House Passes Bipartisan Bill Backed by Rep. Sykes to Protect Funding for Crime Victims

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act, bipartisan legislation co-sponsored by U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) to shore up funding for crime victim services and prevent disruptions to critical support programs nationwide.

The bill strengthens the Crime Victims Fund (CVF), a non-taxpayer funded source of assistance for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, human trafficking, and other crimes. The Fund was established under the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 and is financed through criminal fines and penalties rather than taxpayer dollars. In recent years, declining deposits have forced cuts to victim services across the country, putting shelters, counseling programs, and advocacy organizations at risk.

“Victims of crime shouldn’t lose access to support because of budget uncertainty,” said Rep. Sykes. “This bipartisan bill provides stability for the organizations survivors rely on and helps ensure services remain available when people need them most.”

The legislation temporarily directs additional unobligated funds collected through the False Claims Act into the Crime Victims Fund through fiscal year 2029. This approach stabilizes funding for victim service providers without raising taxes or increasing federal spending and provides immediate relief while Congress continues work on long-term funding solutions.

CVF grants support victim compensation and assistance programs in all 50 states and U.S. territories.

The bill now moves to the U.S. Senate for consideration.


Rep. Sykes Calls on DHS to Reverse Policy Threatening Health Care Workforce

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Emilia Sykes (OH-13) and Terri Sewell (AL-07) led members of the New Democrat Coalition and other members of Congress, in calling on the Department of Homeland Security to exempt health care workers from a new H-1B visa fee that is now in effect and already placing added strain on hospitals and health care providers.

A September 19, 2025 proclamation implemented a $100,000 fee on certain H-1B visa petitions, a dramatic increase that health care leaders warn will worsen workforce shortages, raise costs, and reduce access to care, particularly in rural and underserved communities. The United States is already facing critical shortages of physicians, nurses, behavioral health providers, and other medical professionals.

Local leaders, including pediatricians from Akron Children’s Hospital, say the fee is already making it harder to recruit and retain doctors, especially in pediatric and specialty care. Providers note that rural communities are particularly vulnerable due to limited infrastructure, transportation challenges, and fewer local medical professionals. The added cost and uncertainty for employers threatens innovation, research, and the quality of patient care across the region.

“As Members of Congress, access to health care is one of our top priorities,” the members wrote. “The Proclamation issued September 19, 2025, poses a serious threat to the healthcare workforce in our districts. Fewer healthcare workers means higher costs, longer wait times, and greater distance traveled for our constituents to access the care they need. We urge the administration to prevent any disruptions in access to care and exempt health care professionals from these fees.”

“The current H-1B fee is cost prohibitive and will exponentially magnify our workforce shortage in the coming years,” said Dr. Shefali Mahesh, Pediatrician in Chief at Akron Children’s Hospital. “This will force children’s hospitals to consolidate services and reduce access to the most vulnerable. It would be in the best interest of U.S. children to provide an exemption to the H-1B fees for health care professionals.”

In a letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, the lawmakers urged the administration to act quickly to exempt health care professionals from the new fee and prevent further disruptions to patient care nationwide.


Rep. Sykes Secures Funding for Small Businesses and Public Safety in Summit and Stark Counties

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) voted to advance a bipartisan FY26 funding package that delivers concrete benefits for Summit and Stark Counties and Ohio’s 13th District. The package combines the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill with the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations bill.

The legislation provides $324 million for Community Development Financial Institutions, including five in OH-13, supporting local small businesses. It includes more than $11 billion for the IRS, which will improve customer service, make tax enforcement fairer, and help ensure people can pay their taxes accurately and on time. Election security grants go up by $30 million to keep Ohio’s elections safe.

Local entrepreneurs benefit from $1 billion for the Small Business Administration, including $13 million for Entrepreneurial Development Programs, supporting the Ohio Small Business Development Centers at Kent State University Stark Campus and the Ohio SBDC at Summit Medina Business Alliance.

Public safety funding includes $300 million for the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas program, helping law enforcement in Summit and Stark Counties combat drug trafficking. The National Security and State Department bill also invests in climate resilience, addressing the rising impact on extreme weather and natural disasters. After the 2024 flooding, Rep. Sykes led the Ohio delegation in urging the state to request federal assistance. The bill also provides $5.5 billion for humanitarian aid and protects funding for global programs supporting women and family planning.

“Families in Northeast Ohio deserve a government that delivers real results,” said Rep. Sykes. “This funding supports small businesses, strengthens public safety, protects low-income communities, and helps our communities respond to challenges from taxes to disasters.”

The bill now moves to the U.S. Senate for consideration.


Congresswoman Tenney Applauds President Trump Signing the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act into Law

Washington, D.C. – Congresswomen Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today applauded President Trump’s signing of the bipartisan Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, legislation she cosponsored to expand nutritious milk options in school cafeterias while strengthening America’s dairy industry.

The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act updates federal school nutrition standards to allow schools participating in the National School Lunch Program to serve both flavored and unflavored whole milk. Whole milk is a nutrient-dense option that supports healthy childhood development, providing essential calcium, potassium, vitamin D, and protein critical for bone growth, cognitive development, and overall health. This legislation also supports American dairy farmers by increasing demand for domestically produced milk, benefiting family farms across rural communities, including those throughout Upstate New York.

“Healthy kids need real nutrition, and whole milk delivers the essential nutrients children need to grow, learn, and thrive,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “This commonsense law gives schools greater flexibility to serve wholesome, nutrient-rich options while supporting the hardworking dairy farmers who are the backbone of Upstate New York’s economy. At a time when family farms are facing rising costs and global competition, expanding access to American dairy products strengthens both student health and our rural communities. I was pleased to support this bipartisan effort and thank President Trump for signing it into law to benefit children, farmers, and families across our state and the nation.”

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Reps. Tenney, Min Lead Letter Urging Action to Support Iranian Protesters Amid Internet Blackout

Washington, D.C. – Congresswomen Claudia Tenney (NY-24) and Congressman Dave Min (CA-47) today led a bipartisan letter to President Donald J. Trump urging immediate action to support the Iranian people as nationwide protests continue and the Iranian regime intensifies a sweeping internet blackout designed to silence dissent and isolate citizens from the outside world.

Peaceful protests erupted across Iran in late December 2025, driven by severe inflation, economic collapse, and long-standing political repression. What began in Tehran quickly spread to more than 185 cities across all 31 provinces. According to several reports, at least 2,000 people have been killed and more than 10,700 arrested as the regime violently cracked down on demonstrators. On January 8, 2026, Iranian authorities escalated their response by imposing a nationwide communications shutdown, cutting mobile data, restricting cellular networks, and attempting to block access to satellite-based services. In their letter, Reps. Tenney and Min urge the administration to leverage existing and emerging technologies, including secure internet freedom tools and satellite-based communications, to help Iranians bypass regime-controlled infrastructure and stay connected during this critical moment.

“The Iranian regime is trying to crush peaceful protests by cutting the Iranian people off from the world,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “Access to information is not a luxury, it is a lifeline. When authoritarian governments use violence and censorship to silence their citizens, the United States has both a moral responsibility and a strategic interest to help people communicate, organize, and speak freely. I applaud President Trump for his statements, which made it clear that the United States will stand with the brave Iranians standing up to the brutal mullahs. This letter urges President Trump to continue leveraging every available tool to support the Iranian people as they fight for freedom, dignity, and a future free from tyranny. The Iranian people have no greater friend in their fight to Make Iran Great Again than President Trump.”

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Congressman Shri Thanedar Supports Impeachment of Secretary of Department of Homeland Security Kristi Noem

Washington, D.C. — Today, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Accountability for the House Committee on Homeland Security, Congressman Shri Thanedar (MI-13) released the following statement:

“Secretary Kristi Noem has lied to Congress and to the American people. Under her leadership, ICE agents have wreaked havoc on communities across this country. She has disgraced our democracy.” Secretary Noem has committed the following offenses:

Eight people have been shot by DHS agents, five of them U.S. citizens.

One citizen, Reene Nicole Good, was murdered in Minneapolis last week. Despite video evidence, Secretary Noem publicly defended the agent.

In 2025, 32 people died in ICE detention centers.

DHS shields agents from accountability through qualified immunity.

Secretary Noem denied Members of Congress access to immigration facilities.

DHS blocked congressional oversight and ignored lawful requests from Congress regarding agency operations.

“At a Homeland Security hearing in December, I called out Noem for lying to me in a Congressional hearing, and demanded she resign. Secretary Noem’s actions go beyond incompetence. She has broken the law. I fully support the impeachment of Kristi Noem.”

Congressman Shri Thanedar proudly represents Michigan's 13th Congressional District, which includes Detroit, Downriver, and the Grosse Pointes. As a champion for working families, Shri is committed to advancing economic opportunities, education, healthcare access, and entrepreneurship for underserved communities. Drawing from his journey from poverty to success, he works tirelessly to uplift Metro Detroit, ensuring every resident has the resources and support they need to thrive.

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President Trump signs Thompson's Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act into Law

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, President Donald J.Trump signed U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson’sWhole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025 into law. The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act provides schools with the flexibility to offer flavored and unflavored whole and 2% milk options, helping ensure children receive the nutrition they need to grow, thrive, and succeed in the classroom.

