Durbin, Duckworth, Peters, Slotkin Push OMB To Resume Brandon Road Project

“The current review is unnecessary and could cause delays that put the Great Lakes’ ecosystem and fishing industry at risk,” the Senators wrote in their letter to OMB Director Russ Vought about the agency’s short-sighted decision to pause the Brandon Road Interbasin Project

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), along with U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Gary Peters (D-MI), and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), today sent a letter to Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Russ Vought and Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Adam Telle urging the leaders to resume work on the Brandon Road Interbasin Project (BRIP), which was halted for administrative review despite the project having been previously reviewed, authorized, and appropriated by Congress. As the Senators note in their letter, pausing BRIP endangers the Great Lakes’ ecosystem and fishing industry.

“We write to express concern over the administrative review and pause of the Brandon Road Interbasin Project (BRIP). Moving this project forward is critical to protecting the Great Lakes from invasive carp. It has been thoroughly reviewed by Congress, the Army Corps of Engineers, and local partners, and its funding has been authorized and appropriated by Congress. The current review is unnecessary and could cause delays that put the Great Lakes’ ecosystem and fishing industry at risk,” the Senators wrote.

As the Senators emphasize in their letter, non-native invasive carp poses a serious threat to the health of the Great Lakes. The species has already entered the lower Mississippi River, spreading to tributaries, lakes, and reservoirs in the area, and traveling as far north as the Illinois River. If no action is taken to address the spread of invasive carp, the Great Lakes region will see the species invade waterways, harm native species, disrupt local ecosystems, and harm both commercial and recreational fishing. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, along with state and local partners, already spends nearly $70 million annually to control the invasive carp population, but that expense is expected to rise if OMB continues to stall work on BRIP.

The Senators continued, laying out the steps Congress, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and state governments have taken to ensure that BRIP was a sound investment that would address the spread of invasive carp.

“After several years of studying options and reviewing public feedback, in 2019, the Army Corps of Engineers finalized the plan for the BRIP. In 2020, Congress authorized the project. Congress provided $225 million for the construction of the BRIP in 2022 and an additional $47 million in 2023. Illinois and Michigan, the project’s non-federal sponsors, have invested more than $100 million in the project,” the Senators wrote.

“The federal investment currently is on hold without justification, and additional contracts for the project cannot be awarded due to the funding pause,” the Senators wrote. “The current pause and review could increase the cost and slow the final completion date of BRIP, increasing the likelihood that invasive carp could enter the Great Lakes. If invasive carp were to become established in the Great Lakes, they would outcompete existing fish populations, permanently damage ecosystems, and significantly impair the $7 billion Great Lakes economy.”

The Senators concluded their letter by reiterating that President Trump has stated his support for the project.

“Not only does this project have the strong support of Congress and the non-federal sponsors, President Trump also has highlighted the importance of moving the project forward and stopping the invasive carp, saying… ‘we have to save Lake Michigan because these fish that they eat everything in their way, including the other fish,’” the Senators wrote.

“In light of strong support for this project from the President, Congress, and local sponsors, we urge you to end the pause and review of BRIP and release federal funds to the Amry Corps of Engineers Rock Island District without delay,” the Senators concluded.

Durbin and Duckworth have been tireless advocates for the Brandon Road Project and finding a comprehensive approach to protecting the Great Lakes from the threat of invasive carp. Through previous Water Resources Development Acts, they secured authorization for design and construction of the Brandon Road Project, and in December 2024, Durbin and Duckworth successfully included a provision in the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA) to increase the federal cost share for the Brandon Road Project. Under the provision, the federal government will pay 90 percent of the operation and maintenance costs for Brandon Road after the project’s construction is complete, significantly lowering the costs of maintaining the infrastructure for Illinois.

In July 2024, Durbin and Duckworth applauded Illinois, Michigan, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for signing a Project Partnership Agreement (PPA) regarding the Brandon Road Project, which was necessary to ensure that the Brandon Road Project moves forward and does not lose valuable federal funding for its construction.

The Senators previously secured $225.8 million in construction funding for the project from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and $47.3 million in the Fiscal Year 2023 government funding bill.

Durbin was also instrumental in forcing the release of the original Brandon Road Study, a draft plan that paved the way for the project, after the first Trump Administration stalled the report’s release.

A copy of the letter is available hereand below:

January 15, 2026

Dear Director Vought and Assistant Secretary Telle:

We write to express concern over the administrative review and pause of the Brandon Road Interbasin Project (BRIP). Moving this project forward is critical to protecting the Great Lakes from invasive carp. It has been thoroughly reviewed by Congress, the Army Corps of Engineers, and local partners, and its funding has been authorized and appropriated by Congress. The current review is unnecessary and could cause delays that put the Great Lakes’ ecosystem and fishing industry at risk.

After flooding events in the 1970s, non-native invasive carp entered the lower Mississippi River, and spread to tributaries, lakes, and reservoirs. They have spread as far North as the Illinois River, within reach of the Great Lakes. These invasive carp have created significant problems in waterways, out-competing native species, disrupting local ecosystems and habitats, posing recreational hazards, and harming both commercial and recreational fishing. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, along with state and local partners, spends nearly $70 million annually to control populations of the carp—a number that would be far more significant if invasive carp make it to the Great Lakes.

Federal investment to prevent the spread of invasive carp has been critical to keeping the fish at bay. The Army Corps of Engineers installed electric barriers in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal in 2002, 2009, and 2011. Although these barriers serve as a deterrent for upstream movement of the fish, in both 2010 and 2017 invasive carp were found upstream of the barriers, a clear sign that a more permanent solution was necessary.

After several years of studying options and reviewing public feedback, in 2019, the Army Corps of Engineers finalized the plan for the BRIP. In 2020, Congress authorized the project. Congress provided $225 million for the construction of the BRIP in 2022 and an additional $47 million in 2023. Illinois and Michigan, the project’s non-federal sponsors, have invested more than $100 million in the project. The federal investment currently is on hold without justification, and additional contracts for the project cannot be awarded due to the funding pause.

The current pause and review could increase the cost and slow the final completion date of BRIP, increasing the likelihood that invasive carp could enter the Great Lakes. If invasive carp were to become established in the Great Lakes, they would outcompete existing fish populations, permanently damage ecosystems, and significantly impair the $7 billion Great Lakes economy.

Not only does this project have the strong support of Congress and the non-federal sponsors, President Trump also has highlighted the importance of moving the project forward and stopping the invasive carp, saying “it is sort of a bipartisan thing when you get right down to it's a very expensive thing…I looked at the numbers. I said, well, but we have to save Lake Michigan because these fish that they eat everything in their way, including the other fish."

In light of strong support for this project from the President, Congress, and local sponsors, we urge you to end the pause and review of BRIP and release federal funds to the Amry Corps of Engineers Rock Island District without delay. Thank you for your prompt attention to this important matter.

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Durbin Introduces Legislation To Improve Transparency And Safety Of Dietary Supplements

Nine out of 10 American adults support listing requirements for dietary supplements

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today reintroduced the Dietary Supplement Listing Act, legislation to require dietary supplement manufacturers to register their products with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In 1994, Congress passed the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), which provided FDA with authorities to regulate dietary supplements. However, DSHEA did not require dietary supplement companies to register their products with FDA, leaving the agency without the much-needed information to properly understand or oversee the market. In 1994, there were 4,000 dietary supplements marketed in the United States. Today, FDA estimates there are more than 100,000 on the market.

“FDA—and consumers—should know what dietary supplements are on the market and what ingredients are included in them. This is FDA’s most basic function, and the first step to protecting consumers,” said Durbin, “Americans deserve a transparent supplement market, and it’s past time that we deliver it for them.”

“In an era when the Administration has rightly called for more transparency about what we eat and how food is made, it makes sense to apply that same transparency to dietary supplements,” said Steve Mister, President & CEO of Council for Responsible Nutrition. “Consumers deserve to know what products are on the market and what they contain — and FDA needs that same information to do its job effectively.”

The Dietary Supplement Listing Act would require companies to provide FDA with critical information about their products, including product names; a list of all ingredients; an electronic copy of the label; allergen statements; and health and structure/function claims. This information would be made public to Americans through an electronic database.

More than 75 percent of American adults use a dietary supplement. However, no product is without risk. In 2023, FDA received more than 2,000 adverse event reports related to dietary supplements. However, due to significant underreporting, FDA has estimated the actual annual number of adverse events is more than 50,000. Over the last 30 years, annual dietary supplement sales increased from $4 billion to more than $50 billion.

This legislation has earned endorsements from the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), Consumer Federation of America, United States Pharmacopeia (USP), United States Public Interest Research Group (U.S. PIRG), and Ritual.

