Gallego, Kelly Deliver More Than $32 Million for Arizona Water Infrastructure and Law Enforcement Priorities

Investments will help cities, counties, and Tribal communities replace aging infrastructure and keep families safe

WASHINGTON — Today, Arizona Senators Ruben Gallego and Mark Kelly announced that they secured $32,121,000 in federal investments for Arizona projects supporting local law enforcement, flood control efforts, and western rural water priorities. The funding was secured as part of a bipartisan three-bill government funding package covering the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior, Environment agencies for fiscal year 2026 that passed the Senate and is heading to be signed into law.

“I’m proud to have fought to secure more than $32 million for Arizona projects. This funding shows exactly how Congressional spending should work, directing federal dollars toward projects that solve real problems in our state, like supporting the City of Chandler’s water supply wells. In a state where water is everything, this investment will help strengthen long-term water security for families and businesses. I’m grateful to the local leaders who worked closely with our office to get these projects across the finish line, and I look forward to seeing shovels hit the ground in Arizona,” said Senator Gallego.

“These investments are about making sure Arizona communities have what they need to keep people safe and build for the future,” said Senator Kelly. “From upgrading water systems to getting first responders reliable equipment, these projects, shaped by local leaders, will make a real difference for families and communities across our state. I’m proud to deliver this funding and will keep fighting to make sure Arizona communities get ahead.”

Click HERE to see the complete list of federal investments secured by Gallego and Kelly.

See what Arizona leaders and recipients are saying about the funding:

“I am grateful to Senators Kelly and Gallego for delivering this $4.2 million investment to support Tucson’s public safety needs. These funds will replace aging police vehicles and provide a mobile unit that helps officers meet residents where they are and respond more efficiently. This is a practical, responsible investment which supports our Safe City Initiative and strengthens day-to-day public safety services across our community,” said City of Tucson Mayor, Regina Romero.

“I appreciate the work of Senators Kelly and Gallego in securing critical federal funding to help Mesa modernize aging sewer infrastructure,” said City of Mesa Mayor, Mark Freeman. “In some areas, our sewer system is more than 50 years old, and these investments are essential to protecting public health, water quality, and neighborhood safety. This $1.092 million will allow us to proactively rehabilitate vulnerable sewer lines and reduce the risk of system failures for the residents who rely on this infrastructure every day.”

“I’m grateful for the strong support Senators Gallego and Kelly have shown for the Douglas Police Equipment Project in the FY2026 Commerce, Justice, and Science appropriations bill. These funds will help replace aging police vehicles so our officers can respond to emergencies quickly and safely. This investment will go a long way in promoting public safety in Douglas,” said Douglas Mayor Jose Grijalva.

“Delivering Tucson’s Safe City Initiative requires a coordinated, citywide approach to public safety. I thank Senators Kelly and Gallego for supporting an investment that strengthens how Tucson equips and supports both sworn and community service officers.” said Tim Thomure, City Manager for the City of Tucson.

“From its founding in 1885, the University of Arizona has been a leader in mining education and research. Today, our nation faces critical challenges related to building a robust and skilled mining workforce, recycling mine waste, and innovating processes that will enable the broader reshoring of the domestic critical minerals supply chain. The University of Arizona occupies an unparalleled position in its capacity to solve these challenges in partnership with industry and government, and this investment will go a long way to support these efforts. We thank Senators Kelly and Gallego for their leadership and partnership in this endeavor,” said Suresh Garimella, President, University of Arizona.

“These federal funds are a vital part of the Tri-City Regional Sanitary District’s effort to construct a new wastewater treatment and collection system in order to eliminate failing septic systems and cesspools in the region. The devastating flooding in September was yet another reminder of how important this project is to protecting the health and safety of the communities we serve. Senator Kelly and Senator Gallego have been true champions for our project, and we thank them for delivering these funds that will improve the quality of life for residents and businesses in southern Gila County,” said Mary Anne Moreno, President of the Tri-City Regional Sanitary District Board.

“The Wellton Police Department is truly grateful for the funding included in the Fiscal Year 2026 Commerce, Justice, and Science appropriations bill. This support will enable us to purchase new patrol vehicles that will improve response times, enhance officer safety, and help our officers better serve and protect our growing community. This investment represents a meaningful, long-term commitment to public safety in Wellton,” said David J. Rodriguez, Chief of Police Wellton Police Department.

“The University of Arizona plays a prominent role in driving mining innovation and workforce development across the entire supply chain. With Arizona leading the nation in copper production, and as the home to the nation’s most innovative new mining projects, the University of Arizona is positioned to support advancements across the entire industry. This congressional support will advance critical minerals processing, enhancing our national security and economic competitiveness. We thank Senators Kelly and Gallego for their vision and support,” said David Hahn, Craig M. Berge Dean, College of Engineering, University of Arizona.

“Arizona’s senators understand that Arizona and ASU are uniquely positioned to help meet the nation’s most urgent challenges with practical, innovative solutions,” said Sally C. Morton, Executive Vice President of ASU Knowledge Enterprise. “Arizona’s congressional champions are driving the state forward through these university-led efforts to strengthen our state’s heat preparedness and advance water-efficient technologies for domestic semiconductor manufacturing. These two projects will protect public health, reinforce critical infrastructure, and support economic competitiveness in water- and heat-stressed regions.”

1/16/26


Gallego Meets with Venezuelan Opposition Leader, María Corina Machado

WASHINGTON – Yesterday, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) spoke with Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize recipient, María Corina Machado during a bipartisan meeting alongside Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Rick Scott (R-FL), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), John Curtis (R-UT), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Angus King (I-VT), and Chris Coons (D-DE).

“At today’s meeting with María Corina Machado, I expressed to her that while I was not supportive of the way that the Trump Administration deposed of Maduro, I am committed to helping Venezuela achieve a transition to democracy. A democratic Venezuela is beneficial to both countries. The Trump Administration needs to give Congress real answers as to how they will achieve that transition instead of propping up Maduro’s successor,” said Senator Gallego.

Senator Gallego meets with Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize recipient, María Corina Machado

In 2023, Ms. Machado was fairly chosen by voters in the opposition primary to run against Nicolas Maduro in the July 2024 presidential election but was arbitrarily kept off the final ballot by the Maduro regime. Retired Venezuelan diplomat Edmundo González ran as the substitute opposition candidate. Following the July 2024 election, Maduro falsely claimed victory, despite refusing to release actual ballot data and meticulously detailed election observer data that showed a clear and overwhelming victory for Mr. González. The Maduro regime refused to peacefully transfer power by the January 2025 inauguration, instead arresting the opposition leaders, which resulted in Mr. González fleeing the country and Ms. Machado going into hiding.


WASHINGTON – Yesterday, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) spoke with Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize recipient, María Corina Machado during a bipartisan meeting alongside Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Rick Scott (R-FL), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), John Curtis (R-UT), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Angus King (I-VT), and Chris Coons (D-DE).

“At today’s meeting with María Corina Machado, I expressed to her that while I was not supportive of the way that the Trump Administration deposed of Maduro, I am committed to helping Venezuela achieve a transition to democracy. A democratic Venezuela is beneficial to both countries. The Trump Administration needs to give Congress real answers as to how they will achieve that transition instead of propping up Maduro’s successor,” said Senator Gallego.

Senator Gallego meets with Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize recipient, María Corina Machado

In 2023, Ms. Machado was fairly chosen by voters in the opposition primary to run against Nicolas Maduro in the July 2024 presidential election but was arbitrarily kept off the final ballot by the Maduro regime. Retired Venezuelan diplomat Edmundo González ran as the substitute opposition candidate. Following the July 2024 election, Maduro falsely claimed victory, despite refusing to release actual ballot data and meticulously detailed election observer data that showed a clear and overwhelming victory for Mr. González. The Maduro regime refused to peacefully transfer power by the January 2025 inauguration, instead arresting the opposition leaders, which resulted in Mr. González fleeing the country and Ms. Machado going into hiding.

In October, Senators Gallego, Durbin, Scott, Shaheen, and Cruz introduced a resolution honoring Ms. Machado.

1/16/26


Gillibrand, Colleagues Demand Tech Giants Take Down Sexualized AI Images, Protect Minors

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand joined seven Democratic colleagues in calling on America’s largest tech and social media companies to address the rise of non-consensual, sexualized, AI-generated images being created and appearing on their platforms.

