 from day one, and we’re making progress across the 35 cities and towns on PFAS, wastewater and lead,” said Rep. Auchincloss.

“Families in Massachusetts deserve a cleaner, healthier, and safer future – this critical funding will help us meet that mark,” said Democratic Whip Clark. “I’m grateful for the partnership of our state and local leaders who helped to identify opportunities to advance our Commonwealth’s climate readiness and construct new, welcoming community gathering spaces for our neighbors. Thanks to their collaboration, we are meeting needs here at home.”

“I’m proud to have secured $10.9 million for critical water infrastructure projects across the North Shore and Merrimack Valley, with more funding on the way soon for transportation and emergency services initiatives. Families in Massachusetts deserve clean, safe drinking water, as well as infrastructure that can withstand the impacts of climate change. I look forward to continue working with my colleagues to get the remaining projects across the finish line to deliver our communities the resources they need,” said Rep. Moulton.

“The Community Project Funding process is a chance to put federal dollars directly to work in our communities and these ten projects are proof of the impact community-led funding requests can have for communities across the 7th,” said Rep. Pressley. “The dollars invested and the partnerships forged through the CPF process make a difference in strengthening our climate resilience, creating pathways to careers and generational wealth building, updating critical clean water infrastructure, and more. I’m proud to have secured these critical investments in our most valuable infrastructure—our people—and continue building the more safe, healthy, and equitable district our communities demand and deserve.”

North Shore (13 projects, $11.59 million)

$550,000 for the City of Lynn for an urban forestry program

$250,000 for Gloucester Adventure for preservation work on the National Historic Landmark Dory Fishing Schooner Adventure

$786,000 for Endicott College to expand the research capacity of its engineering program by investing in new instrumentation for its laboratories

$461,000 for the House of the Seven Gables Settlement Association to preserve and protect The House of the Seven Gables and its campus

$1,092,000 for the City of Gloucester to make upgrades to the Riverdale Park Pump Station to address deteriorating equipment and vulnerability to moisture and corrosion

$807,000 for the Town of Marblehead for the municipal wastewater treatment system, managing stormwater, and improving surface water quality.

$1,092,000 for the Town of Nahant to construct a new force main, assess the Wharf Road pump station, and improve stormwater drainage to reduce flooding and increase resilience.

$1,092,000 for the City of Newburyport to design a new PFAS filtration system.

$1,092,000 for the Town of Essex to support the replacement of aging asbestos cement pipes.

$1,092,000 for the Town of Hamilton to extend new water piping and upgrade meters and infrastructure to improve water pressure, increase supply reliability, and prevent contamination from aging pipes.

$1,092,000 for the Town of Ipswich to replace two aging municipal groundwater wells

$1,092,000 for the Town of Middleton to design and engineer a new water distribution system to address PFAS contamination.

$1,092,000 for the Town of Topsfield to replace a water main, remove asbestos cement pipe, and install new valves, hydrants, and fittings to protect public health and ensure safe, reliable water distribution

Southeastern Mass and South Shore (13 projects, $13.66 million)

$2,026,000 for the City of Fall River to implement a phosphorus deactivation program at the South Watuppa Pond.

$700,000 for Greater Boston Physicians for Social Responsibility to conduct a prospective health assessment and establish a monitoring system to assess particle radiation releases associated with decommissioning Plymouth's Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant

$350,000 for the Town of Dighton for improvements to the Power Plant Pump Station.

$1,092,000 for the Town of Swansea for the Route 6 corridor sewer collection system.

$1,092,000 for the City of Fall River to replace lead-contaminated service lines and pipes.

$1,092,000 for the Town of Foxborough for the Chestnut Street PFAS water treatment plant

$1,000,000 for the Town of Freetown to meet the newest drinking water standards and protect communities from exposure to harmful PFAS.

$1,092,000 for the Town of Plainville for a water treatment plant.

$906,560 for the Town of Sharon lead water service and cast iron and asbestos concrete water main project.

$1,092,000 for the Town of Rockland to fund the first phase of the town’s comprehensive upgrade to the wastewater treatment plant.