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Durbin Joins Bipartisan, Bicameral Congressional Delegation To Copenhagen

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) is joining a bipartisan, bicameral congressional delegation to Copenhagen, Denmark to highlight the more than 200 years of friendship between the United States and the Kingdom of Denmark, including enduring national security ties and decades of economic cooperation. The delegation will be in Copenhagen on Friday, January 16, and Saturday, January 17.

“President Trump’s continued threats toward Greenland are unnecessary and would only weaken our NATO alliance,” said Durbin. “Denmark is a strong partner of the United States and this bipartisan CODEL reiterates that the United States Congress stands firm in our partnership, despite the President’s advances.”

In Copenhagen, the delegation is expected to meet with Danish and Greenlandic government and business leaders. The trip will highlight bipartisan support for our allies in the Kingdom of Denmark and discuss how to deepen this partnership in line with our shared principles of sovereignty and self-determination, and in the face of growing challenges around the world, especially bolstering Arctic security and promoting stronger trade relations between the two countries.

Durbin will be joined on the trip by U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-DE), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Peter Welch (D-VT), and U.S. Representatives Steny Hoyer (D-MD), Gregory Meeks (D-NY), Madeleine Dean (D-PA), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), and Sarah McBride (D-DE).

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Durbin Questions Witnesses During Joint Judiciary Subcommittee Hearing On Vetting Afghan Nationals

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, questioned Department of State, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and Department of Defense (DOD) officials during a Senate Judiciary Joint Subcommittee hearing entitled “Biden’s Afghan Parolee Program – A Trojan Horse with Flawed Vetting and Deadly Consequences.” The hearing was scheduled in the aftermath of a horrific tragedy on November 26, when a gunman killed two National Guard members in Washington, DC.

Durbin first asked the government witnesses if they were involved in shaping the current policy regarding visa applications for Afghan nationals.

“Did any of you make the recommendation for the policy we currently have which stops the processing of all immigrant and visa applications for individuals with Afghan passports?” Durbin asked.

Arne B. Baker, the Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Inspector General at the State Department responded, “Our position as Inspectors General, we do not make policy decisions, the agency does.”

The other witnesses, Craig Adelman, the Deputy Inspector General, Office of Audits, at DHS, and Michael J. Roark, the Deputy Inspector General of Evaluations Component at DOD agreed with Mr. Baker.

Durbin then asked about the vetting process for Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the Afghan refugee who shot the two National Guard members in November. Mr. Lakanwal had a pending Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) application and in December 2024 applied to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for asylum, which he was granted in April 2025 under the Trump Administration.

“We had a period of time in the SCIF with classified and secret information trying to get to the bottom of this. It is a serious, serious situation involving the loss of life and serious injury and we are trying to figure out what went wrong. The thing that kept occurring to me was the fact that the shooter [in the National Guard shooting] had been identified as a person with serious problems,” said Durbin.

“For all three of you, this man accused in the tragic shooting of two National Guard members, we have not seen any indication there was a failure in actual vetting. Instead, there was a failure to respond to urgent requests made by his family members about [his] deteriorating mental health. Isn't this a real gap in the process that you go through and check the boxes… and miss the obvious problem that could have led to saving the life of this National Guardsman and the one who is injured?” Durbin asked.

Mr. Adelman responded that, “Overall I would say that the interview that’s being conducted when someone applies for benefits would be an opportunity to get to know the person and see if there are any challenges there.”

Durbin responded, “But these are over a period of time… In this situation, we understand the shooter was deteriorating and he was showing bizarre conduct, driving all over the United States, making statements that worried even his family. How can we miss something like that? That seems to me to be getting to the heart of whether this person is safe to be in this country or safer in others.”

Mr. Adelman responded that his office had identified challenges with information sharing and disagreements between DHS entities as to when to refer parolees for enforcement action.

“I might say we are talking about an agency which has diverted massive resources now to a totally unrelated undertaking involving the cities of Chicago and Minneapolis and other places. Mr. Baker, what is your impression when you consider this gap and asking the very basic questions of ‘what is wrong with this man?’ Durbin asked.

Mr. Baker responded that the State Department was responsible for the first 90 days of the Afghan nationals’ resettlement activities. He also noted that the State Department did find significant challenges with mental health support and screening in part because the evacuation occurred during COVID. He also noted that the State Department’s role was only for 90 days, and then they were transferred to DHS.

Durbin concluded, “But have we learned anything from this horrible experience, this tragedy? There is a lot of finger pointing that goes on [on] Capitol Hill by both political parties. Is this Joe Biden’s fault? Is this Donald Trump's fault? Wouldn't it be better for us to take a lesson from this as to how we can improve this process in the future rather than just shutting down any access of asylees into the United States from 39 different countries? I would like to see us do something positive and bipartisan and make this a safer system.”

Video of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.

Audio of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.

Footage of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available herefor TV Stations.

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Durbin, Shaheen Host Bipartisan Meeting With Venezuelan Opposition Leader, María Corina Machado

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, hosted Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize recipient, María Corina Machado, for a bipartisan meeting with United States Senators. In attendance at today’s meeting along with Durbin and Shaheen were U.S. Senators Rick Scott (R-FL), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), John Curtis (R-UT), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), 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).

“María Corina Machado is an extraordinary person who is completely deserving of the Nobel Peace Prize after having risked her life to bring about change to the Venezuelan government and people,” said Durbin. “Today, we asked her practical questions about how she sees her homeland now since Maduro has been removed and Delcy Rodríguez appears to be the de-facto interim leader. Ms. Machado is as determined as ever to see a better future for the Venezuelan people. She and President-elect Edmundo González have my continued great admiration and support.”

“I appreciated the chance to meet with María Corina Machado today and to hear directly from her about how she views this moment for Venezuela, after years of Maduro’s repression and brutality,” said Shaheen. “Maria Corina has spent years courageously pushing for political change under extraordinary pressure. Removing a dictator is not the same as restoring democracy, and any transition that leaves entrenched institutions and criminal networks intact risks prolonging violence and instability. On a bipartisan basis, the United States has long supported a democratic transition in Venezuela. With Maduro removed, we must continue to ensure that Venezuela does not simply transition from one authoritarian to another.”

Scott said, “María Corina is a hero to the Latin American people and a true champion for freedom and democracy in Venezuela. Her peaceful leadership and unwavering courage have become a beacon of hope for millions of Venezuelans who have stood up against Nicolás Maduro’s brutal dictatorship and demanded change. It was a blessing to speak with her today as she continues to inspire the world with her determination to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy. A Latin America free of socialist and communist rule is in the best interest of the United States, and that’s why for years, I have fought alongside the people of Venezuela to restore their God-given freedom and liberty. I also want to thank President Trump, Secretary Rubio, and Secretary Hegseth, for fighting for the Venezuelan people. I am proud to stand with María and the brave people of Venezuela in their fight for freedom, and I will continue working alongside them to hold every person tied to the illegitimate Maduro regime accountable.”

“María Corina Machado is an inspiring leader who has risked her own life and freedom in the fight for democracy for the Venezuelan people,” said Rosen. “It’s clear that she remains committed to making sure the voice of the Venezuelan people is heard and respected. The people of Venezuela deserve to decide their own future, rather than trading undemocratic rule under the Maduro regime for years of rule by Maduro’s handpicked successor, or by the United States, as Donald Trump has proposed.”

“Operation Absolute Resolve was a resounding success. Now, we must turn our attention to securing peace and prosperity in the Western Hemisphere by supporting the stabilization of Venezuela. The path forward is clear—María Corina Machado has laid the groundwork for a democratic transition that upholds liberty and self-governance for the Venezuelan people,” said Curtis.

“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 Gallego.

“María Corina Machado is a fearless leader who has fought to end the horrific abuses carried out by the Maduro regime,” said Kaine. “Machado and President-elect Edmundo González deserve our full support, and the Venezuelan people deserve better from the United States than a President who refers to the new leader of Maduro’s horrific regime as a ‘terrific person.’ My colleagues and I will continue working to ensure the United States does not turn its back on Machado and the promise of democracy and human rights in Venezuela. I’m grateful for the productive meeting today about how we can advance these goals together.”

“María Corina Machado’s relentless struggle against brutal authoritarianism is inspiring. Ensuring a peaceful transition to democracy will require great courage and perseverance—qualities that María Corina has shown over many years. It is our job, Democrats and Republicans alike, to support her and the Venezuelan people as they navigate this long and difficult road,” said Welch.

“María Corina Machado’s courage in standing up for democracy and human rights for the Venezuelan people inspires us all. Her fight for freedom and justice echoes beyond Venezuela’s borders, and we are honored to stand with her in pursuit of a peaceful, democratic future for the people of Venezuela,” said Padilla.

Photos of today’s meeting are available here.

