Senate Passes Appropriations Package, Short-Term Homeland Security Funding

Measure Heads Back to the House for Final Consideration

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – By a vote of 71 to 29, the U.S. Senate passed a package of bipartisan Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 appropriations bills, completing nearly 92% of the appropriations process. Today’s vote delivers on President Donald Trump’s America First agenda and secures full-year funding for the departments of Defense, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, Labor, Education, and other related agencies. The package also includes a continuing resolution to fund Department of Homeland Security operations for two weeks while lawmakers finalize the appropriations bill.

The package strengthens America’s military and funds a 3.8% pay raise for all service members and a 10% additional pay raise for junior enlisted service members. It strengthens the nation’s workforce, promotes national security, supports tribal nations, and combats violent crime. The measure prioritizes funding to help make Americans healthier, modernize the country’s transportation infrastructure, reinforce the nation’s education system, and enhance emergency preparedness.

“Well, it was a long time coming but boy this was a big package, and really good for North Dakota, really good for the country in so many respects,” saidU.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND). “It strengthens our military, first of all, that’s item number one for all of us, it upgrades some critical infrastructure, supports education, health care, and emergency response. I’m really grateful to Leader Thune and our Senate appropriators; they’ve restored some of regular order back. It’s a long way from the way it’s supposed to be, but it’s a lot further than it has been, and it does prove that accountability, and fiscal discipline, and conservative principles really do still matter. I certainly hope the House passes these measures quickly, they’ve already voted on the vast majority of this, as it is. We need to keep this government running and then prepare for a robust new year of appropriations for the next fiscal year.”

Defense

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The FY26 Defense Appropriations section leverages North Dakota’s contributions to national security and space-defense ecosystem, by fully funding future intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance programs at Grand Forks Air Force Base (AFB) and providing $50 million to expand the Space Development Agency’s (SDA) Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture. SDA’s Operations Center North is located on Grand Forks AFB. It appropriates $5 million to Technology Applications Group in Grand Forks for the development of magnesium coatings for aerospace platforms and an additional $4.5 million to accelerate drone production by the Grand Forks company Ideal Aerosmith. Cramer secured authorization for funding these programs in this year’s National Defense Authorization Act.

The appropriations measure secures several wins for the University of North Dakota (UND) in Grand Forks and North Dakota State University (NDSU) in Fargo. UND receives more than $2 million to support the Food Resilience for Enhanced Safety and Health initiative and $2 million for the development of geotechnical intelligence and terrain analytics network.

NDSU receives $2.5 million for research of hypersonic and high-speed aerodynamics to support the U.S. Department of War Test Resource Management Center (TRMC). The university acquires $6 million for an Innovative Coatings Research and Workforce Development Center in coordination with the Office of Naval Research, $2.5 million for a project examining electrically responsive surface textures for autonomous platforms, and $2 million for design and manufacturing of advanced composites and multi-material protective systems.

It secures $5 million for SkyRange to support reusable hypersonic test bed integration and testing, and $7 million for a low-cost recoverable testing solution to support establishment of a TRMC lab-scale hypersonic electromagnetic accelerator and the Multi-Service Advanced Capability Hypersonic Test Bed program, which rapidly increases hypersonic testing capacity conducted in Grand Forks.

President Donald Trump’s 2026 National Defense Strategy calls for a “strong, secure, and effective nuclear arsenal,” with renewed focus on deterrence and the three legs of the nuclear triad. Minot AFB is the Air Force’s only dual-wing nuclear-capable installation, which houses both the air-based and land-based legs. The funding bill keeps the re-engining of Minot AFB B-52s on track. The long-range, heavy bomber can fly at high subsonic speeds and carry precision guided nuclear and conventional ordinance. The bill provides further support for B-52 squadrons with $26.2 million for modernized B-52H flight simulators. It provides an additional $60 million for the procurement of MH-139 Grey Wolf helicopters to replace the aging UH-1N Hueys at Minot AFB and fully funds the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) modernization program. The Sentinel ICBM, which will replace the 50-year-old Minuteman III, is a key component of the nation’s nuclear deterrence.

The bill provides $5 million for the modernization of the Perimeter Acquisition Radar Attack Characterization System (PARCS) at Cavalier Space Force Station. PARCS tracks over half of all earth-orbiting objects and will play an important role in President Donald Trump’s Golden Dome layered missile defense shield for America. Cramer and U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) introduced the bicameral Ground and Orbital Launched Defeat of Emergent Nuclear Destruction and Other Missile Engagements (GOLDEN DOME) Act which compliments President Trump’s executive order directing the implementation of a next-generation missile defense shield for the nation. The bill funded a total of $2.1 billion in critical investments for near-term air and missile defense requirements and for Golden Dome.

In addition to reinforcing North Dakota’s prominence in the national security landscape, the bill includes $3.7 billion to strengthen security cooperation programs around the globe. It designates $41 million for Project Pele. As energy usage for military operations increases, this program provides reliable, resilient, and safe mobile nuclear power to keep pace with growing energy demands.

Beyond infrastructure, hardware, technology, and war material investments needed to recover from years of negligence under the Biden administration, the bill prioritizes the men and women who do the work to keep their country safe. Troops throughout North Dakota will benefit from the $193 billion to support service members and their families, including a 3.8% pay raise for all service members and a 10% additional pay raise for junior enlisted service members.

Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD)

The FY26 THUD provision provides funding to revitalize infrastructure across the United States, strengthen aviation safety, while addressing housing affordability and supply challenges.

Specifically, it includes $64.3 billion to the Federal Highway Administration for formula programs consistent with the fully-paid-for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). To date, North Dakota has received over $400 million in FY26 formula dollars.

The legislation increases funding in several programs which benefit North Dakota’s air travel industry. It includes $4 billion for Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants, which assist airports nationwide with planning, capital, and safety enhancement projects. In 2025, Cramer and U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) sent a letter to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Bryan Bedford requesting he expedite the disbursement of AIP entitlement funds to help airports across North Dakota and the nation operate more efficiently to better serve travelers.

Additionally, the bill appropriates $513 million for Essential Air Service (EAS), which provides commercial air service to Devils Lake, Jamestown, and Dickinson airports, as well as $279 million for the FAA Contract Towers Program, which serves airports such as Minot International.

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP), which Grand Forks International Airport utilized to add pursue a United Airlines direct flight to Denver, will receive $15 million. Additionally, the bill provides $145 million for the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program, which combines with the BIL to provide a total of $1.7 billion in FY26. North Dakota has received eight grants through the BUILD program, previously known as Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE), totaling more than $80 million.

The bill provides $137 million for the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program, which totals $1.1 billion when combined with funds from the BIL. Cramer led a letter to the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban requesting it provide robust funding for the CRISI program, writing, a “well-funded CRISI program will ensure that more worthy projects are funded and promote a safer and more efficient rail system for shippers, consumers, workers, and passengers alike.” This program has helped the Red River Valley and Western Railroad make critical track upgrades and better serve agriculture shippers in North Dakota.

The bill provides $200 million for commercial motor vehicle public parking projects, a cause Cramer supported in 2023 by cosponsoring the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act to provide dedicated funding for truck parking. The bill also provides $350 million for a competitive bridge bundling grant program for which North Dakota is eligible.

The bill corrects the mistakes of the Biden administration by requiring $878 million provided through the BIL for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program be permanently repurposed to support priorities within the Highway Infrastructure program as well as rail infrastructure and safety grants.

It rescinds more than $928 million in wasteful spending from the California High Speed Rail project. The project has faced significant delays, cost overruns, and questions surround its viability and transparency of its funding.

The bill provides $77.3 billion for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This funding goes towards rental assistance and self-sufficiency support for low-income working families, seniors, and the disabled as well as housing and services for homeless individuals. It will support economic vitality and community development.