$1,092,000 for the Town of Wareham for improvements to the existing water pollution control facility.

$1,092,000 for the Town of Westport to construct trunk sewer phases to provide sewer service and clean water to adjacent residential neighborhoods.

$1,031,000 for the New Bedford Police Department, in conjunction with the New Bedford Port Authority proposal, for a new Harbor Safety Police Vessel for the Port of New Bedford

Greater Boston (24 projects, $20.3 million)

$1,664,000 for Roca, Inc. in Chelsea to engage 220 of Massachusetts’ highest-risk young people in an enhanced employment training program

$500,000 for the Charles River Watershed Association in Boston to identify effective flood reduction opportunities and work with communities to advance them

$286,000 for Revolutionary Spaces in Boston to stabilize Boston’s Old State House’s sub-basement to preserve this historic and irreplaceable building

$250,000 for Justice for Housing to provide permanent housing to justice-involved individuals and their families in Boston

$375,000 for the American Association of State Climatologists to fund critical equipment and software to enable the state’s recently created Office of Climate Science (OCS) to support the implementation of the 2023 ResilientMass Plan

$1,092,000 for the City of Cambridge to provide primary disinfection of drinking water

$1,092,000 for the Town of Randolph to construct a new water standpipe for public health and public safety

$1,031,000 for Eastie Farm to expand their Climate Corps fellowships

$275,000 for BMA TenPoint to establish a community-based violence and crime intervention and reduction project

$1,092,000 for the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute to expand their violence intervention programming

$1,031,000 for the City of Boston to reduce flooding and prevent pollution at affordable housing developments in Boston

$1,031,000 for the Children’s Advocacy Center of Suffolk County to upgrade technology and equipment required to respond quickly and effectively to children who are victims of crimes

$1,031,000 for the American City Coalition to fund the Roxbury Worx program, which would connect formerly incarcerated individuals with workforce development and job connections

$682,000 for the Phoenix for the expansion of recovery resources

$1,031,000 for the City of Brockton for equipment for Brockton’s new Public Safety Complex

$1,031,000 for the Suffolk County Sheriff's Department for a facility to deliver behavioral health care and substance use disorder treatment for criminal justice-involved individuals

$852,500 for the City of Melrose to manage flooding and improve water

$1,092,000 for the Town of Arlington for small-scale, cost-effective installations that manage stormwater regionally along the Mystic River Watershed

$1,092,000 for the City of Woburn to upgrade the water treatment plant

$1,036,000 to the Town of Natick to support the construction of a water booster pump station at a Massachusetts Water Resource Authority (MWRA)

$1,000,000 for the Town of Lexington to improve tree cover in and around the Mystic River Watershed communities

$1,000,000 for the Town of Wellesley to increase urban tree canopy, improve stormwater management using infrastructure, and protect and restore the ecological health of the Charles River Watershed region

$1,092,000 for the Town of Needham for a stormwater management project to reduce phosphorus and support restoration of the Charles River watershed.

$200,000 for the Town of Wayland to replace an existing sewer system in Wayland that is aging and undersized, leading to potential failures

Cape & Islands (8 projects, $10 million)

$3,000,000 for Barnstable County to address Massachusetts Contingency Plan (MCP) requirements and implement groundwater remediation measures to prevent further PFAS release into Cape Cod's sole-source aquifer

$1,000,000 for Nantucket Resource Partnership to transform an existing facility into a central food hub

$800,000 for the Woodwell Climate Research Center in Falmouth to fund the development of a dedicated soil carbon measurement program

$1,000,000 for the Town of Yarmouth to replace a culvert that is currently restricting water flow in an important wetlands resource area

$1,000,000 for the Hyannis Public Library Association for construction, rehabilitation, and improvements of public facilities to enhance the Library as a neighborhood center and hub for community activities

$1,015,000 for the Town of Provincetown for the construction of resiliency measures for the central vacuum station that serves the downtown municipal wastewater system.