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

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Durbin Urges Senate Colleagues To Support His Bipartisan Credit Card Competition Act

WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) urged his Senate colleagues to support his bipartisan legislation with U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS), the Credit Card Competition Act (CCCA), which would increase competition in the credit card market and put an end to the Visa-Mastercard duopoly that is squeezing small businesses—and, ultimately, consumers. Durbin and Marshall re-introduced the legislation earlier this week, which was endorsed by President Trump.

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

“Data released this week by the Bureau of Labor Statistics confirms what many in this chamber know… and what Americans feel every day: prices are just too high. Consumer prices—from rent to groceries to utilities and more—are up nearly three percent compared to last year. Affordability is real,” Durbin said. “And while costs continue to go up and everyday Americans are struggling, big banks are rolling in cash with profit margins around 30 percent.”

Durbin continued, “Why are big banks making so much money? It is because they profit off of something called a ‘swipe’ fee, an ‘interchange’ fee. Every time you use your credit card, Visa or Mastercard, they charge the merchant what is essentially a service fee. The merchant pays a fee of two to three percent on each transaction… While Visa and Mastercard keep some of the [fee] for themselves, most is pocketed by the big banks that issue the cards. A few bucks here and a few bucks there, and you’ve got a pretty good haul if you’re a big bank. How good? In 2024, Visa and Mastercard and their big bank partners raked in more than $111 billion in credit card swipe fees.”

Durbin went on to share stories of his constituents in Illinois whose small businesses are being crushed by these swipe fees.

“If you don’t believe me, listen to what a constituent of mine in Chicago wrote. Rick is his name. He owns a gas station. He pays $50,000 to $60,000 a year in swipe fees. He says, and I quote, ‘these fees have an impact on pricing in the store.’ Small business owners like Rick have little recourse. Visa and Mastercard have a near virtual grasp on the credit card market controlling about 85 percent of it,” Durbin said.

Durbin continued, “This individual, Laura, says she owns a coffee shop. ‘My per ticket amounts are low, roughly $5. Yet each transaction can take up to 25 cents in swipe fees to the credit cards. We need competition in the credit card marketplace and options to choose from. Just like small businesses have to compete for customers, credit card companies should have to compete for our business.’ Laura has a coffee and tea business in Elmhurst, Illinois. Why are big banks making so much money? The swipe fees are virtually unregulated. We’d like to change that. Another source of information from Susser, Illinois, which is in downstate southern Illinois, Greg Kelly writes me, ‘When combined with basic merchant processing fees and set monthly access fees, credit card fees can add up to nearly five percent of total transactions.’ Greg writes, ‘This is insane. This prevents hiring and hinders business growth as well as being able to compete. Credit card reform is needed now.’”

Opponents of the CCCA have falsely claimed that such provisions would squeeze Visa, Mastercard, and the big banks, and force them to scale-back reward programs. But in 2024, banks netted about $378 billion in revenue from debit and credit cards, but they only paid out $47 billion in rewards. And an analysis by payments consulting firm CMSPI found that rewards would be reduced by less than one-tenth of one percent “at most” because of the Credit Card Competition Act.

“The banking industry hates the Marshall-Durbin [Credit Card Competition Act] like the devil hates holy water. To them, any kind of regulation is unacceptable,” Durbin said. “By injecting competition in the credit card market, this bill would help bring down swipe fees that small businesses pay and that ultimately get passed on to America’s working families in the form of higher prices.”

Durbin concluded, “I urge my Senate colleagues: let’s come together and get this done on behalf of consumers and small businesses. You want to do something that really makes a difference for the bottom line [and] debt of families, address the outrageous interest rates being charged on credit cards and address the swipe fee that’s being charged on retailers… This is the time to do it. If we’re going to meaningfully address the real expenses that families face, I urge my colleagues to look at this bipartisan measure, commonsense measure that will make a difference for the families that we represent.”

Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.

Durbin and Marshall also introduced the Credit Card Competition Act last Congress. The legislation was cosponsored by then-Senator JD Vance (R-OH), Peter Welch (D-VT), Jack Reed (D-RI), and Josh Hawley (R-MO). This legislation would increase competition in the credit card processing market by requiring large banks with more than $100 billion in assets to enable at least two unaffiliated card networks (including one outside Visa/Mastercard), helping lower swipe fees for small businesses and passing savings on to consumers.

Full text of the legislation can be found here.

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Fetterman, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Cap Credit Card Late Fees at $8

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) introduced the Credit Card Fairness Act, legislation that would put into statute the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s popular $8 cap on credit card late fees.

Consumers currently pay $14 billion per year in credit card late fees, which pads the profits of the biggest banks. The standard $30 to $41 late fee is up to five times higher than the cost for banks of collecting late payments, allowing banks to profit from customers who are struggling to make ends meet. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau previously enacted a rule that capped these fees at $8, which was stalled in litigation brought by the big banks. This legislation would codify the $8 cap in law.

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

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

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

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

“Excessive credit card late fees bulk up profits for big banks while eating into already strained household budgets,” said Ericka Taylor, Co-Executive Director of Americans for Financial Reform. “This legislation would cap credit card late fees and make life a little more affordable.”

“Penalty fees shouldn’t be profit centers,” said Adam Rust, Director of Financial Services for the Consumer Federation of America. “Families shouldn’t have to choose between paying an exorbitant late fee or meeting their basic needs. The Credit Card Fairness Act sets a reasonable cap on credit card late fees, restoring a standard of fairness and affordability to the cost of consumer credit.”

“For too long, big banks have profited from families falling behind on credit card bills. The Credit Card Fairness Act would cap credit card late fees, putting an end to this abusive practice and keeping more money in people’s pockets,” said Emily DiVito, Senior Advisor for Economy Policy, Groundwork Collaborative.

“Banks earn billions of dollars in profits from late fees on families struggling with unaffordable credit card debt. This bill will save over $200 a year on average for the more than 45 million people who are charged late fees,” said Lauren Saunders, Associate Director and Director of Federal Advocacy at the National Consumer Law Center.

“Public Citizen strongly supports Sen. Fetterman, Booker, and Baldwin’s legislation to reinstate the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) rule capping credit card late fees,” said Craig Holman, Ph.D., of Public Citizen. “This measure provides a critical protection against predatory practices that impose greater harm on low-income consumers and would save American families billions in unnecessary expenses.”

“American families are being crushed by an affordability crisis and millions are being pushed further into the red just to cover basic necessities like groceries, utilities, rent, and medication,” said Aissa Canchola Bañez, Policy Director at Protect Borrowers. “We applaud Senators Fetterman, Booker, and Baldwin for introducing legislation to cap credit card late fees at $8 and call on all policymakers to support this effort immediately.”

“Credit cards should be basing profit on the economics of the business, not on the backs of people who are paying late fees,” said Aaron Klein, Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution. “Credit cards that use late fees, paid by people already paying interest, to subsidize rewards for wealthy people who never carry a balance and get a month of interest free float is a regressive reverse Robin Hood that should be stopped.”

A summary of the bill text can be found here.


Fischer Advances Over $7.6 Billion for National Defense, Nuclear Modernization

Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, voted for a three-bill funding package that would allocate over $7.6 billion for defense programs she supported within the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and the U.S. Department of Energy.

“As a member of the Appropriations Committee and senior member of the Armed Services Committee, I’ve fought to secure critical funding to modernize our nuclear deterrent and sustainment programs. This robust investment shows our adversaries that America is strong, ready, and capable of responding to any threat to our nation’s security at any time and anywhere,” Fischer said.

Fischer supported the following federal program funding:

$186 million for the nuclear-armed sea-launched cruise missile (SLCM-N)

$2.6 billion for plutonium pit production between Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico and Savannah River Site in South Carolina

$1.6 billion to update the infrastructure, materials, and processes for non-primary components of nuclear weapons such as uranium, lithium, tritium, and high explosives

$1.26 billion for the W80-4 nuclear warhead modernization program

$806 million for the W93 nuclear warhead for submarine-launched ballistic missiles

$649 million for the W87-1 nuclear warhead to accompany the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM)

At least $502 million to modernize aging facilities, address environmental impacts, and upgrade security features at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Tennessee’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory

$49.4 million for the B61-13 nuclear gravity bomb

Fischer advanced key provision for nuclear modernization:

Directs the NNSA to provide a briefing on plans to accelerate high explosives and material staging facility acquisitions


Fischer Secures $48 Million for Nebraska Law Enforcement, Water Infrastructure, Research Institutions

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced she secured numerous Nebraska priorities in three Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 government funding bills passed by the U.S. Senate today. The bills now head to the president’s desk to be signed into law.

“As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I’m pleased to have secured $48 million in this package – now on its way to the president’s desk. I’ve worked with communities across our state to identify and fund projects to make life better for Nebraskans. This includes improvements to our water infrastructure and firefighting capabilities, critical upgrades to emergency communication systems, and investments in our research institutions,” Fischer said.

