La Ley DIGNIDAD alcanza 35 copatrocinadores y gana impulso en el Congreso

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Con la inmigración nuevamente en el centro del debate nacional, la Ley DIGNIDAD de 2025 (H.R. 4393), presentada por las congresistas María Elvira Salazar y Verónica Escobar, continúa avanzando en el Congreso y sumando respaldo en todo el país. La iniciativa ha incorporado cuatro nuevos copatrocinadores, fortaleciendo el apoyo a la única propuesta seria de reforma migratoria actualmente ante el Congreso.

Los nuevos copatrocinadores, los congresistas Nick LaLota (R-NY-1), Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28), Neal Dunn (R-FL-2) y Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-6), se suman a un grupo cada vez más amplio de miembros del Congreso que respaldan la Ley DIGNIDAD. Ese respaldo se ve reforzado por una coalición nacional de empleadores, líderes religiosos y organizaciones comunitarias.

En total, 60 organizaciones nacionales respaldan la legislación, lo que la convierte en una de las propuestas de reforma migratoria con mayor apoyo en décadas.

Actualmente, la Ley DIGNIDAD es la única iniciativa bipartidista viable en el Congreso capaz de corregir de manera integral un sistema migratorio que lleva años fallando y de responder con seriedad a la incertidumbre que el país enfrenta hoy.

En ese contexto, la congresista Salazar afirmó:

“Este momento exige acción, y es alentador ver un respaldo creciente de mis colegas en el Congreso,” dijo la Congresista Salazar. “La Ley DIGNIDAD moderniza nuestro sistema migratorio para que la aplicación de la ley sea efectiva, precisa y coherente con nuestros valores. Corrige lo que no funciona, enfoca a ICE en las verdaderas amenazas y establece un proceso estricto y basado en el mérito para personas trabajadoras que han vivido aquí y han contribuido a este país. No es ciudadanía. No es amnistía. Es dignidad.”

La Ley DIGNIDAD es una solución seria y responsable que:

Codifica y fortalece la seguridad fronteriza, al aumentar el personal, hacer obligatorio el uso de E-Verify y garantizar un control operativo real.

Protege a los trabajadores estadounidenses, poniendo fin a las prácticas laborales ilegales y creando el Fondo para el Trabajador Estadounidense, destinado a capacitar y preparar a trabajadores para empleos mejor remunerados.

Moderniza la aplicación de la ley y refuerza la supervisión a través del Programa Dignidad, un proceso estricto y basado en el mérito que exige a personas indocumentadas de larga permanencia, sin antecedentes penales, pasar verificaciones de seguridad, pagar restitución y obtener estatus legal sin ciudadanía ni amnistía.

Apoya a las empresas estadounidenses, al enfrentar la escasez de mano de obra, impulsar la productividad y garantizar una fuerza laboral legal y confiable.

a la Ley DIGNIDAD:

La Ley Dignidad ha reunido el apoyo de 35 miembros del Congreso y 60 organizaciones nacionales, que representan a empleadores, veteranos, líderes religiosos, agricultores, pequeñas empresas, la industria de la construcción, instituciones de educación superior, líderes comunitarios y organizaciones que trabajan directamente con comunidades inmigrantes, y continúa creciendo.

La coalición nacional está integrada por:

A-1 Global Holdings, American Bakers Association, American Business Immigration Council (ABIC), American Families United, American Legion, Americans for Prosperity, American Seniors Housing Association, Anti-Defamation League, Asian American Christian Collaborative, Associated Equipment Distributors, Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America, Bethel Consulting Group LLC, Brick Industry Association, Center for American Progress, Christian Family Coalition of Florida, Council for Christian Colleges & Universities, Critical Labor Coalition, Essential Workers Immigration Coalition (EWIC), Evangelical Immigration Table, FWD.us, Greater Houston Partnership, IEEE-USA (Institute of Electrical Electronics Engineers), Improve the Dream, Jewish Federation of North America, Latin Chamber of Commerce Nevada, LeadingAge, LIBRE Initiative, Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA), MIRA USA, National Association of Evangelicals, National Association of Home Builders, National Association of Landscape Professionals, National Council of Chain Restaurants, National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC), National Hispanic Health Foundation, National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, National Immigration Forum, National Latino Evangelical Coalition, National Retail Federation, National Roofing Contractors Association, Nisei Farmers League, Niskanen Center, Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA), Power & Communication Contractors Association (PCCA), Power Design, President’s Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, Puerto Rico Builders Association (PRBA), Repatriate our Patriots, Secure Growth Initiative, Small Business Majority, State Business Executives, Texas Business Leadership Council, Tile Roofing Industry Alliance (TRIA), Third Way, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, U.S. for Success Coalition, United States Hispanic Business Council, WERC, World Relief.

Material disponible:

Resumen rápido (one-pager) de la Ley DIGNIDAD — aquí

Resumen completo de la Ley DIGNIDAD — aquí

Desglose sección por sección de la Ley DIGNIDAD — aquí

Kit de prensa — aquí

Texto completo del proyecto de ley — aquí


Rep. Sewell Announces Winners of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge for Alabama’s 7th Congressional District

Birmingham, AL — U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) announced the winners of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge for Alabama’s 7th Congressional District. The announcement was made at a virtual ceremony Tuesday night. Rep. Sewell joined participants to celebrate the four submissions from talented students across the 7th District.

11th graders Dinah Henkin and Greeshma Vinoy of the Alabama School of Fine Arts in Birmingham were selected as winners for their app “Ripple.” The app helps support and protect Alabama’s river ecosystems.

“The brilliance and creativity of our students never ceases to amaze me,” said Rep. Sewell. “All of our participants brought passion, originality, and thoughtful ideas to this competition, and I am incredibly proud of them all. I am especially excited to honor our winners, Dinah and Greeshma, whose bold and innovative app exemplifies the extraordinary talent of our young people. It is my hope that through competitions like this, we can continue to inspire students to advance their coding skills and explore careers in STEM.”

Alongside other App Challenge winners from across the nation, Henkin and Vinoy will be invited to attend the #HouseOfCode Reception on Capitol Hill in April 2026, providing them with a unique opportunity to showcase their innovative applications and interact with policymakers.

Additional submissions are below:

App Name: Healing Our City

Student(s): Jer'Meriyah Burns, Kaitlyn Robinson, Brytania Martinez, Travis Smith

School: R.B. Hudson Steam Academy

Watch the video here.

App Name: Track Your Z’s

Student(s): Anna Mrug, Ana Singh, Emily Kim, Cory Kim

School: Alabama School of Fine Arts

Watch the video here.

App Name: Vibe Check

Student(s): Alana Hawkins, TDarrius Crawford

School: Ramsay High School

Watch the video here.

Recognizing the power of STEM and computer science to foster economic growth and innovation, Congress created the Congressional App Challenge in 2015 to encourage students to pursue these critical skills and recognize them for their efforts.

More information is available here.

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Reps. Brown, Cleaver, and Foushee Introduce Prison Libraries Act to Reduce Recidivism and Expand Educational Opportunities for Incarcerated Americans

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Shontel Brown (D-OH), joined Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), and Rep. Valerie Foushee (D-NC) to re-introduce the Prison Libraries Act to expand library resources in U.S. state and territory correctional facilities, aiming to increase educational opportunities, advance reintegration efforts, and reduce recidivism. The bill will authorize federal funds for state prisons to expand library resources and services to support the education and skills training of incarcerated Americans.

Official text of the Prison Libraries Act is available here.

“Everyone deserves to have access to learning, ideas, and information no matter where they are,” said Congresswoman Brown. “The Prison Libraries Act would help give incarcerated community members the resources they need to pursue knowledge and development opportunities they would not have otherwise received. When people have access to education and information, they’re better equipped to succeed when they come home, and our communities are safer and stronger.”

“America’s correctional system is far too often focused on punishment rather than rehabilitation. The Prison Libraries Act is an attempt to shift this dynamic, providing incarcerated Americans with increased access to education and skills training services that will better prepare them for reintegration into society,” said Congressman Cleaver. “By making strategic investments in the rehabilitative components of America’s correctional facilities, we can reduce recidivism, strengthen public safety, and curtail the growing costs of our correctional system.” Congressman Cleaver added.

“Libraries give everyone the chance to learn and grow, yet many correctional facilities lack the infrastructure to provide these essential resources,” said Congresswoman Valerie Foushee. “To reduce recidivism and support successful reintegration, our justice system must provide incarcerated individuals with ways to prepare for life after release. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Prison Libraries Act to help more prisons establish libraries and educational programs, giving people the necessary tools to build skills and successfully re-enter their communities.”

Over 600,000 individuals are released from federal and state prisons each year. Upon release, these individuals often struggle to reintegrate into their communities. This struggle is exacerbated by prisons often offering incarcerated individuals little to no educational or job training opportunities. The lack of such resourceful opportunities affects formerly incarcerated individuals' ability to find gainful employment once released and increases the likelihood of recidivism. Libraries are one of the most powerful and transformative resources against recidivism, but they tend to be substantially underutilized, scarce, insufficiently funded, and inadequately equipped with learning, training, information, and communication materials and technologies in American jails and prisons.

In 2025, The American Library Association reported that the Ohio Reformatory for Women provided just two reentry computers for a population of 2,300 women. These reentry computers allowed women to create resumes and search for incarceration-friendly employers through the Ohio Means Jobs. The impact of this library resource could help more women educate themselves about the employment opportunities and the business environment they face once released. Thus, increasing their ability to be successful outside of prison. With adequate investment and support for this effort, more incarcerated community members will be impacted positively nationwide.