$1,875,000 for the Coonamessett Farm Foundation in Falmouth to propose a research fleet that will improve the resiliency of the state’s seafood sector by developing best management practices for emerging fisheries and stock enhancement for existing fisheries

$350,000 for the Nantucket Police Department to purchase a police and port safety vessel for the Nantucket Police Department's Marine Division to better patrol and enforce the law in Nantucket Harbor and in surrounding waters

Merrimack Valley (8 projects, $9.17 million)

$1,956,000 for the Tyngsborough Sewer Commission to upgrade the Phalanx Street pump station

$1,000,000 for the City of Haverhill to construct the state’s first municipal radial collector riverbank well system

$1,092,000 for the City of Lowell to support the completion of the first phases of the separation of the Humphrey’s Brook and Billings Street Wetlands combined sewer system in the Centralville neighborhood of Lowell

$1,092,000 for the City of Littleton to support the construction of a new sewer system to support economic development in the Town of Littleton

$1,092,000 for the Town of Groton to bring clean potable municipal drinking water to the Groton-Dunstable Regional High School and surrounding properties

$1,092,000 for the Town of Westford for the construction of two new treatment facilities to remove PFAS contaminants from drinking water

$750,000 for the Phoenix enhances a comprehensive reentry and wellness effort that serves both justice-involved individuals and law enforcement personnel

$1,092,000 for the Town of Merrimac to support engineering for critical upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant

Pioneer Valley / Western Massachusetts (15 projects, $17.66 million)

$1,971,000 for the Town of Agawam to address portions of the downtown area that have inadequate and deteriorated stormwater infrastructure

$1,092,000 for the City of Chicopee to improve the nitrogen removal capabilities of the Chicopee Water Pollution Control Facility

$1,500,000 for the Williamstown Meetinghouse Preservation Fund to renovate, bring into ADA compliance, and preserve the Williamstown Meetinghouse building

$1,000,000 for the Town of Monson to renovate, add on to, and repair the existing fire station

$3,700,000 for the Westover Air Reserve Base in Chicopee to provide a new concrete taxiway surface.

$800,000 for the City of Holyoke for the Combined Sewer Overflow system

$1,092,000 for the Town of Blandford for upgrades to the Water Treatment Facility and distribution system

$1,092,000 for the Town of West Brookfield to construct a new water treatment facility

$735,000 for the Berkshire Innovation Center Security Operations Center, a centralized hub for monitoring, detecting, and responding to cybersecurity threats within manufacturing facilities

$599,000 for the Town of Charlemont to purchase a fire engine

$1,015,000 for the Berkshire South Regional Community Center expand the building to address needs and enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities

$750,000 for the Town of Middlefield for improvements to the Middlefield Senior Center, including HVAC upgrades and construction improvements to meet ADA requirements

$1,450,000 for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for operation and maintenance of Knightville Dam

$165,000 for the Shea Theater Arts Center to renovate Franklin County’s only large, publicly owned performing arts venue

$700,000 for the Town of Conway to purchase a replacement pumper fire truck for its volunteer fire department

$879,000 for Stop It Now! in Northampton to increase the awareness, availability, and effectiveness of child sex abuse prevention resources, including expansion of helplines.

Central Massachusetts (12 projects, $10.37 million)

$1,500,000 for Worcester Polytechnic Institute to build a continuous flow reactor for the destruction of PFAS in contaminated soils and the plants that grow in them.

$188,000 for the Town of Ashby to purchase an essential piece of Highway equipment: a loader with a plow.

$1,000,000 for the Town of Princeton for the construction of a new public safety building.

$1,015,000 for the George Marston Whitin Memorial Community Association to renovate a historic building to create an essential community facility with a childcare center

$1,000,000 for the Town of Colrain to construct a shared disposal system for wastewater to service single and multifamily homes that may be condemned without a sustainable solution.