It includes $3.1 billion for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program to assist state and local governments in specific housing and infrastructure needs. In addition to the $3.1 million awarded to the North Dakota CDBG program in FY25, Grand Forks, Minot, Fargo, and Bismarck also received direct funds from the CBDG.

The bill funds $1.2 billion for the HOME Investment Partnerships program, which supports low-income households to access affordable housing. North Dakota received $3 million in FY25 for the HOME program.

Labor, Health and Human Services, Education

The FY26 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations section funds efforts to combat the opioid epidemic, provides investments in biomedical research, and supports rural health, early education, and more.

It provides full funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including $7.4 billion for the National Cancer Institute and $3.9 billion for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia research. The bill allocates $373.9 million for the Health Resources and Services Administration’s rural health programs and delivers funding increases to support critical health research programs including for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, cancer, diabetes, and other rare disease programs.

The legislation provides $145 million for the Rural Communities Opioid Response program to combat the opioid epidemic and other substance use disorders in rural communities. It delivers more than $5.5 billion for mental health research, treatment, and prevention, through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) suicide prevention lifeline, and additional mental health programs.

Among other provisions, the bill funds more than $373.9 million for rural health programs, including $70 million for the Rural Hospital Flexibility program, $13.5 million for State Offices of Rural Health, $5.5 billion for mental health research, treatment, and prevention, $8.8 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant, nearly $12.4 billion for Head Start, $1.5 billion for Career and Technical Education, and $729 million for Adult Education.

The bill contains several health care extensions and reforms, including extending telehealth flexibilities through Dec. 31, 2027, including removal of geographic restrictions for patients, and supporting audio-only services. The legislation extends and provides full funding for the Community Health Center Fund and the National Health Service Corps through Dec. 31, the Special Diabetes Programs through Dec. 31, and the Conrad 30 waiver program to support rural health care workforce needs.

It adds multi-cancer early detection screening tests as a covered benefit under the Medicare program, implementing lifesaving reforms in legislation cosponsored by Cramer. The Act modernizes oversight of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) through enhanced audits and information sharing requirements, delinks PBM compensation from drug prices under Medicare Part D, and requires PBMs to fully pass through 100 percent of drug rebates and discounts to the employer or plan sponsor.

The legislation delivers $285 million for the Apprenticeship Grant Program, maintains the maximum Pell award at $7,395 for the 2026-2027 school year, and provides $18.4 billion for Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies and $15.2 billion for IDEA State Grants.

The Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies appropriations maintains long-standing policy riders, including Hyde and Hyde-Weldon conscience protections preventing federal funds from paying for abortions, needle exchange prohibition, and National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) electronic voting prohibition.

The bill provides $225 million for the Rural Education Achievement Program, $45 million for the Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development Grant Program, and more than $3 billion for Higher Education programs to meet the needs of current and future students. This includes $1.2 billion for TRIO and $388 million for GEAR UP to support college access and success for low-income students. It includes up to $500 million for grants for the startup, replication, and expansion of high-quality charter schools to increase educational choice for students. Additionally, the legislation extends the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program under Part A of Title IV of the Social Security Act through Dec. 31.

Financial Services

The Financial Services section of the appropriations package provides $21 million to support the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) in reviewing sensitive foreign investments to safeguard national security. Cramer has been at the forefront of expanding CFIUS’ jurisdiction to protect our national security. He joined fellow Senate Banking Committee members in introducing the Protect Our Bases Act to address foreign adversary investment near sensitive national security sites in the United States. He led a bipartisan effort to permanently add the Secretary of Agriculture to CFIUS for agriculture transactions to prevent foreign interference in food production.

The Act provides $21.4 million for small business grants through Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs), such as one hosted by UND serving both North Dakota and South Dakota. This funding supports the Boots to Business Program, which helps veterans and their spouses start businesses after military service.

It strengthens the Taxpayer Advocate Service by scaling back Internal Revenue Service enforcement activities while increasing resources to help taxpayers meet their obligations. The bill authorizes the National Flood Insurance Plan through Sept. 30 and invests in the nation’s infrastructure by providing more than $934 million for new construction and repairs to courthouses, federal buildings, and land ports of entry. It funds $9.2 billion in federal court activities, including efficiently processing federal cases, court security, and defender services, and $892 million for court security, particularly for protection services and equipment to secure courthouses for judicial officers, employees, and visitors.

Under the General Services Administration, the bill provides $9.7 billion to support the Federal Buildings Fund, and $933 million to address repairs to federal courthouses and office buildings and accelerate the disposal of outdated properties.

State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs


CURTIS BILLS TO PROTECT ALLIANCES, COMBAT CHINA ADVANCE

Three Curtis-led bills advance through the Senate Foreign Relations Committee

Washington, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee advanced three bills led or co-led by U.S. Senator John Curtis (R-UT) on a bipartisan basis that strengthen partner and U.S. relations with Taiwan, combat China’s environmental degradation, and protect Taiwan from Chinese threats to their infrastructure. Following the Committee’s action, Senator Curtis issued the statement below:

“Today’s passage of these bipartisan bills demonstrates Congress’ commitment to standing with our allies and safeguarding American interests from exploitation and coercion. From strengthening Taiwan’s resilience to defending the world’s oceans, the Committee actions today show the Senate is stepping up to address the challenges posed by China.”

The bills:

Taiwan Undersea Cable Resilience Initiative Act: Legislation to protect Taiwan’s critical communications infrastructure and deter malicious “gray zone” activities by the People’s Republic of China. The cables—critical for global communication and commerce—have been a primary target of the PRC for undercover sabotage to undermine Taiwan’s security and sovereignty. Read more here.

Taiwan Allies Fund Act: Legislation to strengthen Taiwan’s international space and counter coercive pressure from the Chinese Communist Party. The bill assigns a segment of already-authorized funding to support Taiwan’s official and unofficial partners that face economic coercion and diplomatic intimidation from China because of their relations with Taiwan. The bill underscores the importance of expanding Taiwan’s global network of friends, empowering smaller nations to resist undue pressure, and reinforcing Taiwan’s important role in the world. Read more here.


Daines, Sheehy, Downing, Zinke Urge Interior Secretary to Help Montana Prepare for the Battle of Little Bighorn’s 150th Anniversary Celebrations

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Tim Sheehy, along with Representatives Troy Downing (MT-02) and Ryan Zinke (MT-01), today sent a letter to Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum asking for support in preparation of the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Little Bighorn celebrations that will take place this June at the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument near Crow Agency, Montana.

The Battle of Little Bighorn will be commemorated from June 25th to June 27th with special programs and activities honoring the sacrifices made on June 25 and June 26, 1876, when Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho warriors fought the U.S. Army’s 7th Cavalry under the command of Lieutenant Colonel George Custer with support of scouts from the Crow Nation.

“As one of the most significant battles in Montana’s history, the 150th anniversary is expected to draw thousands of visitors as well as substantial press. Given the anticipated attendance and heightened visibility, it is imperative that adequate law enforcement resources are in place to ensure public safety and the smooth execution of these commemorative events. In addition to sufficient law enforcement presence, increased funding for the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument will be critical to successfully hosting the 150th anniversary events…. We respectfully urge the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior to ensure the completion of the visitor center and to provide the additional funding and security necessary to support the 150th anniversary remembrance events for the Battle of Little Bighorn,” they wrote in the letter.

Read the full letter HERE.

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Daines Votes to Fund Military, Homeland Security, and Other Critical Agencies

U.S. Senator Steve Daines issued the following statement today after voting to fund the military, Department of Homeland Security, and other critical agencies today:

“I voted for the appropriations bill that avoided a government shutdown and funds our military, the Department of Homeland Security, and important agencies like FEMA and TSA. The irony, however, is that critical agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement were funded through the Working Families Tax Cut that we passed last summer so Democrat threats to shut down the government over funding for DHS are nothing more than partisan grandstanding to appease their radical base.”