“I have worked for over a decade to restore whole milk to our school cafeterias, which have been limiting healthy choices for students, but that changes today, thanks to President Trump signing this into law,” said Rep. Thompson, Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture. “Whole milk is an essential building block for a well-rounded and balanced diet, and students should have the option to choose the milk they love."

On December 15, 2025, the House passed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act. After passage, the following statements were shared celebrating the legislative victory:

“As a pediatrician, I know how important a balanced and nutritious diet is for children’s health and development, and I’m thrilled that my bipartisan bill has passed the House and is heading to the president's desk,” said Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act co-leadU.S. Rep. Kim Schrier, M.D. (D-WA). “Ensuring that our children have access to a healthy diet is fundamental to their physical growth, academic performance, and overall well-being, and can set the foundation for lifelong healthy eating habits. Milk is a significant part of many children’s diets and contains essential nutrients that keep them full and healthy. This bill will improve children's nutrition by allowing schools to provide the types of milk most kids prefer to drink, and I’m eager to see this legislation signed into law.”

“The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act marks a significant step forward in strengthening school nutrition and supporting America’s dairy farmers and is another win in President Trump’s efforts to Make America Healthy Again and to put Farmers First. This commonsense legislation restores the ability of schools to serve wholesome, flavorful options that children actually enjoy. For the past decade, limited choices and reduced flavor have discouraged kids from drinking milk at school. The passage of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act is more than a policy change; it’s a practical tool for promoting health nationwide and ensuring that America’s next generation thrives.” — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins

“Good nutrition is the foundation of a child’s life, including his or her ability to learn and grow. Unfortunately, misguided policies removed whole milk from schools, stripping children of options to get important and essential nutrients—driving students to caffeinated and sugary alternatives that often do more harm than good. As chronic illnesses like diabetes continue to skyrocket among our nation’s children, it’s clear we must do more to ensure students have healthier options. I was proud to join my colleagues in passing S. 222 to return whole milk to schools as part of Republicans’ mission to improve our children’s health.” — U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI), Chairman of the House Education and Workforce Committee

“For volunteers who carried this effort for more than a decade, it is deeply gratifying to see passage of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act. We are grateful to the volunteer farmers, parents, health professionals, and educators who worked together and stayed the course — from raising awareness through painted hay bales, banners, yard signs, and 97 Milk education grounded in nutrition science, to gathering thousands of petition signatures, including a school whole-milk choice trial showing increased consumption and substantially reduced waste. We are especially grateful to Chairman GT Thompson for his leadership and persistence as the bill's champion, allowing children access to delicious, nutritious whole milk at school, where many receive two meals a day, five days a week.” — Bernie Morrissey, Chair, Grassroots PA Dairy Advisory Committee and Glenn Hursh, Chair, 97 Milk

“Pennsylvania Farm Bureau members have waited over a decade to see progress made on getting whole and two percent milk back in schools. Today, the House had a historic vote for the dairy industry by passing the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025. We are thrilled to once again offer students one of the most nutritious and wholesome beverages to support a healthy childhood development. We look forward to restoring nutritious beverage options in schools and growing the current pool of fluid milk consumers. We urge President Trump to swiftly sign this bill into law.” — Chris Hoffman, President, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau

“Returning whole milk to schools is a win-win for children and dairy farmers. Students will have more access to important protein and vitamins, and it is a step toward helping the struggling farm economy. Farm Bureau has long advocated for this commonsense legislation, and we appreciate the House for passing the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025. We look forward to the president quickly sign this bill which will benefit families across America.” — Zippy Duvall, President, American Farm Bureau Federation

“The House of Representatives’ strong bipartisan backing of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act brings us a single signature away from strengthening nutrition for America’s students. By restoring schools’ ability to serve whole and reduced-fat milk, dairy farmers and their cooperatives can further expand their positive impact in school lunchrooms and provide more nutritious outcomes for the next generation. Chairman GT Thompson has been a steadfast leader on this issue since it began. We commend him and his staff for their unwavering efforts to move this bill through Congress. We urge a swift presidential signature for this transformative nutrition policy and stand ready to work with the Administration in bringing the full spectrum of school milk choice back into our schools.” — Gregg Doud, President and CEO of National Milk Producers Federation

“The long wait is over! Whole milk is coming back to schools! Today’s House passage marks a defining victory for children’s health and for the dairy community that has fought for more than a decade to restore whole and 2% milk for our nation’s students. We ask for the President to sign the bill into law, so U.S. Department of Agriculture can begin working with state governments and school districts across the country to make this law a reality. IDFA is deeply grateful to U.S. Reps. Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson and Kim Schrier, and U.S. Sens. Roger Marshall and Peter Welch for sponsoring and leading the charge to pass the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act.” — Michael Dykes, D.V.M., President and CEO of International Dairy Foods Association

“We are pleased to see the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act gain passage. As dairy farmers, we produce a wholesome product that our nation’s children should be free to choose at school. We thank Chairman GT Thompson for his diligence in making this day possible with legislation that ensures schools can offer whole milk without risking federal meal or education dollars. Scientific evidence supports fuller-fat milk and dairy products as an excellent source of essential nutrients. When students can choose milk with real flavor, they are able to benefit from all the nutrition it has to offer them.” — Walt Moore, President, American Dairy Coalition


Congressman Tim Moore Champions $116 Million in New FEMA Funding for Western North Carolina, Including $17.6 Million for Rutherford County

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Tim Moore (NC-14) today applauded the announcement by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem of over $116 million in additional FEMA funding to support disaster recovery efforts across Western North Carolina, including a major $17.6 million investment in Rutherford County.

“Since day one, I’ve worked to make sure Western North Carolina gets the support it needs to recover and rebuild stronger than ever,” said Congressman Moore. “We’ve made real progress, and thanks to President Trump and Secretary Noem, this new $116 million investment, including $17.6 million for Rutherford County, will keep that momentum going. I’ve been on the ground in these communities, and it’s encouraging to see businesses reopening and folks moving forward — with continued support like this, we can do even more.”

“This investment will repair and restore critical public infrastructure across North Carolina, including schools, public safety facilities, utilities, and community services,” said Secretary Noem. “North Carolina communities are rebuilding stronger, and today’s approvals show this Administration’s commitment to cutting red tape and getting recovery dollars out the door faster. I want to thank Senator Ted Budd, Congressman Chuck Edwards, Congresswoman Virginia Foxx, Congressman Tim Moore, Congressman David Rouzer, and Chairman Michael Whatley for their strong advocacy on behalf of North Carolinians.”

Here are some of the notable FEMA Public Assistance grants obligated to the state and communities:

$17.6 million to Rutherford County for the removal of nearly 700,000 cubic yards of debris and 75,000 trees and limbs from public rights of way, and the operation of four debris reduction sites.

$34.7 million to North Carolina Department of Transportation for road and bridge repairs across more than 300 sites in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Caldwell, Henderson, Mitchell, Surry, and Watauga counties.

$10.5 million to Asheville for potable water distribution, the repair or replacement of more than 100 fleet vehicles, DeBruhl Water Treatment Plant repairs, and road repairs.

$3.7 million to Beech Mountain for repairs to the town’s sewer system and wastewater treatment plant.

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program investments moving forward include projects to:

Acquire flood-prone properties in Buncombe County (approximately $14.2 million).

Acquire flood-prone properties in Henderson County (approximately $9.2 million).

Elevate 14 homes in Beaufort County (approximately $2.5 million).

Prior to today’s announcement, more than $1 billion was provided to North Carolina for recovery efforts. FEMA has also paid more than $549 million in grants to survivors to directly help families recover.


Rep. Titus Demands Trump Administration Turn Over Greenland Documents

Congresswoman Dina Titus today introduced a resolution in the House demanding that the Trump administration provide all documents and communications relating to its threatened takeover of Greenland, including any plan to use military force to seize the Danish territory.

“We need to know if there is anything behind President Trump’s saber-rattling – whether there are concrete plans to invade a country that has been one of our strongest NATO allies,” Congresswoman Titus said. “Denmark fought with us in Afghanistan, and 44 Danes lost their lives. Is this how we treat our allies?”

Congresswoman Titus said the takeover of Greenland would be unprecedented and could mean the end of NATO.

“By levying threats of force against a NATO member, Trump has already broken Article 1 of the North Atlantic Treaty. If he continues down this path, NATO will be dissolved and the strongest, most effective military alliance in history will crumble because Donald Trump wants to play strongman in the hemisphere.”

The Resolution of Inquiry introduced by Congresswoman Titus directs the President and Secretary of State to turn over documents, communications, plans, analyses, and assessments by the Administration pertaining to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Denmark and the autonomous governing status of Greenland.


Rep. Norma Torres Offers Amendment to Close Stock Trading Loophole for Members of Congress

Torres Opposes Flawed, Inadequate Bill

Washington, D.C. – Today, during the committee markup in the Committee on House Administration, Congresswoman Norma Torres offered an amendment to strengthen the Stop Insider Trading Act by eliminating a major loophole that still allows Members of Congress to maintain a financial stake in the stock market and use insider information for personal profit.

The amendment would strike language that permits Members to keep stocks they own upon entering Congress and reinvest dividends from those holdings back into the market. Allowing continued stock trading through dividend reinvestment undermines the core purpose of a stock trading ban: to prevent members from enriching themselves through their work.

