Congresswoman Simon Celebrates House Passage of Bipartisan Bill to Level the Playing Field for Small Businesses and Support Local Job Creation

Washington, D.C. – Today, the House passed Congresswoman Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12) and Small Business Committee Chairman Rep. Roger Williams’ (R-TX-25) bill, the “Main Street Parity Act.” This bipartisan bill will give small businesses in “special purpose” buildings like bowling alleys, car washes, marinas, funeral homes, and recreation centers, that currently face unfair loan borrowing rules, the same access to capital as any other commercial property; this legislation will support local jobs that make our communities stronger and more vibrant.

“The Main Street Parity Act is a simple solution to modernize small business loan requirements and support a broad range of small businesses, not just ones with standard commercial properties.

“Small businesses are the backbone of the East Bay and districts across the country. They serve families, create jobs, and keep our communities vibrant. I’m focused on promoting fair, inclusive economic growth, while prioritizing support for community spaces – and this bill does just that. I am hopeful the Senate will act quickly to pass this bill so small business owners and communities in my congressional district and across the country can benefit.”

Right now, businesses that operate “special purpose properties” are being penalized for having unique construction and building needs. When Congress defined these properties as “special-purpose” in 1996, their narrow functions made them hard to repurpose and risky to finance. Today, almost thirty years later, advancements in construction and rehabilitation technologies have made these properties far more adaptable, useful, and marketable. This legislation lowers the equity requirement for “special purpose property” loans under the Small Business Administration’s 504/Certified Development Company loan program to 10 percent, matching the standard loan requirement. This legislation opens the door for entrepreneurs to set their ideas in motion, support local economies and jobs, and create more spaces for communities to gather and connect.

As a member of the Small Business Committee, Congresswoman Simon is dedicated to promoting equity and ensuring fairness in business and loaning practices. Since coming to Congress in January 2025, she has passed three small business related-bills through the House of Representatives, including the “Assisting Small Businesses, Not Fraudsters Act” and the “ThinkDIFFERENTLY About Disability Employment Act.”

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ICYMI: Congresswoman Simon on ICE’s Deadly and Illegal Actions at Minnesota Field Hearing, “Accountability can't end, and we know it should not, must not, end with this hearing or the next news cycle”

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***WATCH VIDEO OF REMARKS HERE***

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — On Friday January 16, Congresswoman Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12) joined Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-07), Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN-05), and other House Democrats for a field hearing entitled Kidnapped and Disappeared: Trump’s Deadly Assault on Minnesota to hear how President Trump’s unlawful actions have impacted residents, conduct oversight, lift up the truth from community members and organizers, and demand justice for the killing of Renee Good.

Following the hearing, Congresswoman Simon met with Minnesota state legislators and visited the memorial of Renee Good. Congresswoman Simon is a cosponsor of Articles of Impeachment against Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, the End Qualified Immunity for ICE Agents Act, the Stop Body Paywalls Act, the No Secret Police Act which would prohibit immigration officers from wearing face masks, the Neighbors Not Enemies Act which repeals the Alien Enemies Act, and more.

Below is a transcript of Congresswoman Simon’s remarks at the hearing:

“The reality is that this moment demands that we acknowledge, like as we said before, the long lineage of federal power exercised without guard rails. It's important on this weekend and every day moving forward, that we acknowledge the history that Trump alludes [to] when he says he's going to ‘make this country great again’ or return to a time when blatant displays of outright bigotry and racism and state sanctioned violence went unchecked. We are very clear that the residents of this here city are checking that unchecked violence.

“We are so proud as a nation and so inspired that you resemble so clearly, the young people, multiracial young people who stood up to a horrific government [that] stuck hoses on young people, hoses so strong that they those hoses could tear the skin off the protesters. Today, on the weekend of Martin Luther King's birthday, we are reminded that that struggle never ended – through your work here. Dr. King not only fought segregation, but [also] economic exploitation and militarism and the abuse of government power. Accountability can't end, and we know it should not, must not, end with this hearing or the next news cycle.

“Instead of going on much further, I want to continue just to give so much love to Ms. [Renee] Good’s family. My daughter lost her father at a very young age, and I know what it means for children to grow up without their parents. The horrors of what this state, meaning our executive branch, have called ‘justice.’ The horrors.

“One of the things that I think is extremely important for me to convey here as someone who is Muslim, and this is our holy day, is to acknowledge that the Trump administration has waged an all-out war on Muslims in this country.

“And Mr. [Jaylani] Hussein (CAIR-MN Executive Director and Civil Rights Advocate), you talked a lot about this amazing community, the Somali community, and given it's our holy day, it's also mentioned that mosques and other places of worship and faith are under attack. I wanted to give you the last minute that I have [of remarks] to give us more color on what's happening in the communities that you represent. Thank you. Thank you.”

To watch the full hearing in Minnesota, please click here.

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Standing with ICE Officers Who Protect Our Communities or Agitators Who Defend Convicted Criminals: The Contrast Is Clear

President Donald Trump has been in office for a little over a year, and our nation is experiencing record-low border crossings, violent crime is down, and the flow of deadly drugs into our communities is slowing. These statistics are primarily due to effective policies that have led to the most secure border in United States history, and are a direct result of the deportation of the worst-of-the-worst criminal illegal aliens.

Within one year, the Trump administration has wasted no time getting the job done after the mess left behind by the Biden-Harris administration. More than 10 million illegal aliens crossed the southern border, and countless gotaways evaded Customs and Border Protection under the previous administration – all the while telling us that the border was secure. This surge followed President Joe Biden’s decision to undo major border security executive orders issued during President Trump’s first term, effectively ringing the dinner bell and signaling a green light for illegal aliens.

Americans saw the consequences. An unprecedented crisis unfolded: violent crime increased, rapes, assaults, and murders rose, and fentanyl overdoses skyrocketed. This was no coincidence.

For years, the left-wing media tried to distort this reality, but Americans didn’t fall for it. President Donald Trump won the 2024 election largely because voters overwhelmingly supported his tough-on-crime and immigration policies.

Now, despite the statistics trending in the right direction, the media is trying to demonize our brave Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers for doing their job and protecting our communities.

The insanity that has transpired over the last few weeks is directly attributable to the media’s influence and its so-called coverage.

Across the country, including in Idaho, left-wing agitators have taken to the streets to defend child sex offenders, drug traffickers, murderers, and other violent criminals, simply because they oppose a president who is actually enforcing the law.

Let me repeat: these individuals are not protesters. They are agitators.

Agitators are targeting our officers and rioting against the deportation of convicted criminals, even as their own communities and families are made safer by these arrests.

I’m sick of hearing the lies from the media and elected officials about who the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is arresting and deporting. Their hateful rhetoric is exactly why there has been a 1,300% increase in assaults, a 3,200% in vehicular attacks, and an 8,000% increase in death threats against ICE agents. What ICE officers and other law enforcement professionals are facing right now is disgraceful.

DHS and ICE have been abundantly clear about who they are arresting and deporting. Over the last year, DHS has publicly released detailed information—including names, countries of origin, criminal histories, and even gang affiliations—so Americans know exactly who is being removed from our communities. Don’t believe me? I’ll save you some time.

For example, in Idaho, DHS has publicly identified the criminal illegal aliens who have been arrested and deported for rape, domestic violence, cruelty toward children, driving under the influence, fraud, dangerous drug possession, and the list goes on.

These criminal illegal aliens convicted of serious offenses were in our neighborhoods, near our schools, and driving on our roads. These are not innocent victims. These are offenders who had no legal right to be in the United States and every reason to be removed.

I support law enforcement by removing the worst of the worst from our communities. I am grateful to know that my family, loved ones, and constituents are safer because our towns are protected.

I do not support the actions of agitators who are choosing to actively obstruct law enforcement, disrupt lawful operations, and put officers and fellow civilians at risk.

Instead of attacking law enforcement, we should be thanking them.

The contrast between the brave men and women protecting our communities and the agitators vilifying them while defending criminals could not be clearer.

The majority of Americans stand firmly behind law enforcement and support the great work they are doing. May God bless them during this time.


Stauber’s Bill to End Biden’s Mining Ban in Minnesota Passes House

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.J. Res. 140, a Congressional Review Act resolution introduced by Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) to repeal the Biden Administration's illegal 20-year mining ban on 225,504 acres in Northern Minnesota's Superior National Forest.

"I'm thrilled the House has passed H.J. Res. 140 to repeal Biden's illegal mining ban that directly threatened our way of life," said Congressman Pete Stauber. "Growing up in the Northland, I've seen firsthand how these radical policies kill jobs and hurt families. This win allows for important proposed hardrock mining and helium projects to move forward in the state and federal permitting processes. The Iron Range mined the iron ore that helped this nation win two World Wars and I am confident we'll responsibly mine the critical minerals that will allow us to compete and win in the 21st Century."

The resolution does not approve any specific projects. It removes the ban, allowing proposed developments to proceed through the world's strictest state and federal regulatory and permitting processes.

"Reversing Biden’s mining ban will protect Northern Minnesota jobs, strengthen national security through domestic production, and prevent future overreaches from happening again,” Congressman Stauber added. “I look forward to swift action in the Senate to send this resolution to President Trump’s desk."