“Over the coming weeks and months, we must not repeat the mistakes made by Joe Biden and Senate Democrats who made our communities unsafe by opening our borders to violent criminal illegal aliens. We must give our brave law enforcement officers the resources they need to keep our nation safe,” said Daines.

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Duckworth Pushes to Allow Wrongfully Detained Citizens—and Families of Citizens Wrongfully Killed—by Trump’s Agents to Sue Federal Government for Same Damages GOP Senators Recently Entitled Themselves To

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) introduced an amendment to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Appropriations Act today that would empower the families of U.S. citizens who were wrongfully killed by Trump’s lawless agents, as well as each citizen who was wrongfully detained and then released by Trump’s reckless agents, to sue the federal government for at least $500,000. Duckworth’s Citizens Are As Important As Senators amendment is modeled on language Senate Republicans snuck into November’s government funding bill which bestowed similar rights upon every U.S. Senator and was proposed in response to Senate Republicans’ phone records being lawfully collected as part of the Special Counsel’s criminal investigation into the January 6th insurrection.

“Donald Trump’s out-of-control and extreme enforcement tactics have resulted in two U.S. citizens being publicly executed in the street by their own government—and at least 200 more have been wrongfully detained, with most of them later being released without charges,” said Duckworth. “Each and every one of these citizens deserves the same right to sue the federal government for violating their constitutional liberties—and especially for wrongfully killing their loved ones—that Republican Senators have lavishly bestowed upon themselves. Plain and simple.”

Duckworth’s legislation, just like Senate Republicans’ language in November’s Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, would be retroactive—enabling citizens from Chicago, to Minneapolis–Saint Paul, to Los Angeles, to Portland and beyond who were wrongfully detained and released by Trump’s agents since 2025 to sue the federal government. The legislation would extend this same right to file suit against the government to citizens whose family members were wrongfully killed by Trump’s agents, including the families of Alex Pretti and Renee Good.

Duckworth is pushing for justice for Alex Pretti, Renee Good and others who have been victimized by Trump’s agents’ excessive and too often fatal uses of force. She is leading an amendment to the DHS Appropriations Act that would force the DHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) to deploy criminal investigators and other personnel to conduct transparent and independent investigations, in coordination with state law enforcement authorities, into DHS agents’ excessive uses of force against our neighbors and loved ones. Duckworth also announced she would not vote to give one more cent to Trump’s lawless DHS agents as they continue to terrorize our communities and murder American citizens in broad daylight.

The Senator first called on the DHS and Department of Justice (DOJ) OIGs to investigate officer-involved use of force incidents over 100 days ago, following a series of shockingly violent assaults and reckless shootings by Trump’s masked agents against American citizens in Illinois, and Duckworth reiterated and expanded her request following the brutal killing of Renee Good. Shamefully, just days before Trump’s agents murdered Alex Pretti, the DHS and DOJ OIGs—both of whom Trump appointed—denied Duckworth’s request.

A copy of the bill text can be found on Senator Duckworth’s website.

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Duckworth Statement on Voting Against DHS Funding Extension

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement on today’s vote in the Senate:

“Trump’s lawless agents are out of control. The American people are crying out for accountability after watching Border Patrol and ICE terrorize our streets, snatch up and detain kids, rip families apart and even publicly execute two U.S. citizens in broad daylight—with zero consequences. Congress cannot let this reign of terror continue.

“It is imperative that we immediately establish guardrails that protect innocent lives from being gunned down by their own government. Even before Alex Pretti was killed, I made clear that I would not vote to fund ICE or Border Patrol for another day without significant, tangible reforms—and I voted no today because effective and enforceable restrictions have yet to be secured. Democrats have outlined three very reasonable safeguards to address the atrocities we’re seeing across the country, from Chicago to Minneapolis—and it is critical that Republicans work with us over the next two weeks to enact them.

“As I have done now for months, I will also continue to demand independent investigations into these horrific killings and the egregious pattern of brutality by Trump’s agents. The Trump Administration has proven that it cannot be trusted to investigate their own untrained, unhinged agents, and it is time for Congress to force them to.

“All Americans expect and deserve a government that tells the truth and doesn’t murder its own citizens. Senate Republicans must prioritize the safety of the American people above all else and work in a bipartisan way to help us rein in Trump’s lawless agents.”

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Duckworth, Walkinshaw Implore Trump Administration to Expand IVF Coverage for the Millions of Hardworking Americans Enrolled in FEHB Plans

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Representative James Walkinshaw (D-VA-11) called on Donald Trump—who has repeatedly failed to deliver on his promise to provide free IVF for all Americans—to prove his self-proclaimed support for IVF by expanding coverage for the millions of hardworking Americans in our federal workforce. In their letter, the lawmakers called on the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to require all Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program insurance carriers to cover IVF and other fertility treatments to at least the same level of coverage that Members of Congress and their staff currently enjoy.

“One year into the second term of the Trump administration, President Trump has folded in the face of those opposed to IVF, fulfilling their prediction that President Trump’s campaign promise to make IVF free for every American was nothing more than a cynical, deceptive lie,” wrote the lawmakers. “Despite this failure to date, OPM can still make meaningful progress towards making IVF more affordable for families across the country.”

FEHB is the largest employee-sponsored health insurance plan in the world, with more than 8 million beneficiaries. In their letter, Duckworth and Walkinshaw detailed how now is the perfect time for FEHB carriers to widely expand IVF coverage to all its beneficiaries, as these carriers already laid the groundwork for doing so last year when they expanded such coverage to Members of Congress and their staff.

“Since many FEHB carriers also offer plans through the DC Health Link, these insurance carriers have already invested time and resources improving their plan designs to comply with the DC Health Link’s excellent IVF benchmark requirements,” the lawmakers continued. “The bottom line is that OPM setting FEHB’s required IVF benefit at an identical or equivalent level to the DC Health Link IVF benefit requirements would bring fairness to the Federal workforce; strengthen recruitment and retention; and provide clarity, consistency, and improved IVF access across FEHB.”

A copy of the letter can be found below and on Senator Duckworth’s website:

As the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) prepares to issue its next Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program Carrier Call Letter, we write to urge OPM to strengthen family-building benefits for the Federal workforce by requiring FEHB plans to cover in vitro fertilization (IVF), providing access to the same coverage for civil servants that Members of Congress, congressional staff, and private-sector employees already have.

518 days ago, on August 29, 2024, then-candidate Donald Trump promised the American people that if they returned him to the White House:

“Under the Trump administration, we are going to be paying for [IVF] that treatment. Or we’re going to be mandating that the insurance company pay.”

And just in case there was any misunderstanding, then-candidate Trump explicitly promised the American people that IVF would be FREE if he was elected to a second term:

“Your government will pay for, or your insurance company will be mandated to pay for, ALL COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH IVF TREATMENT [emphasis added].”

Many everyday Americans struggling with the painful challenge of infertility and unable to afford IVF believed Donald Trump. They cast their ballots to return him to office with the explicit expectation that, during his second term, President Trump would make the Federal Government or private insurance companies pay for “all costs associated with IVF treatment” For example, Ryleigh Cooper, a 24-year-old U.S. Forest Service employee in rural Michigan, told The Washington Post that she and her husband were trying to get pregnant, that her doctor said IVF might be their best chance, and that Trump had promised to make IVF free. That is what she thought about in the voting booth when she cast her vote for President Trump. Soon after, Ms. Cooper learned she was likely to be among the probationary Forest Service workers being fired—resulting in the loss of her health insurance and paid maternity leave—even as she was confronting the reality that so many American families face: IVF was her only viable path to parenthood, but it was financially out of reach without coverage.