“If we are serious about banning Members of Congress from trading stocks, then we need to actually ban Members of Congress from trading stocks,” said Congresswoman Torres. “Allowing Members to reinvest dividends is still stock trading. If you are constantly reinvesting money in a company, you still have a vested interest in that company’s profitability. It’s a nice loophole for the wealthiest among us. They can still trade stocks and just call it by a different name.”

“If my colleagues want to allow Members to keep the stocks they own when they enter Congress, then at a minimum those holdings should be frozen, no reinvesting, no growing the portfolio,” Torres continued. “This is a reasonable, common-sense amendment that closes a clear loophole and helps restore public trust.”

“I urge all of my colleagues to support this amendment. Americans deserve a Congress that works for them, not one with a financial stake in the stock market,” Torres said.


House Mental Health & Addiction Treatment Leaders Demand Immediate SAMHSA Funding Restoration

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, leaders of the Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force and the Addiction, Treatment, and Recovery Caucus led a bipartisan group of 100 House members demanding the Trump administration reverse its decision to terminate thousands of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration grants that fund local mental health and addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery programs across the country.

According to reports, roughly 2,800 SAMHSA grant termination notices were issued nationwide, cutting off funding for critical community programs effective January 13, 2026.

“Addressing mental health and substance use disorders is a bipartisan priority and should never be treated as a partisan issue,” the lawmakers wrote. “Every state relies on SAMHSA funding to respond to pressing mental health and addiction challenges, and abruptly pulling these resources will cause real harm to individuals, families, and communities.”

The letter was spearheaded by Representatives Lori Trahan (D-MA-03), Paul D. Tonko (D-NY-20), Madeleine Dean (D-PA-04), Donald Beyer (D-VA-08), Brittany Pettersen (D-CO-07), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Seth Moulton (D-MA-06), Doris Matsui (D-CA-07), Gabe Amo (D-RI-01), Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA-02), Becca Balint (D-VT-AL), and Kim Schrier (D-WA-08).

The members emphasized that Congress has worked on a bipartisan basis to reduce stigma, expand access to care, and strengthen prevention and recovery efforts nationwide. They warned that the administration’s action directly undermines those efforts and jeopardizes lifesaving services.

The letter urges the administration to immediately rescind all grant terminations and ensure that SAMHSA programs continue to serve their congressionally intended purpose of delivering critical mental health and addiction resources to communities in need. The lawmakers also requested detailed information from the administration by January 16, 2026, including the total number of grants terminated, the programs affected, and the specific rationale for each termination. They further questioned how the cancellations align with the recently signed SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act, which reauthorized many of these programs for five years.

“The need for mental health and substance use disorder services has never been greater,” the members continued. “Too many people across the country are already struggling to access care. This decision only makes that crisis worse.”

The members stressed that they will continue to press the administration until the grants are fully restored and communities receive the support Congress intended.

A copy of the letter sent today can be accessed HERE.

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Congressman Valadao Leads Charge to Create Industry Standards for U.S. Olive Oil Production

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) joined Congressman Josh Harder (CA-09) to introduce the Olive Oil Standards Act. California is the nation’s leading producer of olive oil, and the United States remains one of the largest olive oil markets in the world. Yet despite the growing domestic industry and consumer demand, the U.S. still lacks a uniform, enforceable standard of identity and grade standards for olive oil. This bipartisan bill directs the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to establish clear identity and grade standards for olive oil to protect consumers from misleading labeling and producers from unfair global marketplace conditions.

“The Central Valley is one of the nation’s leading regions for olive oil production, and as demand grows, it’s important industry standards can keep up,” said Congressman Valadao. “By establishing identity and grade standards, we can protect consumers from misleading labeling, promote transparency in the marketplace, and ensure a level playing field for our domestic olive oil producers. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan solution to bring long-overdue clarity and accountability to the olive oil market.”

“We already have the best olives grown right here in our own backyard, but Valley products are being crowded out in the grocery aisle by fake and fraudulent products. That hurts local businesses and shoppers,” said Rep. Harder. “It’s past time to crack down on misleading products once and for all. This common sense bill gives shoppers the transparency they need to buy local and keep their families healthy.”

“This legislation is a win for U.S. olive oil consumers and farmers,” said Kimberly Houlding, President and CEO of the American Olive Oil Producers Association. “When enacted, it will ensure that what is on the label is in the bottle and that the health benefits and value of extra virgin olive oil are preserved for all.”

The Olive Oil Standards Act would:

Direct the FDA to establish a national standard of identity for olive oil to clearly define what qualifies as each grade sold in the United States.

Create uniform grade standards for olive oil and olive-pomace oil, including extra virgin, virgin, refined, and other recognized categories.

Require the FDA to report back to Congress within 120 days on actions taken to implement these new standards.

Read the full bill here.

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Rep. Van Duyne Announces Ways and Means Passage of Ensuring Children Receive Support Act

Washington, D.C. –Today, U.S. Representative Van Duyne (TX-24) announced the Ensuring Children Receive Support Act (H.R. 6903) has been passed by the Ways and Means Committee by a bipartisan vote of 40-2. Working with Chairman Smith (MO-08) and Representative Panetta (CA-19), they successfully moved the bill through committee to now be offered for consideration by the full House.

“Ensuring children are taken care of should be non-negotiable. When child support obligations go unmet, children are the ones who suffer,”said Rep. Van Duyne.“This bill strengthens enforcement efforts and ensures we are standing firmly on the side of America’s children. I’m grateful to Chairman Smith, Representative Panetta, and members of the committee for helping to advance this bipartisan, commonsense legislation so it can be considered by the full House.”

“I commend Representative Van Duyne for her strong, long-standing leadership on this legislation to put children first,”said Ways and Means Chairman Smith. “The Ensuring Children Receive Support Act strengthens an enforcement tool to help collect past-due child support and ensure parents meet their obligations to their children. Thanks to Representative Van Duyne’s efforts, we are prioritizing the needs of children across America to make sure they get the support and resources they are owed.”

“Child support payments are not just mandated by law, they provide important resources and support so that children can succeed,”said Rep. Panetta.“The Ensuring Children Receive Support Act would help delinquent parents make those payments by preventing them from leaving the country. By empowering the State Department to revoke passports of parents who are delinquent in their child support payments, we can continue to support those children with practical solutions to ensuring child support gets paid.”

Background:

This bipartisan legislation will strengthen enforcement of the Passport Denial Program.

Under current law, if the Department of Health and Human Services certifies that an individual owes more than $2,500 in child support, the Department of State must refuse to issue the individual a passport and may revoke a previously issued passport. Since passports must be updated every 10 years, this initiative has minimal effect. My bill would require the State Department to revoke the previously issued passport.

ClickHERE to read the full bill text.


Rep. Gabe Vasquez Delivers Bipartisan Win to Fund Victim Services in New Mexico

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On January 12, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez’s (NM-02) bill, the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act, passed the House of Representatives unanimously. This bipartisan legislation provides a stable source of funding for the Crime Victims Fund, which supports child advocacy centers, domestic violence agencies, rape crisis centers, and victim assistance programs in New Mexico and across all 50 states.

The bill requires certain civil penalties from fraud cases against the government to be deposited in the Crime Victims Fund.

“Crime victims deserve certainty that help will be there when they need it most,” said Rep. Vasquez. “The Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act strengthens and provides longterm solvency for this critical funding and ensures that survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and other crimes in New Mexico can recover and thrive. I'm proud to support it.”

The Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act delivers for New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District, as it:

Adds a stable funding source for crime victims: The Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act strengthens the Crime Victims Fund by directing additional money into the fund through 2029.

Forces fraudsters to help victims: The Crime Victims Fund is financed by fines and penalties paid by offenders — not by taxpayers — and this bill strengthens that model.

Directly supports victims: The Crime Victims Fund helps pay for services that support crime victims, including compensation, counseling, shelter, and legal assistance.

Protects essential programs nationwide: The fund supports federal, state, and local programs that help victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and other violent crimes.

“Passing the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act in the House is an important step towards stopping immediate funding cuts to programs supporting victims of crimes, including New Mexico's Children's Advocacy Centers and their multidisciplinary team partners. We are grateful to Congressman Vasquez and the entire New Mexico House delegation for adding their names as co-sponsors to this widely supported bipartisan bill, which will assist survivors of crime of all ages. Stable funding for victim service providers across New Mexico will help to ensure that survivors of child abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, and other violent crimes will receive the professional support they need to heal and thrive. We look forward to swift passage of the companion bill in the Senate,” said Melissa Ewer, New Mexico Children's Alliance Director at the New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs.

Rep. Vasquez has consistently supported efforts to help prevent and respond to these heinous crimes. He recently voted for the 2026 Commerce, Justice, and Science funding bill, which also included:

Crime Victims Fund: $1.95 billion to provide victim restitution and victim services

Violence Against Women Act (VAWA): $720 million for VAWA programs, including increased support for the Services-Training-Officers-Prosecutors (STOP) Program, the rural program, the Sexual Assault Services Program (SASP), and the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) program

Victims of Child Abuse Act (VOCAA): $43 million for VOCAA to support essential services for kids and families

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Rep. Vasquez Condemns Administration’s Plan to Build Wasteful $1.6 Billion Border Wall in NM’s Remote Bootheel

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On January 6, 2025, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) was notified by U.S. Customs and Border Protection that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had awarded a $1.6 billion dollar contract to Fisher Sand & Gravel Co. to construct a 49-mile border wall in an incredibly remote stretch of New Mexico’s Bootheel in Hidalgo County.