Fischer continued, “Bringing tax dollars back to our communities is a crucial part of my job. I’ll continue working to ensure Nebraskans have a say in how our federal government spends their hard-earned tax dollars.”

Senate passed appropriations bills:

Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies

Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies

Energy and Water Development

PROVISIONS SECURED BY FISCHER:

Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies:

$2.7 million for Otoe County to upgrade its emergency communications

$782,000 to the Southeast Communications 911 Center for emergency communications equipment upgrades

$415,000 to Region 26 Communications Center (Thomas, Blaine, Loup, Garfield, Wheeler, Greeley, Valley, and Sherman Counties) to upgrade equipment to support fire, rescue, and law enforcement emergency communications

$327,000 to Thayer County for equipment upgrades for emergency radio communications

$2 million for the University of Nebraska–Omaha to implement and assess the Missing and Anti-Trafficking Youth Services Program to protect children from exploitation

$176,000 for Nebraska State Patrol task force technology upgrades to support investigations for the arrest of child predators

$1 million to the Omaha Police Department for public safety equipment upgrades

$1.2 million to the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office for critical equipment, including body-worn cameras

$639,000 to Douglas County for equipment and technology upgrades for law enforcement information systems

$1 million for the University of Nebraska–Lincoln to purchase equipment and develop space to design, build, test, model, and validate products that grow Nebraska’s bioeconomy

$3 million for the University of Nebraska–Kearney to modernize and expand comparative biomedical research training

$1 million for the University of Nebraska–Lincoln for equipment upgrades to support water quality research

Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies:

$3.2 million to repair and upgrade the water treatment plant in McCook

$2.37 million to construct a retention lagoon, lift station, and sanitary sewer extensions in Greeley

$696,000 to replace an aging well and renovate the sanitary water storage tank in Farwell

$8.25 million to improve the Santee Sioux Tribe’s water source

$1.42 million for watershed and stream improvements in the Middle Niobrara Natural Resources District

$776,000 for reconstruction of water and storm sewer facilities in Gothenburg

$620,000 to construct a new well and transmission line in Genoa

$600,000 to construct an additional lagoon cell in Shelby

$468,000 to line the sewer mains in Valparaiso

$100,000 to renovate an existing lagoon cell and install a depth mark in Ong

Energy and Water Development:

$14.6 million to assist in the restoration of two irrigation tunnels on the Gering-Fort Laramie Canal

$1.2 million to construct priority flood control projects in the Papillion Creek Basin in Sarpy County

$350,000 to continue construction of a stormwater pump station to protect Offutt Air Force Base

$50,000 for investigation funds for restoration of Big Elk Park in Thurston County


Gallego, Kelly Introduce Bicameral Bill to Increase ICE Accountability and Keep Communities Safe

Raises standards for ICE operations to protect communities and ensure public safety

WASHINGTON — Today, Arizona Senators Ruben Gallego and Mark Kelly introduced the bicameral Stop Excessive Force in Immigration Act, legislation to set clear use-of-force standards, increase transparency, and strengthen accountability for Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations—protecting communities while ensuring officers can safely address public safety and national security concerns.

The Stop Excessive Force in Immigration Act ensures ICE enforcement aligns with current Department of Justice (DOJ) use-of-force standards by emphasizing de-escalation and limiting deadly force, and establishes an affirmative duty to render medical aid. The bill would also encourage allowing state or local investigations into excessive force incidents.

“The shooting of Renee Good and horrific violence we’re seeing from ICE agents in Minnesota and across the country is a disgrace and completely avoidable. We can secure the border and enforce immigration laws without terrorizing communities, racial profiling, or putting innocent people in danger. But the Stephen Miller approach is about stoking fear in our communities and causing harm to innocent people,” said Senator Gallego. “We need to reform and restrain ICE to make sure it is targeted, professional, accountable, and focused on deporting dangerous criminals. This bill will bring much-needed accountability and restraint to stop Trump’s under-trained goon squads from sowing chaos in our communities and to ensure this needless violence never happens again.”

“With a budget larger than the U.S. Marine Corps and massive operations in U.S. cities, ICE has to be held to a higher standard. Under this administration, we’ve seen ICE harass and use deadly force against American citizens with zero accountability, creating more chaos that makes communities less safe. That isn’t acceptable. Arizonans deserve immigration enforcement that is effective and follows the law,” said Senator Kelly. “This bill sets clear standards for the use of force that follows other federal law enforcement agencies, while ensuring training and transparency so that ICE is accountable to the American people.”

“In May, ICE agents stormed into Buona Forchetta, a small neighborhood restaurant in San Diego. They threw the owner against the wall, handcuffed all employees, and even used flash-bang grenades on bystanders outside the restaurant. And just last week in Minneapolis, we watched ICE fatally shoot Renee Good, a mother of three; the horrific result of armed agents operating without sufficient training or accountability,” said Representative Peters. “It’s clear ICE’s actions don’t make us safer. If anything, they’re making us less safe. Immigration enforcement should not be militarizing our streets and using unchecked force. Congress must act to rein in ICE immediately. We can’t wait for the next tragedy.”

Companion legislation was introduced in November in the House by Representatives Scott Peters (D-CA-50), Dan Goldman (D-NY-10), and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-8).

The legislation comes amid concern over increasingly aggressive enforcement tactics by ICE, including the January 7, 2026, ICE-involved shooting that killed Renée Nicole Good in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Under President Trump, federal agents have been captured using excessive force against non-violent American citizens, immigrants, journalists, protesters, priests, and others. There has been a significant increase in the careless use of harmful equipment like flash bangs, pepper balls, and tear gas. During a 60 Minutes interview, President Trump was asked about violent examples of immigration enforcement and stated that immigration raids have “not gone far enough.” Communities should be able to trust federal law enforcement and not be in fear they could be mistreated or face excessive force.

See what Arizona leaders are saying in support of the legislation:

“In Arizona, families should not fear masked agents, excessive force, or intimidation simply for living their lives. We’ve seen firsthand how aggressive, unaccountable immigration enforcement destabilizes families, schools, and entire neighborhoods. We commend Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego for their leadership in advancing legislation that restores dignity and ensures constitutional rights are protected for all Americans regardless of immigration status while keeping families, officers, and communities safe,” said Reyna E. Montoya, Founder & CEO, Aliento.

“The excessive force being exercised by ICE and the lack of transparency being exhibited by this anonymous masked force, which is terrorizing individuals and ripping at the fabric of our communities, stands in opposition to policing norms, it also serves as an instrument to dehumanize those that it encounters. The Stop Excessive Force in Immigration Act addresses the excesses of ICE and is a first step in rebuilding trust in the community. Passage would also signal that this country believes in upholding the constitutional rights of each individual and has regained its moral compass,” said Rev. Dr. Cathy Clardy Patterson, Founding Pastor Fountain of Life Church, Scottsdale, AZ.

“Recent tragic events have made painfully clear that this administration has abandoned even the pretense of accountability for law enforcement and prioritization of public safety in favor of a politically driven pursuit of deportation numbers. These incidents have eroded trust in our immigration enforcement and underscored the urgent need to professionalize U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. This bill would raise standards, strengthen training and oversight, and restore credibility and public trust that ICE so desperately needs after years of damaging practices and lack of transparency,” said Third Way.

“Many of UNITE HERE Local 11’s members look like the people targeted by ICE. As Trump’s masked agents continue to use racial profiling and violence to separate families and ravage our communities many live in constant fear, no matter our immigration status. No family should live in fear to bring their kids to school, visit a doctor, or go to work. The Stop Excessive Force in Immigration Act is necessary to fight back against the fascism taking over our country and we are proud to stand with our brave elected leaders who are putting it forward,” said Susan Minato, Co-President, UNITE HERE Local 11.

The Stop Excessive Force in Immigration Act sets clear standards, transparency, and accountability for ICE officers to conduct their operations while ensuring public safety. It would:

Set clear use-of-force standards by limiting deadly force to situations where there is “no reasonably effective, safe, and feasible alternate.”

Limit the discharging of firearms under certain circumstances, such as limiting discharging of firearms on a moving vehicle where other objectively reasonable options exist, including moving out of the path of the vehicle.

Require federal immigration personnel to intervene and report if they witness other personnel using excessive force.

Strengthen mandatory training, updating agencies’ use-of-force policies, de-escalation guidance, and camera compliance protocols and mandating annual training on use-of-force, de-escalation, First and Fourth Amendment rights, preventing racial profiling, and duties to render medical aid.

Restrict the use of certain prohibited equipment such as tear gas, flash-bangs, and pepper balls.

Require clear identification by limiting the use of face masks and requiring clear uniform standards for identification.

Require body-worn and vehicle cameras for immigration law enforcement.

Establish biannual requirement for DHS and DOJ to report on force incidents, assaults, mask/uniform use, and impersonations, and create DHS databases documenting use of force, significant incidents, civil rights allegations, and training/certification for restricted equipment.