One year into the second term of the Trump administration, President Trump has folded in the face of those opposed to IVF, fulfilling their prediction that President Trump’s campaign promise to make IVF free for every American was nothing more than a cynical, deceptive lie. While we continue to call on President Trump to fulfill his campaign promise, we recognize the harsh reality that with each passing day, the chance of him keeping his promise to the American people that, “Your government will pay for, or your insurance company will be mandated to pay for, all costs associated with IVF treatment,” rapidly approaches 0 percent. Despite this failure to date, OPM can still make meaningful progress towards making IVF more affordable for families across the country.

The United States Government administers our Nation’s largest employer-sponsored health insurance program, covering approximately 8.2 million people. With enrollees in virtually every county in the United States, FEHB is a significant player in many local health insurance markets. Since most major insurance carriers and prominent statewide or regional health maintenance organizations (HMOs) offer FEHB plans, policy developments within FEHB have market-setting influence for the wider commercial insurance marketplace. Accordingly, if OPM establishes a clear FEHB-wide requirement for meaningful IVF coverage, that policy signal is likely to accelerate voluntary benefit changes by participating carriers outside FEHB as well, helping normalize IVF coverage and expanding access for millions more Americans.

Over the past several plan years, OPM’s leadership has helped secure baseline fertility protections across the Program and spurred expanded IVF options, including requirements for coverage of artificial insemination and associated drugs and a requirement that all FEHB carriers cover IVF-related drugs for three cycles annually, with a growing number of plans covering IVF services themselves. The latest update for Plan Year 2026 further underscores the expectation that coverage expand. OPM rightfully instructed HMOs with service areas in a State with any IVF coverage mandate that their plans must include benefits that comply with IVF coverage requirements under State law. This incremental progress has been hard won by devoted Members of Congress and the dedicated federal employees in the FEHB office.

The timing has never been better to aggressively expand IVF coverage mandates across FEHB. Since many FEHB carriers also offer plans through the DC Health Link (the DC SHOP exchange), these insurance carriers have already invested time and resources improving their plan designs to comply with the DC Health Link’s excellent IVF benchmark requirements. This recent experience dramatically reduces administrative burden, and if OPM wisely models its IVF coverage mandate on the DC Health Link benchmark, it would be relatively simple for FEHB carriers to extend their existing DC Health Link plan designs to their FEHB plans.

By requiring FEHB carriers to replicate their existing DC Health Link IVF coverage in their FEHB plans, OPM would ensure that dedicated civil servants receive the same IVF benefits that Members of Congress and congressional staff already enjoy. DC law now requires DC individual and group plans to cover infertility diagnosis and treatment including IVF, with a minimum standard that includes at least three complete oocyte retrievals, unlimited embryo transfers from those retrievals, and protections against discriminatory cost-sharing or arbitrary limitations unique to infertility care.

The bottom line is that OPM setting FEHB’s required IVF benefit at an identical or equivalent level to the DC Health Link IVF benefit requirements would bring fairness to the Federal workforce; strengthen recruitment and retention; and provide clarity, consistency, and improved IVF access across FEHB. That is why we strongly urge OPM to include a strong requirement in Page 2 its upcoming Carrier Call Letter that requires FEHB carriers provide IVF coverage that is at least equivalent to what those carriers offer Members of Congress and congressional staff.

Sincerely,

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Durbin Statement On President Trump Nominating Kevin Warsh To Be The Next Federal Reserve Chair

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) released the following statement regarding President Trump announcing Kevin Warsh as his pick to serve as the next Chair of the Federal Reserve:

“The Federal Reserve, called by some our nation’s ‘central bank,’ has a straightforward mission: guide monetary policy to increase employment, corral inflation, and keep America’s economy on a stable, positive course. Key to the Fed’s effectiveness is its credibility and independence.

“President Trump’s nominee, Kevin Warsh, would follow the President’s previous long-suffering selection, Jerome Powell. Trump has done everything in his power to pressure, belittle, and threaten Powell.

“The challenge is this: Warsh has the education, training, and experience for this post. But does he have the guts to tell Trump his policy choices are wrong for the economy?

“Whether or not Warsh values the reputation and independence of our nation’s central bank will determine if he is the right choice at this moment in our nation’s history.”

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Durbin Votes For Five Bipartisan Government Funding Bills

Senate Democrats successfully separated the five bipartisan government funding bills from the DHS bill; Senate also passed a two-week stop gap funding bill for DHS while negotiations around ICE reforms continue

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement after voting for the five bipartisan government funding bills and a two-week stop gap funding measure for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) while negotiations around reforms to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) continue:

“Senate Democrats were successful in separating and passing the five bipartisan government funding bills from the DHS bill. Now I am willing to give the White House and Republicans two weeks to work with Democrats to reform ICE and the campaign of terror we’ve witnessed in Chicago, Minneapolis, and across the country. After two weeks, I make no promises.”

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Fetterman, Colleagues Reintroduce Bill to Reduce Barriers to Organic Agriculture

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, U.S Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) joined 14 bicameral lawmakers in reintroducing the Opportunities in Organic Act to help farmers and other agricultural producers transition to organic practices, and build successful and sustainable businesses. This legislation would help eliminate steep barriers farmers often face to enter the industry, including high certification costs and insufficient technical assistance from existing United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs.

“Pennsylvania has always been a leader in organic farming. Our small farms deserve the support to keep up with the growing industry demands,” said Senator Fetterman. “I am proud to support the Opportunities in Organic Act that will help more Pennsylvania farmers go organic and ensure our commonwealth remains a leader in this kind of agriculture.”

“Organic production has huge benefits for our rural economies and our environment. But farmers can’t make the switch to organic practices without help,” said Senator Welch. “We need to make changes that better support folks looking to make the transition to organic—and thrive while they do so. This bill is a win for Vermont’s rural farmers and communities.”

“Organically grown food has many benefits, including no use of toxic pesticides, no antibiotics given to farm animals, and increased soil health. However, farmers need more support to transition to organic and maintain those beneficial practices,” said Senator Booker. “The Opportunities in Organic Act helps organic farmers, which in turn will make organic groceries more affordable for Americans.”

“American farmers are the backbone of our Upstate economy. It is vital that the federal government continues to invest in their critical contributions as they deliver fresh, healthy food to our communities,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Our Opportunities in Organic Act will promote sustainable farming and help eliminate the steep barriers that farmers face when transitioning to organic methods. I will continue fighting to ensure organic farmers in New York and across the nation have the resources they need to thrive for generations to come.”

“While organic practices have tremendous health, environmental and economic benefits, producers face inefficient financial and logistical barriers to establishing organic farming practices,” said Senator King. “The Opportunities in Organic Act helps farmers with the high costs and hurdles associated with entering the organic business—a win-win for rural producers and consumers.”

“For years, America’s farmers have wanted to expand domestic organic food production and help our country reap the benefits of cleaner air, higher crop yields, and a more resilient, sustainable food supply,” said Senator Murphy. “This bill would cut red tape and give our farmers the support and investment they need to meet our country’s growing demand for organic food – and provide a real boost to rural communities in the process.”

“North Carolina farmers looking to join the quickly growing organic agriculture market face barriers that prevent them from fully participating in this opportunity,” said Rep. Adams. “The Opportunities in Organic Act would make it easier for farmers to bring healthy, sustainable food to market, assist small-scale and socially disadvantaged farmers with the transition, and provide much-needed technical assistance to producers. Farmers want to reach new markets while building healthy soil, ecosystems, and communities, and I’m proud to introduce this bill with Congressman Jimmy Panetta to deliver this opportunity for the agriculture community.”