“This Bootheel border wall project is the absolute definition of waste and will do nothing to make our country safer,” said Vasquez. “The border is home for me, so believe me when I say that American taxpayers will get zero return on their investment if DHS pursues this plan to build a $1.6 billion dollar border wall in one of the most rugged, remote stretches of the U.S.-Mexico border. To secure our border without wasting Americans’ money, DHS should skip the physical wall and instead invest in smart border security technology like autonomous towers and aerostats that act as an effective force multiplier in these remote areas.”

During a House Armed Services Committee hearing in June 2025, Rep. Vasquez confronted Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth for his blatant lack of knowledge about the U.S.-Mexico border, despite the Administration’s growing involvement and massive spending in the region.

WATCH THE JUNE HEARING HERE

The funds for this project stem from the $150 billion dollar “blank check” granted to DHS under H.R. 1. For months, Rep. Vasquez has been leading Congressional calls for accountability and oversight to ensure DHS allocates funds in a manner that prioritizes public safety, efficiency, and American values, rather than just filling the pockets of federal contractors. In September 2025, Rep. Vasquez led a letter to Secretary Noem demanding transparency, outlining detailed spending recommendations, and stressing the need for smart investments — such as technology to fight illegal activity and cartels’ use of drones at the border, better training and mental health support for border agents, and oversight mechanisms to prevent abuse.

Per an email from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Bootheel border wall construction plan includes a 49-mile “primary border wall system” and a duplicative “60 miles of secondary barrier” nearby for the “installation of detection technology.”

On January 8, Rep. Vasquez’s staff visited the Bootheel border wall construction area — stretching from Border Monument 1 to Border Monument 49 in the U.S. Border Patrol's El Paso Sector per a recent entry in the Federal Register — and confirmed that on-the-ground preparations for the project were underway, including the construction of a dirt road to make the area more accessible by vehicle.

“It’s ironic that by building roads that lead right to the U.S. border in New Mexico’s Bootheel, the Administration is actually making it easier for folks to enter our country illegally,” added Rep. Vasquez. “Republican lawmakers claim they can’t find the money to protect Americans from skyrocketing health care costs, but they are willing to waste $1.6 billion dollars in taxpayer money to build a border wall in the middle of nowhere.”

"The CDT Southern terminus has stood as a quiet beacon for travelers along the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail for decades. The impending changes to the region will permanently alter the scenic and natural character of not just the southern terminus of the CDT, it will alter the entire region,” said Teresa Martinez, Executive Director and Co-Founder Continental Divide Trail Coalition, in response to the planned Bootheel border wall construction project. “Until now, the southern terminus has served as an honored destination and point for reflection at either the beginning or end of a monumental journey: a space for appreciation, prayer, and solitude. The future planned developments for a border structure in the region will change that experience. It will also create unavoidable barriers for any migrating wildlife and will alter these open spaces for future generations, even among the most vast and remote wild lands of the Continental Divide.”

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Webster Votes to Pass FY 2026 Financial Services and National Security Appropriations Bill

Washington, D.C. — Today, Florida Congressman Daniel Webster, R-Clermont, voted to pass H.R. 7006, the Financial Services and General Government and National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2026. This spending package delivers meaningful fiscal discipline, while advancing key conservative priorities.

“This legislation rejects the Washington presumption that nothing can be cut from the budget in order to fund priorities without increasing the deficit,” said Rep. Webster. “By restoring regular order, we are cutting spending below last year’s levels, while advancing common-sense conservative priorities. H.R. 7006 protects consumer choice, defends the unborn, strengthens border and drug enforcement, and refocuses national security funding from radical policies to countering adversaries like communist China.”

H.R. 7006 combines two appropriations bills and moves Congress away from bloated omnibus spending bills and continuing resolutions. It advances key conservative priorities while reducing spending below Fiscal Year 2025 levels.

Key provisions of Financial Services and General Government (FSGG):

Protects consumer choice by prohibiting Biden-era regulations on recreational vehicle, kitchen appliances, and other everyday tools.

Enforces Congress’s constitutional oversight of the District of Columbia, including maintaining long-standing pro-life safeguards on the use of taxpayer funds.

Preserves conscience protections related to contraceptive mandates.

Key provisions of National Security, Department of State, and Related Program (NSRP):

Cuts more than $9 billion (16% less spending than FY2025).

Strengthens national security by supporting key allies.

Counters adversaries like communist China.

Prioritizes efforts to combat the flow of fentanyl and other illicit drugs into the United States.

Prohibits funding for programs that facilitate or encourage illegal immigration.

Eliminates wasteful spending on DEI initiatives, climate mandates, and radical gender ideologies.

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Rep. George Whitesides Secures More than $3 Million for Local Law Enforcement, Public Safety Initiatives

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman George Whitesides (CA-27) announced that he secured more than $3 million for local law enforcement and public safety initiatives across the Santa Clarita Valley, Antelope Valley, and San Fernando Valley.

The funding Rep. Whitesides secured in the House passage of the CJS–Interior–Energy and Water appropriations package last week includes:

$1,000,000 for a mobile command center for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Santa Clarita Valley Station

$1,000,000 for advanced equipment for the Lancaster Police Department

$1,031,000 for the Santa Clarita Valley and Antelope Valley Boys & Girls Clubs’ Opioid and Substance Use Prevention Initiative

“This year, I was proud to advocate for important community projects that will keep families in our area safe and supported,” said Rep. Whitesides. “From strengthening emergency response capabilities for first responders, to ensuring local law enforcement has the tools they need on the ground, to investing in prevention programs that help young people before crises begin, these funds reflect the real public safety priorities of our communities. I’ll continue working to make sure federal resources are used responsibly to support local partners, protect families, and build safer, more resilient communities across our district.”

“The funding for a new mobile command post for the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Station is critically important for enhancing emergency response capabilities, particularly in the wake of recent large-scale natural disasters like the Eaton, Hughes, Canyon, Palisades, and Ridge Route fires,” said LASD Captain Brandon Barclay.“The existing mobile command post is described as antiquated, implying it lacks the technological advancements necessary for effective modern incident management. A new, technologically advanced mobile command post would provide several key benefits. It would offer a centralized, robust communication hub, essential for coordinating multiple agencies—fire departments, law enforcement, emergency medical services, and other support organizations—during complex incidents. This improved coordination is vital for efficient resource allocation, timely information dissemination, and overall strategic decision-making, which directly impacts public safety and property protection during wildfires and other emergencies that frequently affect the Santa Clarita Valley region.”

“This funding represents a major step forward for public safety in Lancaster, and we are grateful for Congressman Whitesides’ leadership in securing this critical investment,” said Lancaster Mayor Rex Parris.“We made a deliberate decision to build a modern police department powered by technology, intelligence, and accountability and the results are already clear. Crime is down, response is faster, and our officers are better equipped to protect every corner of our City. This support allows us to accelerate what’s working and continue delivering real, measurable safety for our community.”

“We are incredibly grateful to Representative Whitesides for championing this critical investment in prevention and public safety,” said Matthew Nelson, CEO of the Santa Clarita Valley Boys & Girls Club, and Jay Duke, CEO of the Antelope Valley Boys & Girls Club. “The Opioid & Substance Use Prevention Initiative will allow the Santa Clarita Valley and Antelope Valley Boys & Girls Clubs to reach young people early with education, mentorship, and supportive programming that reduces risk before it becomes a crisis. This funding represents a proactive approach to public safety — one that strengthens families, empowers youth, and builds healthier, safer communities for the long term.”

The appropriations package now heads to the Senate for final passage.


NEWS: Baldwin Demands Trump Admin Reverse Billions in Cuts from Opioid and Mental Health Programs

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health, and Human Services, slammed the Trump Administration for abruptly canceling what appears to be $2 billion in funding for thousands of programs nationwide that are helping Americans get mental health support and combat the opioid and fentanyl crisis. Today, it was reported that the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) under President Donald Trump sent as many as 2,800 grant cancellation notices for programs that support communities confronting the mental health and addiction epidemics.

“As American communities work tirelessly to turn the tide on the opioid and addiction epidemic, President Trump is turning his back on struggling families and cutting off support for folks who need it most,” said Senator Baldwin. “President Trump and RFK Jr.’s decision to cut off these programs cold turkey is not just reckless, it’s outright dangerous for Americans who are dealing with some serious issues. Kneecapping and defunding the fight against the opioid and mental health epidemics will not ‘Make America Healthy Again,’ it will put American lives on the line. President Trump and RFK, Jr. need to reverse this decision immediately before more American families suffer at the hands of addiction and fentanyl.”

Late Tuesday, SAMHSA sent hundreds of termination letters, immediately cancelling federal grants across nearly all of SAMHSA’s programs that support mental health and substance use treatment and prevention, reportedly totaling nearly $2 billion.

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Senator Banks Introduces Dr. Monique Wubbenhorst Before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee

WASHINGTON, D.C, – Today, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) introduced Dr. Monique Wubbenhorst before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee ahead of her testimony at its hearing entitled “Protecting Women: Exposing the Dangers of Chemical Abortion Drugs.”