In a letter to the companies, the senators expressed alarm over the spread of this content and asked for more information on how platforms plan to remove such images, prevent their distribution, and notify victims.

Since these images began appearing on social media platforms, reports found that Grok was generating about one non-consensual, sexualized image per minute. The creation of these AI-generated images may be in violation of U.S. laws against child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and nonconsensual intimate imagery (NCII) of adults.

“Americans should be able to post images of themselves and their children online without fear of fake, sexualized images being produced by bullies and pedophiles,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Platforms have a responsibility to stop their AI tools from being used to harass, exploit, and endanger people. We must work together to remove this content, shut down abusers, and protect Americans and minors from harm. I will continue fighting to protect New Yorkers online and stop these platforms from becoming safe havens for exploitation and criminal abuse.”

In addition to Senator Gillibrand, the letter to social media companies was signed by Senators Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Adam Schiff (D-CA).

“We are particularly alarmed by reports of users exploiting generative AI tools to produce sexualized ‘bikini’ or ‘non-nude’ images of individuals without their consent and distributing them on platforms including X and others,” the senators wrote. “These fake yet hyper-realistic images are often generated without the knowledge or consent of the individuals depicted, raising serious concerns about harassment, privacy violations, and user safety.

“Recent reporting has identified large volumes of AI-generated content depicting what appear to be underage girls in sexualized outfits or suggestive poses circulating on social platforms, sometimes attracting substantial engagement despite stated platform prohibitions,” the senators continued. “This report also found that accounts linked to off-platform groups selling illegal material, suggesting monetization pathways for AI-facilitated sexual exploitation. These developments point to a broader crisis of image-based abuse, amplified by AI, that undermines user trust and platform integrity.”

“As policymakers, we are working to address this issue for our constituents,” the senators concluded. “Protecting the privacy, dignity, and safety of individuals, especially women and minors who are frequent targets, is a responsibility shared by platforms, policymakers, and the broader ecosystem.”

The full letter can be found HERE and below.

To the Heads of Alphabet, Meta, X, TikTok, Snap, and Reddit:

We are alarmed by reports of users exploiting generative AI tools to produce sexualized “bikini” or “non-nude” images of individuals without their consent and distributing them on platforms including X and others. A recent WIRED report described users taking photos of fully clothed women and using AI chatbots to “undress” them into bikini-clad deepfakes, including by exchanging tips to bypass content filters. These fake yet hyper-realistic images are often generated without the knowledge or consent of the individuals depicted, raising serious concerns about harassment, privacy violations, and user safety.

The WIRED report describes incidents that underscore the scope of this problem. In one instance, a Reddit user requested that a photo of a woman wearing a sari be altered to appear as though she were wearing a bikini, and another user promptly produced and shared the manipulated image. This occurred in a community dedicated to evading AI safety measures, which was later removed for policy violations.

In addition, during the last week of December, X was filled with requests for Grok, its AI platform, to create non-consensual bikini photos based on users’ uploaded images. While platforms may remove content once alerted, the ease with which users can generate and distribute these images highlights how generative AI is being misused to target individuals, disproportionately women, on social media.

We are also troubled by reports that minors are being targeted. Recent reporting has identified large volumes of AI-generated content depicting what appear to be underage girls in sexualized outfits or suggestive poses circulating on social platforms, sometimes attracting substantial engagement despite stated platform prohibitions. This report also found that accounts linked to off-platform groups are selling this illegal material, suggesting monetization pathways for AI-facilitated sexual exploitation. These developments point to a broader crisis of image-based abuse, amplified by AI, that undermines user trust and platform integrity.

We recognize that many companies maintain policies against non-consensual intimate imagery and sexual exploitation, and that many AI systems claim to block explicit pornography. In practice, however, as seen in the examples above, users are finding ways around these guardrails. Or these guardrails are failing. Even where outputs do not depict explicit nudity, they can still be non-consensual, sexualizing, and harmful. The public deserves transparency.

As policymakers, we are working to address this issue for our constituents. To better understand your current and planned efforts to curb the rise of non-nude sexualized deepfakes on your platforms, we request additional detail on the steps you are taking now and intend to take going forward. In addition, we want to confirm that robust protections and policies are in place. Please provide the following information and documents no later than January 29, 2026:

Official policy definitions of “deepfake” content, “non-consensual intimate imagery,” or similar terms, and whether these definitions explicitly cover sexually suggestive but non-nude content.

A description of your policy and enforcement approach for non-consensual sexualized AI manipulations that are non-nude, including but not limited to altered clothing, body-shape edits, and “virtual undressing” that stops short of explicit nudity.

Documents sufficient to describe your current content policies addressing manipulated media and sexually implied or explicit content, including but not limited to terms of service sections and internal guidance used by moderators.

Documents sufficient to describe your current policies governing AI tools such as chatbots or image generators related to sexually suggestive or intimate content.

A description of what preventive technical measures or guardrails have you implemented to prevent the creation or distribution of non-consensual deepfakes, such as filtering prompts, blocking image-edit requests, or automated detection.

A description of how you proactively identify deepfake content, and if that includes hashing or fingerprinting to prevent re-uploads of known abusive images and videos.

A description of how you prevent users or accounts from profiting from non-consensual AI-generated sexual content on your platform (for example, ads, subscriptions, paid groups, affiliate links, or referral funnels), and a description of how you prevent your platform from inadvertently monetizing such content.

A description of your terms of service related to temporarily or permanently removing users from your platform for posting or sharing violative deepfake content.

A description of your practices related to notifying victims when you identify non-consensual sexual deepfakes targeting an individual.

Your prompt attention to these questions is appreciated. This letter also serves as a formal request to preserve all documents and information, including but not limited to emails, text messages, internal chat logs, meeting notes, product requirements, risk assessments, enforcement guidance, and policy drafts, relating to the creation, detection, moderation, monetization, or policies regarding non-consensual sexual AI-generated manipulated images on your platforms. This preservation request covers both past and current efforts, as well as any planned or in-development measures responsive to the issues raised in this letter.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to your response and to identifying practical steps to protect users from non-consensual, sexually exploitative AI-manipulated imagery. Protecting the privacy, dignity, and safety of individuals, especially women and minors who are frequent targets, is a responsibility shared by platforms, policymakers, and the broader ecosystem.

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Gillibrand, Kennedy Announce $1.6M To Improve Drinking Water Quality In Erie County

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced $1,600,000 for the Erie County Water Authority (ECWA) to improve drinking water. This funding will specifically support the project to replace lead service lines and galvanized service lines throughout the ECWA’s direct service area, helping to offset the high cost of replacement and allowing the ECWA to prioritize homes with vulnerable populations. This project is part of the ECWA’s systemwide Lead Service Line Replacement Program and supports compliance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s drinking water standards.

“I am thrilled to deliver $1.6 million in federal funding to Erie County so families can have safer drinking water,” said Senator Gillibrand, member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “This project will increase access to clean and reliable drinking water and remove lead pipes that pose a threat to the health of our communities. I am proud to deliver these funds, and I will continue working to ensure that New Yorkers’ water is clean to drink.”

“No amount of lead is safe for children and families in Western NY, which is why I stood at an active lead pipe site in Erie County two years ago to push for more federal investment. Today, I am proud to announce that I have secured $1.6 million in federal funding so communities across Erie County can upgrade their drinking water systems, so families and local businesses have access to the clean drinking water they need and deserve,” said Senator Schumer. “I will always fight to keep New York’s drinking water clean and our communities safe and healthy.”

“No family in Western New York should ever have to worry about lead coming out of their tap,” said Congressman Tim Kennedy (D-NY-26). “This $1.6 million investment for the Erie County Water Authority will help replace dangerous lead service lines, prioritize homes with vulnerable populations, and move our region closer to safe, reliable drinking water for everyone. I was proud to fight alongside Senators Gillibrand and Schumer to secure this funding and ensure Erie County has the federal resources it needs to protect public health and keep families in Western New York safe.”

“Access to safe, lead-free drinking water is imperative for the health of all Erie County residents, especially our children and most vulnerable,” said Deputy County Executive Lisa Chimera. “Lead poisoning steals futures and is a problem we must approach from every possible angle. I thank Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for their work to secure funding that will expedite the process to remove and replace lead pipes and provide clean, safe drinking water for the residents of Erie County.”