The Prison Libraries Act would authorize a competitive grant program for state and U.S. territory prisons to:

Offer adequate library services, including education and job training, digital literacy, career readiness programming, and computer and internet access, among other services, for free;

Invest in acquiring updated materials and equipment that reflect the prison population's interests, identities, abilities, and languages;

Expand the infrastructure of prison libraries;

Hire well-trained and qualified staff to manage libraries, their resources, and services; and

Build a collaborative relationship with respective local public libraries.

The Prison Libraries Act is endorsed by the American Library Association, Books Through Bars, Citizens United for Rehabilitation of Errants, DC Books to Prisons, Friends & Foundation of the San Francisco Public Library, Missouri Humanities, Missouri Prison Books, Prison Book Program, Prison Library Project at Claremont Forum, Prisoners Literature Project, Vera Institute of Justice, and Books to Prisoners Seattle.

The Prison Libraries Act is cosponsored by Representatives Ed Case (D-HI), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Cleo Fields (D-LA), Dwight Evans (D-PA), Jesús “Chuy” García (D-IL), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Julie Johnson (D-TX), Summer Lee (D-PA), LaMonica McIver (D-NJ), Emily Randall (D-WA), David Scott (D-GA), Terri Sewell (D-AL), Lateefah Simon (D-CA), Shri Thanedar (D-MI), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), and Bennie Thompson (D-MS).

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Rep. Sykes Signs Discharge Petition to Force Vote on Stock Trading Ban for Top Federal Officials

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) has signed a discharge petition to force a House vote on the Restore Trust in Government Act, a bill that would ban stock trading by the president, vice president, members of Congress, and their immediate family members while in office.

The legislation is aimed at closing the door on conflicts of interest by stopping elected officials and top government leaders from trading individual stocks while they make decisions to affect the economy. It allows limited exceptions, including diversified mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, U.S. Treasury securities, state and municipal bonds, and family farms tied directly to the farming operation.

The legislation also requires officials to sell prohibited holdings within set timelines, strengthens enforcement and transparency, applies the rules to all trustees, blocks tax write-offs tied to illegal trades, and prevents campaign funds from being used to pay penalties.


Congressman Taylor Introduces Towing Bill to Improve Road Safety

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Dave Taylor (OH-02) today introduced the Towing Safety Act, which will allow tow truck operators to transport a large, disabled vehicle to a nearby location instead of being required to disassemble it on the sides of busy highways. The Towing and Recovery Association of America (TRAA) is a supporting organization of this bill.

“As someone who ran my own company for decades, I would never want to put the lives of my workers or first responders at risk on the side of the road,” said Congressman Taylor. “Accidents and breakdowns on the shoulders of interstates and highways create hazardous conditions for drivers, tow truck operators, and police officers who are responding to an incident. My bill will save lives and ensure safety on our nation’s roads for all drivers by giving tow truck drivers flexibility in responding to wrecked or disabled vehicles in the case of an emergency.”

The Towing Safety Act would temporarily waive federal length requirements for tow trucks responding to a wrecked or disabled vehicle on interstate highways so they can tow the affected vehicle to a safe location. At the direction of local officials, tow truck operators would be allowed to transport a wrecked or disabled vehicle to a safe location, avoiding having to break down the truck in risky conditions on the side of the road. This would better ensure the safety of motorists, tow truck operators, and law enforcement officers responding to incidents, as well as drivers passing by.

Specifically, the Towing Safety Act would:

Waive the federal length requirements for tow truck operators responding to, returning from, or transporting a wrecked or disabled vehicle, with the requirements that:

The tow truck remains in-state and can safely operate on highway bridges along the route determined by the transportation agency of jurisdiction, and;

The vehicle being transported complies with existing federal law and regulations.

Background:

Under current regulations, combination vehicles, which are defined as truck tractors with a semitrailer, or a trailer designed and used specifically to carry automobiles or boats in specially-designed racks, may not exceed a maximum overall vehicle length of 65 feet or 75 feet, depending on the type of connection between the tractor and trailer, when driving on interstate highways. However, with semi-trucks being a standard of 70 feet in length, tow truck drivers are rarely able to transport semi-trucks without disassembling them in order to comply with federal regulations.

Operating on the side of busy roads creates a high-risk environment for drivers, tow truck operators, and law enforcement officers. Between 2015-2021, 123 tow truck operators were killed by passing vehicles, according to the American Automobile Association.

The Towing Safety Act will allow tow truck operators to safely transport wrecked or disabled vehicles while preventing unnecessary injuries and deaths of operators.


Congressman Tim Moore Announces Nearly $1.8 Million in FEMA Funding to Repair Lake Lure Marina Docks

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Tim Moore (NC-14) announced today that the Town of Lake Lure will receive $1,796,864.36 in federal funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to restore the Lake Lure Marina docks, which were severely damaged during Hurricane Helene in 2024.

“The Lake Lure Marina is central to the town’s identity, encouraging tourism and recreation on one of the most beautiful lakes in North Carolina,” said Congressman Moore. “Rebuilding the docks and boardwalks will restore a key part of Lake Lure’s waterfront so the town can continue attracting visitors and drive further economic recovery. I’m thankful that the Trump Administration recognizes the importance of this project, and I’m proud to work with FEMA to deliver the support Western North Carolina needs to keep moving forward.”

This FEMA funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act and will support permanent repairs to the marina’s floating and fixed docks, gangways, and associated components. The project includes removal and replacement of damaged infrastructure and a hazard mitigation proposal (HMP) to prevent future storm-related displacement by reinforcing dock anchoring systems with additional pile anchors and telescoping spud poles.

The total cost of the project is $1,996,515.95, with 90% covered by federal funds.


ICYMI: Representative Tran Votes to Protect Women’s Choice in Health Care

Washington, DC – In case you missed it, U.S. Representative Derek Tran (CA-45) voted against two pieces of legislation last week that would threaten women’s access to safe, comprehensive, medically-accurate reproductive health information and care.

H.R. 6495 would allow states to divert Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds to “crisis pregnancy centers,” non-medical facilities that use shame and misinformation about maternal health and pregnancy to discourage women from seeking abortions. H.R. 6914 would force higher education institutions to provide coercive, non-comprehensive maternal health information to pregnant students receiving federal aid, limiting unbiased access to a range of reproductive care options among low-income students.

“I’m disappointed that the Republican majority in Congress has used our limited voting time to relaunch a crusade against women’s autonomy in healthcare instead of passing legislation to lower costs for American families,” said Representative Tran. “These bills do nothing to keep women safe as they navigate their pregnancies, and instead rely on coercive and misleading tactics to discourage women from exploring a range of health care options. A woman’s decision to have a child is deeply personal and cannot be decided arbitrarily by the government or medically-unqualified third party actors. Our health care system should equip women with the information, resources, and compassionate care they deserve to make the reproductive care choices that are right for them.”

Representative Tran is a vocal advocate in the fight for choice in women’s health care. He has cosponsored several pieces of legislation to protect women’s autonomy in reproductive care, including:

H.R. 999, the Right to Contraception Act, which protects the right to access contraception and establishes a right for health care providers to provide contraceptives and information related to contraception to their patients;

H.Res 238, Reaffirming that Emergency Abortion Care is a Basic Right, which expresses the sense of Congress that every person has the basic right to emergency health care, including abortion care;

H.R. 4611, the Equal Access to Abortion Coverage in Health Insurance (EACH) Act, which ensures that every person who receives insurance or care through the federal government will have coverage for abortion services, and;

H.R. 12, the Women’s Health Protection Act, which enshrines federal abortions rights into law and create new legal protections for the right to provide and access abortion care, free from medically unnecessary restrictions and bans on abortion.

In October 2025, Tran stood with Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties (PPOSBC) to highlight the devastating local impacts of Republican health care cuts that have forced the closure of PPOSBC’s primary care service, leaving 13,000 patients across Southern California without access to basic medical care.

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Congressman Derek Tran represents California’s 45th Congressional District. Serving his first term in Congress, Congressman Tran is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and House Small Business Committee, where he is Ranking Member of the Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations Subcommittee. Congressman Tran is the son of Vietnamese refugees, a Veteran, and fought for consumers as an attorney before entering Congress.


Representative Tran Cosponsors Trust Through Transparency Act to Increase Accountability in ICE Actions

Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Derek Tran (CA-45) cosponsored legislation introduced by Representative Donald Norcross (NJ-01) to increase transparency and accountability in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. H.R. 5653, the Trust Through Transparency Act, would require all ICE officials to wear body cameras when interacting with the public in immigration enforcement operations.

Read the full bill text HERE.

“In just three weeks, two U.S. citizens have been gunned down in the streets of Minneapolis by masked ICE agents run amok and we have yet to hold them accountable for their irresponsible actions,” said Representative Tran. “Local police across Orange and LA Counties are already required to wear body cameras when interacting with the public and federal officers should be held to the same standard of accountability to the public. Enactment of this legislation is a crucial step in the right direction to begin restoring trust in our federal agents and ensure the safety of the public they are sworn to protect.”

The Trust Through Transparency Act mandates that all ICE officers operate body cameras during public-facing immigration enforcement operations. The bill would increase clarity and accountability in ICE actions by implementing disciplinary procedures for noncompliant officers, and requiring that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) report to Congress on:

The total number of public immigration enforcement actions conducted during the reporting period;

All documented instances of noncompliance, and;

The disciplinary actions taken against those who fail to comply with the bill’s provisions.