Dr. Monique Wubbenhorst is a practicing, board-certified OB-GYN with more than 30 years of experience in patient care, teaching, research, health policy, and global health. She is a senior fellow with the de Nicola Center for Ethics and Culture at the University of Notre Dame and serves as an adjunct professor at the Indiana University School of Medicine.

See the full introduction here.

See remarks below:

“Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It’s my pleasure to introduce Dr. Monique Wubbenhorst, a

practicing board-certified OBGYN with more than 30 years of experience in patient

care, teaching, research, health policy, and global health.

Dr. Wubbenhorst is a senior fellow with the de Nicola Center for Ethics and Culture at

Notre Dame and an adjunct professor at the Indiana University of School of Medicine.

She also cares for patients at two Indiana hospitals.

In her medical practice, Dr. Wubbenhorst is focused on providing OBGYN care to impoverished women at home and abroad. She has also authored over 20 peer-reviewed articles and has served on review boards for peer-reviewed medical journals.

Dr. Wubbenhorst, thank you for being here today, And I look forward to hearing your testimony on the dangers that chemical abortion pills pose to women, especially. It’s great to have a Hoosier here, who is such a staunch defender for the unborn and for women.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for holding this hearing. I think it’s really important. I’m glad that you

called this hearing. I appreciate your leadership.

With that, I yield back.”

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The Working Families Tax Cuts Law Delivers on Republican Promises

“American workers will see higher take home pay thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts law. Republicans are creating an economy that works for working Americans. We are creating a prosperous America.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Senate Majority Whip, today spoke on the Senate Floor about how Republicans’ Working Families Tax Cuts Act puts more money in the pockets of American workers, helps small businesses grow, unleashes Wyoming energy, and boosts American manufacturing.

Click HERE to watch Senator Barrasso’s remarks.

Sen. Barrasso’s remarks:

“Republicans have a simple message for the American people. We are putting more money in your pockets. We are creating new opportunities for your future. Working Americans are seeing and feeling it today.

“Americans are no longer seeing the sky-high price increases they suffered through under Joe Biden. Five years ago, inflation began to soar. Democrats’ reckless, tax-and-spending bill is why. Democrats caused inflation to rise to a 40-year record high.

“Over the last year, Republicans eliminated billions in wasteful Washington spending. The pressure on prices is now easing. Families in more than 40 states

are paying less than $3 for a gallon of gasoline. In my hometown of Casper, Wyoming, we paid less than $2 per gallon last week. Lower gas prices impact everything else in the economy – from groceries to commuting to work to keeping a ranch or factory running.

“Lower prices are happening because Republicans changed the direction of the country. We promised to cut burdensome Biden regulations. And we have. We promised to unleash American energy. And we have. We delivered on our promises.

“Under the Trump administration, oil and gas permits are up 55 percent in one year. The United States has never produced more energy than we are right now. Energy dominance is fueling an Opportunity Economy.

“America is also standing up for our manufacturers. Republicans’ Working Families Tax Cuts law invests in businesses that build things – and build them here at home. It allows for full expensing for factory improvements, new machinery, and farm equipment. It encourages businesses to innovate by restoring full and immediate expensing for research and development done right here in America. It makes those changes permanent.

“For businesses, that means it is more affordable to build in America. Not five years from now, but today. Not overseas, but in places like Wyoming. Pro-growth policies are already driving a surge of business investment. More investment means more manufacturing here at home. More manufacturing leads to high-paying jobs – from construction sites to the assembly line. More manufacturing also encourages more production. More production means prices go down. Small businesses are the engine of American prosperity.

“The Working Families Tax Cuts law helps small businesses all across America. The law makes permanent the 20 percent small business tax deduction. Every Democrat voted against that. Republicans are focused on helping small businesses grow.

“So, American workers are the clear winners in what we’ve done in the Working Families Tax Cuts law. You know, what we’ve put in that law – No Tax on Overtime – that means a lot for the miners and linemen in Wyoming. They’re going to be able to keep $1,400 more this year in their paychecks.

“Now, the Democrat Leader, Senator Schumer, was just on the Floor, and he talked about firefighters. Well, firefighters work a lot of overtime. They need to stay on the job. They do that. No Tax on Overtime, now that means more money in their pockets to take home. Firefighters, the nurses in Wyoming, they’re happy with what we’ve done. Chuck Schumer – who was just talking about it – voted against it. The Democrats wanted to raise taxes by $4 trillion. How is that going to help our country? It’s not.

“And then I heard Senator Schumer talk about bartenders. Well, we say No Tax on Tips. Bartenders get tips as part of their pay. So do waiters, waitresses, lots of people work with tips. No Tax on Tips – every Democrat voted against that… They’d rather take that money for themselves. They like the tips. They want them to go to the tax so they can spend more. We said No Tax on Tips.

“Look, this is money that our workers in America have earned. They ought to be able to benefit from it. Not going to be wasted anymore by these unaccountable, unelected, heavy-handed bureaucrats who think they know better than the American people. And it’s certainly not going to continue to be stolen like it has been by these fraudsters in Minnesota while the Democrats look the other way.

“In all, American workers will see higher take home pay thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts law. Republicans are creating an economy that works for working Americans. We are creating a prosperous America. An America where all citizens are free to save. To build businesses. To control their family’s future.

“It is no wonder that the University of Michigan found that consumer sentiment continues to rise. That confidence rose the most among blue collar workers – the workers who were hit hardest by the Democrats’ unaffordable economy.

“Republicans stopped the Democrats’ $4 trillion tax increase. We eliminated burdensome regulations and unleashed American energy. That is why Americans today are seeing more money in their pockets. They are seeing more opportunities in their future.

“This economic progress is just the start of the prosperity to come.”

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Bennet, Cortez Masto, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Redirect Excess ICE Funding to Local Police

Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) joined U.S. Senator Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) to introduce The Providing Useful Budgets for Localities to Invest in Cops by Substituting Appropriations from Federal Enforcement To Yield Results (PUBLIC SAFETY) Act, legislation to redirect nearly $75 billion in funding passed in the Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and send it instead to local law enforcement programs to help hire and train 200,000 local police officers in communities across the country.

“President Trump’s reckless weaponization of ICE is making our cities less safe and endangering people simply trying to lead their lives,” said Bennet. “Deploying underprepared, unvetted agents is counterproductive. Local police officers have a deeper, more direct understanding of their communities and can address local needs.”

“The Trump Administration’s actions are not making our communities any safer, in fact they’re doing just the opposite,” said Cortez Masto. “Instead of giving ICE $75 billion extra dollars to hire untrained ICE agents to patrol American communities, let’s invest that money where it will actually help – in hiring local police officers who are trained to fight crime in a way that earns community trust.”

The Trump Administration’s immigration policies are making America less safe. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary, Kristi Noem, is putting thousands of unprepared and undertrained agents in communities across the nation. In the past year, ProPublica estimates that ICE has detained over 170 U.S. citizens. As of late November 2025, 73% of individuals held in ICE detention did not have a criminal conviction, and less than 5% had a violent criminal conviction. At the same time, ICE has lowered its training and hiring standards, strained already under-staffed police departments, and created more distrust of local law enforcement.

This bill prioritizes effective law enforcement by investing in local police officers who undergo thorough training and have real ties to the communities they serve. The PUBLIC SAFETY Act would:

Reallocate $29.85 billion in OBBBA funds for ICE’s enforcement and operations to the COPS Hiring Program for the hiring of over 200,000 local police officers nationwide;

Waive the COPS Hiring Program’s matching contribution requirements for small jurisdictions; and

Redirect $45 billion in OBBBA funds designated for unnecessary and harmful additions to ICE’s detention capacity to the Byrne JAG program, which provides funding to support training, crime victim assistance, and crime prevention.

This bill would not rescind ICE’s regular appropriations, leaving the agency with historically normal funding levels to conduct traditional immigration enforcement operations.

A summary of the bill is available HERE.

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Bennet Introduces Amendment to Block Berlaimont Private Access Road

Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet introduced an amendment to the Senate Interior Appropriations bill to prohibit the use of federal funds to open, improve, authorize, permit, or construct a year-round road on public land located north of Edwards, Colorado.

“With Forest Service staffing at a breaking point, this amendment ensures that limited resources are spent on Coloradans’ top priorities – like critical wildfire mitigation, forest health, and recreation management projects, ” said Bennet. “The Trump Administration has fired scores of experienced employees and let essential work to keep our communities safe and local economies running fall behind. With such limited capacity, the Forest Service should be laser-focused on the public good. Instead, this Administration is diverting scarce staff time to the pet projects of the very wealthy.”

The developers of Berlaimont Estates have long sought to build a year-round paved road through winter wildlife habitat on Forest Service lands to facilitate the construction of 19 luxury estates. The project has faced strong community opposition because of the harmful consequences the road’s construction, use, and maintenance could have on wildlife, recreation, wildfire risks, and water quality.

Senator Bennet has elevated the concerns of the local community since 2018. In 2021, Bennet and colleagues encouraged the U.S. Forest Service to ensure they addressed local concerns before moving forward with the project.