“This funding will help leverage significant ECWA ratepayer dollars to remove lead service lines from our water system,” said ECWA Board of Commissioners Chairman Jerome D. Schad. “Thank you, Senator Gillibrand for investing in our community to protect public health and the environment to ensure that we continue our mission of delivering safe, high-quality drinking water to customers across the region.”

“The Erie County Water Authority provides a critical and affordable service for the people of Cheektowaga. I’m glad to see the $1.6 million in funding to help keep that service affordable, reliable, and improving water quality for those that rely on it,” said Supervisor Brian Nowak.

This project is a part of the $3,600,000 in federal funding allocated for critical local water infrastructure projects across Western New York in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Interior spending bill that passed in the Senate this week. Senator Gillibrand personally secured funding for these projects as congressionally directed spending requests.

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In Rochester, Gillibrand Demands Trump Administration Reverse Decision To Rip Away Child Care Funding For New York

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) stood with elected officials and advocates to demand that the Trump administration abandon efforts to freeze the grants that provide child care assistance to thousands of families in New York.

“Investing in child care is investing in New York State’s future,”said Senator Gillibrand. “The Trump administration’s decision to freeze child care grants is a reckless political move that will hit Rochester families, children, and providers hard, along with working parents who are already stretched to the breaking point. If these cuts move forward, child care centers across the city could be forced to shut their doors, families will lose the support they depend on to stay in the workforce, and children will pay the price. I will continue working with state leaders to hold the administration accountable and fight to reverse this cruel and shortsighted decision.”

Last week, the Trump administration froze $10 billion in funding for child care subsidies, social services, and cash support for low-income families in five Democrat-controlled states—including New York. The administration is claiming widespread fraud throughout these states, but it has not provided any evidence of this in New York. The funding freeze will harm tens of thousands of children in New York and threaten the livelihood of hardworking caregivers. Although a federal judge has since issued a 2-week pause on the funding freeze, this action has sown uncertainty amongst parents, children, and providers.

“Paying for quality child care has always been a partnership between the federal government, state and local governments, the private sector and families. But now the Trump Administration is breaking that partnership up, at least for New York and 4 other Democratic-governed states, by freezing federal funding, creating doubt and uncertainty for hundreds of thousands of families. While that indefensible freeze is litigated in the courts, we need the federal government to recognize as Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Gov. Kathy Hochul have done that child care is a public good, as essential to our way of life as public education and transportation,” said Larry Marx, CEO of the The Children’s Agenda. “90% of brain development happens before children reach Kindergarten, and children rely on safe and supportive care settings to grow and thrive. But parents and businesses also rely on child care settings, too, to advance household income and to recruit and retain a reliable workforce. The federal government must come to its senses and rejoin New York as a partner in providing high quality, affordable access to child care for all families.”

Senator Gillibrand discussed her bill, the Child Care Modernization Act, which would help expand quality, affordable child care for America’s working families. She also emphasized the importance of child care assistance for working parents and demanded an immediate reversal of the administration’s funding freeze.

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Q&A: Welcome News for Taxpayers as Tax Season Gets Underway

Q: What changes can Iowans look forward to this tax season?

A: Mark your calendars. Iowans can start filing their 2025 tax returns starting Monday, Jan. 26 through April 15. This year, more taxpayers will have something to look forward to – getting cash back from Uncle Sam. The U.S. Treasury Secretary says the lion’s share of middle-income taxpayers can expect to see some of the largest tax refunds in history. Last summer, Congress passed legislation signed into law by President Trump on July 4th that stopped in its tracks the largest tax increase in the nation’s history, paving the way for economic growth and putting more money back in people’s pockets. The Working Families Tax Cuts law will deliver substantial savings to hard-working families during this tax filing season and beyond.

Congress made permanent several provisions in the federal tax code, keeping the lower individual marginal tax rates of 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, 37%; upholding the 20% deduction for qualified business income (QBI); restoring full expensing for domestic research and development, as well as capital investments, including machinery upgrades and farm equipment; nearly doubling the standard deduction ($15,750 for single filers/$31,500 for married couples), and adjusted annually for inflation; and, increasing the Child Tax Credit to $2,200 per child under age 17, adjusted annually for inflation.

Q: What additional new tax relief measures apply to this tax-filing season?

A: As a member of the tax-writing Senate Finance Committee, I worked to secure meaningful savings for Iowa families so they could keep more of their hard-earned money in their own pockets to save, spend or invest as they see fit. During my annual 99 county meetings, I hear from parents who struggle to afford child care, seniors on fixed incomes who struggle to pay their bills and small business owners who struggle to keep workers on payroll. The Working Families Tax Cuts law will brighten the often dreaded task facing Iowans as tax filing season gets underway. Here’s how:

• SENIORS. Eligible seniors who take the standard deduction or itemize their deductions may deduct up to $6,000 for single filers and $12,000 for married couples for tax years 2025 through 2028. This new deduction is stackable on top of the existing extra standard deduction for seniors, which is $2,000 for individual filers/$3,200 for joint filers. To qualify for the new $6,000 deduction, individual filers must be at least age 65 or older and have a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) under $75,000/ $150,000 for joint filers. The new deduction starts phasing out for every dollar above these thresholds.

• NEW CAR LOANS. A federal deduction effective for tax years 2025 through 2028 is available for qualifying car loans. Individuals may deduct the interest paid on a new car loan that originated after Dec. 31, 2024 for a personal use vehicle made in America, up to $10,000 (not lease payments). The deduction phases out for taxpayers with MAGI above $100,000/$200,000 for joint filers.

• NO TAX ON OVERTIME. Effective for tax years 2025 through 2028, workers may deduct qualified overtime pay that exceeds their regular rate of pay. The maximum annual deduction is $12,500/$25,000 for joint filers. The deduction phases out for taxpayers with MAGI over $150,000/$300,000 for joint filers. This is welcome news for nurses, retail workers, police officers, firefighters and other occupations who receive overtime compensation.

• NO TAX ON TIPS. Effective for tax years 2025 through 2028, employees and self-employed individuals may deduct qualified tips reported on a Form W-2, Form 1099 or other pay stub provided to the worker or reported directly on Form 4137. The maximum annual deduction is $25,000 and phases out for taxpayers with a MAGI above $150,000/$300,000 for joint filers. This is welcome news for workers who count on tips to make ends meet, particularly those in hospitality and service industries, such as servers, baristas, bartenders, valets, hair stylists and other tipped occupations.

• FEDERAL ESTATE TAX EXEMPTION. Effective Jan. 1, 2026, family-owned farms and businesses can breathe a sigh of relief when the baseline exemption is set permanently at $15 million per individual/$30 million for married couples, and is indexed for inflation. Without this change, small businesses and farmers across Iowa would have seen their death tax exemption cut in half. This change in federal law will help family farms be handed down from one generation to the next without having to sell off assets to pay Uncle Sam.


Following Push From NH’s Congressional Delegation, Trump Administration Reverses Devastating Addiction Prevention Grant Cuts

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan and Jeanne Shaheen, alongside Congressman Chris Pappas and Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander, have successfully pushed the Trump Administration to reverse its massive, sudden, and unexplained cuts to critical mental health and addiction prevention grant programs.

On Wednesday, organizations across New Hampshire began to receive grant cancelation notices from the Department of Health and Human Services, which is led by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The New Hampshire Congressional Delegation quickly pressed Secretary Kennedy to reverse the cancelations, writing in a letter to him on Wednesday, that this funding “makes it possible for community-based organizations across the state to improve youth mental health, prevent overdoses, and support our first responders.”

Yesterday, under pressure from New Hampshire’s Congressional Delegation and people across the country, the Administration began reinstating this critical funding for New Hampshire organizations.

“The chaos and uncertainty that the Trump Administration is causing for our first responders, health care providers, and others who are trying to serve the public has serious consequences for the health and safety of our communities,” said Senator Hassan. “Thanks to the quick, bipartisan outcry over these cuts, this reckless decision by the Trump Administration has been reversed. I will continue to call out and hold the Trump Administration accountable when it puts Granite Staters at risk.”