Representative Tran continues to closely monitor ICE activity across California’s 45th district and has cosponsored legislation to place checks on ICE’s conduct, including:

H.R. 4176, the No Secret Police Act, to prohibit ICE agents from wearing non-tactical face coverings while on duty;

H.R. 5973, The Stop Excessive Force in Immigration Act, to scale back the level of force permissible in immigration operations;

H.R. 3172, The ICE Visibility Act, to require ICE agents to wear visible badges or uniforms and clearly identify themselves as such when interacting with the public;

H.R. 944, The Access to Counsel Act, to ensure that U.S. citizens and individuals with lawful status are able to call an attorney or family member to seek legal assistance when they are detained;

H.R. 5941, The Restoring Access for Detainees Act, to require DHS to allow noncitizens who have been detained to contact their legal counsel and families, and;

H.R. 4456, Stop ICE from Kidnapping U.S. Citizens Act, to prohibit ICE from using federal funds to detain or deport U.S. citizens.

Last week, Tran voted against H.R. 7147, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2026, which provides funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) without necessary oversight reforms to ensure the agency operates according to common-sense legal boundaries – including preventing U.S. citizens from being detained or deported. During a recent House Armed Services Committee hearing, Tran pressed Secretary Hegseth on the militarized response to domestic protests and lack of coordination with state and local law enforcement to keep those community members who are exercising their First Amendment rights safe. Tran, joined by Representatives Cisneros and Judy Chu (CA-28), alsoled a letter to U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons condemning the agencies for unlawfully denying their entry to the Adelanto ICE Processing Facility during a statutorily-protected oversight visit conducted on June 8, 2025.

Since taking office in January 2025, Tran’s office has opened over 230 cases to assist constituents related to the adjudication of their immigration status with federal agencies.

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Congressman Derek Tran represents California’s 45th Congressional District. Serving his first term in Congress, Congressman Tran is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and House Small Business Committee, where he is Ranking Member of the Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations Subcommittee. Congressman Tran is the son of Vietnamese refugees, a Veteran, and fought for consumers as an attorney before entering Congress.


Vindman, Democratic Veterans In CongresS DEMAND THAT ICE & cbp Stand Down

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Eugene Vindman (D-Va.-07) joined 14 fellow Democratic Veterans in the U.S. House to call for a stand down of ICE and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) interior operations following the murders of Alex Pretti and Renee Good by federal agents.

Vindman, along with U.S. Representatives Ted Lieu (D-Calif.-36), Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.-24), Gil Cisneros (D-Calif.-31), Herb Conaway (D-N.J.-03), Jason Crow (D-Colo.-06), Chris Deluzio (D-Penn.-17), Maggie Goodlander (D-N.H.-02), Chrissy Houlahan (D-Penn.-06), Seth Moulton (D-Mass.-06), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.-19), Pat Ryan (D-N.Y.-18), Bobby Scott (D-Va.-03), Mike Thompson (D-Calif.-04), and Derek Tran (D-Calif.-45), issued the following statement:

“As veterans, we are outraged and horrified by the killing of a second civilian in Minneapolis by federal agents in less than three weeks. Border Patrol agents shot and killed 37-year-old American citizen Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse at a VA hospital. Video footage and eyewitness accounts of this incident are deeply disturbing and raise serious questions about the use of force.

“This tragic killing comes on the heels of the fatal shooting of Renée Good earlier this month, and multiple other documented incidents of civil-rights abuses and excessive enforcement by ICE and CBP in Minnesota – demonstrating a pattern of misconduct that has fractured trust and terrified communities.

“In the military, when preventable deaths occur, leaders stand down operations to review/change policies, reassess missions, retrain personnel, and implement stronger safety protocols. The Department of Homeland Security must do no less. Our communities are less safe, and tensions have reached a boiling point.

“For these reasons, we call for an immediate stand down of ICE and CBP interior enforcement operations and demand the resignation of the Secretary of Homeland Security. Current leadership has failed to protect civil liberties, ensure accountability, or maintain the public trust.

“We also demand full, transparent, independent investigations into these deaths and abuses, and decisive steps to prevent further civilian killings at the hands of federal agents.”

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Homeland Democrats Demand Records from DHS Following Fatal Shootings of Two U.S. Citizens in Minnesota

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman James. R. Walkinshaw (VA-11), a Member of the Committee on Homeland Security and the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, and Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, led Committee Democrats in demanding that Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem immediately produce records related to the fatal shootings of two United States citizens by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents in Minnesota earlier this month. The letter also demands that DHS preserve all records associated with the fatal shootings.

The Committee is investigating the January 7, 2026, killing of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE officer in Minneapolis and the January 24, 2026, killing of VA nurse Alex Pretti by Customs and Border Protection personnel. Both tragedies were widely captured on bystander video. Despite clear footage, DHS and White House officials labeled the victims “domestic terrorists” and have repeatedly failed to provide Congress with substantive information in response to oversight requests.

“In addition to our demand for immediate records production, this letter serves as notice of an ongoing congressional investigation and that you are to preserve, in accordance with all applicable Federal laws, all records relating to the use of deadly force by DHS law enforcement against any U.S. citizen.” The members wrote.

“The Committee intends to closely observe the compliance of the Department—and all its component agencies—with these requirements.” The members concluded.

The Committee is demanding all video footage from both shootings, evidence supporting DHS’s claims that the victims were “domestic terrorists,” information on the officers involved and their use of force histories, clarification of reports that medical aid was denied to Ms. Good, and justification for ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations leading the investigation into Mr. Pretti’s death.

The full letter is available here.

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Wasserman Schultz, Feeding South Florida Unveil Mobile Emergency Response Kitchen

Pembroke Park, FL – Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) joined Feeding South Florida for the unveiling of a Mobile Emergency Response Kitchen.

The Emergency Response Kitchen was funded in part by $2 million in federal funds secured by Wasserman Schultz in FY23 federal funding bills. Another estimated $1-1.5 million was spent to complete the project.

“Federal nutritional aid and school lunches are being cut. So it’s more important than ever because our community needs this fresh, nutritious food resource that can come directly to underserved areas and be rapidly deployed to disaster-stricken areas,” said Wasserman Schultz. “Thankfully, we managed to avoid major storms this year, but they’re going to return. And during emergencies or natural disasters, the market and the kitchen will be a resource to impacted families.”

During hurricane season, Feeding South Florida will be able to divert the truck to hard hit areas in the southeastern United States. Thanks to their partnership with Feeding America, they’ll be able to help keep shelves stocked and people fed in moments of crisis.

Watch the full press conference here.

Find more video of the Emergency Response Kitchen here.

The Mobile Emergency Response Kitchen features a 900-square-foot mobile pantry equipped to deliver fresh, nutritious food supplies such as produce, dairy, and proteins to underserved and disaster-stricken areas. It can prepare and serve thousands of hot meals daily, even when power is out, accelerating response times to natural disasters and addressing food insecurity year-round.

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Barrasso Introduces the No Climate Treaties Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Senate Majority Whip, led 23 senators in introducing the No Climate Treaties Act. The bill, which was introduced on the same week the United States officially withdrew from the Paris Climate Agreement, would mandate U.S. Senate approval for the United States to join or rejoin any international climate agreement.

Any such climate agreement, including the Paris Agreement, must be treated as a treaty requiring a two-thirds vote in the Senate according to Article II of the Constitution. It would also restrict the use of federal funds to implement or comply with any international climate agreement that has not secured this required Senate approval.

“Democrat administrations have a history of ignoring the will of the American people and bypassing Senate approval to unilaterally join costly international climate treaties,” said Barrasso. “Climate treaties, like the Paris climate agreement, often set unworkable targets designed to put America at a competitive disadvantage with other countries. They also cost American taxpayers billions of dollars and raise energy prices for working families. The No Climate Treaties Act makes it clear that the United States will no longer join any international climate treaty without Senate approval. This will ensure the American people have the final say on where their tax dollars go.”

The No Climate Treaties Act is cosponsored by Senators Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Ashley Moody (R-Fla.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), John Kennedy (R-La.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), James Risch (R-Idaho), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), and Rand Paul (R-Ky.).

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Barrasso Questions Secretary Rubio on Venezuela, Iran and Subsea Cable Security

Click here to watch Sen. Barrasso question Sec. Rubio

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) questioned U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Venezuelan oil-for-loan deals to China, Iranian oil shipments to China, and bipartisan legislation he introduced with Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) to protect subsea cables from adversaries.

Secretary Rubio testified at today’s Senate Committee on Foreign Relations hearing.

On Cutting Off Oil to China:

“Mr. Secretary, great to see you, congratulations.

“What you and President Trump have demonstrated in the past year is clearly ‘peace through strength.’

“And, I appreciate the leadership from both of you.

“We’ve been talking a lot about Venezuelan oil.

“You know, I focus a lot on energy going to China, and three-quarters of all the oil that went from Venezuela out of the country there — last year, seventy-five percent of it went to China.

“They got it at deep discounts — lots of money back to Venezuela through oil-for-loan deals.

“Since the start of this blockade, basically, Venezuelan crude shipments to China have fallen dramatically.

“Can you talk a little bit about the impact this has on China’s broader energy strategy?”

On Preventing Iranian Oil Shipments:

“Since you mentioned Iran, and Senator McCormick mentioned Iran as well, a lot of oil is still going from Iran to China.

“Over one million barrels a day last year.

“Lots of that money goes back to Iran, to the dictators — the people who are actually killing others on the street.

“Can you talk a little bit about what we can do to prevent that from continuing to go? And what we’re doing to support the Iranian people?”

On Subsea Cables:

“Since you mentioned the words ‘shadow fleet,’ Senator Shaheen and I have legislation on subsea cables.