“Despite the rising demand for organic agricultural products, some producers are finding it difficult take full advantage of these opportunities due to cost and skill barriers,” said Rep. Panetta. “I’m proud to author and introduce this legislation that would allow organic producers to overcome those barriers by streamlining reimbursements for organic certification and connecting them with the training, skills, and relationships they need to be successful. By expanding programming and services for these producers, we can ensure that our farmers are capitalizing on the immense opportunity that exists in the organic marketplace.”

Organic agriculture has a wide array of environmental and health benefits, including enhancing soil fertility and structure, which can boost crop yield and help reduce the concentration of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere. By reducing the use of fossil fuel-based fertilizers and toxic pesticides, organic farms further reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the health of farmers, farmworkers, and consumers who might otherwise be exposed to dangerous pesticides. Organic practices also make farms more resilient to extreme weather patterns and climate change, helping farms to simultaneously fight future climate change and increase their own resilience to the climate impacts we are already experiencing.

The Opportunities in Organic Act helps mitigate challenges farmers and producers face when transitioning to organics by modernizing USDA’s reimbursements for organic certification and expanding the department’s available expertise for organic agriculture. Specifically, the bill would expand the existing National Organic Certification Cost-Share Program into a comprehensive Opportunities in Organic Program by:

Increasing USDA’s technical assistance for producers to advance organic practices;

Making organic practices more accessible for agricultural producers from socially disadvantaged groups and underserved regions by increasing cost-share payments for organic certification and granting USDA flexibility to exceed current cost-share caps; and

Providing additional support for non-governmental organizations working to help producers transition to organic practices.

The Opportunities in Organic Act of 2026 is endorsed by the Agriculture & Land-Based Training Association (ALBA); Beyond Pesticides; California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF); Carolina Farm Stewardship Association; Environmental Working Group; Dr. Bronner’s; Family Farm Defenders; Farm Aid; Friends of the Earth; Greensward New Natives LLC; Green America; Kanalani Ohana Farm; Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association; Marbleseed; Michigan Organic Food & Farm Alliance; National Co+op Grocers; National Family Farm Coalition; National Organic Coalition; National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition; Natural Grocerse; New Entry Sustainable Farming Project; Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Alliance; Northeast Organic Farming Association of Connecticut (CT NOFA); Northeast Organic Farming Association of Massachusetts (NOFA-MA); Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Hampshire (NOFA-NH); Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York (NOFA-NY); Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont (NOFA-VT); Northeast Organic Farming Association – Interstate Council; Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Jersey (NOFA NJ); National Resources Defense Council (NRDC); Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association; OneCert, Inc.; Oregon Tilth; Organic Farmers Association; Organic Farming Research Foundation; Organic Seed Alliance; Organic Trade Association; Organically Grown Company; Quick Organics; Sierra Harvest; Slow Food USA; Strengthening Organic Systems, LLC; The Cornucopia Institute; The Land Connection; Union of Concerned Scientists; University of Minnesota Student Organic Farm; Virginia Association for Biological Farming; and the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.

“Demand for organic food continues to grow at a rapid pace, but U.S. organic production is struggling to keep pace,” said Abby Youngblood, Executive Director, National Organic Coalition. “We need to reduce the barriers that farming operations face if we are going to meet this demand with U.S. organic production, instead of ceding those markets to organic imports. The Opportunities in Organic Act is a wise investment to help more operations build resiliency, steward healthy soil, and take advantage of the growing demand for organic food in the marketplace.”


Video: Fischer on Nebraska Walk for Life

Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) released a video on Nebraska’s Walk for Life and support for the pro-life and pro-family movement:

Click here to download video

This month, Fischer earned an A+ rating on the SBA Pro-Life America National Pro-Life Scorecard for supporting policies that protect the health and well-being of moms, babies, and the unborn.

Fischer has supported pro-life and pro-family legislation in the Senate, including:

The Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act to make it a crime to knowingly transport a minor to another state to obtain an abortion without parental involvement;

The Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act to protect children who survive attempted abortions;

The No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act to restrict taxpayer money from funding abortions;

The Protecting Funding for Women’s Health Care Act to defund Planned Parenthood while ensuring there is no reduction in total federal funding for women’s health.

The Paid Family Medical Leave Tax Credit Extension and Enhancement Act:makes the country’s first-ever nationwide PFML policy permanent, rewarding employers of all sizes that voluntarily offer PFML plans to their employees;

The Child Care Modernization Act to expand access to child care across rural and urban communities and help states better meet the needs of working families;

The Pregnant Students’ Right Act to ensure higher education institutions provide pregnant students with resources and information on flexible class schedules, excused absence, and child care assistance;

The Foster Care Stabilization Act to strengthen support for children in the foster care system; and

Expanding the Child Tax Credit to $2,200 per child and indexed to inflation.


Fischer, Klobuchar, Hinson, Pingree Celebrate Senate Passage of Resolution to Honor Women Ag Producers

The U.S. Senate passed a resolution last night celebrating the designation of 2026 as ‘International Year of the Woman Farmer.’ U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, introduced the resolution in the Senate. U.S. Reps. Ashley Hinson (R-IA2) and Chellie Pingree (D-ME1) introduced companion legislation in the House.

“Every day, women across America work to feed, fuel, and clothe our world – and they should receive credit for incredibly demanding jobs. That’s why I am proud to partner with Senator Klobuchar in introducing this resolution to ensure that female ag producers receive the recognition they deserve for their hard work,” Fischer said.

“We can’t have a strong rural economy without the contributions of the women farmers working every day to feed and fuel the world. By recognizing 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, we are celebrating the role of women in agriculture, encouraging women and girls to pursue careers in agriculture, and ensuring that women in agriculture have a seat at the table and supporting them once they’re there,” Klobuchar said.

"Agriculture is more than just the backbone of our economy—it is a way of life. Women have always been at the center of that story. Nearly one-third of farmers in my district are women, leading operations, balancing the books, and strengthening our rural communities, often while raising families. I’m proud to lead a resolution making 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer because it’s long past time we recognize the vital role women play in feeding, fueling, and sustaining America,” Hinson said.

“As a longtime farmer, I know both the opportunities and the challenges that women in agriculture face. I’m proud to come from the state of Maine, where more than 43 percent of farm operators are women. Designating 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer gives us a platform to highlight women’s leadership and create momentum that supports the next generation. This recognition is long overdue. Women have always been at the heart of agriculture although they have not always received equal support or visibility. It’s critical that we work together to remove barriers and build career pathways for women who want to farm, innovate, and lead,” Pingree said.

The legislation is cosponsored by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), John Barrasso (R-WY), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Cory Booker (D-NJ), John Boozman (R-AR), Katie Britt (R-AL), Chris Coons (D-CT), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Steve Daines (R-MT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Joni Ernst (R-IA), John Fetterman (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Jim Justice (R-WV), Angus King (D-ME), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Dave McCormick (R-PA), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), James Risch (R-ID), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Tim Scott (R-SC), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Todd Young (R-IN).

Women in ag:

Women lead and support the agriculture industry across boardrooms, research labs, co-ops, and farmland, making vital contributions at every level. According to the USDA 2022 Census, the United States had 1.2 million female producers, accounting for 36% of the country’s total producers. Additionally, 58% of all farms had a female producer. These farms accounted for 41% of U.S. agriculture sales and 46% of total U.S. farmland. In 2022 alone, farms with one or more female producers sold $222 billion in agricultural products.


Gallego, Kelly Introduce Bill to Designate Chiricahua as Arizona’s Fourth National Park

WASHINGTON — Arizona Senators Ruben Gallego and Mark Kelly introduced the Chiricahua National Park Act to designate the Chiricahua National Monument in Cochise County as Chiricahua National Park. The bill would permanently protect Chiricahua’s unique landscape while supporting tourism and economic opportunities in rural Southern Arizona. Companion legislation has been introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressman Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-06).