“I’m relieved to hear that the Trump Administration may restore the announced cuts to substance use and mental health programs across New Hampshire and the country. If true, then the Administration has heard our calls and quickly reversed course on its outrageous, misguided decision. This never should have happened in the first place, and had the Administration carried out its initial plan it would have had a devastating effect on the fight to address the substance use and mental health crises in New Hampshire—which is why we immediately called on Secretary Kennedy to reconsider,” said Senator Shaheen.

“While I am relieved these grants for mental health, addiction, and recovery services in New Hampshire have been reinstated thanks to our advocacy, I remain deeply troubled by this administration’s ongoing attempts to cruelly rip away vital resources from Granite Staters,” said Congressman Pappas. “No community is untouched by the addiction and mental health crises. We are finally starting to see progress in this fight in New Hampshire, so I will do everything I can to make sure the administration doesn’t break its promise to our communities.”

“Secretary Kennedy’s random assault on federal grants that are genuine lifelines for Granite Staters of all ages in every corner of our state was as senseless as it was reckless,” said Congresswoman Goodlander. “Tackling our state’s mental health crisis is a mission that unites us as Americans, and the last thing our healthcare providers and first responders on the frontlines of this effort need is the kind of confusion and chaos that we saw this week. Secretary Kennedy needs to go and these random and senseless attacks on life-saving funding promised to New Hampshire need to end.”

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Hawley Secures Provision to Expedite West Lake Landfill Cleanup in Government Funding Bill

WASHINGTON — Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) secured new requirements to finalize the timeline for the cleanup of West Lake Landfill in Bridgeton, Missouri in government funding legislation passed by the Senate yesterday.

The bill – which is headed to President Trump’s desk for signature – includes report language requiring the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to detail the current and projected remediation needs, staffing requirements, and estimates of the latest timeline for removing hazardous waste in the landfill.

In July 2025, Senator Hawley secured the largest expansion ever to the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA), signed into law as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This legislation will deliver compensation to those who lived near West Lake Landfill and Coldwater Creek and were exposed to radioactive waste. Over 600 Missourians have already received nearly $30 million in compensation.


Senate Committee Unanimously Advances Hawley Bill to Aid Rural Hospital Cybersecurity

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) advanced his Rural Hospital Cybersecurity Enhancement Act through a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) committee markup. Cosponsored by Senators Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), the legislation directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop a comprehensive strategy to address the growing need for skilled cybersecurity professionals in rural hospitals.

Unlike larger urban hospitals, rural hospitals often have little to no full-time cybersecurity personnel and are particular targets for cyberattacks. Vulnerabilities in rural hospitals’ cybersecurity defenses can also be used as entry points to disrupt larger healthcare systems, potentially compromising the sensitive medical and personal data of hundreds of thousands of American patients at once.

The Rural Hospital Cybersecurity Enhancement Act would require HHS to:

Develop a comprehensive rural hospital cybersecurity workforce development strategy that, at a minimum, considers public-private partnerships, development of curricula and training resources, and policy recommendations.

Make available instructional materials for rural hospitals to train staff on fundamental cybersecurity measures.

Report annually to congressional committees with updates regarding the strategy and any programs that have been implemented pursuant to the strategy.


Heinrich Pushes for a Stronger Response from Trump Administration on Israel’s Efforts to Annex the West Bank

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) joined 20 Democratic senators to send a letter urging U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to push back against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli Government’s efforts to annex the West Bank, which have accelerated in recent weeks.

In their letter, the senators expressed concerns that Israel's actions violate international law by illegally expanding settlements and forcibly displacing Palestinians from their lands, with irreparable consequences for the long-term peace and security of both Israelis and Palestinians.

“U.S. leadership is crucial at this moment. We need tangible steps to back these words with action, if we are to preserve the ceasefire in Gaza and the possibility of a negotiated two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict,” the lawmakers wrote to Secretary Rubio.

“We strongly urge the State Department to clearly communicate to the Israeli Government the negative consequences that the pending Knesset bills and construction of the E-1 settlements would have on the prospects for peace and security in the region, on the daily lives of Palestinians, and on Israel’s relations with the United States,” the lawmakers continued. “We further call for a stronger United States government response against those who commit violence that undermines peace, security, and stability in the West Bank.”

The letter is led by U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.). Alongside Heinrich, the letter is signed by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Rev. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.). U.S. Representative Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) leads the letter in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The text of the letter is here and below.

Dear Mr. Secretary,

As you have said, the Government of Israel’s efforts to annex the West Bank undermine prospects for peace between Israel and the Palestinians. President Trump and Vice President Vance have also both made recent statements rejecting such actions. U.S. leadership is crucial at this moment. We need tangible steps to back these words with action, if we are to preserve the ceasefire in Gaza and the possibility of a negotiated two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Despite the United States’ opposition to annexation, segments of the Israeli government have recently reaffirmed their commitment to advancing Israeli sovereignty in the West Bank. Alongside the Knesset’s preliminary approval of two draft bills to impose Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank, that body is also considering dozens of other proposed bills which, if enacted, would formalize various forms of annexation.

Of particular concern are bills that would absorb settlements north, east, and south of Jerusalem to create an expanded municipality under Israeli control. Combined with the recent approval of the E-1 settlement project directly east of Jerusalem, these proposals would divide the West Bank into northern and southern enclaves, severing the contiguity of Palestinian land and —quite deliberately—undermining the viability of a future Palestinian state.

While this legislation is under consideration, de facto annexation through targeted violence, intimidation of Palestinian communities, and forced displacement is already widespread. Throughout the West Bank, Israeli settlers are driving Palestinians off their land and expanding Israeli settlements, including in:

We strongly urge the State Department to clearly communicate to the Israeli Government the negative consequences that the pending Knesset bills and construction of the E-1 settlements would have on the prospects for peace and security in the region, on the daily lives of Palestinians, and on Israel’s relations with the United States.

We further call for a stronger United States government response against those who commit violence that undermines peace, security, and stability in the West Bank. We urge the Administration to reimpose sanctions under Executive Order 14115 and to condemn the acts of de facto annexation undertaken by Israeli settlers. We have grave concerns about Israel’s ongoing efforts to undermine the Trump Administration’s stated policies and violate international law by illegally expanding settlements, with disastrous consequences for the long-term peace and security of both Israelis and Palestinians.

As you, President Trump, and Vice President Vance have all said, Israeli efforts to apply sovereignty or annex parts of the West Bank via the Knesset pose a grave risk to peace in the region and should not be pursued.

We look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

###


Ranking Members Heinrich, Huffman, Smith, Pallone Demand Answers from Trump Administration for Killing Jobs and Increasing Energy Costs by Halting Clean Energy Projects

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), U.S. House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith, and U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-N.J.) sent a letter to U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and U.S. Department of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth demanding a classified briefing on the Administration’s sudden halt of all large-scale offshore wind projects in the United States that generate clean, affordable power, including projects already under construction.

While the Trump Administration claims the pause is based on “recently completed classified reports” citing national security concerns, these projects already cleared extensive national security reviews, including direct coordination with the Department of Defense, before receiving their permits.

Following the announcement, Secretary Burgum took to social media about the decision, criticizing the projects for unrelated reasons, calling offshore wind a “scam” and raising unsupported concerns about wildlife and energy prices.

In their letter, the Ranking Members warn that the pause affects projects that, together, would generate enough electricity to power almost 2.7 million homes. Several projects are already generating electricity for the grid. Dominion Energy, developer of the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project, warned that "stopping CVOW for any length of time will threaten grid reliability for some of the nation's most important war fighting, AI, and civilian assets. It will also lead to energy inflation and threaten thousands of jobs."

In their letter, the Ranking Members write, “As Ranking Members of the Committees of jurisdiction with significant concerns about the impacts of this pause, we request a classified briefing on this latest action by the administration to stop offshore wind development. The briefing should include, at minimum, an explanation of the new national security ‘risks’ information on the anticipated length of the ongoing pause. Please provide us with three dates and times for a briefing by Thursday, January 22, 2026.”

The Administration’s order is already facing resistance in the courts. On January 13, a federal judge granted Revolution Wind’s request for an injunction, allowing the project to resume construction while Revolution Wind’s lawsuit against the government proceeds. At least four of the five affected projects have filed legal challenges against the administration’s order.