“I’ve asked you about that the last time we were here, the sabotage being done, directly being targeted.

“I know that Sweden and Finland have both detained Russian ships along those lines.

“We’re going to have a markup on that bill tomorrow.

“Is that something that you continue to support our efforts to go after?”

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Barrasso Rejects Democrat Attempt to Defund American Security

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Senate Majority Whip, today spoke at a press conference about the chaos a Democrat shutdown would cause across the country. In order to avoid a damaging shutdown, Senator Barrasso called on Democrats to vote for the six bipartisan appropriations bills that are currently under consideration.

Sen. Barrasso said:

“Democrats are once again threatening to shut down the government and Democrats are once again prioritizing illegal immigrants over American safety and American citizens. The Democrats are the party that wanted to defund the police and now they want to defund our nation’s security.

“You shut down the government heading into this weekend – that means no money for FEMA at a time when half of the country is under the impact of this terrible storm and another storm is coming.

“Shutting down the government also impacts TSA, Air Traffic Control, all of those things. The Democrats will be causing chaos all across America.

“There are six appropriations bills in the Senate, ready to be passed. The Democrats have had full input into all of them, and they have all passed the House – overwhelming bipartisan numbers.

“Republicans are committed to working with the Democrats to keep the government open.”

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Families Will See Bigger Tax Refunds This Year

“The Tax Foundation estimates that the average refund this year will be $3,800. That’s $1,000 more than last year. And Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent believes refunds for working families will be even bigger.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Senate Majority Whip, today spoke on the Senate Floor as tax filing season begins to discuss how Republicans’ Working Families Tax Cuts law lowers taxes and delivers bigger tax refunds for American families.

Click HERE to watch Senator Barrasso’s remarks.

Sen. Barrasso’s remarks:

“People are starting to fill out their tax returns. Usually, this time of year is one Americans dread. This year, filing taxes is turning out to be different. That’s because this year, millions of Americans will receive bigger tax refunds.

“That financial relief is a direct result of Republicans’ Working Families Tax Cuts law. Republicans pledged to cut taxes. We did it so Middle-Class families would get a much-needed boost. We delivered.

“The Tax Foundation estimates that the average refund this year will be $3,800. That’s $1,000 more than last year. And Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent believes refunds for working families will be even bigger.

“In total, American families this year will receive $100 billion more in tax refunds compared to last year. That is more money going directly to Americans’ pockets.

“Working families know how to use that money best – not the government. Families get to decide what to spend, what to save, and what to invest. Republican polices mean Americans will keep more of what they’ve earned.

“All of these policies were signed into law as part of our Working Families Tax Cuts.

“A permanent lower tax rate for all Americans.

“A permanent increase in the standard deduction.

“A permanent increase in the Child Tax Credit – $2,200 for each child, every year.

“No taxes on tips for waiters, barbers, bartenders, and other tipped workers.

“No taxes on overtime for nurses, firefighters, police officers, coal miners, and linemen.

“Higher payments for millions of seniors living on Social Security.

“Importantly, all the tax changes I have just mentioned apply retroactively. That means Americans are paying lower taxes not just in the future, but right now. Today. Just about every single American taxpayer will benefit.

“Republicans’ Working Families Tax Cuts law breaks Americans free from Joe Biden’s unaffordable economy of high prices and high taxes. America hasn’t experienced such a dramatic turnaround since Ronald Reagan reversed the failures of Jimmy Carter.

“Moreover, Republicans stopped a $4 trillion tax increase. Every single Democrat in the United States Senate voted for those tax increases.

“Had Democrats succeeded, our nation would’ve seen the largest tax increase in American history. Not a single American would say that a $4 trillion tax increase sounds affordable to them.

“Democrats have proven to be the party of high taxes. And it’s getting worse.

“Last week, Virginia swore in a new Democrat governor. Democrats now control the House, the Senate, and the Governor’s Mansion in Virginia. They’re already steering it hard to the left.

“Virginia is a roadmap for the radical policies Democrats want to pursue nationwide.

“So what do they want to do?

“Well, they want taxpayers to fund in-state tuition for illegal immigrants. There they go again. The Democrats – the people who wanted to defund the police, the people who shut down the government to support illegal immigrants – now want to send in-state tuition to illegal immigrants.

“Democrats want to raise taxes on barber shops, nail salons, dry cleaners, and gyms.

“Democrats want to raise sales taxes by 11 percent on all firearms and ammunition.

“Democrats want to introduce a backdoor carbon tax – a tax that could increase families’ electric bills by $1,100 per year.

“Democrats want to ban gas-powered leaf blowers. At the same time, Democrats want to tax battery-powered lawn equipment.

“These are far-left policies. They prove the Democrat Party remains radical, extreme, dangerous, and scary. That’s where they want to take the country. That is what their record reveals – whether they are the radicals in Virginia, in New York City, in California, or right here in Congress.

“Fortunately for pockets, purses, and paychecks of the American people, Republicans are focused on making our country more prosperous. Republicans promised to deliver prosperity for all Americans. That’s exactly what we’re doing.

“The bigger tax refunds Americans will see this year prove it.”

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VIDEO: Blackburn Grills Live Nation Representative on Turning a Blind Eye to Scalpers Ripping Off Americans

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, during a hearingexamining the impact of ticket sales practices in the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Technology, and Data Privacy, Subcommittee Chairman Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) grilled a representative from Live Nation Entertainment, Mr. Dan Wall, on the allegations that Ticketmaster turned a blind eye to scalpers violating ticket purchasing limits as a matter of policy. She also spoke with entertainer Robert Ritchie, better known as “Kid Rock,” on how the ticketing industry is putting scammers before artists and their fans.

Click here to download Senator Blackburn’s opening statement and her exchanges with the witnesses.

Click here to download Senator Blackburn and Kid Rock’s interview on Fox News’ America Reports ahead of the hearing.

EXCERPTS OF HEARING REMARKS

Senator Blackburn: “If you were to ask any of my fellow Tennesseans what's wrong with ticketing today, they will not hesitate to tell you that the system feels rigged against them… They watch the tickets vanish in seconds, and they come back on the secondary markets at three or four times the price.”

Senator Blackburn: “Fans are not angry about the fact that tickets are popular and that events are popular… What they're mad as hell about is that the system is stacked against them. The ticket industry should desire to do better.”

Senator Blackburn: “[Mr. Wall], in the FTC’s complaint, executives at Ticketmaster knew that scalpers were violating the ticket purchasing limits… It was a big inside joke that you all knew this, but you were allowing it to happen. Your C-Suite knew of this. One of your executives even wrote in an email that we have stating that you, and I'm quoting, ‘turn a blind eye as a matter of policy.’”

Mr. Wall: “…Our bot defenses are second to none in the world…”

Senator Blackburn: “They’re obviously not up to par. You’ve got bots still getting through, and you’ve got scalpers that are still scooping up these tickets.”

Senator Blackburn: “Do you accept any responsibility when a fan is hit with a speculative or ghost ticket?”

Mr. Wall: “Never, because we do not allow those on Ticketmaster…”

Senator Blackburn: “But it’s happening.”

RELATED

COLUMN: Online Ticket Scalpers Are Exploiting Americans. Republicans Are Holding Them Accountable.

Blackburn, Luján Demand Answers from Ticketmaster on Bait-and-Switch Scheme to Drive Up Ticket Prices

Blackburn Praises Commerce Committee’s Passage of Her Bills to Protect Consumers in the Online Ticket Marketplace


Video: At Hearing, Blumenthal Demands Information from VA Secretary: "I Want Numbers"

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – After multiple requests from Congress for information and months of stonewalling from the Trump Administration, Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) today demanded data from Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins at a Committee oversight hearing.

Blumenthal started his questioning by pressing the Secretary for a full accounting of $6 billion VA was given to spend on health care costs, which was reportedly instead used to cover the cost of cuts in staff—including the Administration’s deferred resignation program and voluntary early retirements: “Can you provide this Committee with a full accounting of the six billion dollars, which I think is very important because apparently it was used to push out essential VA health care providers—rather than sustaining VA medical operations as intended?...[R]ather than going into the rhetoric—I want the numbers.”

Blumenthal continued by asking for information surrounding VA’s staffing losses under the Trump Administration: “Talking about numbers, my understanding is that more than 40,000 employees have left the VA since last January. Can you provide this Committee with a detailed, updated workforce compilation of data? The number of staff who have left VA since January 2025, broken down by facility and position? And the list of positions and vacancies each facility plans to cut based on the caps you set late last year?...I want numbers…I want the breakdown. We’ve asked for it repeatedly, sir. We have not received it. I’m asking again in this forum—I shouldn’t have to do so.”

Blumenthal also pressed the Secretary for details surrounding the Department’s overdue annual veteran suicide report—which has purportedly been complete since September. Blumenthal noted that VA’s Legislative Affairs team issued a “non-concur” to the report, preventing it from being transmitted to Congress, and pushed Collins for it to be released: “Well it’s overdue, can you provide it?...I think you owe it to Congress and veterans that the report is issued.”

Today’s hearing follows Blumenthal’s release last week of a comprehensive report, Breaking the Pact: Impacts of Trump, DOGE, and Doug Collins’ Ongoing Assault on Veterans, detailing the harm and impacts of the Trump Administration’s draconian directives and cuts on veterans. Among its many findings, the report revealed a historic loss of staff, dire health care staffing shortages, and spiking VA mental health care wait times. Based on these findings, Blumenthal asked Secretary Collins for updated facility-by-facility data for wait times on mental health care access—noting that his data shows nearly one-third of states have wait times for new patients exceeding 40 days.