Background: In January 2023, the Department of the Interior, at the direction of former President Joe Biden and former Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, issued Public Land Order (PLO) 7917, instituting a 20-year mineral withdrawal covering 225,504 acres in the Superior National Forest in Northern Minnesota. This mineral withdrawal banned mining and other responsible resource extraction in a strategically significant area of the Duluth Complex, which is the largest untapped copper-nickel deposit in the world. Under the Federal Lands Policy and Management Act (FLPMA), the Department of the Interior is required to notify Congress of public land orders impacting an excess of 5,000 acres. The Biden Administration failed to properly transmit PLO 7917 to Congress in January 2023. Earlier this month, the Trump Administration corrected this error and properly transmitted PLO 7917 to Congress.

Under the Congressional Review Act (CRA), Congress has the authority to review and disapprove of federal actions within 60 Senate session days of the action’s submission to Congress. If a CRA joint resolution of disapproval addressing a federal action is passed by both chambers and signed by the President, it is nullified and ceases to have effect (or is treated as never having taken effect). Additionally, under the CRA’s substantially similar provision, when a federal action is successfully disapproved of by Congress, the executive branch is prohibited from taking a substantially similar action in the future.


Rep. Haley Stevens Calls for Kristi Noem’s Impeachment Following ICE Killing, Oversight Stonewalling, and Federal Lawlessness

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens released the following statement:

“Secretary Noem has refused to answer basic questions to Congress about ICE operations, the killing of an unarmed protester in broad daylight, the alarming rise in deaths at ICE detention facilities—the largest in decades—and her nonstop lies to the American people. Rather than going after criminals and keeping Americans safe, federal immigration officers are terrorizing our communities on her orders. Every day, I hear from Michiganders who are afraid that this violence and chaos will come to our state next.

“Secretary Noem has ignored my repeated calls to open investigations into the killing of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis and the death of Nenko Gantchev, a detainee at the North Lake Processing Center in Baldwin, Michigan. Since she has given no indication of resigning for her repeated failures and abuses of power, I am left with no choice but to join my colleagues in calling for her impeachment and prompt removal from office.”

Stevens is cosponsoring H.Res. 996, Articles of Impeachment, introduced recently by Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL). This action builds on Rep. Stevens’ previous efforts to hold ICE accountable, including:

Her direct and repeated demands for an independent investigation into the killing of Renee Nicole Good.

Her leadership in demanding answers and transparency following the death of Nenko Gantchev, a detainee who died in ICE custody at the North Lake Processing Center in Baldwin, Michigan.

Her continued warnings thatICE is out of control, particularly as federal immigration enforcement efforts have made it difficult for state and local leaders to lower the temperature and keep Americans safe.

Stevens has also emphasized that Trump’s threat to deploy the military on U.S. soil only heightens the urgency of restoring lawful oversight, the passage of her Stop Trump’s Abuse of Power Act, and Noem’s removal.

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On 16th Anniversary of Citizens United, Rep. Subramanyam Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Prevent Foreign Election Influence

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representatives Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan Campaign and Election Accountability Act. 16 years ago today, the Supreme Court handed down its Citizens United decision which enabled corporations and outside groups to spend unlimited money in our elections.

“Sixteen years later, Americans still have real concerns about the integrity and influence in our political process. We need to restore trust,” said Rep. Subramanyam. “Right now, there are no consequences for Americans who assist foreign nationals contributing to our elections, even though foreign nationals themselves aren’t allowed. We need to close this loophole in the Federal Election Campaign Act, ensuring transparency, accountability, and fairness in our elections while being free from foreign influence.”

“Free and fair elections depend on the confidence of the American people that our democratic process is not being influenced by foreign money or interference. While federal law clearly prohibits non-U.S. citizens and non-permanent residents from contributing to U.S. elections, it does not currently address individuals who knowingly assist or facilitate those illegal contributions. This commonsense legislation closes that gap by updating the Federal Election Campaign Act to ensure that no one can help circumvent our campaign finance laws,” said Congressman Gus Bilirakis. “Strengthening enforcement and clarity in our election laws is essential to protecting the integrity of our democracy and maintaining public trust in our elections.”


Rep. Subramanyam Statement on Oversight Committee Contempt Votes

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) released the following statement after voting to hold former President Bill Clinton in civil contempt for not complying with the Oversight Committee’s subpoena:

“I voted to hold Bill Clinton in civil contempt because my goal is to hear from the Clintons or anyone else who might have information about Jeffrey Epstein. The Clintons are in ongoing negotiations with the committee, so criminal contempt charges and throwing the Clintons in jail all but guarantees we won’t get answers.

We need to be consistent about holding people who violate subpoenas in contempt, whether they are Democrats or Republicans. AG Bondi has deliberately not complied with our committee’s subpoena for the release of all the files, a subpoena which passed unanimously in July. It’s clear the Majority wants to make this partisan and further Trump’s agenda of weaponizing the DOJ to attack political enemies.


Video (Dropbox)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – JANUARY 21, 2026 — Today, Congresswoman Summer L. Lee (PA-12), Ranking Member of the Oversight Subcommittee on Federal Law Enforcement, introduced an amendment to hold Attorney General Pam Bondi in civil contempt for noncompliance with the Oversight Committee’s subpoena to release the Jeffery Epstein files. In accordance with the subpoena, the Department of Justice has been legally compelled to release the full, unredacted Epstein files since August 19, 2025.

Rep. Lee’s amendment comes during an Oversight Committee markup where she voted to hold Bill and Hillary Clinton accountable for not attending their depositions compelled by the Committee’s subpoena. Rep. Lee has consistently advocated to hear from anyone with information on Epstein’s crimes, regardless of party.

In July, Rep. Lee forced a motion to subpoena the Department of Justice to release the Epstein files, and it passed with an 8-2 vote with bipartisan support. The Oversight Committee issued the subpoena in August and yet only one percent of the Epstein files have been released, much of which has been redacted.

A copy of the Congresswoman’s remarks introducing the amendment is below and a video can be found here.

TRANSCRIPT: Rep. Summer Lee Moves to Hold Pam Bondi in Contempt for Failing to Comply with Subpoena to Release Epstein Files

House Oversight Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

January 21, 2026

I think we need to speak plainly and lay the facts out on what is really happening in this Committee. We are one week out from when Bill and Hillary Clinton did not show for their depositions. One week and we’re already having a markup to hold them in contempt.

Meanwhile the Department of Justice has been legally obligated to hand over the full, unredacted Epstein files to this Committee since August. The same exact subpoena that they are using to hold the Clintons in contempt. And please note, that these resolutions are allowing the DOJ to prosecute the Clintons for the exact same thing that the DOJ itself is violating. They have handed over one percent of the files and heavily redacted.

We are five months overdue, Mr. Comer. You have made no effort to bring in Pam Bondi. So no, the difference is not clear. You have made no effort to demand any answers, to exert any type of pressure.

So with that, Mr. Chair, I do have an amendment at the desk which would hold Pam Bondi in contempt for noncompliance with the bipartisan subpoena that you issued on August 5, 2025. I hope that my colleagues will support.

I yield back.


Suozzi Announces Student Winners of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge

Glen Cove, NY - Today, Congressman Tom Suozzi (D–Long Island, Queens) announced the winners of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge, a national competition that encourages high school students to use computer programming to create applications for PCs, the web, tablets, mobile devices, and other platforms.

First place was awarded to a team comprised of Michael Cole of Glen Head, a student at Chaminade High School; Emma Ding of Great Neck, a student at Great Neck South High School; Christine Chen of Manhattan, a student at Hunter College High School; and Caren Ye of Jericho, a student at Jericho High School.

Their winning app, “HealthBridge,” connects underinsured individuals with affordable healthcare resources, clinics, and insurance information. Designed for use in all 50 states and currently available in 15 languages, the app provides personalized recommendations based on household size, income, and place of residence, while also accounting for extenuating circumstances. HealthBridge aims to help individuals and families navigate the healthcare system with clarity and dignity—so they can access the care they need without sacrificing time or financial stability.

“Since 2017, my office has been proud to host the Congressional App Challenge, encouraging students across New York’s Third Congressional District to pursue their passion in STEM fields,” said Suozzi. “I am constantly amazed by the talent of our students and the creativity they bring to addressing real-world challenges through technology—especially their focus on improving access to healthcare. Congratulations to Michael, Emma, Christine, and Caren on this outstanding achievement, and thank you to all the students who participated this year. You are our future.”

Suozzi’s office received applications from 41 students, including 35 teams, representing 19 high schools across New York’s Third Congressional District.

The Congressional App Challenge is an annual competition hosted by the U.S. House of Representatives to encourage students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Since its inception in 2015, the Challenge has grown into the largest student computer science competition in the United States. The 2025 Congressional App Challenge set multiple records, with participation from 13,830 students and 4,650 original applications submitted from 394 congressional districts nationwide.

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Congressman Taylor’s Broadband Bill Gains Traction in House Committee

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Dave Taylor (OH-02) today applauded the passage of his Expanding Appalachia’s Broadband Access Act through the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. This bill seeks to expand satellite broadband access for rural communities across Appalachia.

“Rural communities like mine in southern Ohio have long been left behind the modern economy, simply because they lack access to sufficient internet services,” said Congressman Taylor. “This bill will create an opportunity to demonstrate that embracing innovative technologies like satellite broadband could lead to massive economic growth across Appalachia, finally connecting Buckeye families and businesses to opportunities they’ve been waiting on for far too long.”