According to the Office of the Inspector General, the Forest Service lost nearly 6,000 employees in just the first half of last year. Colorado saw three of its long-tenured and well-respected Forest Supervisors leave the agency, and many field offices across the state experienced double-digit personnel decreases. These staffing losses were compounded during the shutdown, when Colorado nonprofits that had stepped up to fill the gaps were thrown into chaos by conflicting guidance from the Forest Service and agency-directed pauses to critical trail-repair and visitor-education projects. Even prior to the shutdown, an independent analysis of publicly available data showed that the Forest Service was nearly 40% behind on hazardous fuels mitigation nationwide compared to the previous four-year annual average. In December last year, an internal Forest Service analysis also found that the miles of trail the agency maintained nationwide were down 22% in 2025, the lowest level in the past 15 years.

Senator Bennet has led the fight to protect the Forest Service and other public lands management agencies from President Trump’s draconian cuts. In February 2025, he led his colleagues in a letter and spoke on the Senate floor to demand that the U.S. Department of Agriculture immediately reinstate the 3,400 employees who had been fired in mass layoffs. In March 2025, he invited Jamie Werner, a terminated Forest Service employee, to be his guest at the State of the Union. In April 2025, he urged Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins to reinstate wildfire-incident qualification-holding personnel (ie. “red-card” holders) in advance of peak wildfire season. In December 2025, Senator Bennet worked with his colleagues to push the Forest Service to immediately address understaffing and wildfire mitigation concerns and to report on and explain wildfire risk-reduction project delays.

Statements of Support:

“The Berlaimont Estates development has faced broad local opposition across Eagle County,” said Congressman Joe Neguse. “I’m grateful to Senator Bennet for taking a stand against the development of a new access road and support his efforts, and I’ll continue to partner with him and his team, and local stakeholders, to advocate community-based solutions that represent the interests of Western Slope residents.”

“Over the years, CODNR has raised serious concerns about the proposed Berlaimont Estates including its impact on resident wildlife species and the possible increased risk of wildfire conditions. The area provides critical winter range for deer and elk and contains important habitat which should not be degraded by development. We appreciate Senator Bennet’s proactive approach to put a stop to this harmful project.” said Dan Gibbs, Executive Director, Colorado Department of Natural Resources.

“Communities across the Eagle Valley have been clear that this project is the wrong use of public land and public resources,” said State Senator Dylan Roberts. “At a time when the Forest Service is understaffed and struggling to keep up with basic forest stewardship, it makes no sense to devote staff time and taxpayer dollars to a private access road for a luxury development. Senator Bennet’s amendment is a common-sense step to ensure federal resources are focused on protecting public safety, wildlife habitat, and the outdoor economy that so many Colorado communities depend on.”

“As a representative of mountain and rural communities, I hear every day how important our public lands are to local economies, wildlife, and quality of life,” said State Representative Meghan Lukens. “The proposed Berlaimont road would cut through sensitive habitat and use resources the Forest Service simply does not have to spare right now. I support Senator Bennet’s amendment to pause this project and refocus resources where they are most needed.”

“The proposed realignment of the Berlaimont access road amplifies community concerns and presents significant risks related to increased wildfire exposure and impacts to sensitive wildlife habitat, including designated winter range and migration corridors. Given the limited capacity of public land management agencies, federal resources should be prioritized for protecting public safety, forest and watershed health, wildlife habitat, and recreational assets that serve the broader public interest, rather than infrastructure that primarily benefits private development,” said Mike Trueblood, President of Edwards Metro District.

“Critics, not just environmental groups but Eagle County residents, overwhelmingly oppose the development due to significant impacts on wildlife habitat, wildfire risk, water quality, and ecosystem fragmentation,” said Earle Bidez, Mayor of Minturn. “Wildlife in public lands in Eagle County including elk and mule deer have experienced distress and reductions in population for years. Why is this road being developed? A very wealthy individual bought a parcel of land to develop multi-million dollar homes. This road cuts through critical winter wildlife habitat. The damage that this will cause has no rational nexus to justify this construction.”

“Our public lands should serve the entire community—not exclusive developments for the wealthy,” said Bryan Woods, Mayor of Eagle. “With the Forest Service already stretched thin after losing a third of its local staff, we need to prioritize public land stewardship and recreation access for everyone. This amendment ensures that limited resources go toward projects that benefit the public, not luxury enclaves.”

The text of the amendment is available HERE.

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Bennet, Neguse Urge Surface Transportation Board to Conduct Comprehensive Review of the Uinta Basin Railway’s Risks to Colorado

Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and Congressman Joe Neguse sent a letter to the Surface Transportation Board urging them to reject the motion submitted by the proponents of the Uinta Basin Railway project and to engage in a comprehensive review of the project, including robust public comment.

“We urge the Board to reject the motion submitted by the Seven County Infrastructure Coalition to reaffirm the Board’s previous approval of the project with a truncated review. Instead, the Board should engage in a thorough, rigorous evaluation of the project that includes robust public participation and a supplemental environmental impact statement that considers the project’s risks to Colorado’s communities, water, land, air, and climate,” wrote the lawmakers.

The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals found that the Board’s original environmental review failed to take a “hard look” at the project’s effects on Colorado communities, as required by law. The lawmakers emphasize that input from Colorado communities is crucial, particularly from local governments and water districts located along the proposed rail line. A train accident or spill could have catastrophic effects not only on Colorado’s water supplies, wildlife habitats, and outdoor recreation assets, but also on the broader Colorado River Basin.

“We urge the Board to carefully consider those concerns before rendering a decision that could jeopardize the water supplies, environment, and livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of Coloradans. Without a robust analysis and full public review, the errors identified in the D.C. Circuit Court’s original decision would remain unaddressed, and the legitimacy of the Board’s action would be undermined,” continued the lawmakers.

“We appreciate the importance of expanding our nation’s energy infrastructure, but we cannot accept an approach that places the Colorado River and the 40 million Americans who depend on it at unnecessary risk,” concluded the lawmakers.

Bennet and Neguse have consistently raised concerns about the proposed Uinta Basin Railway and its risks to Colorado’s communities, water, land, air, and climate. In June 2025, Bennet and Neguse opposed the expedited review of the Wildcat Loadout facility. In May 2025, Bennet and Neguse expressed their disappointment with the Supreme Court decision in Seven County Infrastructure Coalition V. Eagle County, Colorado. In October 2024, Bennet and Neguse joined Colorado leaders to support Eagle County’s position before the U.S. Supreme Court in Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County, Colorado. In January 2024, Bennet and Neguse applauded the U.S. Forest Service’s withdrawal of its Record of Decision that would have authorized the issuance of a special use permit for the Uinta Basin Railway. In August 2023, the lawmakers welcomed the D.C. Circuit Court’s decision to overrule the Surface Transportation Board’s approval of the project, vacating its environmental review and ordering a new review. Leading up to these decisions, Bennet and Neguse urged federal agencies to conduct additional environmental review of the risks to Colorado from the proposed project–including to the Council on Environmental Quality in July 2022, and to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and the Environmental Protection Agency in March 2023.

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

Dear Chairman Fuchs:

As the Surface Transportation Board (“the Board”) considers the Uinta Basin Railway project (“the Railway”) on remand from the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, we urge the Board to reject the motion submitted by the Seven County Infrastructure Coalition to reaffirm the Board’s previous approval of the project with a truncated review. Instead, the Board should engage in a thorough, rigorous evaluation of the project that includes robust public participation and a supplemental environmental impact statement (EIS) that considers the project’s risks to Colorado’s communities, water, land, air, and climate.

In 2021, the Board’s Final EIS concluded that the Railway would enable the shipment of up to 4.6 billion gallons of crude oil per year from Utah through Colorado to the Gulf Coast on as many as five, two-mile-long trains per day. These trains would run for over 100 miles directly alongside the headwaters of the Colorado River – a vital water supply for nearly 40 million Americans, 30 Tribal nations, millions of acres of agricultural land, and a main driver of our state’s recreation and tourism economies.

A train derailment that spills oil in the headwaters of the Colorado River would be catastrophic not only to our state’s water supplies, wildlife habitat, and outdoor recreation assets, but also to the broader Colorado River Basin. Train accidents and spills are not rare, as the recent derailment of a coal train into the Gunnison River underscores. In addition, an accident along the rail line could further increase wildfire risk at a time when the West already faces severe drought. Many Colorado communities along the proposed railway are still recovering from extreme wildfires, severe flash flooding, and mudslides, while managing water levels at unprecedented lows. This project also poses new hazards for Denver residents, where it is estimated to quadruple the number of rail cars carrying hazardous materials through the city.

The Board’s EIS did not disclose these potential effects on the Colorado River and Colorado communities, a flaw that the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals concluded meant that the EIS failed to take the “hard look” required by law. The U.S. Supreme Court’s May 2025 ruling did not address or disturb this part of the D.C. Circuit’s decision. The Board should conduct a thorough and updated supplemental EIS that assesses these risks. As part of that process, the Board should ensure Colorado communities have the opportunity to have their voices heard. A wide range of local governments, water districts, and other stakeholders along the Union Pacific rail line continue to have grave concerns about the risks of the project. We urge the Board to carefully consider those concerns before rendering a decision that could jeopardize the water supplies, environment, and livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of Coloradans. Without a robust analysis and full public review, the errors identified in the D.C. Circuit Court’s original decision would remain unaddressed, and the legitimacy of the Board’s action would be undermined.