$950,000 for the Town of Leicester to build a water interconnection with the City of Worcester

$1,092,000 for the Town of Holliston to build wastewater infrastructure in its growing downtown

$960,000 for the Town of Mendon for a water system expansion

$200,000 for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for operation and maintenance of Barre Falls Dam

$1,426,000 for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for operation and maintenance of Tully Lake

$160,000 for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for operation and maintenance of West Hill Dam

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Welch Joins Durbin, Marshall in Reintroducing Bipartisan Credit Card Competition Act to Lower Costs for Vermonters

Trump endorsed bill to enhance competition and choice in the credit card network market, which is currently dominated by the Visa-Mastercard duopoly

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights, today joined Senate Judiciary Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) in reintroducing the bipartisan Credit Card Competition Act (CCCA), which was recently endorsed by President Trump.

This bipartisan bill will enhance competition in the credit card market, which is currently dominated by the Visa-Mastercard duopoly, and lower costs for consumers. Senator Welch led the bill as a member of the House of Representatives and was an original cosponsor of the legislation when it was introduced in 2023.

Today, Visa and Mastercard control about 85% of the credit card market and refuse to negotiate fair terms with Main Street merchants. Currently, the average American family pays nearly $1,200 per year in swipe fees, while banks profit $111.2 billion annually from swipe fees.

“The Visa-Mastercard duopoly puts extreme pressure on businesses in Vermont’s historic downtown shopping districts and up and down Main Streets across America. This duopoly is killing small businesses in America, leaving them no choice but to pay crushing interchange fees or risk going under,” said Senator Welch. “We need choice, competition, and lower costs—we need the Credit Card Competition Act. I’m proud to team up with Senators Durbin and Marshall on this legislation to foster market competition and lower costs for America’s small businesses and consumers.”

Building on debit card competition reforms enacted by Congress in 2010, the bill would direct the Federal Reserve to ensure that large credit card-issuing banks offer a choice of at least two networks over which an electronic credit transaction may be processed. Small businesses and organizations in Vermont impacted by high interchange fees, including Homeport, Wilder Wine’s Sipha Lam, and the Vermont Retail and Grocers Association, have voiced support for the CCCA’s provisions to lower swipe fees and cut down costs for business owners.

“Americans are struggling with everyday purchases like groceries and gas, and credit card swipe fees inflate those already exorbitant prices,” said Senator Durbin. “By bringing real competition to credit card networks, which is currently dominated by the Visa-Mastercard duopoly, we can reduce swipe fees and hold down costs for Main Street merchants and their customers. Let’s pass the Credit Card Competition Act as soon as possible.”

“The average American family is being ripped off by Big Banks, who profit billions from swipe fees while hardworking Americans pay the price. It’s time to bring real competition to a credit card network market dominated by Visa and Mastercard — and drive down the cost of everyday goods,” said Senator Marshall. “The American Dream doesn’t work when the system is rigged, and this bill helps level the playing field. I’m grateful to have President Trump’s support, and I look forward to working with Senator Durbin to get this across the finish line.”

There are currently four major U.S. credit card networks: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Visa and Mastercard are known as “four-party” networks; they act as agents for thousands of card-issuing banks and mandate the fees and terms that the banks receive from merchants for each transaction. Merchants have limited leverage to negotiate fee rates and terms in four-party network systems, because they cannot risk losing access to the consumers served by Visa’s and Mastercard’s member banks.

The consolidated market power and network structure of the Visa-Mastercard duopoly has enabled the companies to impose fees on U.S. merchants that are among the world’s highest, charging over $100 billion in U.S. merchant credit card fees in 2023. These fees include interchange or swipe fees which Visa and Mastercard require merchants to pay to issuing banks, as well as network fees that Visa and Mastercard require merchants to pay directly to them. Consumers ultimately pay for these fees in the price of the goods and services they buy.

Under the Credit Card Competition Act, the Federal Reserve would issue regulations, to ensure that banks in four-party card systems that have assets of over $100 billion cannot restrict the number of networks on which an electronic credit transaction may be processed to less than two unaffiliated networks, at least one of which must be outside of the top two largest networks. This would inject real competition into the credit card market—opening the door for new market entrants such as current debit-only networks, encouraging innovation and enhanced security, creating backup options if a network crashes, and exerting competitive constraints on Visa and Mastercard’s fee rates.

Learn more about the Credit Card Competition Act.

Read and download the full text of the bill.

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