The Expanding Appalachia’s Broadband Access Act would direct a study to be conducted by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) on the capabilities of satellites to be used by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) for economic development. This study would additionally measure the capabilities of satellites for rural business services to assess whether they could meet businesses’ needs. It would also require an evaluation of economic development in areas already utilizing satellites for broadband services to determine the increase in resulting economic growth. Lastly, it would analyze the cost-effectiveness of implementing broadband services via satellites, to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely.

If favorable results are produced from this study, the Expanding Appalachia’s Broadband Access Act will allow rural businesses and communities seeking to obtain broadband funding through ARC access to new technologies.

Background:

Large swaths of Ohio’s Second Congressional District lack access to sufficient broadband, severely limiting these rural communities’ ability to connect to the larger economy and adapt to advancing technologies. Although fiber optic cables have historically been the most utilized technology throughout the region, expanding fiber into the challenging terrain of southern Ohio has been costly and difficult.

A 2024 study reported three counties in Congressman Taylor’s district as being in the top 150 most off-the-grid locations in the United States. Satellites are a potential solution to this issue, circumventing topographical challenges to provide a sufficient level of broadband access.

The ARC is a partnership between the federal and state governments, working with communities in the Appalachian region to create opportunities for self-sustaining economic development and improved quality of life. By Congress submitting a request for a study, ARC will have the most up-to-date data, helping to bring broadband to rural communities.


Congresswoman Tenney Celebrates House Passage of Her Legislation, the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today announced the House passage of the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act, legislation she co-led with Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-7) and Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-4) to protect states’ ability to support pregnant women, new mothers, and families through life-affirming care.

The bill passed the House by a vote of 215–209.

The Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act would codify states’ authority to use Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds to support pregnancy resource centers that provide essential services, including prenatal care, parenting education, counseling, ultrasounds, and material assistance. The legislation directly responds to Biden administration efforts to restrict states from directing TANF funds to these centers, despite lacking the statutory authority to impose this restriction and long-established flexibility for states to decide how to distribute these funds.

“The Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act ensures women are not left to navigate pregnancy and parenthood alone because of politics,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “Pregnancy resource centers serve women with dignity by providing medical care, counseling, and practical support during some of life’s most challenging moments. This legislation affirms states’ authority to support mothers, protect unborn children, and strengthen families without federal interference. Advancing this bill through the House is an important step toward restoring commonsense, pro-family policies that put women and children first.”

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Congressman Carter Introduces Legislation to Provide Mental Health Resources to Middle and High School Students

RAYS Act Mandates 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, the Crisis Text Line, and Local Suicide Prevention Hotlines be Published on Student IDs and School Websites

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) and Reps. Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA), Alma Adams (D-NC), and James Moylan (R-Guam) introduced the bipartisan Raising Awareness for Youth Suicide (RAYS) Prevention Act. This bill requires middle and high schools to include mental health and suicide prevention information on student identification cards and school websites.

“Too many young people are struggling with their mental health in silence, and too often help feels out of reach in a moment of crisis. My bill is a simple, commonsense step to ensure every student knows exactly where to turn for help, by putting life-saving mental health and suicide prevention resources directly on student ID cards and official school platforms. If this bill helps even one young person pause, reach out, and get the support they need, then it will have done its job.”

This legislation would require secondary education institutions to provide contact information for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, the Crisis Text Line, and a State or local suicide prevention hotline selected by the school, if available, on the back of all Student ID cards. If a school cannot meet this requirement, because it does not distribute physical student ID cards, cost is a barrier, or some other administrative burden, they will be required to publish the information on a publicly accessible website of the school.

The bill is endorsed by JJs Hello Foundation, Youth Villages, Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, QPR Institute, Sources of Strength, The NAN Project, Suicide Prevention Coalition of Colorado, American Counseling Association, Active Minds, Suicide Prevention Alliance, Our Turn, SAFE Project, National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association, The Jed Foundation, Oregon Alliance to Prevent Suicide, Clinical Social Work Association, LifeAct, Youth Villages, School Social Work Association of America, South Asian Mental Health Initiative and Network (SAMHIN), Active Minds, Children's National Hospital, AUCCCD, Northern Virginia Mental Health Foundation, National Association of School Psychologists, Save the Children, Association for Mental Health & Wellness, Inseparable, American Medical Women's Association, Half a Sorrow Foundation, Center for Health and Learning, Jay Walkers, ACT NOW! for Mental Health, Center for Health and Learning, National Board Certified Counselors, Western Youth Services, Association of Children's Residential & Community Services (ACRC), The NAN Project, The Grace Loncar Foundation, Behavioral Health Foundation, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, and Students Engaged in Advancing Texas (SEAT).

“Active Minds applauds Representatives Carter, Adams, Mackenzie, and Moylan for their bipartisan leadership in introducing the Raising Awareness for Youth Suicide Prevention Act,” said Anika Rahman, Director of Policy at Active Minds. “For more than two decades, Active Minds has worked to equip young people with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to speak openly about mental health and seek help for themselves and their peers. As part of that commitment, we have long championed including the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on student ID cards, and are proud to see that approach advanced in this legislation. By putting 988 directly in students’ hands, the bill removes barriers to support and ensures help is always within reach, advancing our mission to make mental health resources accessible. We’re grateful to see Congress move forward with a practical, bipartisan, and student-centered solution to the youth mental health crisis.”

“Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people ages 10 to 24, and far too many middle and high school students struggle with their mental health without knowing where to turn for help,” said Laurel Stine, J.D., M.A., Executive Vice President and Chief Policy and Advocacy Officer at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. “We commend Representatives Carter, Mackenzie, Adams, and Moylan for introducing the RAYS Act, a simple, clear and effective step to ensure students have life-saving suicide prevention information readily available, including resources like the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and the Crisis Text Line. By requiring this information on student ID cards and school websites, this legislation helps reduce stigma, promotes help-seeking, and makes support easier to access when students need it most. AFSP is proud to support this bipartisan legislation and urges Congress to act swiftly to pass it.”

“SEAT is honored and grateful to be working with Congressman Carter and Representatives Mackenzie, Moylan, and Adams on this life-saving legislation,” said said Ayaan Moledina, a high school junior and Federal Policy Director for Students Engaged in Advancing Texas (SEAT). “This is a youth-written bill developed by students based on their lived experiences with suicidal ideation and lack of access to resources. By enacting this cost-neutral, easy to implement, and simple method of raising awareness about the 988 Lifeline, we are not only providing access to this resource, but we are providing a beacon of hope to students in need and de-stigmatizing mental health conversations in educational institutions. As someone who has struggled for so many years, this bill is personal to me and it has been an incredibly humbling journey turning this idea that I had as an 8th grader turn into a bill in the United States Congress, which will hopefully help save the lives of my peers and those who have struggled just like me. I am grateful for the bipartisan support in both chambers and I urge all members to prioritize addressing this crisis as youth suicide rates continue to rise and students continue to struggle everyday. The time to act is now and this is a crucial step in ensuring no more children die an unnecessary and preventable death.”

“Too many young people struggle in silence, unsure of where to turn in a moment of crisis,” said Hannah Wesolowski, Chief Advocacy Officer at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). “Early awareness and easy access to suicide prevention and mental health resources can save lives. The Raising Awareness for Youth Suicide Prevention (RAYS) Act would ensure students have immediate access to lifesaving crisis resources on their IDs. NAMI is proud to support this legislation and thank Rep. Carter for prioritizing youth mental health and suicide prevention.”

Read the full bill text here.

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Congressman Valadao Accepting Submissions for the 2026 Congressional Art Competition

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) announced his office has begun accepting submissions for the 2026 Congressional Art Competition. Each spring, a nationwide high school art competition is sponsored by Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. The Congressional Art Competition is an opportunity to recognize and encourage creativity for students across the country.

“The Congressional Art Competition is a great opportunity for Central Valley students to express their creativity and showcase their artistic talent on the national stage,” said Congressman Valadao. “It's always meaningful to walk through the halls of the U.S. Capitol and see CA-22 represented, and I look forward to reviewing this year's submissions."

Students must submit their artwork and a student release form by April 27, 2026.

The winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition will have their artwork displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol and will be invited to attend a winner’s reception in Washington, D.C. during the summer of 2026. Students must be in high school (Grades 9-12) to participate.

Artwork must be two-dimensional. Each framed artwork can be no larger than 26 inches high, 26 inches wide, and 4 inches deep. No framed piece should weigh more than 15 pounds.

Accepted mediums for the two-dimensional artwork are as follows:

Paintings: oil, acrylics, watercolor, etc.

Drawings: colored pencil, pencil, ink, marker, pastels, charcoal. It is recommended that charcoal and pastel drawings be fixed.

Collages: must be two-dimensional

Prints: lithographs, silkscreen, block prints.

Mixed media: use of more than two mediums such as pencil, ink, watercolor, etc.

Computer-generated art

Photographs

For a full list of rules, regulations, and submission updates, please visit www.valadao.house.gov/forms/submitartwork.

Before submitting their work, students should review the Student Submission Checklist here.

To submit your art, please send a high-resolution picture of your artwork (jpeg format) and the Student Release Form to Grace.Reis@mail.house.gov. All submission or rule questions should be directed to Grace Reis at Grace.Reis@mail.house.gov or by calling (202) 225-4695.