The full text of Blumenthal’s opening is copied below and a video link is available here.

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT): Welcome to Secretary Collins, to your team and to all who are here today and perhaps listening by livestream. I want to begin by taking a moment to honor the memory of Alex Pretti. As I think all of you know, Alex was an intensive care nurse at the Minneapolis V.A. Medical Center. One of the most demanding jobs at the V.A. health care system and he was one of the most dedicated of the staff who served our nation's heroes. By all indications he dedicated his life to caring for others, particularly veterans. He wanted to make a difference and he did. As evidenced by the countless coworkers, veterans and families who have come forward with stories about his compassion and his positive impact on their lives.

Alex loved his job. He loved his family. He loved his country. That's why he was on the streets of Minneapolis last Saturday morning. He was protesting and documenting what he saw, and what many of us see, as unlawful and unnecessary assault on our communities. And after coming to the aid of someone who was assaulted, a woman who was struck by masked federal agents, he was pepper sprayed, tackled to the ground, beaten, and shot in the back multiple times, while lying unarmed and posing no threat. As we come together today, I hope the memory of Alex Pretti will inspire us to do better for our veterans, for our country, and their families.

Mr. Secretary, I appreciate your being here. I regard your appearance as overdue, if I may say so, with all due respect. I respect that there are ways to reduce our bureaucracy at VHA, to improve the quality and timeliness of care for veterans, and I think you will find support on both sides of the aisle for that goal.

I have concerns about the potentially negative impacts of the reorganization on frontline employees. And how restructuring the nation's largest health care system will be impossible without dedicated, experienced staff. In human resources, I.T., finance, resource management, operations and clinical leadership. I want to know what the implications and the impact for those resources will be as a result of this reorganization. And I welcome this conversation. I really welcome your being here. And I will say again, with all due respect, there has been too little conversation and too little responsiveness on the part of the V.A. to questions that have been asked on both sides of the aisle and requests for information that we have made.

I hope we are turning over a leaf. And beginning a new chapter. As you may know, I prepared a report on this first year with facts and figures about the results of cuts in workforce, cancellation of contracts, reduction in force, a lot of it the remnants of the DOGE deluge and its impact on the V.A. and so many other functions of government. And if anyone in the V.A. disagrees with the findings and conclusions of that report, I hope we will be given facts and information.

That is the coin of the realm in the Congress. That is the way we do our job. And you may recall -- no doubt you do -- that past secretaries of the V.A. on both sides of the aisle have not only provided that kind of information but hosted substantive conversations. For example, with the four corners leadership on a regular basis I have participated in them with Secretary Shulkin and Wilkie under the Trump administration, as well as McDonough in the Biden administration.

Nearly all of your predecessors have welcomed accountability and made concerted efforts to build constructive relationship with Congress, an approach that leads to better outcomes for veterans. And I hope that in turning over this leaf and beginning a new chapter, we can move forward to provide for more responsiveness and more facts forthcoming to our veterans, to the veteran service organizations that so ably advocate for our veterans, and to serve the common goals that we have and the bring us here today. Thank you Mr. Chairman.

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Booker, Lankford, Rosen, Graham Lead Bipartisan Effort to Surge Internet Access for the Iranian People

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Senators Cory Booker, James Lankford (R-OK), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), and Lindsey Graham (R-SC), all members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, sent a bipartisan letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging the Administration to quickly strengthen and expand efforts that help the Iranian people maintain access to the internet as protests against the regime grow and Tehran imposes widespread digital blackouts.

“We write today in defense of America’s long-standing and bipartisan commitment to support programs that enable internet freedom for the people of Iran, which is more important than ever as the people of Iran protest against the regime in record numbers,” the Senators wrote.“In light of the current events in Iran, we urge the administration to surge resources to quickly enable critical internet freedom support to the largest pro-American population in the Muslim Middle East.”


Booker Leads Senate Colleagues in Urging President Trump to Release Allocated Federal Funds for Gateway Project

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), alongside members of New Jersey and New York’s Congressional Delegations, sent a letter urging President Trump to release the previously allocated federal funding for the Gateway Hudson Tunnel Project, the nation's largest and most urgent infrastructure project.

The legislators wrote: “Every day, the tunnels carry hundreds of thousands of passengers and commuters and serve as a vital, although bottlenecked, link between the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. Currently, there is only one track in and one track out of New York Penn Station underneath the Hudson River. Failure in any one of these tunnels would be catastrophic for the New York, New Jersey, and national economy.

“Construction on the Hudson River Tunnels would add desperately needed capacity and resiliency to our transportation system. The project currently employees approximately 1,000 workers, and over its lifetime will involve as many as 95,000 mostly union workers. Stopping this project would eliminate those tens of thousands of building trades jobs and forego billions in positive economic-multiplier benefits, while leaving the region and nation vulnerable to bottlenecks, disruptions, and even catastrophic collapse.

“The funding for this project is fully secured, environmental reviews are complete, and shovels are in the ground. Stopping work now makes no economic or practical sense. Construction on the project is already underway at five sites in New York and New Jersey and in the Hudson River itself thanks to the Full Funding Grant Agreement signed by the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and the Gateway Development Commission (GDC). That agreement finalized a $6.88B billion grant to construct the new tunnels and rehabilitate the existing 115-year-old ones and outlined full funding for the $16.1B project, including $3.8B in Federal Railroad Administration grants, $4.4B in local support through federal RRIF loans, and another $1B in Amtrak funding. Through this funding, GDC secured the commitments needed to construct and complete Gateway by 2035.”

The legislators conclude: “All that is needed now is for you to reestablish the flow of the already appropriated and obligated funds. We urge you to do this immediately. Failure to do so in the coming days will cause contractors to cease work, workers to lose jobs, and perhaps permanently kill this nationally significant transportation infrastructure project. Every day that funding is delayed to Gateway brings us closer to the unthinkable: a derailed project that is already funded, the risk of tunnel failure or collapse, vastly reduced or even halted train traffic under the Hudson River, and profound negative economic impacts.”

A full copy of the letter can be found here and below:

Dear President Trump:

We write to urge you to promptly release previously committed, and already appropriated and allocated, federal funding to the nation’s largest and most urgent infrastructure project – the Gateway Hudson Tunnel Project. The existing Hudson River Tunnels are 115 years old; they have been further weakened by flooding from Superstorm Sandy and must be repaired.

Every day, the tunnels carry hundreds of thousands of passengers and commuters and serve as a vital, although bottlenecked, link between the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. Currently, there is only one track in and one track out of New York Penn Station underneath the Hudson River. Failure in any one of these tunnels would be catastrophic for the New York, New Jersey, and national economy.

Construction on the Hudson River Tunnels would add desperately needed capacity and resiliency to our transportation system. The project currently employees approximately 1,000 workers, and over its lifetime will involve as many as 95,000 mostly union workers. Stopping this project would eliminate those tens of thousands of building trades jobs and forego billions in positive economic-multiplier benefits, while leaving the region and nation vulnerable to bottlenecks, disruptions, and even catastrophic collapse.

The funding for this project is fully secured, environmental reviews are complete, and shovels are in the ground. Stopping work now makes no economic or practical sense. Construction on the project is already underway at five sites in New York and New Jersey and in the Hudson River itself thanks to the Full Funding Grant Agreement signed by the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and the Gateway Development Commission (GDC). That agreement finalized a $6.88B billion grant to construct the new tunnels and rehabilitate the existing 115-year-old ones and outlined full funding for the $16.1B project, including $3.8B in Federal Railroad Administration grants, $4.4B in local support through federal RRIF loans, and another $1B in Amtrak funding. Through this funding, GDC secured the commitments needed to construct and complete Gateway by 2035.

However, on September 30, 2025, your Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought announced his intention to stall funding for the Hudson River Tunnels along with funds for the Second Avenue Subway in New York City for a supposed “Disadvantaged Business Enterprise” review that could only be completed after the government shutdown concluded. That shutdown concluded on November 13, 2025, and USDOT has had ample time since to complete its review. In fact, correspondence between GDC and USDOT on December 1 and then again on December 8 indicate that the review is complete and that no further action from either party is necessary.

All that is needed now is for you to reestablish the flow of the already appropriated and obligated funds. We urge you to do this immediately. Failure to do so in the coming days will cause contractors to cease work, workers to lose jobs, and perhaps permanently kill this nationally significant transportation infrastructure project. Every day that funding is delayed to Gateway brings us closer to the unthinkable: a derailed project that is already funded, the risk of tunnel failure or collapse, vastly reduced or even halted train traffic under the Hudson River, and profound negative economic impacts.

On the other hand, reestablishing funding will allow work to continue, avoid the monumental loss of jobs, and permit progress to be made in a timely and economic fashion to complete this vital transportation infrastructure project. We look forward to working with you and the USDOT and its agencies to once again move forward on the Gateway Hudson Tunnel Project.


U.S. Senator Katie Britt Speaks on the Importance of Supporting Moms, Strengthening Families Across the Nation

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) spoke on the Senate floor about her continued efforts to support women, including during challenging phases of motherhood, through legislation like her More Opportunities for Moms to Succeed (MOMS) Act.

On the gift of motherhood and her work to support moms across the nation:

“Feeling that first kick, realizing that you have a human made in God’s image that you are humbled to get to help bring into this world. That’s something that I hope for every woman, and it is a reason that I am so dedicated in making sure that we protect women and children along that journey. Supporting moms is important because as beautiful as a blessing as it is, there are times that can be challenging and so making sure women have the support and the prenatal, postpartum, early childhood development ages, and supporting families along the way is critically important to making sure that every child is able to live their American Dream.