Established in 1924, Chiricahua National Monument spans more than 12,000 acres of towering rock formations, canyons, and diverse wildlife in Cochise County. Designation would make Chiricahua Arizona’s fourth national park, alongside Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest, and Saguaro National Parks. The legislation also includes protections for traditional cultural and religious sites, requiring consultation with Tribes and ensuring continued access for traditional cultural and customary uses.

“Chiricahua’s unique landscape brings in visitors from around the world. I’m proud to introduce this bill to designate Chiricahua as a national park in order to bring even more tourism to the area and create new economic opportunity in Cochise County,” said Senator Gallego.

“Protecting Chiricahua means preserving a one-of-a-kind landscape while delivering an important win for southeastern Arizona’s recreation economy,” said Senator Kelly. “This is about keeping this place special and making sure nearby communities and small businesses benefit even more from it.”

The Chiricahua National Park Act is supported by the City of Willcox, the City of Sierra Vista, the City of Benson, the City of Bisbee, Huachuca City, the Cochise County Board of Supervisors, the San Carlos Apache Tribe, the Mescalero Apache Tribe, the National Parks Conservation Association, HECHO, the Sky Island Regional Partnership, and the Arizona Trail Association.


Gillibrand, Colleagues Introduce Legislation To Support Farmers, Reduce Barriers To Organic Agriculture

Legislation would help more producers transition to and maintain organic practices

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) joined 14 lawmakers in reintroducing the Opportunities in Organic Act, legislation designed to help farmers and other agricultural producers transition to organic practices and build successful and sustainable businesses.

The senators’ legislation would help eliminate steep barriers farmers often face to enter the industry, including high certification costs and insufficient technical assistance from existing United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs. The bill is led in the House of Representatives by Reps. Alma Adams (D-NC-12) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19).

“American farmers are the backbone of our Upstate economy. It is vital that the federal government continues to invest in their critical contributions as they deliver fresh, healthy food to our communities,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Our Opportunities in Organic Act will promote sustainable farming and help eliminate the steep barriers that farmers face when transitioning to organic methods. I will continue fighting to ensure organic farmers in New York and across the nation have the resources they need to thrive for generations to come.”

In addition to Senator Gillibrand, the bill is cosponsored in the Senate by Senators Peter Welch (D-VT), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Cory Booker (D-NJ), John Fetterman (D-PA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Angus King (I-ME), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Tina Smith (D-MN).

“Organic production has huge benefits for our rural economies and our environment. But farmers can’t make the switch to organic practices without help,” said Senator Welch. “We need to make changes that better support folks looking to make the transition to organic—and thrive while they do so. This bill is a win for Vermont’s rural farmers and communities.”

“Organically grown food has many benefits, including no use of toxic pesticides, no antibiotics given to farm animals, and increased soil health. However, farmers need more support to transition to organic and maintain those beneficial practices,” said Senator Booker. “The Opportunities in Organic Act helps organic farmers, which in turn will make organic groceries more affordable for Americans.”

“Pennsylvania has always been a leader in organic farming. Our small farms deserve the support to keep up with the growing industry demands,” said Senator Fetterman. “I am proud to support The Opportunities in Organic Act that will help more Pennsylvania farmers go organic and ensure our commonwealth remains a leader in this kind of agriculture.”

“While organic practices have tremendous health, environmental and economic benefits, producers face inefficient financial and logistical barriers to establishing organic farming practices,” said Senator King. “The Opportunities in Organic Act helps farmers with the high costs and hurdles associated with entering the organic business—a win-win for rural producers and consumers.”

“For years, America’s farmers have wanted to expand domestic organic food production and help our country reap the benefits of cleaner air, higher crop yields, and a more resilient, sustainable food supply,” said Senator Murphy. “This bill would cut red tape and give our farmers the support and investment they need to meet our country’s growing demand for organic food – and provide a real boost to rural communities in the process.”

Organic agriculture has a wide array of environmental and health benefits, including enhancing soil fertility and structure, which can boost crop yield and help reduce the concentration of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere. By reducing the use of fossil fuel-based fertilizers and toxic pesticides, organic farms further reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the health of farmers, farmworkers, and consumers who might otherwise be exposed to dangerous pesticides. Organic practices also make farms more resilient to extreme weather patterns and climate change, helping farms to simultaneously fight future climate change and increase their own resilience to the climate impacts we are already experiencing.

The Opportunities in Organic Act helps mitigate challenges farmers and producers face when transitioning to organics by modernizing USDA’s reimbursements for organic certification and expanding the department’s available expertise for organic agriculture. Specifically, the bill would expand the existing National Organic Certification Cost-Share Program into a comprehensive Opportunities in Organic Program by:

Increasing USDA’s technical assistance for producers to advance organic practices;

Making organic practices more accessible for agricultural producers from socially disadvantaged groups and underserved regions by increasing cost-share payments for organic certification and granting USDA flexibility to exceed current cost-share caps; and

Providing additional support for non-governmental organizations working to help producers transition to organic practices.

The Opportunities in Organic Act of 2026 is endorsed by the Agriculture & Land-Based Training Association (ALBA); Beyond Pesticides; California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF); Carolina Farm Stewardship Association; Environmental Working Group; Dr. Bronner’s; Family Farm Defenders; Farm Aid; Friends of the Earth; Greensward New Natives LLC; Green America; Kanalani Ohana Farm; Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association; Marbleseed; Michigan Organic Food & Farm Alliance; National Co+op Grocers; National Family Farm Coalition; National Organic Coalition; National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition; Natural Grocerse; New Entry Sustainable Farming Project; Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Alliance; Northeast Organic Farming Association of Connecticut (CT NOFA); Northeast Organic Farming Association of Massachusetts (NOFA-MA); Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Hampshire (NOFA-NH); Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York (NOFA-NY); Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont (NOFA-VT); Northeast Organic Farming Association – Interstate Council; Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Jersey (NOFA NJ); National Resources Defense Council (NRDC); Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association; OneCert, Inc.; Oregon Tilth; Organic Farmers Association; Organic Farming Research Foundation; Organic Seed Alliance; Organic Trade Association; Organically Grown Company; Quick Organics; Sierra Harvest; Slow Food USA; Strengthening Organic Systems, LLC; The Cornucopia Institute; The Land Connection; Union of Concerned Scientists; University of Minnesota Student Organic Farm; Virginia Association for Biological Farming; and the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.

Senator Gillibrand has long been a champion for New York’s farmers and rural communities. Earlier this year, she celebrated the passage of her Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which updated the U.S. Department of Agriculture meal program guidelines to allow schools to serve whole milk alongside reduced-fat and fat-free options, supporting both children’s health and New York’s dairy industry. Senator Gillibrand is also a proud original cosponsor of the Organic Dairy Assistance, Investment, and Reporting Yields Act (O DAIRY) Act, which expands eligibility for federal emergency assistance to organic dairy farmers and provides additional investments to support the organic dairy industry. Additionally, over just the past few months, Senator Gillibrand urged USDA to expedite assistance for farmers facing rising costs, pushed back on Trump administration plans to close critical USDA offices, and introduced bipartisan legislation to support family farmers and the growing agritourism industry across New York State.

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Senator Gillibrand Statement On 5-Bill “Minibus” Appropriations Funding Bill And DHS/ICE Reforms

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement on the five-bill “minibus” appropriations funding package and proposed DHS/ICE reforms:

“As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I am proud that this package will deliver billions of dollars to New Yorkers for critical affordable housing and transit upgrades, quality child care, and vital mental health services that strengthen our communities. I am also thrilled to have secured full funding for the World Trade Center Health Program after a yearslong fight, ensuring that our 9/11 first responders and survivors continue to receive the care they deserve.

I am thankful that we were able to separate DHS out of this funding package and allow Democrats and Republicans to work together on practical reforms that will make our communities safer, not endanger them – and avert a lengthy government shutdown.