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Rep. Gabe Vasquez Statement on Lack of Reform and Accountability in DHS Appropriations Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On January 21, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) released the following statement ahead of his vote opposing the FY26 Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill. In July 2025, the Department of Homeland Security received a $150 billion “blank check” under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which is now being used to fund ICE with no guardrails or oversight.

“As long as Secretary Noem continues to run DHS as a rogue agency that directs masked agents to create chaos in our communities and detain our citizens with impunity and no regard for our rights as Americans, I cannot in good conscience vote to authorize this funding without proper oversight or accountability.”

“This agency already received a $150 billion slush fund from the Administration and Congressional Republicans. I strongly support improving public safety in our communities, but instead, this rogue agency has shown disregard for the rule of law and is clearly not making our communities safer. We need accountability, an immediate halt to the detention of American citizens, and requirements that DHS agents act in accordance with the law – and we need it now.”

Rep. Vasquez is demanding new leadership at DHS and increased transparency around the agency’s spending and activities.

In the wake of an ICE agent’s killing of Renee Nicole Good — an American citizen and young mother of three — the Congressman led the call for Secretary Noem’s impeachment, citing her mismanagement of ICE, failure to support communities like Ruidoso following natural disasters, and improper use of taxpayer funds.

The Congressman introduced the Humane Accountability Act, a bill that calls for greater transparency and accountability around immigrant detention and removals by requiring detailed reporting on assaults, deaths, complaints, and other treatment of detainees to Congress.

Rep. Vasquez voted against the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which granted DHS a $150 billion blank check to pay for mass detentions and deportations, including of American citizens.

Following the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Rep. Vasquez led a group of lawmakers from border communities in demanding transparency and accountability around how DHS will spend more than $150 billion in newly allocated taxpayer dollars. The letter to DHS also outlined detailed spending recommendations to ensure DHS allocates funds in a manner that provides American taxpayers a return on their investment by prioritizing public safety, efficiency, and American values.

Rep. Vasquez also has a strong record of supporting investments in public safety, including recent wins on border security and local law enforcement:

Rep. Vasquez voted for $4.4 billion in funds for state and local law enforcement under the FY26 Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations bill. These investments will help law enforcement agencies recruit and retain officers, modernize equipment, improve training, combat crime, and keep communities safer.

Rep. Vasquez recently secured over $1.5 million in federal Community Project Funding for enhanced public safety technology that will help Albuquerque and Bernalillo County law enforcement officers shorten emergency response times and combat crime.

The Congressman recently introduced the BEST Facilitation Act and the Advanced Border Coordination Act of 2025 — two bipartisan, commonsense bills to enhance U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) cargo scanning capabilities at points of entry and improve coordination between law enforcement agencies at the southern border.

Rep. Vasquez has advocated for increased investments in smart border technology like autonomous surveillance towers (ASTs) and aerostats under his New American Immigration Plan.

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Vindman Secures $800,000 for Water Treatment Process Upgrades in the Town of Orange

Washington, D.C. — The U.S. House of Representatives today voted to pass more than $800,000 to update the process for water treatment in the Town of Orange, which Congressman Eugene Vindman secured as part of a U.S. House-passed Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 appropriations bill.

“The Town of Orange has a clear and urgent need to modernize its water treatment system to ensure reliable, high-quality drinking water for residents,” said Vindman. “Building a liquid feed facility will bring the town’s water treatment process up to current standards, reduce supply disruptions, and guarantee that the town’s infrastructure is on par with neighboring localities. I appreciate the town’s leadership for prioritizing this investment in addressing critical, century-old infrastructure, and I’m proud to support this next step to strengthen water quality and reliability for the community.”

Vindman secured this $800,000 investment as part of a House-passed fiscal year (FY) 2026 appropriations package. The funding will address the Town of Orange’s need to modernize its water treatment process by constructing a liquid feed building, the current industry standard for maintaining water quality. This upgrade will reduce reliance on increasingly scarce dry chemicals, improve treatment reliability, and bring the town’s system in line with neighboring localities, following recent investments to replace century-old infrastructure.

Vindman worked directly with local officials and community leaders across Virginia to solicit these requests, move these projects forward, and make sure they were included in this federal funding legislation. The FY2026 appropriations package now goes to the U.S. Senate for further consideration.

BACKGROUND

For FY2026 the U.S. House of Representatives reopened the Community Project Funding process, allowing Members of Congress to request targeted federal investments for local projects. Congressman Vindman worked closely with community leaders across Virginia’s Seventh District to identify and submit requests that reflect the needs of the region.

Community Project Funding is designed to strengthen the federal appropriations process by centering local input and collaboration. Through this process, Members of Congress partner directly with the communities they represent to advance projects that are planned, supported, and led at the local level.

To qualify, projects must be submitted by a locality and meet the eligibility requirements of existing federal grant programs. Submissions must demonstrate strong community support, ensuring that funded projects are responsive to local needs and have backing from the communities they serve.

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Rep. Webster Earns A+ Rating on Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America’s Scorecard

Washington, D.C. — This week, the Susan B. Anthony List announced that Florida Congressman Daniel Webster, R-Clermont, earned an A+ rating on their National Pro-Life Scorecard.

“The right to life is one of three unalienable rights promised to all individuals in the Declaration of Independence,” said Rep. Webster. "I believe these rights extend to unborn children as well, and that the right to life is our first God-given right. I’m honored to once again receive an A+ rating from the Susan B. Anthony List for my work in Congress to protect the unborn. I encourage everyone to fight for life, and I will continue to do the same as your representative in Congress.”

National Pro-Life Scorecard

The Susan B Anthony Pro-Life Scorecard reflects key votes and actions taken to protect life and advance policies that support pregnant women and mothers. Congressman Webster has continued his record in Congress to protect the lives of the unborn and stop taxpayer funding of abortion. Last year, Rep. Webster voted to pass H.R. 1, which delivered a major pro-life victory by defunding abortion businesses like Planned Parenthood of Medicaid dollars. For more information on actions taken by Rep. Daniel Webster visit https://sbaprolife.org/representative/daniel-webster.

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Rep. George Whitesides Introduces Legislation to Strengthen Transparency in Veterans’ Home Loan Program

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. George Whitesides (CA-27) introduced a bill to improve transparency and oversight of the Department of Veterans Affairs Home Loan Program, which he then testified in support of during a House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. The bill would require the VA to publish regular, detailed reports on the health and performance of the program, helping ensure it remains strong and accessible for generations of veterans to come.

“Our veterans deserve to know that programs designed to help them access housing are actually working,” said Rep. George Whitesides. “This bill is about transparency, and making sure the VA Home Loan Program is sustainable for current and future generations of veterans. I believe that good data is the key to good policy, and we should expect nothing less for those who served our country.”

“The VA Home Loan Program Reform Act takes long overdue steps to ensure that government systems designed to support veterans actually work—and that VA’s Home Loan Program remains healthy and solvent for future generations,” said Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Mark Takano. “By providing Congress and the public with better data, this bill will improve oversight and help us quickly identify issues affecting veteran borrowers. Preventing veteran housing insecurity remains one of my highest priorities, and this legislation advances that goal by protecting the program from unexpected market shocks. By ensuring that the program stays financially solvent, we are ensuring its ability to help distressed borrowers stay in their homes and avoid foreclosure. Thank you, Congressman Whitesides, for your work on veterans’ issues and leading this effort.”

The VA Home Loan Program helps veterans and their families achieve homeownership and avoid foreclosure during times of financial hardship. In recent years, changing market conditions and policy shifts have raised concerns among veterans’ organizations, housing experts, and lawmakers about the long-term stability of the program.The data required to be reported by Rep. Whitesides’ bill will help identify the number of veterans feeling financial stress and struggling to pay back their housing loans. This data will also help industry, stakeholders, and Congress keep better tabs on the VA Home Loan Program and identify issues early.

Specifically, this legislation would:

Require the Department of Veterans Affairs to publish quarterly public reports on loan activity;

Track the number of loans issued, denied, and refinanced through the VA program;

Provide insight into staffing levels at the VA home loan office.

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WATCH HERE: Rep. George Whitesides Testifies in Support of Veteran Housing Bill

View and download the full video here.

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Rep. George Whitesides testified at the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs in support of his new bill to provide greater transparency for veterans seeking stable housing through the VA Home Loan Program. The bill would ensure that the Department of Veteran Affairs would regularly publish data concerning the VA Home Loan Program, helping policy-makers track important measures such as the amount of loans issued and how many veterans were struggling to make their payments.

For more information about the legislation click here.

View the full clip of Rep. Whitesides’ testimony here, and read the full remarks as prepared for delivery below:

Thank you, Mr. Chairman,

I appreciate the opportunity to speak today in support of my legislation to strengthen transparency and oversight of the VA Home Loan Program.

For generations, this program has been one of the most effective tools we have to help veterans achieve homeownership and stay housed during times of financial hardship. It is a promise we make to those who served that their sacrifice will be met with opportunity and stability when they return home.

But a promise only works if the system behind it is healthy.

In recent years, changing market conditions and policy shifts have raised real concerns among veterans service organizations, housing experts, and lawmakers about the long-term stability of the VA Home Loan Program. We have heard warnings about increased financial stress among veteran borrowers and questions about whether the program is equipped to withstand future economic shocks.