Ensure accountability and coordination by requiring DHS Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, the DHS Office of Inspector General, and DOJ Office of the Inspector General to investigate policy violations and by requiring advance notice to state and local authorities before operations for coordination and public safety response.

Click HERE to read the full text of the bill and HERE for a one-pager.

1/15/26


Gallego, Murkowski, Khanna, Bacon Introduce Sense of Congress Affirming the United States’ Partnership with Denmark and Greenland

WASHINGTON – Today, Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Representatives Ro Khanna (D-CA-17) and Don Bacon (R-NE-02) introduced a Sense of Congress bill affirming the United States’ partnership with Denmark and Greenland and recognizing our responsibility to comply with treaty obligations and solve any disputes peacefully.

“The United States’ longstanding partnership with Denmark and Greenland is based on shared democratic values, mutual respect, and the basic NATO principle that allies should resolve disputes peacefully. That’s why it’s so alarming to hear officials in the administration and the President suggest the U.S. will try to take over Greenland and threatening military force,” said Senator Gallego. “These threats have no place between allies, and they undermine the trust that keeps our alliances strong and distract from the real security challenges we face. The world is safer when the United States leads with cooperation rather than coercion.”

“Whether through defense cooperation, such as our shared military assets at Pituffik Space Base, or the development of critical minerals that will strengthen our national security, every one of our strategic goals can be accomplished with Greenland as a partner. At a time when we really can’t agree on much of anything, this is a resolution that all members of Congress should be willing to put their names behind,” said Senator Murkowski. “Safeguarding our relationships with our NATO allies should be paramount, with Greenland treated as our partner, not a possession.”

“It’s time for Congress to wake up and do its job. This is a moral test for America and we have a responsibility to keep Americans out of dumb foreign wars and honor our relationships with our NATO allies. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan resolution with my colleagues that affirms America’s partnership with Denmark and Greenland and stands up for Congress’s constitutional powers,” said Rep. Ro Khanna.

“I strongly oppose threatening use of force against our close allies. Denmark has been an outstanding U.S. ally, supporting missions in Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Mali, the Horn of Africa, and Syria. There have been numerous bases in Greenland over the recent decades, and it is currently home to a critical Space Force missile defense and space surveillance base. These threats against fellow NATO members Denmark and Greenland serve only the interests of our adversary, Russia and Putin, who desire NATO’s dissolution,” said Rep. Don Bacon.

Read the legislation HERE.

Yesterday, Senator Gallego joined Senator Murkowski in meeting with the Foreign Ministers of Denmark and Greenland to underscore the United States’ longstanding partnership with the countries and commitment to cooperation in the Nordic region. Last week, Senator Gallego also met with the Danish Ambassador to the U.S. and Head of Greenland Representation and introduced an amendment to the Senate Defense Appropriations bill to prohibit the use of funds for military force against Greenland. The Senator also plans to introduce a War Powers Resolution on Greenland.

1/15/26


Gillibrand Statement On Court Injunction Allowing Empire Wind Construction To Resume

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand released the following statement on the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia’s preliminary injunction allowing the Empire Wind project to resume construction following the Trump administration’s stop work order, which constituted another brazen attack on New York’s energy economy:

“Today’s court decision allowing Empire Wind’s construction to continue is a clear win for New York’s economy. I am relieved to see that this project will resume, putting New York back on track to unlock good-paying union jobs, increase energy production, and lower energy costs. The Trump administration’s politically motivated pause was an unjustified attack that threatened the livelihoods of union workers and billions of dollars of investment in our state, leaving New Yorkers to pay the price. I am glad this has been reversed for the time being. I will keep working to make sure these kinds of projects continue to power homes, job creation, and New York’s economy.”

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Sens. Moody, Gillibrand Announce New Bipartisan Bill To Ban Congressional Stock Trading

86% of Americans support passing a bill to ban members of Congress from trading individual stocks

Today, U.S. Senators Ashley Moody (R-FL) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) introduced the bipartisan Restore Trust in Congress Act, which would ban stock ownership and trading for members of Congress and their immediate family members. This is companion legislation to the bipartisan bill introduced by U.S. Representatives Chip Roy (R-TX-21) and Seth Magaziner (D-RI-02) in the U.S. House of Representatives, which currently has 126 total cosponsors. To date, 79 representatives–both Democrats and Republicans—have signed a discharge petition filed by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL-13) to bring this bill to the House floor for a vote.

“It is fundamental to our Republic that members of Congress are focused on our nation and its citizens’ well-being, not how they may financially profit from their positions,” said the senators. “That is why we are proud to introduce this commonsense bill to ban members of Congress from owning or trading individual stocks. We will continue to fight tirelessly to make sure it becomes law.”

The STOCK Act–which Senator Gillibrand led to passage in 2012—bars members of Congress from using insider information to buy and sell stocks. Despite this legislation, one in three members of Congress traded stocks or other financial assets from 2019-2021, and at least 3,700 of those trades posed potential conflicts of interest with their legislative responsibilities. The Restore Trust in Congress Act would help eliminate these conflicts of interest by prohibiting congressional stock holding and trading entirely.

Specifically, the bill would:

Ban members of Congress, their spouses, their dependent children, and their trustees from owning, buying, and selling individual stocks and certain other financial assets, including securities, commodities, and futures. This includes assets held in qualified blind trusts. There are limited exceptions, including widely held, diversified investment funds like mutual funds and ETFs, as well as U.S. Treasury, state, and municipal bonds.

Require that current members of Congress and their families divest these assets within 180 days of the law’s enactment. For future members of Congress and their families, divestment of these assets would be required within 90 days of their swearing in.

Impose a fine for violations equal to 10% of the value of the asset and require that any profits from the transaction be disgorged to the U.S. Treasury.

The full text of the legislation can be found here.

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Grassley, Moody Support Life, Sponsor Pregnant Students’ Rights Act

WASHINGTON– Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) joined Sen. Ashley Moody (R-Fla.) in introducing the Pregnant Students’ Rights Act. The bill requires universities to inform students who are pregnant of their rights and protections, such as modified class schedules, excused absences and other resources, supporting young women’s ability to carry their babies to term.

The bill is cosponsored by Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.), as well as Sens. James Lankford (R-Okla.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.). Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa) is leading companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

“Mothers shouldn’t have to choose between their education and their unborn child. Our pro-mother, pro-family legislation supports pregnant women, ensuring they can fully understand their rights and receive support while pursuing their dreams. I thank Senator Moody and Congresswoman Hinson for leading this charge to empower mothers working to create the best future for their families.” Grassley said.

“Navigating college can be challenging, and unfortunately women who become pregnant can feel pressure to choose between bringing life into this world or academic failure. No one should have to make this decision. My Pregnant Students’ Rights Act ensures students know what resources and support are available to them to stay in school, succeed, and care for their new baby,” Moody said.

“College students who are pregnant or may become unexpectedly pregnant deserve to know every resource available to them, and it is unacceptable that so many often feel they have to choose between finishing their education and having their baby. My legislation empowers young women to choose life and ensures they have the resources and support necessary to build the best future for themselves and their child. I’m grateful to Senator Ashley Moody for leading these efforts in the Senate!” Hinson said.

The Pregnant Students’ Rights Act requires universities to inform students on how to file a complaint with the Department of Education if there is a violation of Title IX protections for pregnant students. The measure also ensures universities disseminate information regarding the rights and protections for pregnant women through emails, student handbooks, at orientation, on publicly available websites and at student health or counseling centers.

Information must include a list of campus resources to help pregnant students and new mothers, accommodations provided by the school for pregnant students and new mothers, and contact information for filing a discrimination complaint with the Education Department or the school.

The legislation is endorsed by Students for Life, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America and March for Life Action.

Read full bill text HERE.


Judiciary Committee Advances Assistant Attorney General, Six U.S. Attorneys and Six Judicial Nominations, Along with Bipartisan Foreign Lobbying Bill

WASHINGTON – The Senate Judiciary Committee today advanced the following nominations:

Daniel E. Burrows, to be an Assistant Attorney General, by a vote of 12-10;

Megan Blair Benton, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Missouri, by a vote of 12-10;

David Clay Fowlkes, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Arkansas, by a vote of 14-8;

Nicholas Jon Ganjei, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Texas, by a vote of 12-10;

Brian Charles Lea, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Tennessee, by a vote of 12-10;

Justin R. Olson, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Indiana, by a vote of 12-10;

Aaron Christian Peterson, to be United States District Judge for the District of Alaska, by a vote of 14-8;

Andrew Benson, to be United States Attorney for the District of Maine, by a vote of 19-3;

William Boyle, to be United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, by a vote of 12-10;

Kevin Holmes, to be United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, by a vote of 12-10;

Brian David Miller, to be United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, by a vote of 12-10;

Richard Price, to be United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, by a vote of 12-10; and

Darin Smith, to be United States Attorney for the District of Wyoming, by a vote of 12-10.