Read the full letter here and below:

Secretary Hegseth and Secretary Burgum:

On December 22, 2025, the Department of the Interior announced it is pausing the leases for all large-scale offshore wind projects in the United States, including Vineyard Wind 1, Revolution Wind, Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW), Sunrise Wind, and Empire Wind 1, due to national security risks. Secretary Burgum cited risks identified by the Department of Defense (DOD) “in recently completed classified reports.” Each of these projects has undergone lengthy federal reviews, including coordination with DOD to address any national security concerns before receiving permits.

In the Record of Decision for the Revolution Wind project, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management noted that “the DOD concluded that site-specific stipulations, designed in consultation with the DOD, could mitigate the impact of [the] site,” and that, when addressed through coordination with DOD, “impacts would be negligible and avoidable.”

Additionally, a Federal Interagency Working Group, which includes the DOD, Department of Energy, Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration concluded that “the development and use of radar interference mitigation techniques, and collaboration both among federal agencies and between the federal government and the wind industry have enabled federal radar agencies to continue to perform their missions without significant impacts.”

The pause affects projects that, together, would generate enough electricity to power almost 2.7 million homes. Several projects are already generating electricity for the grid. ISO New England, the region’s grid operator, stated that the pause will increase costs and risks to reliability, and that “delays of new generating resources also will adversely affect New England’s economy and industrial growth, including potential future data centers.”

Dominion Energy, the regional utility and developer of CVOW, stated that “stopping CVOW for any length of time will threaten grid reliability for some of the nation’s most important war fighting, AI, and civilian assets. It will also lead to energy inflation and threaten thousands of jobs.”

Following the announcement, Secretary Burgum posted on social media about the decision, criticizing the projects for unrelated reasons, calling offshore wind a “scam” and raising other unsupported concerns about wildlife and energy prices.

As Ranking Members of the Committees of jurisdiction with significant concerns about the impacts of this pause, we request a classified briefing on this latest action by the administration to stop offshore wind development. The briefing should include, at minimum, an explanation of the new national security “risks” information on the anticipated length of the ongoing pause. Please provide us with three dates and times for a briefing by Thursday, January 22, 2026.

Sincerely,

###


Hickenlooper, Bennet Honor Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell’s Legacy

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet introduced a resolution to honor former Colorado Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell who passed away on December 30, 2025. Last night, the Senate unanimously passed the resolution.

“Ben Nighthorse Campbell from the Northern Cheyenne tribe served 6 years in the House and 12 years as a U.S. Senator. He was a master jeweler with a reputation far beyond the boundaries of Colorado. He was always generous with his time and wisdom. I will not forget his acts of kindness. He will be sorely missed,” said Hickenlooper. “This resolution honors his legacy of service to Colorado, his achievements, and the tremendous human being he was.”

“Ben Nighthorse Campbell was a trailblazer — not just for Colorado but for the entire country,” said Bennet. “Over his two decades in Congress, he was a tireless advocate for working families and children, brought Native American issues to the forefront of American politics, and was instrumental in protecting Colorado’s public lands. He was never afraid to stand up to his own party — and even change parties — when he believed it was right for Colorado. He showed me and every elected official in our state what it truly meant to serve your community. I am proud to see his life and accomplishments honored through the unanimous passage of our resolution, and thank my colleagues for coming together to recognize his achievements.”

Nighthorse Campbell served three terms in the House of Representatives before serving two terms in the Senate.

The text of the resolution is available HERE.

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Hickenlooper, Bennet, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Block Taxpayer Handouts for Corporate Oil Investments in Venezuela

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet joined their Senate colleagues to introduce the No Taxpayer Funds for Corporate Investment in Venezuelan Oil Act, which would prohibit the Trump administration from giving taxpayer-funded handouts to oil companies investing in Venezuela’s oil and gas sector.

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

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

Their bill would bar the Department of the Treasury from reimbursing U.S. and foreign companies’ capital expenditure investments in Venezuela, including leasing rights, infrastructure improvements, and land purchases. The legislation would not prevent private investment in Venezuela but only limit Treasury reimbursement.

Full text of the bill is available HERE.

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Hirono, Case, Tokuda Introduce Legislation to Establish New National Veterans Cemetery in Hawaii

~ Hawaii’s only national cemetery has been functionally closed for in-ground burials since 1991 and is expected to stop accepting cremated remains by 2036 ~

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Representatives Ed Case (D-HI) and Jill Tokuda (D-HI) led the introduction of the Hawaii National Cemetery Act, legislation that would require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a new national veterans cemetery in the state of Hawaii. Veterans who qualify for burial and memorial benefits are provided a choice of final resting place, including a gravesite in any VA national cemetery with available space. The burial site for around 53,000 veterans from World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, is the only national cemetery in Hawaii. This cemetery is running out of space to bury our nation’s heroes, as it has been functionally closed for in-ground burials since 1991 and will stop accepting cremated remains by 2036. This legislation will require the VA Secretary to initiate the construction of a new national cemetery in Hawaii to supplement the remaining space at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, helping to increase veteran access to burial benefits.

“Those who have served our country, many of whom have made the ultimate sacrifice, giving their life to defend our nation, deserve to have the option to be buried in a national cemetery in their home state,” said Senator Hirono. “With less and less space remaining at the only national cemetery in Hawaii, I am proud to introduce this legislation to establish another national cemetery that will serve as a fitting final resting site for veterans in our state. These veterans bravely served our country and deserve to be buried in a place of recognition of their service and courage.’

“Veterans who qualify for burial benefits should continue to have full choice in their final resting place, including burial in a national cemetery close to their homes and families,” said Representative Case. “Sadly, we have begun to run out of room to bury our nation’s heroes at Hawaii’s national cemetery, the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, at Punchbowl. It became essentially closed to casketed burials in 1991 and will stop accepting cremated remains by 2036. This is a serious concern for the roughly 115,000 veterans living in Hawai‘i, some 11% of the state’s population. To maintain equitable access to burial benefits in a national cemetery for veterans residing in Hawai‘i, where the next closest national cemetery is over 2,500 miles away, our nation must begin the process for a new cemetery. The work should start immediately, as developing a new national cemetery involves many phases, including community consultation, which can take more than eight years to complete.”

"The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific has served as a sacred place of honor for Hawai?i's veterans. But with the site nearing capacity, we must plan for a new resting place that continues to honor our veterans with the dignity and respect they deserve," said Representative Tokuda. "That's why I'm proud to join my Hawai?i colleagues on this legislation which helps guarantee our veterans and their families have a deeply meaningful choice — one that reflects their service and sacrifice — here at home."

As part of the National Cemetery Administration’s strategic goals, the Secretary of VA seeks to ensure that 95% of veterans live within 75 miles of a national, State, or Tribal veterans cemetery. This policy does not account for veterans residing in Hawaii who would prefer to be buried in a national cemetery, as the next closest national cemetery to Hawaii is located over 2,000 miles away in California. By establishing another national cemetery in Hawaii, the Hawaii National Cemetery Act will help to maintain equitable access to burial benefits for veterans residing in the state.

The full text of the legislation is available here.

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Hoeven, Peters Protect Infant Formula From Contamination Act Approved By Senate Help Committee

WASHINGTON – Senators John Hoeven (R-N.D.) and Gary Peters (D-M.I.) announced that their bipartisan legislation to help prevent future infant formula shortages passed out of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) by a vote of 22-0 and will move to the Senate floor. The senators’ bill comes in response to bacterial contamination at an infant formula manufacturing plant in Michigan that caused the deaths of 9 infants and infant formula recalls that triggered a nationwide shortage in 2022. The legislation would strengthen U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversight of infant formula manufacturing to improve the security of the U.S. infant formula supply and ensure American families have access to safe formula.

“American families need to have access to a safe, reliable supply of infant formula. Shortages in recent years have shown that stronger safeguards and improvements are needed to maintain a stable and secure supply of this crucial product,” said Senator Hoeven. “Our legislation, which has now been approved by the Senate HELP Committee, strengthens the infant formula market by improving protection against contamination and bolstering the supply chain to prevent future shortages.”

“As a father and grandfather, there is nothing more important than keeping our kids safe and healthy. Parents deserve the peace of mind to know the formula they are giving their babies is safe,” said Senator Peters. “This commonsense bill would help ensure contaminated formula doesn’t reach the shelves in the first place by allowing the FDA to have a stronger hand in testing for dangerous bacteria. Doing so will protect our children and also help prevent another nationwide shortage like we’ve seen in recent years where folks struggled to both find and afford infant formula.”