Right now, Congress and the public do not have consistent, detailed data to fully understand how the program is performing. That makes it harder to spot problems early and harder to act before veterans are put at risk.

My bill is a straightforward, good-governance solution.

It requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to publish regular, public reports on the health and performance of the VA Home Loan Program. These reports would track how many loans are being issued, denied, and refinanced, and provide insight into staffing levels at the VA home loan office so we can ensure the program has the capacity it needs to serve veterans effectively.

This is about making sure government systems designed to support veterans actually work.

I firmly believe that good data leads to good policy. With better information, Congress can conduct stronger oversight, stakeholders can identify issues earlier, and the VA can respond more quickly when veterans begin to experience financial stress.

Most importantly, this bill helps protect the long-term solvency of the program so it remains available for future generations of veterans, not just those served today.

Preventing veteran housing insecurity should be a shared priority across this Committee. Transparency is one of the most effective tools we have to do that.

I am grateful to Ranking Member Takano for his partnership and leadership on this issue, and I look forward to working with members on both sides of the aisle to ensure this program remains strong, accountable, and worthy of the veterans it serves.

Thank you, and I yield back.


Senator Baldwin Leads Bill to Cap Credit Card Late Fees at $8

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) led her colleagues in introducing the Credit Card Fairness Act, legislation that would cap credit card late fees at $8.

Consumers currently pay $14 billion per year in credit card late fees, which pads the profits of the biggest banks. The standard $30 to $41 late fee is up to five times higher than the cost for banks of collecting late payments, allowing banks to profit from customers who are struggling to make ends meet.

“As costs continue to skyrocket under this administration — from groceries, to housing, to health care — Wisconsin families are already stretched thin. The last thing they need is big banks and credit card companies gouging them with credit card late fees that make it harder to stay afloat, let alone get ahead,” said Senator Baldwin. “Our bill will crack down on big banks, cap late fees at $8, and give families a little breathing room.”

“Big banks profiteering off people by charging $41 for a single late credit card payment is absolutely wrong,” said Senator Fetterman. “At a time when people are struggling to get by, these late fees are only doing more harm. This legislation will protect hardworking Americans from predatory fees, and I’ll work with anyone to get this over the finish line.”

“American consumers shouldn’t be hit with predatory late fees that are three to five times higher than the actual cost of collection,” said Senator Booker. “This legislation keeps money in the pockets of working families by putting a clear cap on credit card late fees and cracking down on banks that make billions of dollars of profit each year on the backs of their customers.”

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau previously enacted a rule that capped these fees at $8, which was stalled in litigation brought by the big banks. This legislation would codify the $8 cap in law.

The Credit Card Fairness Act is endorsed by Americans for Financial Reform, the Consumer Federation of America, Groundwork Collaborative, the National Consumer Law Center (on behalf of its low-income clients), Public Citizen, and Protect Borrowers.

A summary of the bill text is available here.

The full bill text is available here.

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ICYMI: Senator Banks Joins Larry Kudlow on Fox Business

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) joined Larry Kudlow on Fox Business to discuss Greenland and President Trump’s speech at the World Economic Forum.

Click the image above for the full discussion

Key Excerpts:

Sen. Banks: “[Trump] is the greatest dealmaker that we’ve ever known in the White House today. President Trump understands the art of the deal. He’s brought Europe and NATO to the table. And at the end of the day, we’re going to come up with a deal here that’s going to put America’s interests first, that’s going to be good forEurope and really good for Greenland….”

“Let’s use Greenland strategically for the Golden Dome. By the way, Much of the Golden Dome is going to be built in Indiana and it’s going to be really good forAmerica to keep us safe and secure for a long time to come. And President Trump is proving once again how you get a deal done. He’s the first president of my lifetime who doesn’t care with the stuck -up Europeans think about him now and especially when he leaves office. You look at all the money that Obama makes giving speeches in Europe thumbing his nose at America. President Trump doesn’t care about that. He’s going to make deals now and do things that put America’s interest at the forefront for a long time to come…”

“Thank God Donald Trump is in the White House because he’s forcing NATO to do things that they would not have done otherwise, to spend more on defense. You saw that Germany changed their constitution to go into debt, to spend more on their own national defense. That never would have happened without Donald Trump, and that’s good for Europe, and it’s better for America. We can’t be the blank check to the rest of the world when we have big serious issues right here at home that we have to focus on. President Trump understands that. So Donald Trump is good forthe rest of the world, but he’s especially good for America and our long-term interests. And you get to see that on full display today…”

“Think about where we were one year ago, two years ago, three years ago with a president who was the laughingstock of the rest of the world. We have a president today who presents strong American leadership. We can’t lead abroad when we’re weak at home. But right now we have a strong leader who projects American strength, whether in Venezuela, Iran, toward Russia and China, or even the message that he sends to our allies and friends in NATO that they’ve got to step up and do more…”


Bennet Leads Full Colorado Delegation to Support Appeals of President Trump’s Denial of Major Disaster Declarations for Historic Fires and Flooding

Denver — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet led his colleagues Colorado U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper and Colorado U.S. Representatives Jeff Hurd, Jeff Crank, Jason Crow, Lauren Boebert, Joe Neguse, Gabe Evans, Brittany Pettersen, and Diana DeGette in support of Governor Jared Polis’ appeal to President Donald Trump’s decision to deny Major Disaster Declarations for the Lee and Elk Fires in August 2025 and the Southwest Colorado flooding in October 2025.

“The State’s appeal underscores a critical and urgent reality: without federal assistance to stabilize river channels and repair damaged infrastructure, these communities face a cycle of repeated flooding and recurring losses. Failure to address the underlying damage now will virtually guarantee continued destruction during future high-water events, increasing costs to taxpayers while placing residents, businesses, and local economies at ongoing risk. Federal assistance at this stage is not only necessary for recovery, it is essential to prevent foreseeable and preventable damage from disasters in the years ahead,” wrote the lawmakers.

The Lee and Elk Fires burned for 27 days in August 2025 and affected more than 150,000 acres. These fires caused widespread destruction to homes, rangeland, transportation infrastructure, and critical energy infrastructure, with FEMA validations of more than $27 million in damages.

In October 2025, La Plata, Archuleta, and Mineral Counties’ record-breaking rainfall caused catastrophic flooding, debris flows, and channel instability. Many homes, businesses, wastewater systems, roads, and drinking water infrastructure sustained extensive damage, with FEMA confirming more than $13.8 million in damages.

In their letter, the lawmakers emphasize that both the Lee and Elk Fires and flooding in Southwest Colorado meet the statutory and practical criteria for a Major Disaster Declaration as well as FEMA’s administrative and legal threshold for federal assistance. They demand urgent action in the face of President Trump’s decision to deny the people of Western Colorado the Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation programs that are indispensable to recovery, mitigation, and long-term resilience. The consequences of continued denial will be severe, long-lasting, and far more costly if left unaddressed.

“We respectfully urge you to reconsider your initial denials and approve Governor Polis’s appeals for Major Disaster Declarations for the Lee and Elk Fires and the Southwest Colorado flooding. Doing so will help protect communities, reduce future federal and local costs, and ensure that rural Coloradans are not left to shoulder the financial burden of disaster recovery alone,” concluded the lawmakers.

The lawmakers previously sent letters in support of Governor Polis’ initial requests for Major Disaster Declarations for the Lee and Elk Fires and Southwest Colorado flooding. The letters can be read HERE and HERE.

The full text of the letter is available HERE and below.

Dear Mr. President:

We write in strong support of Governor Jared Polis’s appeals of the Administration’s recent denials of two requests for Presidential Major Disaster Declarations in Colorado: (1) the Lee and Elk Fires in Rio Blanco County, and (2) the historic flooding that impacted La Plata, Archuleta, and Mineral Counties in Southwest Colorado. Each event independently meets the statutory and practical criteria for a Major Disaster Declaration, and the consequences of continued denial will be severe, long-lasting, and far more costly if left unaddressed. Disaster funds are critical for the safety and well-being of some of Colorado’s most rural residents.

Lee and Elk Fires – Rio Blanco County

The Lee and Elk Fires burned more than 150,000 acres between August 2 and August 29, 2025, causing widespread destruction to homes, rangeland, transportation infrastructure, and critical energy infrastructure. FEMA has validated more than $27 million in damages, approximately $4,000 per resident of rural Rio Blanco County.

Due to damage sustained during the fires, oil and gas operators in Rio Blanco County are currently unable to operate at full capacity and are relying on a highly limited contingency system – effectively a “backup of the backup” transmission configuration. This leaves production vulnerable to further disruption and prevents the region from reaching its normal output levels, with ripple effects for local employment, state and local tax revenue, and national energy supply.

Further delay of disaster assistance places the financial burden of repairing damaged electric transmission infrastructure directly on local utility customers. White River Electric Association has a limited ability to absorb these extraordinary disaster-related costs, and ratepayers in this rural community may face significant price increases to cover repairs that would otherwise be eligible for federal Public Assistance. These compounding impacts will result in reduced energy production and higher electricity costs in the region, and pose a serious threat to the long-term economic stability of Rio Blanco County.

Southwest Colorado Flooding – La Plata, Archuleta, and Mineral Counties

From October 11 through October 14, 2025, record-breaking rainfall caused catastrophic flooding, debris flows, and channel instability throughout Southwest Colorado. FEMA has already validated more than $13.8 million in eligible damages, with additional losses still being identified. Homes, businesses, wastewater systems, roads, and drinking water infrastructure sustained extensive damage.