“That’s why I was so proud to introduce the MOMS Act and continue to look for ways to build consensus around it and actually get it across the finish line. It stands for More Opportunities for Moms to Succeed. And I think we have to remember how valuable life is, both inside and outside of the womb. We’ve got to do everything that we can to create a culture of life.”

On fostering a culture of life in our nation:

“Mr. President, to make sure that the most vulnerable among us are fought for and that we provide a voice to the voiceless. As we look for that culture of life and the values that allow us to achieve that, I would hope that we could stand together today in strengthening families and being able to reflect the very best of who we are as a country. So, as we continue to bring attention to this, not just today, but every day throughout the year, let’s all be able to coalesce in how important life is. I certainly know what an impact it’s had on me.”

Senator Britt’s full remarks can be viewed here.

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Senator Budd Announces Additional $233+ Million in Helene Aid Funding for WNC Communities

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) released the following statement after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced approval for $233+ million in public assistance grant reimbursements for Hurricane Helene recovery projects in Western North Carolina.

“Communities across Western North Carolina have fronted millions of dollars to clear and repair damage caused by Hurricane Helene. I’ve continued to engage with the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA to expedite the release of federal aid for recovery and repairs that had been stalled, and I am proud to announce that another $233 million is on the way. I am grateful to President Trump for his consistent support for Western North Carolina and to his administration for helping get these funds out the door,” said Senator Budd.

BACKGROUND

Attached is a chart detailing the funds that will be disbursed in the coming days.

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Chairman Capito Asks Witnesses About the Costs of Federal Permitting Uncertainty

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, led a hearing on examining the federal environmental review and permitting processes.

During the hearing, Chairman Capito asked all witnesses to share about the economy-wide costs that federal permitting uncertainty places on businesses, consumers, workers and state governments.

HIGHLIGHTS:

IMPACTS OF PROJECT AND PERMIT CERTAINTY:

Chairman Capito:

“What we’ve seen in administrations as they come in, depending on what their political priorities might be, is disruptions in the permits that have already been issued, and that’s what we’re seeing with the Rhode Island projects. I think all of these projects, whether it’s the [Mountain Valley] Pipeline or others, have gone through the permitting processes and were already under construction, some of them almost at completion phase. So, I’ll start with you, Mr. Bechtel, could you briefly address how the lack of certainty in the permitting process, and the treatment of properly awarded permits during Presidential transition periods can hurt your investment planning, and in turn consumers and households economy-wide?”

Brendan Bechtel, Chair of the Smart Regulation Committee for Business Roundtable:

“Yes. Uncertainty disrupts workforce planning, investment, communities and families. […] Predictability matters for all of these constituents in the process. And I think it’s fair to say that rather than any one project, this is about how the whole system works, including what happens after a permit is issued and what happens with litigation. Something that [Mr. Booker] can speak to as well is that for these kinds of projects, in our case for example, we’re typically making investments in training, in hiring, partnering with vocational schools in the area, doing housing studies ahead of time to make sure we mitigate impacts on local housing for big projects. That all can happen 18 to 36 months before a shovel ever even goes in the ground. And so, unpredictability about when we need to get started on that work is a real issue…”

Chairman Capito:

“You cited two projects in your opening statement, one in Australia and one in Canada. […] Are there any other countries that have to live with the unpredictability of already-permitted projects getting yanked because of political priorities?”

Brendan Bechtel, Chair of the Smart Regulation Committee for Business Roundtable:

“I’m trying to think of examples of other countries. I will point out, I deliberately picked the Australia and Canada examples because I don’t think any of us would say those are countries that cut corners when it comes to environmental and social protections, and so I think they’re leading examples that you can achieve efficiency, speed, scale, while really having important community engagement and environmental protections upfront in the process.”

Chairman Capito:

“Mr. Booker, if you could frame the question on the uncertainty, what does this do to the worker? I think you [explained this well] when you were here before. I remember quite well your impassioned statements, ‘that means I’m not working. I’m not getting paid.’”

Brent Booker, General President for Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA):

“That’s the bottom line. It takes time to get the skills you need, whether that’s building offshore wind, whether that’s building a pipeline, a natural gas power plant, a nuclear plant. Whatever the energy source is, it’s actual people who have to go build that and have to apply skills to do that. And it’s our job to partner with our contractor partners to create registered training apprenticeship systems to get the skillsets that are needed to produce a skilled craftsman to build that project safely. When a project is built, when it’s being built […] people move. Our workforce is transient in some cases. A lot of time it’s local as well. But they will move to that job, move their family, because they know they have the two-, three-, four-year job to build that energy infrastructure. And to have the whim of somebody with a pen in their hand say, ‘you know what, I don’t like that energy source,’ completely disrupts their life, their livelihood and their family’s livelihood.”

Dustin Meyer, Senior Vice President of Policy, Economics and Regulatory Affairs for American Petroleum Institute:

“From our industry’s perspective, we’re eager to deploy billions of dollars of capital to build these major infrastructure projects, and we face a real gauntlet to bring them to completion. Everyone agrees that there should be a robust environmental review system, but what really challenges the industry is when you get approval, but the approval does not equal finality. Or even when you are in compliance, that does not end litigation. And we have a long history of several examples of projects meeting exactly that fate. And it really complicates and prevents our ability to build the infrastructure in the first place.”

Chairman Capito:

“So basically, what you’re saying is, the uncertainty and unpredictability that come from political priorities—if you load that on top of the judicial review piece—it almost becomes an unbearable load in some cases?”

Dustin Meyer, Senior Vice President of Policy, Economics and Regulatory Affairs for American Petroleum Institute:

“That’s absolutely right. It’s a challenge not just for projects that are going through the process, but it chills the decision even to propose new projects.”

Abigail Ross Hopper, President and CEO for Solar Energy Industries Association:

“I will agree with everything my colleagues said and add the impact on consumers. Regardless of whether it happens prior to approval, or especially if it happens after, those electrons are baked into the grid planning. And if those go away, we all know what happens, our prices go up because there’s a scarcity of a much-needed commodity. And so, the impact on homeowners, on businesses, on all of us, is pretty impactful if these projects are either not approved in the first place or, even more egregiously, permits are pulled.”

David S. Terry, President, National Association of State Energy Officials:

“I think from a state perspective, the energy offices are deeply engaged in grid planning, energy system planning, delivered fuels, etc. When they look out at their resources, both natural resources and human resources, and how they can deliver reliable energy in their state, how they can help their governors and legislatures make this happen from an affordability perspective, the unpredictable nature of federal permitting is essentially a hidden tax as the delays happen. That’s certainly true for large organizations, hyper-scalers, etc. that we read so much about. But for individual homeowners, for farmers, for small businesses, consumers—many of whom don’t have resources—that hidden tax, we don’t really tally. And I think that’s something we’re missing, in addition to the obvious national competitiveness and security issues.”

Click HEREto view Chairman Capito’s questions.

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Chairman Capito Opening Statement at Hearing to Examine Federal Permitting Processes

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, led a hearing on examining the federal environmental review and permitting processes.

In her opening remarks, Chairman Capito discussed the importance of passing bipartisan reforms to federal environmental review and permitting processes during this Congress. She also highlighted the ways that permitting reform would address both Republican and Democrat priorities, paving the way to improved processes that create a greater sense of predictability and fairness across all sectors of the American economy.

Below is the opening statement of Chairman Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) as delivered.

“Today we will continue our discussion on the need to modernize our federal environmental review and permitting process.

“I would like to begin by thanking my colleagues who are here with me, and in particular Ranking Member Whitehouse, for their drive to elevate problems in our current permitting regime and to work constructively together. It’s what we need to do.

“Over the past year, we have all discussed how the existing structure pits uncertainty and the misapplication and abuse of our laws, against American prosperity. We have had fruitful discussions, yet we are now a year older. This is sometimes the never-ending story on permitting, but we’re going to get an end to that story, I hope. And we are still seeking common ground on practical and durable solutions.

“If Congress can deliver these critical solutions, we will unleash the investment required to build American infrastructure, unlock the supply of essential commodities and materials, grow our manufacturing, improve affordability by lowering prices and create economic opportunity across our entire country.

“Without Congressional action, we will continue to see the pattern of the last two decades. Each new administration will reverse the policies of the last, eroding trust of American businesses and workers and ensuring we cannot plan or build for either the present or for our future.

“This is not just speculation. We have all had communities we represent impacted by projects that were delayed or outright canceled by new administrations. I know West Virginia families have experienced this deep disappointment on multiple occasions.

“So, I say to all my colleagues today: I know your pain, all the way around, and I want Congress to address it now. Let’s remove the politics from permitting once and for all.

“To do that, we need to think creatively, learn from the existing system’s failures and craft solutions to align our permitting laws with what the Americans want and need: affordability, predictability and opportunity. And we will do that by protecting the air that we breathe, the water that we drink and the land that we love.

“We all know EPW’s long tradition of bipartisan legislation on tough issues. This is an important reason that I joined this Committee when I was first elected to the Senate over a decade ago and how I approach my role as Chairman.

“I called this hearing with the Ranking Member with the intent to get us back on the path to fruitful compromise through identifying both the urgent need to act on reform and the scope of priorities we must address.

“Turning to the policies for permitting reform, my priorities remain largely the same:

This legislation must be bipartisan to be successful and durable.

This legislation must be project neutral.

This legislation must create predictability, consistency and finality in securing a permit.

This legislation must bring accountability to every stage of the process.