I remain steadfast in my support for commonsense, targeted immigration enforcement that prioritizes public safety. ICE’s current tactics inflame tensions, putting spectacle over public trust. The agency is out of control and must be reformed. Terrorizing communities, disregarding constitutional rights, and murdering Americans is unacceptable.

House Republicans must return from their break and do their jobs: Put the American people first to fund the programs our constituents rely on and make changes to restore the public’s constitutional rights and public safety.

They should not jeopardize health care for 9/11 heroes, a well-deserved pay raise for our troops, investments in fixing our crumbling roads and bridges, expanded child care funding, protections for mental health programs, or access to affordable housing for working families just to score political points at a time when we should all be working together to do what is best for the American people.

Right now, we should be putting people over politics. Before we are Republicans or Democrats, we are Americans. It is time to come together to pass this five-bill package and reform the Department of Homeland Security.”

A partial list of Senator Gillibrand’s wins for New York includes:

Investments in Health Care

Secures Funding for the World Trade Center Health Program: Updates the WTCHP funding formula through 2040, averting an impending budget shortfall and ensuring the program has sustainable funding to prevent disruptions to enrollees’ care. The WTCHP covers medical monitoring and treatment for responders and survivors diagnosed with conditions related to their service and exposure on 9/11, including over 93,000 New Yorkers.

Averts over $2.8 billion in Medicaid cuts to NY Hospitals: Eliminates two years of cuts to hospitals that disproportionately serve our most vulnerable New Yorkers, helping to prevent provider closures and the elimination of crucial service lines. The Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital Program provides essential financial support to providers based on the cost of providing uncompensated care.

Helps Keep Rural Hospitals Open: Extends federal reimbursement programs which allow small, low volume hospitals, like those in Upstate New York, to remain financially viable and protect access to life-sustaining care for rural communities. The Enhanced Low-Volume Adjustment and Medicare Dependent Hospital Program boost Medicare payments to create stability for vulnerable rural hospitals that treat a greater proportion of older, low-income, and sicker patients.

Promotes Access to Primary Care for Over 2.4 Million New Yorkers: Invests $4.6 billion into Community Health Centers nationwide that provide comprehensive primary medical, dental, and mental health care to Americans, regardless of their insurance or ability to pay. The bill reauthorizes the Community Health Center Fund, which provides the majority of federal funding for health centers and ensures multi-year base grant funding for Federally Qualified Health Centers to promote financial stability for these essential providers.

Protects Access to Telehealth Care for New Yorkers: Extends telehealth flexibilities for over 3.9 million New Yorkers who rely on Medicare or MA for their health coverage. The bill continues flexibilities related to geographic and originating site of care, the types of eligible practitioners, the format of communication, and in-person requirements to ensure older adults can continue to access the care they need in the location of their choice.

Advances key bipartisan reforms to help improve access to affordable, high-quality care for every American: The bill would advance key bipartisan policies that lower the cost of prescription drugs, strengthen the health care workforce, end abuses from insurance companies, hold accountable pharmacy benefit managers, improve cancer care for children and seniors, ensure faster access to care for children who rely on Medicaid, and reauthorize programs that support new mothers and babies, bolster health care providers’ mental health, support the behavioral health workforce, and more.

National Institutes of Health: Funds the NIH at $48.7 billion to propel medical research into life-saving cures and treatments. New York is one of the nation’s top recipients of NIH funding, and NIH research supports nearly $9 billion in economic activity and 30,500 jobs across the state.

Affordable Housing Investments

Provides $66.5 billion to continue to provide rental assistance for over 10 million Americans, including 1 million New Yorkers, who would otherwise face eviction or homelessness, and rejects President Trump’s proposal to gut HUD programs. This includes $601 million for tenant protection vouchers to assist the most at-risk residents and support NYCHA redevelopment efforts;

Invests a historic $4.4 billion for Homeless Assistance Grants, a $366 million increase from last year, to expand and improve the homeless response system, and forces HUD to stop playing games with Continuum of Care grants and provide funds to expiring projects on a timely basis;

Protects the FY25 enacted level of $3.3 billion for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, which provides flexible funding to local and state governments to support economic development, community development, and infrastructure. In FY25, New York jurisdictions, including the state, received a total of $319 million from the CDBG program. President Trump proposed eliminating this program; and

Maintains the FY25 enacted level of $1.25 billion for the HOME Investment Partnerships Program to assist local and state governments with expanding the supply of affordable housing. In FY25, New York jurisdictions, including the state, received a total of $117 million from the HOME program. President Trump and House Republicans proposed eliminating this program.

Transportation and Infrastructure Investments

$1.7 billion for the Capital Investment Grants program, rejecting efforts by House Republicans to gut the program by 98%.

$2.4 billion to fully fund Amtrak’s budget request, which includes $850 million for the Northeast Corridor and $1.577 billion for the National Network that supports State-Supported routes like the Empire Service.

$22.6 billion to fully fund the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)—a $1.6 billion increase over last year—which will help address congestion issues at John F. Kennedy, LaGuardia, and Newark Airports.

$514 million for the Essential Air Service program to continue to support the Massena, Ogdensburg, Plattsburgh, Saranac Lake/Lake Placid, and Watertown airports, rejecting President Trump’s budget request to cut the program by 50%.

$30 million for the Reconnecting Communities grant program Senator Gillibrand created in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to fund projects to remove and mitigate infrastructure that divides communities.

$15 million in new funding to assist large urban transit agencies with safety and security initiatives, including for the MTA.

$201.5 million for the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, including $50 million for campus capital improvements.

$139 million to assist State Maritime Academies, including SUNY Maritime College in the Bronx.

$100 million to help host cities throughout the country provide transit service in support of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including the games at MetLife Stadium.

Funding to increase FAA staffing to implement Senator Gillibrand’s COUNTER Act.

Bill language requiring DOT to issue a new notice of funding opportunity for University Transportation Centers and prioritize grants to universities that had their grants cancelled in May 2025, including City College of New York and New York University.

Education and Child Care Investments

Department of Education: This package provides a $217 million increase in funding for the Department of Education to $79 billion for 2026. The bill also rejects the administration’s attempts to eliminate the Department of Education.

School Funding: The package increases funding for Title I grants by $20 million to $18.4 billion for 2026. Title I grants support the nation’s neediest students, providing support for high-quality education to students from low-income families. More than 80 percent of the nation’s school districts receive these funds, and New York State received roughly $1.6 billion in Title I grants in FY24. The package also provides a $20 million increase in funding to grants that support education for students with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). New York State receives nearly $1 billion each year in federal IDEA funding.

Pell Grants: The federal Pell Grant program is the single largest source of federal grant aid supporting undergraduate students, and nearly 400,000 students in New York receive Pell Grants. This package provides funding for a maximum Pell Grant award of $7,395 for the 2026-2027 school year.

Child Care: The package provides a combined $170 million increase for the Child Care and Development Block Grant and Head Start—both of which support expanded access to child care across the nation.

Small Businesses and Economic Development

Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund: The package includes $324 million for the CDFI fund, protecting current funding levels and rejecting the 59 percent cut proposed by the Trump administration. CDFIs help to expand economic opportunity for underserved communities and support the development of small businesses, child care centers, affordable housing units, health care facilities, and other community development financial needs.

Small Business Administration (SBA): Provides $1.25 billion for the SBA, including $330 million for entrepreneurial development programs like Small Business Development Centers and Veterans Outreach programs that New Yorkers use to grow their small businesses.

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Q&A: Human Trafficking Happens Under Our Noses

Q: How widespread of a problem is human trafficking in our country?