The State’s appeal underscores a critical and urgent reality: without federal assistance to stabilize river channels and repair damaged infrastructure, these communities face a cycle of repeated flooding and recurring losses. Failure to address the underlying damage now will virtually guarantee continued destruction during future high-water events, increasing costs to taxpayers while placing residents, businesses, and local economies at ongoing risk. Federal assistance at this stage is not only necessary for recovery, it is essential to prevent foreseeable and preventable damage from disasters in the years ahead.

A Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for each of these events would unlock Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation programs that are indispensable to recovery, mitigation, and long-term resilience. Both disasters meet FEMA’s administrative threshold for federal assistance and demand urgent action.

We respectfully urge you to reconsider your initial denials and approve Governor Polis’s appeals for Major Disaster Declarations for the Lee and Elk Fires and the Southwest Colorado flooding. Doing so will help protect communities, reduce future federal and local costs, and ensure that rural Coloradans are not left to shoulder the financial burden of disaster recovery alone.

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Blumenthal Demands Accountability for Secret ICE Policy Authorizing Federal Agents to Enter Homes Without a Judicial Warrant

[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), is demanding accountability following whistleblower disclosures detailing a secret U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policy permitting agents to circumvent the privacy protections in the Constitution’s Fourth Amendment and enter Americans’ homes without a standard warrant.

Anonymous whistleblowers disclosed a policy memo written by Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons authorizing federal immigration agents to enter American homes without a judicial warrant in order to effectuate civil immigration arrests. This policy is directly contrary to longstanding legal interpretation of the Fourth Amendment and agency practice, which requires ICE agents to obtain a judicial warrant duly signed and executed by a judge in order to enter someone’s home. The whistleblower disclosure and public reporting reveal at least two examples of U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials wrongly entering the homes of American families in the past year.

Blumenthal is demanding U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem provide an explanation for the policy and calling for hearings in both the Senate Judiciary and Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committees. Blumenthal also wrote the Director of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers to determine if instructors have secretly been directed to verbally train newly hired ICE agents to enter people’s homes without a judicial warrant.

“Every American should be terrified by this secret ICE policy authorizing its agents to kick down your door and storm into your home. It is a legally and morally abhorrent policy that exemplifies the kinds of dangerous, disgraceful abuses America is seeing in real time. In our democracy, with vanishingly rare exceptions, the government is barred from breaking into your home without a judge giving a green light. Government agents have no right to ransack your bedroom or terrorize your kids on a whim or personal desire. I am deeply grateful to brave whistleblowers who have come forward and put the rights of their fellow Americans first.”

“My Republican colleagues who claim to value personal rights against government overreach now have an opportunity and obligation to prove that rhetoric is real. They must hold hearings and join me in demanding the Trump Administration answer for this lawless policy.”

Blumenthal is leading an ongoing investigation into the treatment of U.S. citizens by federal immigration agents. In October, Blumenthal and U.S. Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, opened an inquiry into frequent reports of unconstitutional detentions of U.S. citizens by agents of ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), often using disproportionate force.

In December, Blumenthal released a report highlighting firsthand accounts of twenty-two Americans who were physically assaulted, pepper sprayed, denied medical treatment, and detained – sometimes for days – by federal immigration agents. The report, Unchecked Authority: Examining the Trump Administration’s Extrajudicial Immigration Detentions Of U.S. Citizens, was released ahead of a bicameral public forum hosted by Blumenthal and Garcia to receive testimony from five Americans who were unconstitutionally detained by agents of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Both the report and the forum featured accounts of federal immigration officials acting with excessive force and then fabricating claims about the U.S. citizens who were detained.

Last week, following the killing of Renee Nicole Good, an unarmed U.S. citizen, by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, Minnesota Blumenthal wrote Noem seeking information and records regarding ICE training policies. The full text of Blumenthal’s letter to Noem is available here.

Blumenthal’s letter to Noem demanding information about the ICE policy is available here.

Blumenthal’s letter to U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, requesting a hearing in that committee is available here. Blumenthal’s letter to U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, requesting a hearing in that committee is available here.

Blumenthal’s letter to Benjamin Huffman, Director of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers, is available here.

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Booker, Shaheen Seek Information on Sanctioned RSF Commander’s Presence in the United States

WASHINGTON D.C. —Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health Policy, and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent requesting information about the conditions under which a sanctioned senior commander of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) was present in Washington, D.C., in October 2025.

In the letter, the Senators underscore the Committee’s condemnation of the RSF’s campaign of atrocities in Sudan and question why an individual sanctioned for those atrocities would be allowed into the United States. While the Senators support diplomatic efforts to broker a humanitarian ceasefire and bring an end to the conflict in Sudan, sanctioned individuals should not be allowed to continue business as usual in our nation’s capital.

“We write to request information about the conditions under which Algoney Hamdan Dagalo Musa (Algoney) was in Washington, D.C. in October 2025,” wrote the Senators. “As you know, Algoney is a senior commander of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), procurement director of the militia, and brother of RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (commonly referred to as “Hemedti”). The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned Algoney in 2024 for his leadership role in the RSF’s campaign of atrocities and forced displacement across Sudan.”

“The State Department hosted a meeting on October 24, of ‘the Quad’, composed of the United States, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE),” continued the Senators. “This meeting featured direct engagements with representatives from the RSF and Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) aimed at advancing peace and stability in Sudan. We understand that Algoney was in Washington, D.C. to represent the RSF at these Quad talks. However, Algoney reportedly remained in Washington after the conclusion of the Quad discussions, notably while the RSF was systematically massacring civilians in El Fasher, West Darfur, and preventing their escape from the city. Photos of Algoney socializing at the Waldorf Astoria, a five-star hotel, and walking on the streets of Washington, D.C. circulated social media from October 26-28.”

“Unless authorized, OFAC’s regulations generally prohibit a designated person from engaging with the U.S. economy,” concluded the Senators. “Given the breadth and severity of OFAC restrictions, we request information about the conditions under which Algoney entered the United States, whether those conditions were adhered to, and any accommodations made to facilitate his stay in Washington.”

To read the full text of the letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi, click here.

To read the full text of the letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio click here.


Booker Visits Morristown and Roxbury, Condemns ICE as ‘Out of Control’ and Opposes Opening of Any New ICE Detention Centers in NJ

MORRISTOWN, N.J. – This afternoon, Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) traveled to Morris County, NJ. He toured the site of a proposed ICE detention facility in Roxbury and met with local leaders in Morristown to discuss an ICE raid at a local laundromat earlier this month in which multiple Morristown residents and a high school student were detained.

“What I saw in Roxbury, and what I heard in Morristown this afternoon from local leaders is truly heartbreaking. DHS and ICE have come into our communities—towns and cities that pride themselves on the strength of their diversity—and sowed immense fear and distrust. In Roxbury, they’re having to contend with the possibility that a local warehouse will be repurposed into an ICE detention center. In Morristown, the community is grappling with an ICE action that resulted in the detention of some of their neighbors. Students are now too scared to go to school; local businesses are hurting; and local institutions—our community centers and houses of worship—are seeing steep drop-offs in attendance. DHS and ICE are out of control. A reformed immigration system, built on dignity and justice, is possible. However, an ICE detention center––whether in Roxbury or anywhere else––won’t bring us closer to that goal, nor will haphazard, indiscriminate ICE actions that target our immigrant neighbors," said Senator Booker.


U.S. Senator Katie Britt Directly Secures Over $11.5 Million for the River Region, Continues Leadership on Senate Appropriations Committee

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.), as a member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, recently directly secured over $11.5 million for the River Region through the passage of three Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 appropriations bills: the FY26 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) Appropriations Act, the FY26 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, and the FY26 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies (EWD) Appropriations Act.

“There are several critical priorities for the River Region that I was proud to champion and secure in the recent package of funding bills passed by Congress,” said Senator Britt. “From strengthening our inland waterway infrastructure, to supporting our hardworking law enforcement, to providing funding for our incredible higher education institutions, this important funding reflects my promise when I joined the Appropriations Committee to return your hard-earned taxpayer dollars home to Alabama.”

A detailed breakdown of the Alabama priorities secured by Senator Britt can be found below:

$3.5 million for the City of Greenville’s Water Works and Sewer Board.

$275,000 for the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Department for law enforcement vehicles and miscellaneous law enforcement equipment.

$45,000 for the District Attorney’s Office of the 19th Judicial District for radios.

$200,000 for the City of Luverne Police Department for law enforcement vehicles.

$1.031 million for the Bullock County Sheriff’s Department for law enforcement equipment, and a law enforcement vehicle.

$500,000 for Alabama State University for equipment for the Mechanical Engineering Degree Program.

$1 million for Auburn University to research and develop innovative technologies in the agriculture industry.

$5.025 million for the surveying and deepening of the Alabama River.

The FY26 CJS bill includes funding for critical national priorities, including $30 million for the National Mesonet Program, which Senator Britt was proud to support.

Senator Britt also supported over $250 million to advance economic development and infrastructure improvements across the state, including for the Southeastern Crescent Regional, Appalachian Regional Commission, and Delta Regional Authority.