This legislation must go beyond NEPA to address issues with our core permitting laws and processes.

This legislation must include provisions that address judicial review of fully permitted projects.

Finally, this legislation must be written in collaboration with our colleagues on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee to address issues within their jurisdiction, and we’ve been working steadily with them.

“I have spent the last year listening to the Ranking Member and my Democrat colleagues as well as the priorities of the current Administration in order to understand what legislative policies would meet each of their stated goals and concerns.

“I think our goals share more in common than most would admit, and there are many sensible compromises that are in the best interest of the American people to unlock our development, grow our economy, increase supply and decrease prices in our states and communities. This growing consensus demands action now, or we are likely to miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“The House acted last month by passing bipartisan reforms to NEPA and the Clean Water Act. It is now time for the Senate to act, so we invited these witnesses here today for two main reasons.

“First, they can share with us the pressing need to act this year on reforms and what we will leave on the table if we are unsuccessful. Second, they can share their invaluable perspectives on the most important reforms to truly unleash America’s potential and relieve the economic pressure Americans are facing across the nation.

“I look forward to making progress with all of you and hearing your insights.”

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Cassidy, Kennedy, Higgins Urge Investment in Louisiana Shipyards

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and John Kennedy (R-LA) and Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA-03) urged U.S. Department of War Secretary Pete Hegseth to consider shipyards in Louisiana when awarding shipbuilding, repair, modernization, and sustainment contracts.

“South Louisiana’s shipbuilding workforce is deep, experienced, and generational—comprised of welders, fitters, naval architects, engineers, electricians, machinists, and other skilled tradesmen,” wrote the members.

“Investing in stable, long-term contract opportunities helps grow this workforce, preserves productive careers, and ensures capacity to deliver for warfighters today and in the decades to come,” continued the members.

Read the full letter here or below.

We write to encourage the Department of War to give deliberate and sustained consideration to small and mid-sized domestic shipyards, including those in South Louisiana, when awarding shipbuilding, repair, modernization, and sustainment contracts, as the Department works to restore America’s shipbuilding capacity and strengthen the nation’s defense industrial base.

Rebuilding domestic manufacturing and shipbuilding is essential to national security, fleet readiness, supply chain resilience, and the overall strength of the U.S. defense enterprise. As the Department’s “Arsenal of Freedom” tour underscores, national security and the peace of the world move at the speed of our defense industrial base and rely on the hard work and ingenuity of the American workforce.

Over the past two decades, repeated delays and capacity constraints at the nation’s largest prime shipyards have underscored the risks of concentrating shipbuilding and sustainment work among a small number of facilities. As documented by the Government Accountability Office, Navy shipbuilding programs have experienced persistent delivery delays and cost growth driven by workforce shortages, infrastructure limitations, supply chain challenges, and shipyards operating at near capacity. These systemic issues have persisted across multiple ship classes despite sustained federal investment, highlighting structural weaknesses in the shipbuilding industrial base. Broadening participation to include capable small and mid-sized shipyards would help relieve pressure on overextended prime contractors, improve schedule reliability, and strengthen overall maritime readiness.

Louisiana’s small and mid-sized shipyards already operate in a manner consistent with the Department’s stated aim to prioritize speed, innovation, and a “commercial-first” mindset in defense acquisition. These yards compete daily in fastmoving commercial markets, where success depends on rapid execution, continuous innovation, and disciplined cost control. That operating model enables them to adapt quickly to evolving requirements, integrate new technologies, and deliver complex vessels at pace—capabilities that directly support the Department’s effort to modernize procurement and strengthen the defense industrial base.

Equally important, these yards anchor a strong and sustained maritime workforce. South Louisiana’s shipbuilding workforce is deep, experienced, and generational—comprised of welders, fitters, naval architects, engineers, electricians, machinists, and other skilled tradesmen. Investing in stable, long-term contract opportunities helps grow this workforce, preserves productive careers, and ensures capacity to deliver for warfighters today and in the decades to come. As the Department evaluates current and future procurement strategies, we respectfully urge consideration of approaches that broaden participation across the industrial base, including by structuring solicitations to allow capable small and mid-sized yards to compete on a level playing field, reducing unnecessary barriers to entry and bureaucratic red tape, and awarding contracts that provide the stable, long-term demand signals necessary for industry to invest and expand.

Restoring American shipbuilding capacity will require more than restoring production levels at a handful of yards—it requires rebuilding depth, variability, and resilience across the entire industrial ecosystem. Doing so will strengthen our defense industrial base, reinforce competition and innovation, and ensure that the United States remains the world’s arsenal of freedom in both manufacturing and maritime power.

We appreciate the Department’s leadership on these issues and welcome continued engagement on how best to ensure the full American shipbuilding industrial base is positioned to support national defense.

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Cassidy, Kennedy Introduce Bill to Rename Lafayette VA Clinic After Local Veteran

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and John Kennedy (R-LA) introduced legislation to designate the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Lafayette, Louisiana, as the “Rodney C. Hamilton Sr. VA Clinic.”

“Rodney Hamilton fought for his country in Korea and for his fellow veterans in Louisiana,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Naming the Lafayette VA clinic for him honors him for his service here and abroad.”

“Rodney C. Hamilton Sr. is an American hero. From his exceptional military service in Korea, for which he was awarded the Purple Heart, to his commitment to community service in Louisiana, he always put others before himself. In large part, he is the reason this V.A. Clinic stands in Lafayette today—and I can think of no one more deserving of having it bear their name. I’m honored to help introduce this legislation to celebrate Rodney Hamilton’s legacy in his beloved Lafayette,” said Senator Kennedy.

Rodney Hamilton was born in 1932 in Fort Worth, Texas, and moved to Lafayette, Louisiana, in 1948, where he would reside until his death in 2020. At the age of 17, Hamilton joined the Marine Corps and served in the Korean War. He was wounded in combat in September 1951 and was awarded the Purple Heart. After his tenure in the Marine Corps, Hamilton became a Lafayette community leader. He served in Lafayette’s city government from 1968-1972 and later founded the Southwest Louisiana Veterans Action Coalition.

As a longtime Veterans advocate, Hamilton played a crucial role in establishing the VA clinic in Lafayette, which opened in 2016. The road leading to the Lafayette VA Clinic was named in Hamilton’s honor in 2017, and local chapters of the American Legion, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Disabled American Veterans have all endorsed renaming the clinic as a tribute to Hamilton.

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Cornyn Backs DHS & ICE Funding, Slams Democrats for Using Tragedy as Political Scapegoat

WASHINGTON – Today on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) discussed President Trump’s immigration enforcement efforts in Minnesota and blasted Senate Democrats for once again attempting to hold government funding, including for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), hostage as the government barrels toward a partial shutdown. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here.

“It’s always a tragedy when a human life is ended. I applaud President Trump for taking steps to review this and sending Tom Homan into Minneapolis to try to de-escalate and restore law and order in that state.”

“When state and local officials, like the Governor and the Mayor of Minneapolis, use their position of authority to vilify federal law enforcement officials, bad things can happen. The Governor of Minnesota has compared federal agents to a ‘modern-day Gestapo.’ How reprehensible and irresponsible is that, particularly coming from a guy who wanted to be the Vice President of the United States?”

“We don’t see the same sort of law enforcement operations in Texas or Nebraska. We see it in sanctuary states and sanctuary cities, where local and state law enforcement are denied the chance to collaborate and cooperate with federal law enforcement authorities.”

“Democrats are using this tragedy as a scapegoat to try to force changes to government funding that they know cannot be done in the time we have left before the current Continuing Resolution expires.”

“In order for President Trump to continue the work he started to restore trust between local and federal officials in Minnesota, the Department of Homeland Security – and yes, that includes ICE and Border Patrol – must be funded.”

“What happened over the weekend was a tragedy, but it’s not a reason to punish 330 million Americans by shutting down the government as a political stunt.”


Cornyn Questions Sec. Rubio on Potential Fall of Iranian Regime, Middle East Posture

WASHINGTON – Today in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) discussed with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio the Trump administration’s force posture within the Middle East amid heightened tensions with Iran. Excerpts are below, and video can be found here.

CORNYN: “I know the President’s very concerned about what’s happening to the demonstrators in Iran and, of course, there’s some estimates that as many as 30,000 Iranian demonstrators have been executed by the regime, but I know the President’s being presented with a range of options. We’ve noticed a lot of movement into the region by our Navy and other authorities, but what happens if the Supreme Leader is removed in Iran? What happens next?”

RUBIO: “You’re talking about a regime that’s in place for a very long time, so that’s going to require a lot of careful thinking, if that eventuality ever presents itself.”

“On the issue of our presence in the region, here’s the baseline I want to set for everybody: we have 30 to 40,000 American troops stationed across eight or nine facilities in that region.”

“All are within the reach of an array of thousands of Iranian one-way UAVs and Iranian short-term ballistic missiles, short range of ballistic missiles that threaten our troop presence. We have to have enough force and power in the region, just on a baseline, to defend against that possibility that at some point, as a result of something, the Iranian regime decides to strike at our troop presence in the region.”

“The President always reserves the preemptive defensive option.”

“I think it’s wise and prudent to have a force posture within the region that could respond and potentially – not necessarily what’s going to happen, but if necessary – preemptively prevent the attack against thousands of American servicemen and other facilities in the region and our allies.”

“I hope it doesn’t come to that, but that’s I think what you’re seeing now, is the ability to posture assets in the region to defend against what could be an Iranian threat against our personnel.”