The Committee also unanimously voted to advance the CLEAR Path Act, led by Sens. John Cornyn (R-Texas), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.). The bipartisan bill would mitigate foreign influence on U.S. policymaking by prohibiting former government employees from lobbying on behalf of countries of concern.

Watch the executive business meeting HERE. Read Chairman Chuck Grassley’s (R-Iowa) opening statement at the executive business meeting HERE.

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Hawley Introduces Bill to Create New Watchdog for Fraud Following Minnesota Revelations

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) introduced the Special Inspector General for Program Fraud Act to root out fraud in child assistance programs. The legislation follows revelations that at least half of the $18 billion in federal funds allocated to social services in Minnesota since 2018 may have been subject to fraud. This new inspector general would complement the work of the assistant attorney general for fraud that was recently announced by the Trump Administration.

“After billions of dollars have been lost to fraud in Minnesota, American taxpayers deserve transparency and accountability to ensure their hard-earned tax dollars are not lining the pockets of bad actors,” said Senator Hawley. “I am introducing legislation to create a federal watchdog to track every penny of tax dollars spent on child assistance programs. This inspector general will ensure taxpayer resources are spent properly and will support the Administration in their efforts to hold bad actors accountable.”

The Special Inspector General for Program Fraud Act:

Establishes the Office of the Special Inspector General for Program Fraud and empowers that office to conduct audits, investigations, and oversight over federally-funded child assistance programs in the United States.

Directs the Special Inspector General to submit quarterly reports to Congress and make public findings of misuse of taxpayer resources.

Directs the Special Inspector General to refer any evidence of criminal activity to the Department of Justice for further action, and if necessary, prosecution.


Heinrich Introduces Legislation to Redirect ICE Funding to Help New Mexico Law Enforcement Keep Communities Safe

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, joined 5 Senate Democrats to introduce the PUBLIC SAFETY Act, legislation that will redirect almost $75 billion from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and send it instead to local law enforcement to help keep communities safe in New Mexico and nationwide.

“New Mexicans deserve to be safe in their communities. And there’s a lot of ways we can deliver on that by solving real crimes and holding violent criminals accountable. That’s the work our local law enforcement do every day, and I know they could do a lot more with real resources. But we’ve seen how this administration has chosen to use these funds to weaponize ICE against our communities – and that doesn’t make anyone safer.

“No one who commits a violent crime should get away with it. No one, no matter their immigration status. Our bill will put this money to use to make that a reality.”

Under the Trump Administration, ICE has lowered its training and hiring standards, which has put undertrained and unvetted agents on the streets and strained already under-staffed police departments. Its recruitment efforts have also directly targeted local law enforcement, threatening to deplete already understaffed police departments. The funding the PUBLIC SAFETY Act would redirect was originally enacted in Republicans’ Big, Bad Bill, which was signed into law in July 2025. This bill would not rescind ICE’s regular appropriations, leaving the agency with historically normal funding levels to conduct traditional immigration enforcement operations.

The Providing Useful Budgets for Localities to Invest in Cops by Substituting Appropriations from Federal Enforcement To Yield Results (PUBLIC SAFETY) Act will prioritize effective law enforcement by investing in local police officers who undergo thorough training and have real ties to the communities they serve. Specifically, the PUBLIC SAFETY Act will:

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

Waive the COPS Hiring Program’s 25% cost-share requirement for small local and Tribal law enforcement agencies and police departments; and

Reallocate $45 billion in Big, Bad Bill funds designated for unnecessary and harmful additions to ICE’s detention capacity to the Byrne JAG program – the leading source of federal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions, which supports a range of program areas including law enforcement, prosecution, indigent defense, courts, crime prevention, and education.

The PUBLIC SAFETY Act is led by U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.). Alongside Heinrich, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.).

A summary of the bill is here.

The text of the bill is here.

Heinrich’s actions to protect Americans, Tribal members, and Dreamers from wrongful searches and harassment by ICE:

This Congress, Heinrich led colleagues to demand that DHS immediately end wrongful ICE searches and harassment of Tribal members. In a separate letter to President Trump, Heinrich demanded immediate action to address reports of ICE agents harassing, detaining, and questioning Tribal members about their citizenship. Heinrich condemned ICE's actions as unconstitutional and a violation of Tribal sovereignty. He called for swift action to end racial profiling and protect Native communities.

Additionally, Heinrich condemned the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision lifting restrictions on federal immigration officers, including ICE and U.S. Border Patrol, from racially profiling people — including U.S. citizens — in the Los Angeles area solely based on their race, language, job and location.

Heinrich also pressed DHS Secretary Kristi Noem on the Trump Administration’s wrongful targeting of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients in its cruel mass deportation scheme.

Furthermore, Heinrich led legislation to protect Dreamers’ data and prevent DHS from referring Dreamers to ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Heinrich’s actions to support local law enforcement with the tools they need to keep our communities safe:

In Fiscal Year (FY26) appropriations funding, Heinrich secured U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee passage of over $6.5 million for nine local projects in New Mexico, including:

$1,668,000 for the New Mexico Statewide Sexual Assault Program to increase capacity at the Helpline and Work Force Trauma Institute.

$1,050,000 for the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office for forensic analysis and crime scene reconstruction equipment.

$1,000,000 for the Las Cruces Police Department to establish an Evidence Processing Lab for local law enforcement agencies.

$908,000 for the Albuquerque Police Department to purchase crime scene processing equipment at the Metropolitan Forensic Science Center.

$629,000 for the City of Farmington to acquire forensic DNA and narcotics identification equipment, training, and personnel.

$533,000 for Eastern New Mexico University Campus to enhance lighting and safety on campus.

$350,000 for New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence to expand its youth gun violence prevention programs.

$268,000 for the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office to purchase mobile security trailers.

$115,000 for Gallup Police Department to purchase crime scene reconstruction equipment.

Additionally, Heinrich successfully included $1,000,000 for the New Mexico Medical Investigator to enhance the DNA Processing Laboratory.

In the FY26 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, Heinrich successfully included language to:

Combat Crimes on Tribal Lands: Heinrich successfully included language directing the Department of Justice (DOJ) to continue to allocate additional resources to address the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons, including providing sufficient funding to investigate, respond to, and prevent crimes in Tribal communities. Heinrich helped secure $95,000,000 within the Crime Victims Fund specifically for law enforcement efforts on Tribal lands and in order for federal, state, and tribal governments to coordinate on these critical public safety initiatives.

Develop a Fentanyl Tracking System: Heinrich successfully included language directing the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to develop a comprehensive fentanyl tracking system. That tracking system would include documentation of seizure location, chemical composition, probable or known manufacturing location, and probable or known point of entry into the United States. Currently, fentanyl interdiction is compiled at land ports of entry by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), but the DEA does not have readily accessible tracking data on the movement of illicit drugs within the U.S. or their point of origin. Requiring the compilation and organization of that data will complement DHS’ work and improve our country’s work to effectively combat the fentanyl crisis.

Prevent Firearm Straw Purchases: Heinrich successfully included language calling on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to continue its public awareness campaign to reduce firearm straw purchases at the retail level and to educate would-be straw purchasers of the penalties associated with knowingly participating in an illegal firearm purchase. This language builds on Heinrich’s work to negotiate and author the provision in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act that increased criminal penalties for straw purchases and made it illegal to traffic firearms out of the United States. To date, more than 1,000 defendants have been charged by the Department of Justice because of those provisions, removing hundreds of firearms from the streets.

Remove Barriers to Lifesaving Medication: Heinrich successfully included language directing the DEA to take further action to remove barriers to access for opioid use disorder medications such as buprenorphine. The data clearly shows that prescriptions of medications for opioid use disorder significantly reduce the risk of overdose death, but despite their demonstrated effectiveness, approximately 87% of those suffering from opioid use disorder do not have a prescription for these lifesaving medications. The inclusion of this language will assist local medical and mental health providers and make medications, including buprenorphine, more accessible to New Mexicans.

This Congress, Heinrich successfully passed into law his Halt All Lethal Trafficking of (HALT) Fentanyl Act, legislation to permanently classify fentanyl-related substances (FRS) as Schedule I drugs, under the Controlled Substances Act. This permanent scheduling will give law enforcement added tools to help get extremely lethal and dangerous drugs off our streets, dismantle organized criminal trafficking operations, and keep New Mexicans safe.

Heinrich also cosponsored the Preventing Illegal Weapons Trafficking Act, legislation to protect communities from gun violence by requiring federal law enforcement to coordinate efforts to prevent the importation and trafficking of machinegun conversion devices including ‘auto-sears’ — illegal gun modification devices that can convert semi-automatic weapons into fully-automatic weapons — and seize all profits that come from the illegal trafficking of these devices.