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U.S. Senator Katie Britt Directly Secures Over $12.9 Million for Central Alabama, Continues Leadership on Senate Appropriations Committee

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.), as a member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, recently directly secured over $12.9 million for Central Alabama through the passage of three Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 appropriations bills: the FY26 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) Appropriations Act, the FY26 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, and the FY26 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies (EWD) Appropriations Act.

“I was proud to advocate for and secure several critical Central Alabama priorities in the recent package of funding bills passed by Congress,” said Senator Britt. “This funding strengthens our inland waterway infrastructure, supports our hardworking law enforcement, invests in our incredible higher education institutions, and upgrades essential water infrastructure. It also reflects the commitment I made when I joined the Appropriations Committee—to fight every day to return your hard-earned taxpayer dollars home to Alabama.”

A detailed breakdown of the Alabama priorities secured by Senator Britt can be found below:

$2.5 million for the City of Gadsden for drainage infrastructure upgrades.

$2.9 million for deepening studies in Alabama rivers, including for the Black Warrior and Tombigbee Rivers.

$550,000 for maintenance and dredging of Luxapallila Creek.

$2.5 million for small boat access dredging, including of the Tennessee-Tombigbee and Black Warrior River systems.

$100,000 for the City of Roanoke for radio/communication infrastructure.

$287,000 for the Jacksonville Police Department for a law enforcement vehicle.

$250,000 for the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office for an emergency response boat.

$400,000 for the Pell City Police Department for public safety cameras.

$750,000 for the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for the implementation of RapidDNA testing.

$155,000 for the District Attorney’s Office of the 25th Judicial District for a law enforcement vehicle.

$135,000 for the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office for fire alarms and cameras for the Pickens County Jail.

$250,000 for the Lamar County Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement vehicles.

$435,000 for the Cleburne County Sheriff’s Department for law enforcement vehicles.

$128,000 for the City of Montevallo for a law enforcement vehicle.

$300,000 for the Etowah County Sheriff’s Office for a patrol/dive boat.

$300,000 for the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office for an armored law enforcement vehicle.

$1 million for the University of Alabama to make equipment upgrades regarding the detection and prevention of aquaculture mislabeling.

Senator Britt also supported over $250 million to advance economic development and infrastructure improvements across the state, including for the Appalachian Regional Commission and the Delta Regional Authority. Additionally, Senator Britt helped to secure $8 million for U.S. Forest Service to acquire land in the Talladega National Forest.

The FY26 CJS bill also includes $40 million for the Cooperative Institute for Research to Operations in Hydrology (CIROH) to address our nation’s growing water-related challenges. CIROH is housed within the National Water Center in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

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U.S. Senator Katie Britt Directly Secures Over $2.3 Million for North Alabama, Continues Leadership on Senate Appropriations Committee

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.), as a member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, recently directly secured over $2.3 million for North Alabama through the passage of two Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 appropriations bills: the FY26 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) Appropriations Act, and the FY26 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies (EWD) Appropriations Act.

“There are several critical North Alabama priorities I was proud to champion and secure in the recent package of funding bills passed by Congress,” said Senator Britt. “My priority on the Appropriations Committee has always been to return hard-earned taxpayer dollars home to Alabama. Whether I’m working to secure funding for key emergency communications infrastructure, supporting our hardworking law enforcement, or elevating Alabama’s leadership in space exploration, I am proud to fulfill my duty to the people of Alabama.”

A detailed breakdown of the Alabama priorities secured by Senator Britt can be found below:

$1.2 million for the Lawrence County Commission for emergency communications infrastructure.

$250,000 for Alabama A&M University for cameras and gun-shot detection technology.

$199,762 for the Somerville Police Department for body cameras and a law enforcement vehicle.

$325,000 for City of Decatur for law enforcement vehicles.

$354,000 for the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office for an armored law enforcement vehicle.

Senator Britt fought for important funding provided in the bill specifically for NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center including more than $1.3 billion for the Space Launch System (SLS), over $2 billion to fund the development of two independent Human Landing System (HLS) vehicles, and no less than $110 million for nuclear thermal propulsion systems.

At the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Senator Britt was proud to advocate for the inclusion of $11 million for the Vortex Southeast Hazardous Weather Research Program.

Senator Britt also supported over $250 million to advance economic development and infrastructure improvements across the state, including for the Appalachian Regional Commission.

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U.S. Senator Katie Britt Directly Secures Over $2.66 Million for the Wiregrass, Continues Leadership on Senate Appropriations Committee

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.), as a member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, recently directly secured over $2.66 million for the Wiregrass through the passage of two Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 appropriations bills: the FY26 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) Appropriations Act, and the FY26 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies (EWD) Appropriations Act.

“There are several critical priorities for the Wiregrass that I was proud to champion and secure in the recent package of funding bills passed by Congress,” said Senator Britt. “When I joined the Appropriations Committee, I vowed to return your hard-earned taxpayer dollars home to Alabama, and this funding, that supports our hardworking law enforcement and improves community facilities, is a reflection of that promise.”

A detailed breakdown of the Alabama priorities secured by Senator Britt can be found below:

$947,000 to improve recreation facilities at the Walter F. George Lock and Dam.

$37,000 for the Slocomb Police Department for a fentanyl detection kit.

$1.007 million for the City of Dothan for the purchase of drones and related equipment for their ‘Drone as First Responder’ program.

$175,000 for the Level Plains Police Department for body cameras, public safety cameras, and equipment for their K-9 program.

$500,000 for the City of Enterprise for law enforcement equipment for their Special Response Team to combat fentanyl trafficking.

Senator Britt also supported over $250 million to advance economic development and infrastructure improvements across the state, including for the Southeastern Crescent Regional Commission.

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U.S. Senator Katie Britt Directly Secures Over $20.9 Million for Mobile, Baldwin Counties, Continues Leadership on Senate Appropriations Committee

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.), as a member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, recently directly secured over $20.9 million for Mobile and Baldwin Counties through the passage of three Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 appropriations bills: the FY26 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) Appropriations Act, the FY26 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, and the FY26 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies (EWD) Appropriations Act.

“There are several critical Alabama Gulf priorities I was proud to champion and secure in the recent package of funding bills passed by Congress,” said Senator Britt. “From strengthening our inland waterway infrastructure and Mobile Harbor, to supporting our hardworking law enforcement, to providing funding for our incredible higher education institutions, to upgrading water infrastructure, this key funding reflects the promise I made to return your hard-earned taxpayer dollars home to Alabama as a member of the Appropriations Committee.”

A detailed breakdown of the Alabama priorities secured by Senator Britt can be found below:

$1.97 million for the City of Bayou La Batre for wastewater system improvements.

$5 million for the Town of Dauphin Island to use dredged material from the Mobile Ship Channel for protect and restore the West End of Dauphin Island.

$3.254 million for Mobile Harbor for the creation of a beneficial use site.

$750,000 for an environmental investigation of the Mobile Harbor Ship Channel.

$1 million for the City of Fairhope for the deepening of Fly Creek.

$1.066 million for additional maintenance dredging of the Gulf Intercoastal Waterway.

$4 million for additional maintenance dredging of Mobile Harbor.

$396,000 for the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Department for a patrol and rescue boat.

$2 million for the University of South Alabama to investigate solutions to expand and enhance the prediction of severe weather in southern Alabama.

$500,000 for Alabama Port Authority for a study to understand the source and context of dramatically increased sediment in recent years that has impacted the Port of Mobile.

$1 million for the Alabama Wildlife Federation for the restoration of oyster reefs in the Mobile Bay.

Senator Britt also supported over $250 million to advance economic development and infrastructure improvements across the state, including for the Southeastern Crescent Regional Commission.

Senator Britt also directly supported a $5 million increase for the National Data Buoy System, $850,000 for the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to continue work on improving shrimp fishing technologies, level funding for Sea Grant Aquaculture Research, and full funding for SEAMAP.

The FY26 EWD bill includes $5.025 million for the surveying and deepening of the Alabama River, of which the Alabama Gulf will get a portion. It also includes $2.9 million that will go towards deepening studies of the Tennessee-Tombigbee and Black Warrior River system, which will have impacts throughout the Gulf. $2.5 million will be used for small boat access dredging, including on the Tennessee-Tombigbee waterway.

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U.S. Senator Katie Britt Releases Statement on the SAVE Act, Continues Call for Securing Our Elections

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) released the following statement on her support for the SAVE Act and her continued fight to secure America’s elections:

“I am proud to be a cosponsor of the SAVE Act.

“Securing our elections has been a priority of mine since day one, which is why I also authored the Citizen Ballot Protection Act. Election integrity—and ensuring ONLY American citizens are voting in our elections—is critical to our democracy and to free and fair elections. We must take every step possible to achieve this.

“I will continue fighting for election integrity. As a proud cosponsor of the SAVE Act and author of the Citizen Ballot Protection Act, I look forward to working with my colleagues to send commonsense laws to President Trump’s desk.”

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PHOTOS: Capito Hears from Local Restaurants on Benefits of Working Families Tax Cuts Act

FAIRMONT, W.Va. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) joined the National Restaurant Association, the West Virginia Hospitality and Travel Association (WVHTA), and local restaurants from across the state for a roundtable discussion at Muriale’s Italian Kitchen in Fairmont, W.Va. The roundtable discussion focused on how the Working Families Tax Cuts legislation, also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill, will impact the restaurant industry.