The Protect Infant Formula from Contamination Act (PIFCA) would take a three-pronged approach to reduce the risk of infant formula contamination. Specifically, the bill will:

Strengthen safety reporting and ensure timely corrective action.

The bill requires infant formula manufacturers to conduct testing for Cronobacter or Salmonella in infant formula marketed for consumption.

The legislation also requires manufacturers to notify FDA within one business day of detecting contamination, while setting timelines for investigation and corrective action.

This improves upon current law, under which manufacturers are only required to notify the FDA if the product has left the company’s control.

Enhance market resiliency.

The FDA would be required to monitor and quarterly report on the in-stock rates of infant formula, as well as work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other agencies to ensure markets can meet demand over the long term.

Increase accountability and consultation.

The FDA would be required to issue a progress report to Congress on implementation of the long-term national strategy and recommendations that it developed after the 2022 recall and shortage.

The bill would also require FDA to consult with industry on contamination mitigation best practices, including those associated with botulism, and ways to maximize infant formula supply.

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Federal funding earmarked for Meridian in appropriations bill

By Thomas Howard


U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith visits Northeast Mississippi Community College

By Jon Ross Myers

U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith visited Northeast Mississippi Community College on Tuesday, meeting with college officials and touring campus facilities.

During the visit, Hyde-Smith discussed the future of the college’s aerospace program with President Ford and other leaders. She also toured workforce labs to observe hands-on learning in action.


Kaine, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Block Taxpayer Reimbursements for Corporate Oil Investments in Venezuela

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere and a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), and Senate colleagues introduced the No Taxpayer Funds for Corporate Investment in Venezuelan Oil Act, which would prohibit the Trump Administration from providing taxpayer reimbursements for oil companies investing in Venezuela’s oil and gas sector.

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

Specifically, the No Taxpayer Funds for Corporate Investment in Venezuelan Oil Act would:

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

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

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

The bill is led by U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) and cosponsored by U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), and Peter Welch (D-VT).

Full text of the bill is available here.

###


Kelly, Blumenthal, Colleagues Demand Answers on Pentagon’s Efforts to Politicize Stars and Stripes Military Newspaper

“The paper’s independence is essential to ensuring the American people understand what is happening in our armed forces, and to provide servicemembers with honest, credible reporting rather than filtered or politicized narratives.”

Today, Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) joined Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and a group of their colleagues in sending a letter to the Department of Defense (DoD) demanding answers on its efforts to politicize Stars and Stripes, the military newspaper that has long maintained editorial independence.

The letter follows recent reporting on how Stars and Stripes job applicants have been asked to explain how they would advance the Administration’s policy priorities, and comments from the Pentagon’s top public affairs official on the Department’s plans to overhaul the newspaper.

“We write to express our strong and unwavering support for the continued editorial independence of Stars and Stripes, a publication whose credibility rests on its ability to report freely and impartially on matters affecting the men and women of the United States Armed Forces,” wrote thesenators. “Any diminishing independence of Stars and Stripes is a blow to the public’s legitimate need for information and disrespectful to our military. The paper’s independence is essential to ensuring the American people understand what is happening in our armed forces, and to provide servicemembers with honest, credible reporting rather than filtered or politicized narratives.”

Stars and Stripes was founded in 1861, and Congress has long affirmed the newspaper’s independence.

Thesenators continued, “Congress has been clear for decades that Stars and Stripes must be governed by First Amendment principles and insulated from political influence, regardless of which administration is in power. We urge you to immediately clarify that neither hiring practices nor editorial decisions at Stars and Stripes will be conditioned on ideological alignment or policy advocacy, and to reaffirm, publicly and unequivocally, the newspaper’s statutory independence.”

In addition to Kelly and Blumenthal, the letter was signed by Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Angus King (I-ME), Bernard Sanders (I-VT), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).


Kelly, Gallego Deliver More Than $32 Million for Arizona Water Infrastructure and Law Enforcement Priorities

Investments will help cities, counties, and Tribal communities replace aging infrastructure and keep families safe

Today, Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego announced that they secured $32,121,000 in federal investments for Arizona projects supporting local law enforcement, flood control efforts, and western rural water priorities. The funding was secured as part of a bipartisan three-bill government funding package covering the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior, Environment agencies for fiscal year 2026 that passed the Senate and is heading to be signed into law.

“These investments are about making sure Arizona communities have what they need to keep people safe and build for the future,” said Kelly. “From upgrading water systems to getting first responders reliable equipment, these projects, shaped by local leaders, will make a real difference for families and communities across our state. I’m proud to deliver this funding and will keep fighting to make sure Arizona communities get ahead.”

“I’m proud to have fought to secure more than $32 million for Arizona projects. This funding shows exactly how Congressional spending should work, directing federal dollars toward projects that solve real problems in our state, like supporting the City of Chandler’s water supply wells. In a state where water is everything, this investment will help strengthen long-term water security for families and businesses. I’m grateful to the local leaders who worked closely with our office to get these projects across the finish line, and I look forward to seeing shovels hit the ground in Arizona,” said Gallego.

Click here to see the complete list of federal investments secured by Kelly and Gallego.

See what Arizona leaders and recipients are saying about the funding Kelly and Gallego secured:

“I am grateful to Senators Kelly and Gallego for delivering this $4.2 million investment to support Tucson’s public safety needs. These funds will replace aging police vehicles and provide a mobile unit that helps officers meet residents where they are and respond more efficiently. This is a practical, responsible investment which supports our Safe City Initiative and strengthens day-to-day public safety services across our community,” said City of Tucson Mayor, Regina Romero.

“I appreciate the work of Senators Kelly and Gallego in securing critical federal funding to help Mesa modernize aging sewer infrastructure,” said City of Mesa Mayor, Mark Freeman. “In some areas, our sewer system is more than 50 years old, and these investments are essential to protecting public health, water quality, and neighborhood safety. This $1.092 million will allow us to proactively rehabilitate vulnerable sewer lines and reduce the risk of system failures for the residents who rely on this infrastructure every day.”

“I’m grateful for the strong support Senators Gallego and Kelly have shown for the Douglas Police Equipment Project in the FY2026 Commerce, Justice, and Science appropriations bill. These funds will help replace aging police vehicles so our officers can respond to emergencies quickly and safely. This investment will go a long way in promoting public safety in Douglas,” said Douglas Mayor Jose Grijalva.

“Delivering Tucson’s Safe City Initiative requires a coordinated, citywide approach to public safety. I thank Senators Kelly and Gallego for supporting an investment that strengthens how Tucson equips and supports both sworn and community service officers,” said Tim Thomure, City Manager for the City of Tucson.

“From its founding in 1885, the University of Arizona has been a leader in mining education and research. Today, our nation faces critical challenges related to building a robust and skilled mining workforce, recycling mine waste, and innovating processes that will enable the broader reshoring of the domestic critical minerals supply chain. The University of Arizona occupies an unparalleled position in its capacity to solve these challenges in partnership with industry and government, and this investment will go a long way to support these efforts. We thank Senators Kelly and Gallego for their leadership and partnership in this endeavor,” said Suresh Garimella, President, University of Arizona.

“These federal funds are a vital part of the Tri-City Regional Sanitary District’s effort to construct a new wastewater treatment and collection system in order to eliminate failing septic systems and cesspools in the region. The devastating flooding in September was yet another reminder of how important this project is to protecting the health and safety of the communities we serve. Senator Kelly and Senator Gallego have been true champions for our project, and we thank them for delivering these funds that will improve the quality of life for residents and businesses in southern Gila County,” said Mary Anne Moreno, President of the Tri-City Regional Sanitary District Board.

“The Wellton Police Department is truly grateful for the funding included in the Fiscal Year 2026 Commerce, Justice, and Science appropriations bill. This support will enable us to purchase new patrol vehicles that will improve response times, enhance officer safety, and help our officers better serve and protect our growing community. This investment represents a meaningful, long-term commitment to public safety in Wellton,” said David J. Rodriguez, Chief of Police Wellton Police Department.