Heinrich-led provisions in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act increased criminal penalties for straw purchasers and made it a crime, for the first time ever, to traffic firearms out of the United States. Straw purchasers are people who buy guns for those who cannot buy them directly themselves due to their age, felony criminal convictions, or other limitations. By increasing penalties for straw purchasing, Heinrich’s provision is helping to keep guns out of the hands of criminals and those who would use them against our communities. By making it illegal to traffic firearms out of the country, Heinrich’s provision gave law enforcement the tools needed to prosecute and disrupt the flow of firearms to Mexico and the Northern Triangle, fueling the violence that has driven so many to flee their home countries.

In October 2024, Heinrich secured critical funding for New Mexico law enforcement to purchase four new NIBIN machines for Las Cruces, Farmington, Gallup, and Roswell. This allows law enforcement to trace firearms used in crimes and hold criminals accountable, all while saving officers valuable time and resources.

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Heinrich Secures Senate Passage of Over $112.9 Million for New Mexico, Bringing Total to $319.9 Million in FY26 Funding

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee and Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch, welcomed Senate passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Commerce, Justice, and Science; Interior and Environment; and Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bills. Altogether, these three appropriations bills include $112,982,000 Heinrich secured for New Mexico, including Congressionally Directed Spending for 34 local projects.

“As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I’ve spent months negotiating and fighting to secure funding for critical investments in New Mexico that support our local law enforcement with the tools they need to keep our communities safe, help rural and Tribal communities improve their water infrastructure and drinking water, support wildfire prevention and recovery efforts, and protect local wildlife habit. Additionally, I’m proud to have secured $59 million for the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project to ensure construction can continue — while upholding the federal government’s commitment to this project,” said Heinrich, a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee.

Heinrich continued, “These investments reflect our values. And I will always fight for federal resources that lower costs, invest in our economy, and put New Mexico families first.”

“While I wasn't able to pass my amendment to repeal a provision allowing a few Republican senators to collect hundreds of thousands of dollars for having their phone records lawfully collected as part of legitimate criminal investigations, I will not stop working to get this done -- because I will never allow anyone to fleece their pockets at the expense of hardworking New Mexicans,” Heinrich concluded.

To date, Heinrich has secured $319,982,000 million for New Mexico in FY26 funding, including over $207 million already passed into law.

Heinrich also filed an amendment in the appropriations legislation to repeal U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune’s (R-S.D.) ‘Arctic Frost’ provision, which allows Republican senators to collect $500,000 for every phone record that was previously, lawfully obtained. The amendment Heinrich filed mirrors his Anti-Cash Grab Act.

FY26 Commerce, Justice, and Science Key Points and Highlights

Heinrich successfully included $6.521 million in investments for the following 9 projects in the bill:

$1,668,000 for the New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs, Inc. to increase the capacity of the Statewide Sexual Assault Helpline and provide comprehensive, trauma-informed training and supervision for mental health professionals.

$1,050,000 for the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office to acquire forensic and crime scene reconstruction equipment that will improve community safety by ensuring quicker case resolutions and acting as a deterrent to future criminal activities.

$1,000,000 for the City of Las Cruces to establish a new evidence processing lab to serve local and regional law enforcement agencies.

$908,000 for the Albuquerque Police Department to expand its forensics capabilities to better serve local, state, and federal agencies.

$629,000 for the City of Farmington to acquire forensic DNA and Narcotics identification equipment, training, and personnel to enhance the speed and efficacy of forensic testing.

$533,000 for Eastern New Mexico University to add lighting and additional security cameras on campus to improve student safety.

$350,000 for New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence to expand its youth gun violence prevention programs to reach more young people in Albuquerque.

$268,000 for the Doña Ana County Sheriff's Office to purchase mobile, rapid-response trailers to respond to crimes in remote areas.

$115,000 for the Gallup Police Department to purchase crime scene reconstruction equipment.

Additionally, Heinrich and U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) successfully included $1,000,000 million for the University of New Mexico, Office of the Medical Investigator to renovate its DNA processing lab and acquire new equipment to expand the forensic analyses available in New Mexico.

Heinrich, Luján, and U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) successfully included $1,031,000 for the New Mexico Department of Public Safety to expand NM State Police wireless capabilities inside their patrol vehicles.

Programmatic Highlights

Combatting Crimes on Tribal Lands: Heinrich successfully included language directing the Department of Justice (DOJ) to continue allocating additional resources to address the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons, including providing sufficient funding to investigate, respond to, and prevent crimes in Tribal communities.

Fentanyl Tracking System: Heinrich successfully included language directing the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to develop a comprehensive fentanyl tracking system. That tracking system would include documentation of seizure location, chemical composition, probable or known manufacturing location, and probable or known point of entry into the United States. Currently, fentanyl interdiction is compiled at land ports of entry by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), but the DEA does not have readily accessible tracking data on the movement of illicit drugs within the U.S. or their point of origin. Requiring the compilation and organization of that data will complement DHS’ work and improve our country’s work to effectively combat the fentanyl crisis.

Firearm Straw Purchases Prevention: Heinrich successfully included language calling on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to continue its public awareness campaign to reduce firearm straw purchases at the retail level and to educate would-be straw purchasers of the penalties associated with knowingly participating in an illegal firearm purchase. This language builds on Heinrich’s work to negotiate and author the provision in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act that increased criminal penalties for straw purchases and made it illegal to traffic firearms out of the United States. To date, more than 1,000 defendants have been charged by the Department of Justice because of those provisions, removing hundreds of firearms from the streets.

Removing Barriers to Lifesaving Medication: Heinrich successfully included language directing the DEA to take further action to remove barriers to access for opioid use disorder medications such as buprenorphine. The data clearly shows that prescriptions of medications for opioid use disorder significantly reduce the risk of overdose death, but despite their demonstrated effectiveness, approximately 87% of those suffering from opioid use disorder do not have a prescription for these lifesaving medications. The inclusion of this language will assist local medical and mental health providers and make medications, including buprenorphine, more accessible to New Mexicans.

FY26 Energy and Water Development Key Points and Highlights

Heinrich successfully included $14.016 million in investments for the following 5 projects in the bill:

$10,657,000 for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, in partnership with the Eastern New Mexico Water Utility Authority, to design and construct the Eastern New Mexico Rural Water Project to provide reliable domestic water to communities in eastern New Mexico and Cannon Air Force Base.

$1,959,000 for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in partnership with the Middle Rio Grande Endangered Species Collaborative Program, to provide scientific, conservation, and educational services to support endangered species recovery activities in the Middle Rio Grande Basin.

$500,000 for the New Mexico State University to support the Navajo Nation’s agricultural advanced energy transition design study.

$500,000 for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to perform construction activities to support wildfire prevention and restoration in the Middle Rio Grande Bosque in and around the City of Albuquerque.

$400,000 for the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology to investigate novel methods to use photo-electrolysis to produce zero-emissions hydrogen and critical minerals from brackish waters.

Additionally, Heinrich and Luján successfully included $59,000,000 for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to design and construct the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project.

Programmatic Highlights

Support For Vital Water Access: Heinrich successfully secured bill language to increase this year’s authorization for the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project to $1.815 billion and to place an expenditure cap on the City of Gallup’s portion of the project, to ensure construction can continue and that the Federal government will uphold their commitment to the project.

Oversight of Federal Water Infrastructure: Heinrich successfully included report language that provides key oversight into federal water infrastructure throughout New Mexico, including the El Vado Dam and the San Juan-Chama Project.

WIPP Road Repairs: Heinrich successfully included $10 million to improve roads leading to and from the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) in southeastern New Mexico, through recommended payments from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to the State of New Mexico. Since joining the Senate Appropriations Committee, Heinrich has been a steadfast advocate for appropriating these funds. This will be the first time that funds have been appropriated for this purpose since 2014. These repairs will improve safety for WIPP workers, shipments, and the surrounding communities.

Southwest Border Regional Commission: Heinrich successfully included $5.5 million for the Southwest Border Regional Commission (SBRC). Since joining the Senate Appropriations Committee, Heinrich successfully secured the first-ever congressional investments to finally allow the SBRC to start its operations.

National Labs: Heinrich helped to include $8.4 billion for the DOE Office of Science, which supports both Sandia National Laboratories (Sandia) and Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). Over the course of his tenure in Congress, Heinrich has helped double the total budgets for Sandia and LANL, significantly increasing the total employees and local economic impact of both labs.

FY26 Interior and Environment Key Points and Highlights

Heinrich successfully included $6.1 million in investments for the following 9 projects in the bill:

$1,075,000 for the City of Truth or Consequences to replace aging water lines.

$1,000,000 for the Pueblo of Tesuque to remove Siberian elm trees to restore the Rio Tesuque bosque to its natural vegetation regime.