The Working Families Tax Cuts Act, which Senator Capito helped pass in July 2025, includes extensive tax reforms that make pro-business tax policy permanent. These changes will be essential to supporting the growth of the restaurant industry and other small businesses for years to come.

“Today’s conversation underscored just how essential our local restaurants are to West Virginia’s communities and economy. Hearing directly from restaurants about how the Working Families Tax Cuts legislation is giving them the certainty to invest, hire, and grow reaffirmed why these pro-business and worker-focused tax policies matter. I’m grateful to the National Restaurant Association, the WVHTA, and to all of our restaurateurs for their partnership and for the vital role they play in keeping our state strong,” Senator Capito said.

“The hospitality and tourism industry is growing in West Virginia, and legislation championed by Senator Capito has certainly made a significant positive impact for restaurants and tourism businesses,” Jordan Nuzum from the West Virginia Hospitality and Travel Association said. “We are thankful for Senator Capito’s leadership on the tax cuts and for always champion West Virginia’s hospitality and tourism industry.”

“The restaurant industry is a powerful economic engine – generating more than $1.4 trillion in annual economic activity and employing more than 15 million people nationwide,” Sean Kennedy, executive vice president for Public Affairs at the National Restaurant Association, said. "The pro-growth tax policies in the Working Families Tax Cut will make it easier to start a restaurant and will put a little extra money in the pockets of many of our workers. We appreciate Sen. Capito’s support of restaurants and hospitality businesses and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to share the impact her decisions in Washington have on businesses back home.”

BACKGROUND:

The major permanent tax provisions included in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act will allow restaurant owners to make long-term plans for investment and growth. Examples of permanent provisions include:

Full expensing for capital equipment purchases

Qualified business income deduction

Business interest expense deduction

The legislation also includes provisions that provide temporary tax relief that recognize the extra effort restaurant employees make every day. Examples of temporary provisions include:

No tax on overtime

No tax on tips

For more information on how the Working Families Tax Cuts Act benefits the restaurant industry, click HERE and HERE.

Photos from today’s event are included below:

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) participates in a discussion with restaurants from across the state to discuss the benefits to restaurants from the Working Families Tax Cuts Act at Muriale’s Italian Kitchen in Fairmont, W.Va. on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) tours Muriale’s Italian Kitchen in Fairmont, W.Va. on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) visits with local restaurant owners during an event at Muriale’s Italian Kitchen in Fairmont, W.Va. on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) visits with local restaurant owners during an event at Muriale’s Italian Kitchen in Fairmont, W.Va. on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.

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Cassidy, Husted Introduce Bill to Protect Americans from Online Fentanyl-Trafficking

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Jon Husted (R-OH) introduced the No Fentanyl on Social Media Act to direct the Federal Trade Commission, in coordination with the Department of Justice and Department of Health and Human Services, to report to Congress on minors’ access to fentanyl through social media, with recommendations to address this growing threat.

“Social media marketing fentanyl is allowing pushers to enter into our households. We need to stop it,”said Dr. Cassidy.

“Illegally sold fentanyl has had devastating impacts in Ohio, and it is heartbreaking each time someone loses their life because of it. The sad truth is bad actors, including drug traffickers, use social media to directly target and influence our children because they know it is a way they can get around parents, teachers, and other trusted adults who work to keep kids safe. Congress must have an active role in ensuring our kids are safe online from predators, and this bill takes a step towards better understanding how we can crack down on drug traffickers who target our children on social media platforms,” said Senator Husted.

Background

Fentanyl continues to be the leading cause of drug overdose deaths in the United States.

The report would provide Congress with clear and accurate data on the scope of this crisis, along with a series of policy recommendations to help address it. It would also assess platform design features, drug trafficking tactics, the effectiveness of platform policies, and actions taken by law enforcement, medical experts, and other stakeholders to combat the spread of fentanyl.

As social media platforms continue to grow, teens are both knowingly seeking out fentanyl and unintentionally purchasing drugs laced with fentanyl through social media apps. Despite these platforms serving as a primary marketplace for minors to access fentanyl, there remains a lack of accurate data and a comprehensive federal strategy to track and address this issue.

In July, President Trump signed Cassidy’s Halt All Lethal Trafficking (HALT) Fentanyl Act into law, permanently scheduling fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I under the Controlled Substances Act.

In December, President Trump signed Cassidy’s SUPPORT Act into law, bolstering prevention, treatment, and recovery services for Americans with substance use disorders and mental illness.

Cassidy was joined by U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) in introducing the legislation. U.S. Representatives Gabe Evans (R-CO-08) and Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) introduced the companion bill to the No Fentanyl on Social Media Act in the U.S. House of Representatives.

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ICYMI: Cassidy Pens Op-Ed Applauding President Trump on Operation Absolute Resolve, Outlining Path Forward

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) penned an op-ed in Breitbart championing his Americas Act as the path forward following President Trump’s successful extraction of Nicolás Maduro from Venezuela. The bill strengthens the United States’ economy, uplifts our Western Hemisphere neighbors, and prevents other dictators like Maduro from rising to power.

“President Trump and Republicans promised to address U.S. national security concerns. We are continuing to deliver on that promise. Maduro’s extraction is a step in the right direction for our country and for our allies,” wrote Dr. Cassidy.

“The Americas Act is the clear and responsible next step in keeping the United States secure and the high-paying jobs coming. It is a plan for generations to come—one that strengthens America while lifting up our neighbors across the hemisphere. President Trump and Republicans must work together and pass the Americas Act to build the strongest neighborhood in the world,”concluded Dr. Cassidy.

Read the full op-ed here or below:

Exclusive—Sen. Bill Cassidy: Operation Absolute Resolve Created Momentum; Policy Must Follow

On January 3, 2026, U.S. armed forces and law enforcement extracted Nicolás Maduro from Venezuela. I join President Trump in praising the men and women who led “Operation Absolute Resolve” and brought Maduro back to the United States to stand trial—all without the loss of American life.

Maduro is an indicted narco-terrorist who poisoned over 100,000 Americans. His “rap” sheet also includes involvement with transnational criminal organizations and befriending our foreign enemies like China, Iran, and Russia.

President Trump wants to fight this corruption, as do I. Operation Absolute Resolve made real progress on that front. Now people are asking, “How do we move forward?” My bill, the Americas Act, gives us that path forward.

The U.S. needs a clear plan for the Western Hemisphere that supports U.S. manufacturing, ends corruption, and counters foreign powers trying to muscle their way into our neighborhood. Look at Venezuela. Under Maduro, China was moving in fast, locking in influence while the country fell apart. If we don’t get a unified strategy together, we risk letting the Chinese Communist Party shape the future of our hemisphere instead of us.

China exploits the rules, plain and simple, by using trade and investment to gain influence while undermining local governments. Allowing this to continue hurts American workers, families, and companies. President Trump and I want to level the playing field and bring better-paying jobs to our country. My Americas Act does just that by bringing manufacturing back, eliminating Chinese influence, and strengthening relationships with the U.S. and our Western Hemisphere neighbors.

It creates an Americas Investment Corporation, which would finally give the U.S. government a real tool for negotiating and partnering with allies. It would allow the United States to invest alongside private companies to make sure projects are sound, aligned with U.S. interests, and able to support future investments. Think about lithium or rare-earth mining in Bolivia, Liquified Natural Gas development in Argentina, port modernization in Panama and Chile — projects that would generate tremendous wealth in a region that has long faced economic stagnation, while allowing the U.S. to share in the benefits responsibly. It would also help mitigate political and commercial risks for U.S. companies considering investment. Capital isn’t the problem — risk is. The corporation helps reduce that risk, creating opportunities that are safe, transparent, and mutually beneficial.

The more we allow rising tides to lift all boats, the better off the U.S. is. We can help create economic success throughout the Western Hemisphere so that families can afford to put food on the table. We have the tools to peacefully make sure that tin-pot dictators like Maduro don’t rise to power.

President Trump and Republicans promised to address U.S. national security concerns. We are continuing to deliver on that promise. Maduro’s extraction is a step in the right direction for our country and for our allies.

The Americas Act is the clear and responsible next step in keeping the United States secure and the high-paying jobs coming. It is a plan for generations to come—one that strengthens America while lifting up our neighbors across the hemisphere. President Trump and Republicans must work together and pass the Americas Act to build the strongest neighborhood in the world.

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Senator Collins’ Statement on ICE Operations in Maine

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins released the following statement on the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations taking place in the State of Maine:

“Immigrants have long been an important part of our state, and they continue to make valuable contributions to our communities. People who are in this country legally should not be targets of ICE investigations. They should be able to continue to go to work, school, and other public places and carry on with their normal lives. If for some reason an individual who is here legally is improperly detained, they should seek assistance through advocacy networks and the legal system.

“There are people in Maine and elsewhere who have entered this country illegally and who have engaged in criminal activity. They could be subject to arrest and deportation pursuant to the laws of the United States, and people who are exercising the right to peacefully gather and protest their government should be careful not to interfere with law enforcement efforts while doing so.

“I have advocated for providing body cameras and de-escalation training for ICE personnel. At this time of heightened tensions, these steps could help improve trust, accountability, and safety. Our proposed funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security includes $20 million for body cameras and $2 million for de-escalation training, which could help protect both ICE agents and the general public. I hope that Congress will adopt these measures quickly.”

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