“The University of Arizona plays a prominent role in driving mining innovation and workforce development across the entire supply chain. With Arizona leading the nation in copper production, and as the home to the nation’s most innovative new mining projects, the University of Arizona is positioned to support advancements across the entire industry. This congressional support will advance critical minerals processing, enhancing our national security and economic competitiveness. We thank Senators Kelly and Gallego for their vision and support,” said David Hahn, Craig M. Berge Dean, College of Engineering, University of Arizona.


WATCH: On Senate Floor, Kelly Leads Colleagues in Marking 16 Years Since Citizens United Ruling, Highlighting Impact of Big Money in Politics on Working Families

“The loudest voices in Washington became billionaires, not every day Americans.”

In case you missed it, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly led a series of floor speeches with his colleagues marking the 16th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Citizens United v. FEC decision, which opened the floodgates for big, dark money in our politics.

In their remarks, Kelly and his colleagues connected the rise of dark money and super PAC spending to real-world consequences for Americans, highlighting how unlimited corporate and billionaire spending has warped priorities in Washington and driven up costs for working families, underscoring the need to restore accountability and transparency so that our democracy answers to voters—not special interests.

Sen. Kelly speaks on Senate floor.

Watch Kelly’s full speech here. See key excepts from Kelly and his colleagues below:

Sen. Kelly: “In 2010, the Supreme Court handed down a decision that put a ‘for sale’ sign on our democracy. The Citizens United ruling opened the door for corporations and billionaires to spend unlimited amounts of money to influence our elections, often without the public ever knowing who’s behind it. The Court decided that spending money in elections is the same as political speech, and that corporations should have the same political rights as individual Americans. The result was predictable – and it wasn’t limited to a courtroom. It changed how this place works. The loudest voices in Washington became billionaires, not every day Americans.

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI): “I was here before the Citizens United decision. When robust meaningful bipartisan climate legislation was constant here in the Senate. I can think of four major bipartisan bills here in the Senate. And I remember my friend, John McCain, carrying the Republican banner into the presidential election with a respectable climate platform. Well, right after Citizens United, all of that stopped. The barrage of fossil fuel dark money into our politics killed bipartisanship on climate change instantly. It is still a problem today.”

Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR): “The growth in dark money has been stunning because there’s so much money among the oligarchs and billionaires, they want to spend it to create laws that favor the oligarchs and billionaires and they are spending at an extraordinary rate. Six years ago, it was about $300 million, but according to the Brennan Center […] dark money hit a record high of $1.9 billion in the 2024 races. That’s a six-fold increase in six years. That’s the rich and powerful buying their government. It is an absolute travesty. No one in our founding community of our nation who wrote the Declaration of Independence, who wrote the Constitution, wanted to design a system where the mega rich ran the place as a cabal of elites. But that’s what we have and that’s what we have to change.”

Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN): “In the 2024 elections, secret money groups spent $1.9 billion – nearly double the amount spent just one cycle before. This undermines our democracy and shakes the public’s trust because unlimited, anonymous spending in our elections doesn’t encourage free speech – it drowns out the voices of American people who are seeking to participate. We must fight for a more transparent democracy where every voter’s voice is heard.”

Sen. Andy Kim (D-NJ): “We live in the time of the greatest distrust in modern history. It doesn’t have to be this way. We can have a politics that restores and grows trust, instead of actively degrading it. This year is the 250th anniversary of the independence of our nation. This is our moment to free Americans from the influence of big money and give them their voice back in their democracy.”

Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ): “Since the Citizens United decision, I have watched how this body has seen clearly corrupt forces beginning to overrun the commonsense and the will of the people and policy, more and more be bent to the whim and the will of the wealthiest of the wealthy in our country, in the world, as well as corporations, many of them multinational corporations. We are in crisis. Our nation is in crisis. […] Trust is vital for a democracy to thrive. And there has been nothing more powerful in undermining that trust in the years I’ve been in the Senate that I’ve seen than the destructive force of money in our politics.”

Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL): “Under the current system that’s described by my colleagues on the floor, there is so much entrenched money that they virtually control the agenda and scare the living hell out of average individuals who don’t have a fortune to spend. And that’s the reality of what we face.”

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT): “Individuals today make up to 16% of total spending in elections. 16%. 84% of all the spending in elections today are not done by citizens. 84% of spending are corporations and organizations. Much of that money is anonymous. You have no idea where that comes from. Let me tell you what the impact of that. The impact is corruption. Let’s just call it what it is.”


King Joins Senate Colleagues to Maintain Real-Time Postmarks for U.S. Postal Service

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) joined his Senate colleagues in a push to protect the timely delivery of United States Postal Service (USPS) mail across the nation. In a letter to USPS Postmaster General David Steiner, the Senators asked about his recent decision to change its practices with a rule that “the postmark date does not inherently or necessarily align with the date on which the Postal Service first accepted possession of the mail piece.” Due to recent Postal Service consolidations, this change could make it harder to access basic services like prescription drug deliveries and bill payments – or ensure legitimate, timely votes cast by mail are counted.

“This misguided decision to delay postmarks has potentially harmful implications for our election system, and vote-by-mail. Many states determine whether a mail-in ballot can be counted using the postmark date. Election officials are already concerned and warning that this change could ultimately lead to higher mailed ballots being rejected,” the Senators wrote.

“Postmarks delays are especially problematic in states that vote entirely or largely by mail. Rural areas across the country will be especially impacted as experts estimate at least a one-day delay in postmark and mail delivery in rural areas,” the Senators continued. “In theory, a rural voter could submit their ballot in time according to their state law, but due to the changes you are implementing, their legally-cast ballot would not be counted as it sits in a local post office. As we enter a year with many local and federal elections, the risk of disrupting this vital democratic process demands your attention and action.”

The Senators concluded, “We should be working to make voting easier for eligible voters, not harder. These changes will only increase the likelihood of voter disenfranchisement. While voters can request a manual postmark at a post office, this is unrealistic for millions of voters who vote by mail and will only serve to discourage mail voting. Inevitably, many voters will not learn about the changes to their postal service until it is too late, creating uncertainty about whether their vote will be able to count.”

In addition to King, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Jeff Merkely (D-OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Patty Murray (D-WA), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Dick Durbin (D-IL).

Senator King has been a vocal supporter of the USPS’s critical role in American society and in Maine, one of the nation’s oldest and most rural states that relies heavily on the services provided by the USPS to receive prescriptions and other necessities. Previously, he sent a letter to then-Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, urging him to stop any changes to the USPS service standards that would result in job losses and further degrade mail delivery performance. That letter came soon after Maine’s postal workers and elected officials voiced their opposition of the USPS’ plans to move some of the Hampden facility’s processing operations to a facility in Scarborough, nearly 130 miles away — raising the possibility of needless delays in delivery. He had also joined the Maine Congressional Delegation in writing a letter to Postmaster General DeJoy to address delayed mail across five delivery units in Southern Maine.

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

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Dear Postmaster General Steiner,

We write in strong opposition to the USPS’ decision to codify its decision to abandon the goal of timely postmarks by downgrading mail processing services. We urge you to immediately reverse the underlying mail processing changes which contribute significantly to new postmark delays, including the policy described in the new USPS Postmarks and Postal Possession Final Rule. Moving away from postmarking mailpieces on the date they are received into the postal system presents significant negative consequences for millions of Americans conducting commercial transactions, government functions, which alarmingly includes voting.

On December 24, 2025, the Postal Service added a new section to its Domestic Mail Manual, formally stating “the postmark date does not inherently or necessarily align with the date on which the Postal Service first accepted possession of the mailpiece.” This means that many voters and other users of the Postal Service could no longer receive a postmark the day they cast their ballot or drop off their tax forms in the mail. Instead, they will receive a postmark date when their mail reaches a regional processing center, which is likely to be significantly further away from their community due to recent USPS consolidations.

This misguided decision to delay postmarks has potentially harmful implications for our election system, and vote-by-mail. Many states determine whether a mail-in ballot can be counted using the postmark date. Election officials are already concerned and warning that this change could ultimately lead to higher mailed ballots being rejected.

Postmarks delays are especially problematic in states that vote entirely or largely by mail. Rural areas across the country will be especially impacted as experts estimate at least a one-day delay in postmark and mail delivery in rural areas. In theory, a rural voter could submit their ballot in time according to their state law, but due to the changes you are implementing, their legally-cast ballot would not be counted as it sits in a local post office. As we enter a year with many local and federal elections, the risk of disrupting this vital democratic process demands your attention and action.