Additionally, a detailed supplemental EIS is necessary since the Board’s EIS is now over four years old. Furthermore, the economic analysis underpinning the Board’s decision is now more than seven years old and fails to account for the current global oversupply of oil or the significantly increased cost of steel, two factors that call the Railway’s economic viability into question.

We appreciate the importance of expanding our nation’s energy infrastructure, but we cannot accept an approach that places the Colorado River and the 40 million Americans who depend on it at unnecessary risk.

We appreciate your consideration of this important matter.

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ICYMI in The Tennessean: Blackburn Makes Case for Reauthorization of National Quantum Initiative Act

‘In Tennessee, we are well prepared to lead this next revolution in quantum development.’

‘By passing the NQIA, Congress can take a bold step to ensure America’s 21st century leadership and realize all the incredible benefits of quantum—while ensuring that it can never be used against us by our adversaries.’

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) penned an op-ed in The Tennessean on why Congress must pass the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act, which would accelerate the groundbreaking quantum research taking place in Tennessee to benefit our economy and national security. Read the op-ed here and below.

Reauthorizing the NQIA is critical to America’s future

Senator Marsha Blackburn

The Tennessean

Speeding up the discovery of life-saving drugs. Producing new encryption methods to safeguard Americans’ data. Spearheading innovations in energy, logistics, and chemical research. With quantum technology, the potential benefits for our economy and national security are nearly endless.

While traditional computers boast incredible speeds—with the fastest processing one quintillion calculations a second—quantum computers can operate even faster. This is especially true for tasks that deal with multiple variables, with quantum computers solving problems in minutes that would take a traditional computer thousands of years.

While transforming entire industries, such computing power has the potential to speed up the development of other emerging technologies, from artificial intelligence to self-driving cars. All told, quantum technologies are expected to generate nearly $100 billion in value over the next decade.

To take full advantage of this opportunity, America must lead in quantum development. That’s why I recently introduced legislation, alongside several of my Senate colleagues, to reauthorize and expand the National Quantum Initiative Act (NQIA).

First signed into law by President Trump in 2018, the NQIA supported research and development, improved coordination between industry and government, and promoted international standards for quantum. It also established a 10-year strategy for U.S. quantum leadership to ensure that our country stays at the forefront of this critical technology. In 2023, however, the NQIA expired, leaving a huge gap in our nation’s quantum policy.

While reauthorizing these provisions, our legislation would enhance and expand the law to account for the rapid advancements in quantum technology since the initiative was first signed into law. For example, the legislation would empower NASA to conduct quantum R&D, including for quantum sensing and satellite communications. It would also direct the Government Accountability Office to determine ways to reduce red tape to ensure businesses and universities participate in the federal initiative and instruct the Commerce Department to develop a strategy to strengthen our quantum supply chains.

In addition to the NQIA, I have led several bipartisan bills to promote U.S. quantum development, including legislation to bolster quantum research at the Department of War, create a Manufacturing USA Institute to spur quantum manufacturing, and establish a public-private partnership to develop near-term, commercial applications for the technology. I am working to ensure these measures are included in the NQIA, which would bolster President Trump’s efforts to usher in a golden age of American innovation.

In Tennessee, we are well prepared to lead this next revolution in quantum development. At Oak Ridge National Laboratory, researchers are pioneering groundbreaking quantum research on machine learning, communication systems, electronics, and more. In Chattanooga, the city’s electric utility has deployed America’s first industry-led, commercially available quantum network. And our universities, from Vanderbilt to the University of Tennessee, are educating and training the future leaders of our nation’s quantum workforce.

This forward-looking leadership is especially important as Communist China works to achieve quantum supremacy by 2049, investing $15 billion—that we know of—in its development. If they achieve this goal, our nation’s top adversary will be able to break encryptions, endangering everything from Americans’ bank accounts and intellectual property to classified information and military communications. As the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission noted in a recent report, “whoever gets there first could lock in irreversible strategic superiority—especially considering how exposed today’s global infrastructure remains to attacks on public key encryption systems.”

This threat represents one of the gravest risks for our nation’s security. We must do everything possible to prevent it from happening. By passing the NQIA, Congress can take a bold step to ensure America’s 21st century leadership and realize all the incredible benefits of quantum—while ensuring that it can never be used against us by our adversaries.

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Blumenthal Statement on GAO Reports on Coast Guard's Inadequate Efforts to Address Sexual Misconduct

[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) released the below statement following the release of two reports by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) on the United States Coast Guard’s (USCG) efforts to implement reforms aimed at addressing sexual misconduct:

“I am deeply disappointed that USCG has dropped the ball on basic reporting requirements that would provide transparency about sexual misconduct in the Coast Guard. GAO’s findings reveal that the Coast Guard’s culture of coverup—exposed by my PSI investigation—continues to this day. While the Coast Guard has taken some steps to support survivors, it is clear more work needs to be done to adequately protect cadets and Coasties.”

In September 2023, as then-Chair of PSI, Blumenthal initiated an inquiry into the Coast Guard’s failure to disclose Operation Fouled Anchor, an internal Coast Guard investigation into the decades-long systemic mishandling of sexual misconduct at the Coast Guard Academy.

In December 2024, Blumenthal released a bipartisan interim staff report on the Coast Guard’s efforts to conceal Operation Fouled Anchor. The report, Coast Guard Efforts to Conceal the Operation Fouled Anchor Investigation from Congress and the Public, includes several newly released documents, among which is an email explaining that then-Commandant Admiral Schultz chose not to affirmatively disclose Operation Fouled Anchor to either Congress or the public based on the continuing nature of the investigation.

In the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for 2026, Blumenthal championed numerous provisions to protect survivors of misconduct and hold perpetrators and those who enabled them accountable. At the request of Blumenthal, the following provisions were included in the NDAA for FY26:

Requiring the Coast Guard to maintain, for at least 50 years, evidence of sexual misconduct and sexual assault reporting forms, as well as affirming survivors’ rights to access records related to their investigations;

Requiring a record of a complaint of misconduct to be placed in the non-restricted record of any service member who was convicted by courts martial, punished administratively, or a recipient of non-judicial punishment for the misconduct, regardless of grade;

Permits a Board of Review to review and downgrade the discharge status of anyone who was found by clear and convincing evidence to have committed sexual assault or harassment while on active duty;

Permits reopening of retired grade determinations for members who knew of and failed to report misconduct in their command or who failed to carry out applicable law; and

Requires the Coast Guard to annually report instances of misconduct at the Academy and detail plans to reduce and prevent such misconduct for the next year.

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Booker Joins Bicameral Group of Democrats to Protect First Amendment Rights, Safeguard Americans from Politically Motivated Harassment and Prosecutions

WASHINGTON D.C. — U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) joined a bicameral group of lawmakers led by U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) and U.S. Representative Jason Crow (D-CO-06), alongside Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Tina Smith (D-MN), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR), as well as U.S. Representatives Greg Casar (D-TX-35), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY-14), and Maxwell Frost (D-FL-10), in introducing the No Political Enemies (NOPE) Act, legislation to protect individuals and organizations, including non-profits, faith groups, media outlets, and educational institutions, from politically motivated harassment and prosecution by the federal government.

The NOPE Act would reaffirm the constitutionally protected right to free speech, establish an affirmative defense, and provide additional legal tools for those targeted in politically motivated prosecutions or civil enforcement actions. The bill would also create an accountability structure for any government agency or executive branch employee who uses federal funds to suppress protected speech by making them personally, criminally liable for violations of the Anti-Deficiency Act and allowing victims of political targeting to sue them in their personal capacity.

Less than a year into President Trump’s second term, there are hundreds of documented instances of the administration using the vast powers of the federal government to go after its perceived political enemies. Earlier this week, the Department of Justice opened an investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell because he refused to cede the Fed’s independence. After U.S. Senator Mark Kelly released a video that didn’t align with the regime’s agenda, Trump’s Department of Defense launched a military investigation targeting the decorated combat veteran. And following the horrific murder of Charlie Kirk, President Trump quickly exploited the tragedy to crack down on his critics’ free speech, even deploying the FTC to attempt to jawbone ABC into taking Jimmy Kimmel off the air.

“The Trump administration’s blatant disregard for our Constitution is eroding the bedrock values upon which our country is built. Congress must act to stop this Administration’s assault on people and organizations simply because they don’t agree with their point of view,” said Senator Booker. “This legislation offers a clear roadmap to protect non-profits, faith groups, media outlets, educational institutions, and others from politically motivated harassment and prosecution by the federal government. This isn’t about whether you are on the Right or the Left—every person and every organization has a right to free speech and to express their views without harassment or persecution. We cannot sit by and watch Trump desecrate the Constitution and undermine our fundamental right to free speech, even if the views expressed are unpopular, controversial, or simply disliked by him.”

“President Trump - and the loyalists who carry out his orders - think they can weaponize the federal government to target people who speak out against the regime with total impunity,” said Senator Murphy. “They’re going after elected officials and public figures, but their real goal is to intimidate the millions of everyday Americans who oppose Trump’s political agenda into silence. Our bill gives those who are speaking truth to power the tools they need to defend themselves if the regime comes after them – and includes serious, enforceable legal consequences for the Trump loyalists who are carrying out his campaign of retribution. This bill shouldn’t be controversial. If Democrats and Republicans can’t agree on the basic idea that the president can’t use government employees and funds to go after his political enemies, then we are closer than ever to losing our democracy.”