A: Although exact numbers are difficult to nail down – estimates of victims trafficked within the United States range up to a million people every year – the crime of forcing a human being to provide labor, sex or domestic servitude occurs in communities across the entire country. It’s even more alarming when criminal networks exploit children for these sinister crimes. I wrote bipartisan legislation called the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA) now on the books to educate law enforcement and high-risk youth on how to detect trafficking. The law also helps survivors in their pursuit of justice and established a pilot program to help underserved communities implement treatment models and support services for youth at high risk of human trafficking.

Human trafficking got worse under the Biden-Harris administration with its open border policies and abysmal stewardship of the unaccompanied children (UAC) program. As a result of the reckless vetting of adult sponsors who took in these kids, tens of thousands of migrant children may have been lost or handed over to abusers, criminals and traffickers. I applaud whistleblowers who approached my office to report wrongdoing and help rescue kids who may have endured sexual abuse and forced labor.

For the past dozen years, I’ve investigated the federal government’s mismanagement of migrant kids in federal custody. My most recent oversight exposed appalling mistreatment of kids placed with allegedly violent sponsors. I’ll continue working to ensure the mistakes of the previous administration are corrected to protect the well-being of vulnerable children. In December, the Senate unanimously passed my bipartisan bill to boost communication between the Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services and implement anti-trafficking recommendations to raise public awareness and improve survivor support. The Working Families Tax Cuts law also beefed up critical resources to support law enforcement investigations and combat human trafficking.

Q: Why did you push changes to the National Human Trafficking Hotline?

A: Imagine the fear and urgency of a trafficking victim or survivor seeking assistance. Those who contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline deserve to feel confident their tip, request or referral is acted upon appropriately. Thanks to whistleblower disclosures, my oversight efforts last year dug into allegations the federal contractor running the hotline failed to report tips of human trafficking to law enforcement. For nearly 18 years, the Polaris Project received millions of taxpayer dollars to operate the National Human Trafficking Hotline. An audit by the Department of Health and Human Services confirmed Polaris had a nearly 10 percent failure rate in sample cases. Considering the hotline receives nearly 1.5 million tips each year, a nearly 10 percent failure rate shows just how unacceptable that is.

I’m glad the Trump administration acted swiftly to replace the contractor to run the hotline. I’ll continue my oversight to ensure vulnerable people who have fallen victim to human trafficking are not forgotten and can get the support and services they need to heal from these harrowing crimes. The National Human Trafficking Hotline is open 24 hours a day, year-round. All calls are confidential and answered by trained advocates. Call toll-free (888) 373-7888, send an email to help@humantraffickinghotline.org or text 233-733.


Senator Hassan Statement on Continued Efforts to Keep Government Open and Stop Outrageous, Lawless Behavior by ICE

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) released the following statement today regarding her continued efforts to keep important government services funded and also enact common-sense protections for the basic civil rights of Americans against the recent lawless behavior by ICE:

“The American people want their government to remain open, and they are also demanding an end to the deliberate intimidation, trampling of civil rights, and outrageous lawlessness by ICE agents that have left two American citizens shot dead. Our immigration enforcement needs to combine strong border security with a focus on removing violent criminals from our country – which this Administration is failing to do through its divisive, dangerous, and deadly actions.

“Thanks to the voices of Granite Staters and Americans across the country, the Senate has worked in a bipartisan manner to help avoid a widespread government shutdown and now can negotiate a path forward. Today’s vote pays our troops and helps fund schools, winter heating assistance, and other essential services for Granite Staters until October – while establishing an urgent two-week window for Congress to reach an agreement on meaningful reforms to ICE.

“I will continue to fight alongside all Granite Staters to protect the ability for people to access the government services that they count on, while also standing up to the Trump Administration’s attacks on public safety and our basic civil rights as Americans.”

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Source New Mexico: NM congressional delegation calls on FEMA wildfire claims office leader to resign

Members of New Mexico’s congressional delegation on Friday called on the federal official overseeing a multi-billion dollar wildfire compensation fund to resign, following Source NM’s reporting this week that the official had applied for and received a six-figure payout.

According to documents obtained by Source NM and New Mexico PBS, Jay Mitchell, who oversees the Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire Claims Office, and his wife received more than $500,000 in compensation for their home and business far from the wildfire perimeter, even as some victims who were in the direct path of the wildfire remain awaiting compensation.

In the letter Friday afternoon, U.S. Sens. Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Luján, along with U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández, all New Mexico Democrats, do not mention the $500,000 payments explicitly. But they allege Mitchell continuously failed to report to Congress on his activities or focus on wildfire victims who needed the most help.

“Jay Mitchell has lost the trust of Northern New Mexico,” the lawmakers said in an emailed statement to Source NM on Friday afternoon. “He must resign.”

In addition to Mitchell’s resignation, the statement calls for an “independent review of the Claims Office’s administrative management of the funding.”

Along with the delegation, New Mexico Rep. Martin Zamora (R-Clovis), earlier on Friday called on Mitchell to resign. He is running against Leger Fernandez, who just started her third term representing the 3rd Congressional District. Zamora specifically cited Source NM’s reporting of the Mitchells’ payouts.

“This corruption is unacceptable,” Zamora said. “New Mexicans who lost homes, businesses, land, and livelihoods have waited years for fair treatment. Learning that a federal official overseeing this program personally profited from it undermines public trust and calls the entire process into question.”

Zamora also criticized Leger Fernández in his statement, saying she had failed to demand “answers and accountability” as problems emerged in the office. “When New Mexicans were desperate for answers, Washington went quiet,” Zamora said in a statement. “Congress has a responsibility to demand accountability from federal agencies. That oversight did not happen here, and wildfire victims were left paying the price.”

Leger Fernández, Luján and Heinrich all took the lead in crafting the Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire Assistance Act, which established a fund and claims process aimed to fully compensate victims of the fire, which the Forest Service ignited in 2022 in two botched prescribed burns.

Since the office’s creation, the delegation has sent repeated letters and issued other public criticism, including most recently in November.

“As authors of the Hermit’s Peak-Calf Canyon Fire Assistance Act, we have been clear that the Claims Office must prioritize working with local communities to restore trust, communicate effectively, and get money out the door as soon as possible to those who suffered most,” the trio’s statement said.


Heinrich, Luján Announce DOJ Launch of New Online Portal Providing Compensation for New Mexico Victims of Nuclear Radiation Exposure

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) announced the launch of the new online portal for Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) claims.

Prior to the launch of this online portal, Heinrich, Luján, and the New Mexico Delegation sent an open letter to New Mexico’s holders of health care records, birth and death records, tax records, school records and any other necessary records to request their full cooperation in delivering long overdue justice for New Mexicans exposed to radiation.

Heinrich has reintroduced legislation to extend and expand RECA since his first Senate term, starting in 2013.

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Heinrich, Luján, Leger Fernández Call on Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office Director to Resign, FEMA to Conduct Independent Review

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) issued the following joint statement:

“Jay Mitchell has lost the trust of Northern New Mexico. He must resign.

“As authors of the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Assistance Act, we have been clear that the Claims Office must prioritize working with local communities to restore trust, communicate effectively, and get money out the door as soon as possible to those who suffered most.

“Under the Trump Administration, there has been a clear failure of leadership from the Claims Office marked by a lack of transparency and urgency. The Claims Office has failed to adequately communicate with the New Mexico Congressional Delegation or with the communities it is meant to serve.

“Our offices have repeatedly urged the Claims Office to prioritize total loss and burn scar claims, yet we continue to hear from constituents who are facing unnecessary delays and roadblocks.

“As such, we are calling on Director Mitchell to resign and for FEMA to take immediate steps to restore trust, accountability, and communication. As Members of Congress, we take our oversight responsibilities seriously and will continue pressing for answers and progress on behalf of constituents. There must now be an independent review of the Claims Office’s administrative management of the funding.

“Northern New Mexicans deserve total transparency, accountability, and a Director of the Claims Office that works for them — not against them.”

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