Cornyn Urges Ambassador Greer to Raise Water Treaty Issue During USMCA Joint Review

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) today sent a letter to United States Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Jamieson Greer urging him to bring up the ongoing 1944 Water Treaty issue during the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) joint review to require Mexico to comply with its annual water deliveries to the United States. Excerpts of the letter are below, and the full letter can be found here.

The Senator wrote: “As you and the Trump Administration review the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), I ask you to consider raising the 1944 Water Treaty during the 2026 USMCA review. As you know, the 1944 Water Treaty requires Mexico to deliver 350,000 acre-feet of water annually to the United States, in five-year cycles. However, during the past five-year cycle, Mexico continually failed to deliver its obligated water to the United States, hurting many South Texas agriculture producers.”

“Therefore, I respectfully request that you consider raising Mexico’s lack of compliance with the 1944 Water Treaty during the USMCA review process and consider any possible mechanisms to ensure Mexico complies with the obligated annual water deliveries to the United States,” he continued.

“I appreciate your leadership on the USMCA and trade relations with Mexico, and I look forward to working with you and President Trump as you examine the 1944 Water Treaty and its possible inclusion in the USMCA review,” he concluded.

Background:

Sen. Cornyn has led the charge in Congress to boost South Texas’ water supply and ensure Mexico fulfills its treaty obligations to provide annual deliveries of water to South Texas farmers and ranchers. In addition to securing more than $280 million in emergency assistance for Rio Grande Valley farmers and producers affected by the water shortage, he led a request last year to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio asking for renewed efforts to force Mexico to comply with the 1944 Water Treaty while also securing Secretary Rubio’s commitment to hold Mexico accountable for delays.

In December, President Trump announced he would impose a tariff on Mexican imports due to Mexico’s failure to comply with the 1944 Water Treaty. On December 12, 2025, the United States and Mexico agreed to address water obligations under the 1944 Water Treaty, and Mexico began to repay its water deficit in Texas that month.

Previously, Sen. Cornyn sent a letter to NADBank urging for the restoration of their Water Infrastructure Fund, raised alarms after a Rio Grande sugarcane mill closed due to acute water shortages, cosponsored a resolution supporting diplomacy, and sent a letter to then-U.S. Secretary of State Blinken urging the Department to engage on Mexico’s violation of the intent of the treaty. Senator Cornyn also led a letter to the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on State and Foreign Operations urging them to withhold designated funds from Mexico until they enter into an agreement with the U.S. to balance the deficit of the water deliveries, which the House Appropriations Committee included in their funding bill. The Senator also introduced legislation last year to hold the Mexican government accountable for not meeting its water delivery requirements.

Under the Treaty Relating to the Utilization of Waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande, Mexico is obligated to deliver an average of 350,000 acre-feet of water annually over a five-year cycle as its contribution to the Rio Grande’s water supply. However, Mexico has consistently delayed fulfilling its water obligation until the end of the five-year cycle, which hinders South Texas farmers’ ability to plan for and grow crops as well as ranchers’ ability to provide water to livestock.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353

January 28, 2026

Cotton Introduces Bill to Reduce Burdensome Government Regulations on Hardrock Mineral Leasing

Washington, DC — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today introduced legislation to make all federally acquired lands eligible for hardrock mineral leasing. The Mineral Extraction for Renewable Industry and Critical Applications (‘MERICA) Act will reduce bureaucratic red tape that limits mining on federally acquired lands.

“America’s natural resources are critical for our national security and shouldn’t be limited by burdensome government regulations. My bill will open federally acquired lands so we can boost domestic mineral production,” said Senator Cotton.

Text of the bill can be found here.

The Mineral Extraction for Renewable Industry and Critical Applications Act would:

Make all federally acquired lands eligible for hardrock mineral leasing under the Mineral Leasing Act for Acquired Lands (MLAAL).

List hardrock minerals in the same group with other minerals such as coal, phosphate, oil, gas, gilsonite, and sulfur, which are leasable deposits under the MLAAL.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353

January 28, 2026

Cotton Statement on Pine Bluff Arsenal Investment

Washington, D.C. — Today, Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), released the following statement about the U.S. Army awarding a landmark enhanced use lease to Hanwha Defense USA at Pine Buff Arsenal:

“I’m pleased to have worked with Secretary Hegseth, Governor Sanders, and our congressional delegation to secure the newly announced partnership between the U.S. Army, Hanwha Defense USA, and Pine Bluff Arsenal. This investment will mean more jobs in the greater Pine Bluff region and more tools for our men and women in uniform. I have long called for modernizing and increasing our nation’s munitions supply and I’m glad to see the Trump Administration taking this urgent need seriously. This partnership is a great development for the economic future of central Arkansas and the future of our nation’s defense.”

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Cramer Addresses Annual Nuclear Deterrence Summit, Emphasizes Strategic Role of
Minot Air Force Base

***Click here for photos.***

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Hundreds of leaders and industry stakeholders from around the world attend the Nuclear Deterrence Summit each year to discuss issues facing the defense sector and the evolution of nuclear deterrence strategies and capabilities. This year’s summit focuses on removing barriers to production, accelerating capability development, and sustaining the resilience and readiness of America’s nuclear deterrent.

Speaking at the event today, U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), chair of the Senate Armed Services (SASC) Airland Subcommittee and co-chair of the Senate Defense Modernization Caucus, highlighted:

The importance of strategic nuclear deterrence

The significance of Minot Air Force Base (AFB) supporting both the air-based and land-based legs of the nuclear triad

Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) sustainment and Sentinel modernization

Ongoing upgrades to the B-52 Stratofortress fleet

He emphasized the strength of the nation’s nuclear triad is greater than the sum of its parts and stressed the need for tighter alignment among industry, government, and military leaders to deliver deterrence on pace with national security demand.

“Deterrence isn't just a weapon system—it’s also an attitude,” said Cramer. “We're learning a tough lesson, that it's more efficient, more effective—and a greater deterrent—to maintain the best military in the world, than it is to have to rebuild it every 40 or 50 years. The one constant has been that nuclear deterrence is still the top priority.”

Additional speakers included Commander of U.S. Strategic Command Admiral Richard Correll and Undersecretary for Nuclear Security at the Department of Energy Brandon Williams.

With foreign nuclear threats on the rise, U.S. officials emphasized the enduring importance of the nation’s nuclear triad. President Donald Trump’s 2026 National Defense Strategy calls for a “strong, secure, and effective nuclear arsenal,” with renewed focus on deterrence. As the first North Dakotan to serve on SASC, Cramer has made modernization of U.S. nuclear deterrence a top priority, citing its role in maintaining national security and credibility with adversaries.

As the Air Force’s only dual-wing nuclear-capable installation, Minot AFB plays a central role in the mission. Cramer frequently brings senior defense leaders to the base to observe its operations up close. Previous visits have included former Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, former Air Force Vice Chief of Staff General James Slife, former Air Force Undersecretary Melissa Dalton, former Air Force Chief of Staff General David Allvin, and former Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall.

Minot AFB supports both the air-based and land-based legs of the nuclear triad, with B-52 Stratofortress bombers and ICBM silos. As chair of the SASC Airland Subcommittee, Cramer helped shape the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), signed into law on Dec. 18, which advances key nuclear modernization efforts. The legislation supports upgrades to the B-52 fleet, including new radar, engines, and modernized weapons to extend the aircraft’s operational relevance well into the future.

The NDAA also advances the Sentinel ICBM program, which will replace the aging Minuteman III system after more than 50 years of service. The law provides $3.8 billion for Sentinel development, building on a $2.5 billion investment included in a separate budget reconciliation bill, and mandates a minimum force of 400 ICBMs. The funding reflects bipartisan support for sustaining a modern, reliable nuclear deterrent.


Senate EPW Committee Holds Permitting Reform Hearing

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee held a hearing to review the federal permitting process and identify opportunities for reform. U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) began by highlighting not “every transaction in this town requires a loser… we can have winners all around.” He also stressed the federal government’s misalignment of incentives. “In this case [permitting reform], we have an opportunity to line up all the incentives.”

Cramer asked witnesses about the Clean Water Act Section 401 permits and the Trump administration’s new Waters of the United States (WOTUS) proposed rule. While these permits are intended to protect water quality, activist states have weaponized the statute to block energy infrastructure. The Trump administration recently proposed a rule to narrow this regulation and bring it back in line with its statutory intent. Similarly, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rewrote the WOTUS rule to reflect the Supreme Court’s decision in Sackett v. EPA, providing much-needed clarity for infrastructure projects.

“It's definitely a step in the right direction and something that we're very supportive of,” responded Dustin Meyer, Senior Vice President of Policy at the American Petroleum Institute. “But ultimately, it falls short of what we really need, which is a legislative fix to the way that Section 401 under the Clean Water Act has historically been weaponized, especially against interstate natural gas pipelines. So [we’re] very supportive of it. It's a step in the right direction, but we need a lot more, and that's why it's such a high priority for us in comprehensive permitting reform.”

“The reason [Business Roundtable] has been so focused for over a decade on bipartisan permitting reform legislation is because that's what's required for the results to be durable,” said Brendan Bechtel, Chair of the Business Roundtable Smart Regulation Committee. “Executive actions are great, they're helpful, but of course, they could be unwound by the next administration.”

Cramer highlighted experiences from his time serving as a North Dakota Public Service Commissioner and how early, frequent community involvement throughout the permitting process led to “great ideas from normal people.” Similarly, he explained how the issue of transmission cost allocation policy is going to be a stumbling block unless some common ground is found between utilities, rate payers, and state regulators, asking witnesses how they would navigate this challenge.