“I went to war three times for this country to defend the rights of every American, including those who I may disagree with, because that is who we are as a country. The President is trying to use the full force of the federal government to suppress free speech rights. I won’t remain silent as the President and his administration go after their political opponents and stifle dissent,”said Representative Crow.

The No Political Enemies Act’s key provisions include:

Clear Statement of Congressional Policy: Would enact a clear statutory declaration that no federal executive branch official may initiate or direct investigative, regulatory, or enforcement actions against Americans to suppress or burden constitutionally protected speech or association (i.e., “politically motivated” targeting).

Statutory Defense in Political Targeting Cases: Would create an affirmative defense in criminal prosecutions or civil enforcement actions. If a defendant presents substantial evidence that protected speech or association was a motivating factor, the burden shifts to the government to prove that legitimate, non-protected grounds justified the action. As part of this inquiry, the court may grant expedited discovery into government motivations. This provides a tool for those wrongly targeted to get meaningful access to evidence, corrects the imbalance of proof, and allows courts to quickly dismiss abusive actions.

Narrow Statutory Bivens Remedy to Deter Targeted Political Retaliation: Would establish a cause of action allowing individuals to sue federal officials for damages when their First Amendment rights are violated due to politically motivated targeting. The bill would immunize officials who demonstrate the target’s speech was not constitutionally protected, but end existing immunities for federal employees from lawsuits in their personal capacity.

Attorney Fee-shifting to Deter Meritless Politically Motivated Enforcement: Would require the U.S. government to pay reasonable attorney's fees and costs to individuals and organizations who prevail in criminal prosecutions or civil enforcement actions if they can demonstrate the government's action was substantially motivated by a desire to suppress their constitutionally protected speech or association.

Prohibition on Use of Funds for Politically Motivated Targeting: Would prohibit the use of federal funds for any investigatory, regulatory, or enforcement action initiated or pursued to suppress protected speech. Violations would trigger the Anti-Deficiency Act, creating administrative and potential criminal liability, and allow private parties to seek to prevent the use of such funds.

“Freedom of speech is the bedrock of American democracy and as the Trump administration drives America towards authoritarianism, it is more important than ever to affirm the rights of the people to stand up and speak out for what they believe,” said Senator Schumer. “The NOPE Act would protect citizens and organizations from political persecution at a time when Trump uses the Department of Justice and other agencies as attack dogs to target his perceived enemies. Congress must protect the power of the First Amendment and pass this critical legislation.”

“Freedom of speech is sacrosanct in America. President Trump’s attempt to control our speech – whether by condemning and threatening Democratic Senators, cancelling Jimmy Kimmel, or setting out of office messages for furloughed employees – is a full on five alarm fire. This President is abusing and politicizing the executive branch because he wants to distract Americans from his failing economy and broken campaign promise to make things more affordable. The NOPE Act reaffirms what we know and will never stop fighting for: our democracy depends on our freedom of speech,” said Senator Alsobrooks.

“President Trump is escalating his campaign to silence dissent and weaponize his office against anyone who disagrees with him. The right to free speech, enshrined in the Constitution, is a bedrock of our democracy. This legislation imposes additional safeguards to protect Americans from politically-motivated prosecutions. It stops Presidential punishment for exercising constitutional rights,” said Senator Blumenthal.

“The Trump Administration is relentlessly attacking free speech – trying to shut down opposition by throwing the full weight of federal law enforcement against those who dare to challenge them. This politically-motivated weaponization of government clearly violates the First Amendment and demands action from the Congress. This legislation will help provide additional safeguards to protect Americans’ free speech rights from a lawless administration,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“The President and his Administration have shredded the fundamental principle that in America, we don’t punish our political opponents — we protect free speech,” said Senator Padilla. “History warns us that when leaders try to weaponize the government against members of Congress or entertainers like Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert simply for questioning authority or voicing their disagreements, it’s a sign of weakness, not strength. The NOPE Act will make essential reforms to help protect the constitutionally protected right to free speech for all Americans.”

"From targeting media companies to nonprofit organizations to universities, Donald Trump’s administration has been pushing to silence and intimidate the president's critics. Now more than ever, we need to reaffirm our Constitutional rights and prohibit the president from weaponizing the federal government against people who disagree with his administration. With this bill, we’re fighting back to ensure we continue to protect the American people’s rights and freedoms,” said Senator Schiff.

“Over the last year, we’ve seen an escalating crackdown from this Administration on the right of every person to do what they want and say what they think within the bound of our laws and due process,” said Senator Smith. “Today, my colleagues and I reaffirm our commitment to upholding the most American of values: that our speech, our words and our principles are protected.”

“President Trump’s relentless harassment of those who speak out against his Administration’s disastrous agenda is a dangerous move toward authoritarianism and a direct attack on free speech,” said Senator Welch. “Defending First Amendment rights is essential to ensuring that the American people can place their faith and trust in our democratic institutions.”

“Free speech isn’t just a core American value—it’s a foundation for democracy,” said Senator Merkley. “As Trump continues his authoritarian assault on the First Amendment, Congress must defend the rights of all Americans by protecting the freedom and free speech we all hold dearly.”

“Today in America, we face the biggest free speech crisis in modern history. The president is abusing his power to silence people who disagree with him or his billionaire friends, and too many of our wealthiest and most powerful institutions are bending the knee. Congress must change the law to protect the rights of all Americans to speak and be heard,” said Representative Casar.

“The Constitution is not a buffet line where you take what you like and ignore the rest. It is binding in full, even when it is inconvenient. We cannot defend constitutional rights only when they align with our politics and abandon them when they do not," said Representative Houlahan.

"If we allow political retaliation to replace the rule of law, we undermine the very democracy we are sworn to protect. The No Political Enemies Act is about restoring a simple principle: that no one in power gets to use the machinery of government to silence political opposition.”

“Trump campaigned on upholding freedom of speech, but continues to prosecute and harass political dissidents,” said Representative Ocasio-Cortez.“The No Political Enemies (NOPE) Act will protect individuals, organizations, journalists, educators and educational institutions from harassment and prosecution by the federal government. We should not need legislation to protect one’s constitutional right to free speech, but we will never stop working to protect the American people from oligarchs and fascists.”

“The Trump Administration is scaring people into silence. Ridiculing reporters and blocking them from the White House, suing and extorting settlements from the media, threatening ABC over Jimmy Kimmel, taking funding from nonprofits, and intimidating businesses who cave to their demands. In America, we don’t bow to kings,” said Representative Frost.

The bill is endorsed by Protect Democracy, Americans Against Government Censorship, the Campaign Legal Center, Public Citizen and MoveOn.

“President Trump is carrying out an unprecedented campaign of retribution against his political opponents–this is what autocrats do to cement their grip on power,” said Justin Vail, Counsel at Protect Democracy. “In a democracy, the president cannot use the vast powers of government to silence critics. The genius of the No Political Enemies Act is that it empowers everyday Americans with new tools to defend themselves against political targeting and hold government officials accountable for attacks on their free speech, regardless of who the president is.”

“The Trump administration is openly breaking the law and weaponizing the machinery of government to punish its critics and silence dissent. The No Political Enemies Act is a good step that gives important protections to Americans who speak out against the government, strengthening their rights to free speech and creating more accountability for politicians that abuse their power,” said Cole Leiter, Executive Director of Americans Against Government Censorship. “Over the last year, we have seen historic efforts to use the power of government to silence the president's political opponents. No American should fear they will be the victim of a weaponized government, and legislative action should be a cause for bipartisan agreement and action.

“Abusing government power to attack political opponents should be a hard NOPE,” said Adav Noti, Executive Director at Campaign Legal Center. “As threats to the rule of law grow, Americans are increasingly at risk of retaliation and intimidation for speaking their mind. The right to criticize and challenge government actions is not just protected by the Constitution — it is a cornerstone of American life. The No Political Enemies Act is an essential step toward protecting that foundational principle. This important legislation will prohibit the government from targeting individuals and domestic groups for their protected speech and political activities, as well as give Americans new tools to defend their rights. CLC thanks the sponsors of this bill for their leadership and urges Congress to pass the NOPE Act without delay."

To read the full text of the bill, click here.

To read the one-pager of the bill, click here.


Booker Statement on Senate Republicans Failure to Reassert Congressional Authority

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) issued the following statement after Senate Republicans failed to hold President Trump accountable for violating the Constitution and failed to block this Administration from deploying U.S. troops to Venezuela illegally and without Congressional authorization:

“For over a year, Senate Republicans have refused to do their jobs and hold this administration accountable for its foreign policy failures. Today, they voted to allow President Trump to continue his illegal, costly, and reckless military adventurism against Venezuela without a strategy or the required congressional authorization. The Constitution is unambiguous: Congress has the power and responsibility to authorize the use of military force and declare war. Congress has a duty of oversight. Congress must serve as a check, not a rubber stamp, to the President. Congressional Republicans have failed on all of these counts.

“Make no mistake– Maduro is a brutal dictator who has oppressed the Venezuelan people. But that does not give any administration the license to ignore the Constitution, U.S. law, or international law, and it does not give Congressional Republicans a pass on doing their job. Without a check on the president’s military actions, the United States has the potential to be dragged into an endless war in Venezuela, eroding the very international norms and credibility that have kept us safe since World War II–and there’s no telling where this president will send our military next.