We should be working to make voting easier for eligible voters, not harder. These changes will only increase the likelihood of voter disenfranchisement. While voters can request a manual postmark at a post office, this is unrealistic for millions of voters who vote by mail and will only serve to discourage mail voting. Inevitably, many voters will not learn about the changes to their postal service until it is too late, creating uncertainty about whether their vote will be able to count.

Postmarks that do not match the date a mailpiece is first received by the USPS are often the direct result of eliminating twice daily mail dispatches from local post offices to regional processing centers under the Regional Transportation Optimization (RTO) plan. Now, many mailpieces received after the first and only transfer truck leaves will sit overnight until the next daily transfer. This service downgrade should be reversed.

Delayed postmarks further pressure a mail delivery system struggling under the weight of ill- conceived cost-cutting measures. In recent years, mail processing facility closures and consolidations implemented under the disastrous “Delivering for America” plan have caused delays in mail delivery, affecting vital services like prescription deliveries, bill payments, and other essential communications. Seniors, rural residents, and small business owners have been particularly impacted by downgraded postal services. In addition to election and tax implications, delayed postmarks will result in late fees, missed legal document submissions, application denials, overdue notices, and increased costs for the American people.

In addition to restoring timely postmarks and ensuring voters aren’t negatively impacted, we urge the Postal Service to promptly engage cooperatively with union representatives to fully stand up the Postal Election Mail Task Force. Early engagement between management and postal workers will help ensure all necessary extraordinary measures are well understood and ready for implementation as election mail comes in for processing.

Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. We look forward to hearing your plans to address these concerns and request a response no later than 14 days from today.

Sincerely,

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Sens. Klobuchar and Moreno, Reps. Finstad and Carey Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Exempt Multiemployer Union Retirement Plans from Automatic Enrollment

WASHINGTON – Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Bernie Moreno (R-OH) joined Representatives Brad Finstad (R-MN), Mike Carey (R-OH), Brendan Boyle (D-PA), and John Larson (D-CT) to introduce the Multiemployer Plan Relief Act, a bipartisan bill that provides targeted relief from the automatic enrollment mandate for multiemployer union retirement plans.

Multiemployer unions provide retirement plans to workers in industries such as construction and trucking, where individuals may have multiple employers rather than consistently working for one company. When workers are automatically enrolled for new plans, as currently mandated, they may be enrolled multiple times as they change employers. This happens because payroll systems and plan administrators often struggle to coordinate enrollment status, which creates confusion, compliance risks, and ultimately harms the worker whose plan is supposed to support them.

“Workers in construction, trucking, and manufacturing rely on multiemployer union retirement plans to build financial security and prepare for their futures. While automatic enrollment can be a helpful tool to boost retirement savings, it doesn’t work the same way in multiemployer settings, where frequent job changes and uncoordinated payroll systems pose serious logistical challenges,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “Our bipartisan legislation provides relief for workers and businesses with multiemployer union retirement plans, so that we’re not imposing one-size-fits-all mandates where they don’t fit.”

“Hardworking Ohioans deserve retirement plans that work for them,” said Sen. Moreno. “This bill removes unnecessary red tape from automatic enrollment rules, allowing Americans’ rightfully earned benefit plans to continue serving them without added compliance burdens from frequent job changes.”

“At its core, this is about fairness and flexibility. Entities offering multi-employer plans shouldn’t be forced into rules that don’t work for them. This bipartisan legislation ensures workers still have access to retirement savings without putting unnecessary burdens on the plans that serve them,” said Rep. Finstad.

“Hard-working Americans deserve to have more options for how to save for their retirements – not less,” Rep. Carey said. “By avoiding mandatory enrollment into 401(k) plans when they are offered, employees and employers maintain more choices when making retirement savings decisions. Our bipartisan legislation removes bureaucratic burdens to ensure workers in multi-employer pension plans have access to strong retirement savings and benefits.”

“This bill is a commonsense fix that protects workers’ access to hard-earned retirement benefits by cutting unnecessary red tape on multi-employer plans. I’m proud to partner across the aisle to make sure these plans can continue serving working families,” said Rep. Boyle.

“Retirement security is not a one-size-fits-all approach, especially for union workers with multi-employer plans,” said Rep. Larson. “I am proud to join this bipartisan effort with my colleagues to cut through red tape so union workers can adequately save for their retirement. I will continue to fight to ensure all Americans who work their entire lives can retire with dignity, both by enhancing Social Security benefits and expanding access to private retirement plans.”

This legislation is endorsed by the National Coordinating Committee for Multiemployer Plans and trades representing workers in multiemployer settings.

“The introduction of the Multiemployer Plan Relief Act is a critical step forward for multiemployer plans. By addressing the unintended consequences of SECURE 2.0, this legislation ensures that Taft-Hartley plans can continue delivering efficient, union-negotiated retirement benefits without unnecessary administrative burdens,” said Matt Fairbanks, Business Manager and President of Sheet Metal Workers Local #10.

“We applaud Congress for advancing a bipartisan fix that protects the integrity of multiemployer retirement systems. The Multiemployer Plan Relief Act will help preserve plan flexibility and encourage broader adoption of 401(k) features, ultimately strengthening retirement security for millions of working families,” said Michael Scott, the Executive Director of NCCMP.

The Multiemployer Plan Relief Act would provide a targeted exemption from the SECURE 2.0 Act’s automatic enrollment requirement for multiemployer union retirement plans, recognizing their unique, collectively bargained structure. Such an exemption is currently provided for governmental and church plans.

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Graham Celebrates Passage of Nearly $120 Million for South Carolina Projects in Second FY26 Funding Bill

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) celebrated the passage of nearly $120 million in funding for South Carolina projects that he secured as part of the second Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 appropriations package. The Senate approved this legislation on Thursday, January 15 by a vote of 82 to 15.

As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Graham submitted multiple funding requests to support public safety and infrastructure projects in South Carolina and fought to have them included in the final product.

“I am pleased to support this package which funds the interests of South Carolina. The American people work hard for their money, and I believe it’s the job of elected representatives to ensure their tax dollars are put toward worthy causes,” said Graham. “Given increasing attacks against law enforcement officers, now more than ever, it is important for local police departments to have the tools they need to keep our streets and cities safe. Additionally, this legislation provides federal dollars to improve infrastructure and increase access to clean drinking water in our state. I believe each of these projects will improve South Carolinians’ quality of life, and I’m proud to have advocated for them.”

Below is a list of some of the South Carolina projects that Graham advocated for that will receive funding from this package:

Lancaster County Sheriff's Office: $1.2 million for police equipment

Town of Irmo: $396,000 to improve public safety

City of Myrtle Beach: $300,000 for police equipment

Laurens County Water and Sewer Commission: $4.4 million to enhance water quality

Town of Chapin: $1.6 million to upgrade drinking water infrastructure

City of North Myrtle Beach: $28 million for the construction of ocean outfalls to assist with flood management

Calhoun County and Orangeburg County: $22.5 million to expand water infrastructure

City of Charleston: $9.3 million for stormwater management

Mount Pleasant: $4.6 million for stormwater management

South Carolina Ports Authority: $500,000 for a feasibility study for navigation


Ranking Member Merkley, Colleagues Denounce Trump Administration’s Partisan Changes to National Park Service Access for 2026

Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley—the top Democrat overseeing funding for the National Park Service— today led U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Jack Reed (D-RI), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Ed Markey (D-MA), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Patty Murray (D-WA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Andy Kim (D-NJ) to sound the alarm over the Trump Administration’s so-called “modernization” plans for national park access, including several alarming partisan, polarizing initiatives that undermine the spirit of public lands for all.

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

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

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

Merkley has been outspoken about Trump’s authoritarian actions and abuse of public resources for self-promotion. The non-partisan National Park Service serves all Americans, but this decision unnecessarily politicizes government services, potentially breaking the law as well.

On October 21, 2025, Merkley took to the floor of the U.S. Senate to speak directly to the American people and ring the alarm bells about the Trump Administration’s authoritarian takeover of the country. He spoke for 22 hours 37 minutes—the third longest speech in Senate history.

Full text of the letter can be found by clicking here and follows below:

Dear Secretary Burgum:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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