$1,000,000 for the Village of Questa to construct a well house for a new municipal drinking water well and to prevent water contamination.

$1,000,000 for the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority to expand the sewer collection system in the community of Carnuel.

$700,000 for the Mescalero Apache Tribe to restore coniferous forest and promote aspen stand growth along the Rio Ruidoso to prepare for the reintroduction of beaver, a culturally significant species.

$525,000 for the Taos Pueblo to purchase forestry equipment to protect homes in the Pueblo’s wildland urban interface.

$500,000 for the Eight Northern Indian Pueblos Council to collaborate with affiliated tribes to conduct ethnographic studies on the Caja del Rio Plateau.

$150,000 for the Bureau of Land Management to work with community partners to replace barbed wire fences with wildlife-friendly fences on the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument.

$150,000 for the Desert Tortoise Council to work with the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge to create Bolson tortoise habitat.

Additionally, Heinrich and Luján included $4.39 million in investments for the following 4 projects in the bill:

$2,090,000 for the City of Rio Rancho to expand its Aquifer Reinjection System.

$1,000,000 for the Pueblo of Zuni to make improvements to their drinking water system.

$800,000 for the Enchanted Forest Mutual Domestic Water Consumers Association to develop a new water source pump house and appurtenances and replace distribution lines.

$500,000 for the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs to upgrade the drinking water treatment system at Fort Selden.

Heinrich and Stansbury also successfully included $1.092 million for the Town of Bernalillo to rehabilitate its current wastewater facilities.

Finally, Heinrich, Luján, and U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) successfully included $1.092 million for the City of Belen to rehabilitate its wastewater treatment plant.

Programmatic Highlights

Safeguard Tribal Objects of Patrimony (STOP) Act Implementation: Heinrich successfully included $500,000 to implement the Safeguard Tribal Objects of Patrimony (STOP) Act, a bipartisan law that Heinrich championed and passed in 2022 to prohibit the exporting of sacred Native American items and increase penalties for stealing and illegally trafficking Tribal cultural patrimony. Representing the first dedicated funding for this program, it will be used to halt the trade of culturally significant items and repatriate stolen pieces to the Tribal communities where they belong. Heinrich first introduced the STOP Act in 2016 after he helped halt the auction of a shield, stolen from the Pueblo of Acoma. Heinrich played a role in the effort to bring the shield home to Acoma by working with Governors Kurt Riley and Brian Vallo to call for its return.

Tribal Education: Heinrich fought for and successfully included $13,482,000 to the Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development (IAIA). After the administration threatened to withhold IAIA’s funding last year, Heinrich secured the release of FY 2025 funds. This bill will ensure continued investment for IAIA through FY26, supporting its mission to advance Indigenous arts, culture, and education for future generations.

Historic Preservation: Heinrich also successfully secured an increase in funding for the Tribal Historic Preservation Offices, totaling $23,750,000.

Abandoned Hardrock Mine Reclamation Program: Heinrich successfully included continued funding for the Abandoned Hardrock Mine Reclamation Program, after championing the creation of the program in the Infrastructure Law. Hardrock mines and mining features are related to the extraction of metals like copper, gold, silver, and uranium. When not reclaimed, many hardrock mines pose a hazard to public health and the environment. This funding will be used to clean up federal, state, Tribal, and private land and water resources affected by abandoned hardrock mines.

Southwest Ecological Research Institutes: Heinrich fought for and successfully maintained funding for the Southwest Ecological Research Institutes (SWERIs). Heinrich recently pressed the U.S. Forest Chief on the Administration's plan to entirely cut funding for the program in FY26. SWERIs offer unique opportunities for dedicated research in forest science and watershed health and represent the future of science in forest management. New Mexico Highlands University houses one center along with Colorado State University and Northern Arizona University. This funding would ensure the continuation of valuable research in southwestern forest and fire management.

Conservation: Heinrich successfully protected funding for the North American Wetlands Conservation Fund, which leverages private dollars to restore waterfowl habitat across the country. Senator Heinrich led the reauthorization of this fund last Congress. He also protected core wildlife management and science capabilities at the Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Geological Survey from the steep cuts proposed by the Trump administration.

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WATCH: Hickenlooper Holds Senate Floor, Votes Against Spending Package to Protest Attack on NCAR

Hickenlooper held up a government funding package for weeks over the Trump admin’s efforts to dismantle NCAR

Today, he disrupted the Senate vote, spoke for nearly an hour on the Senate floor, and voted NO on the funding package

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper released the following statement after he voted against the government funding package he held up for weeks in protest of the Trump admin’s effort to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder:

“Colorado has always stood up for its people, its workers, and its future.

“In the face of unrelenting political attacks from President Trump, we are standing together to protect institutions like NCAR that are vital to our state and our economy.

“Our government funding hold was one step in that effort. We will keep standing strong for Colorado and working families until NCAR and Coloradans are secure.”

Earlier today, Hickenlooper disrupted consideration of the funding package and spoke on the Senate floor for nearly an hour, calling out the Trump administration’s plans to dismantle NCAR and the President’s recent attacks on Colorado. Watch his speech HERE.

“The president was elected for one reason, as I said earlier, because Americans thought he would make their lives better. One year later and families are still wondering when the relief is going to come,” said Hickenlooper on the Senate floor. “The cuts to NCAR, to clean energy, to clean drinking water, the cuts to childcare, and to financial assistance for Colorado families – all this does nothing to improve anyone’s quality of life. Doesn’t make groceries cheaper. It doesn’t bring down the cost of rent or the utilities cost at the end of the month.”

Hickenlooper has been fighting back against the Trump admin’s decision to reject Colorado’s requests for emergency disaster relief funding, cancel millions in grants for clean energy and child care, and deny 50,000 Coloradans clean drinking water.

For a full video of Hickenlooper’s remarks, click HERE. Highlights from Hickenlooper’s remarks are available below:

DISASTROUS CONSEQUENCES OF DISMANTLING NCAR

“Every single American – whether they’re aware of it or not – relies on NCAR data.

“Here are a few more reasons why all of us should want NCAR to stick around: If you’re an American who likes to know whether a tornado is headed your way. If you’re one of the people who appreciates an early text alert before you get an oncoming winter storm. If you prefer to be on high ground, instead of stuck in your car, during a flash flood. Or, if you’d like to look at maps to show you where and when extreme weather is going to hit, then you need NCAR. If you like any of those things, you are directly benefitting from the National Center for Atmospheric Research...

“At home in Colorado, NCAR’s fire-weather research and modeling tools are critical for wildfire preparedness. NCAR’s research helped us understand how extreme winds and local weather combined to fuel the 2021 Marshall fire, the single-most destructive fire in Colorado history. Almost 1,100 homes were destroyed. We vowed that would never happen again.

“But we can’t make good on that promise without NCAR. Its research is actively improving wildfire prediction, not just in Colorado, but across the country.”

STORIES FROM COLORADANS DIRECTLY IMPACTED

“One constituent wrote: ‘My family has worked at NCAR for 20 years and I’m seriously concerned about its continued existence. I voted for President Trump in the latest election but feel this attack on NCAR is more about a personal attack on Colorado for being a largely blue state than a legitimate action for the betterment of the American people.

“My Dad has worked tirelessly for this place for decades, putting in long hours and taking on more responsibilities than he ever bargained for to keep up the work that he loves being a part of. Please fight for NCAR. Please fight with all you’ve got. It means so much to the people who’ve spent their life’s work to keep it going.”

THE PRESIDENT’S ATTACKS ON COLORADO

“NCAR is just one of [President Trump’s] recent Colorado targets.

“As part of his campaign against Colorado, President Trump also denied emergency disaster relief to help families rebuild after devastating wildfires and floods. He canceled millions of dollars for clean energy. He slashed hundreds of millions in child care assistance for families, and denied 50,000 rural Coloradans clean drinking water...

“It’s not a game. These are people’s lives. These are our constituents’ lives.”

HOW HICKENLOOPER IS FIGHTING BACK FOR NCAR

“We’re not going to let some of these actions go down without a fight.

“It’s been clear from the beginning that President Trump’s goal in his second term is shock and awe. To bombard the American people with wall-to-wall coverage of every chaotic aspect, every decision they make.

“They’re trying to attack anything that’s the status quo. I think he believes that this constant chaos will drown out all voices of opposition.

“Well, we’re still here. We’re still fighting. And we’re not quitting.

“Dismantling science, cutting from the National Center for Atmospheric Research harms every single American, diminishes the opportunities that we’ll be able to create for the next generation.

“It threatens our safety, it threatens our economy, it threatens our national security, it threatens our livelihoods.

“And we can’t just stand by because of one more crazy thing that comes out one way or the other.

“We need to all be determined to do everything we can to stand up to these attacks on science. And I think that starts with standing up for the National Center for Atmospheric Research.”

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