Dr. Rand Paul Introduces the End Welfare for Non-Citizens Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

December 4th, 2025

Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343

Senator Paul Introduces the End Welfare for Non Citizens Act

WASHINGTON DC – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.) is introducing the End Welfare for Non-Citizens Act, legislation intended to end the appropriation of taxpayer-funded benefits, including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and any other federal benefit, subsidy, or service, to refugees, asylees, or immigrants present in the United States without legal status.

“With a national debt exceeding $38 trillion, Washington should not be running a welfare system on autopilot,” said Dr. Paul. “The End Welfare for Non-Citizens Actputs America First by stopping taxpayer dollars from being siphoned into benefits for non-citizens. If we want a sustainable safety net and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, this bill is a must-pass.”

The recent massive fraud scheme in Minnesota, which federal prosecutors estimate could reach $9 billion, demonstrates how severely oversight of the welfare system has failed. Protecting the American taxpayer from theft and finally turning off the spigot of out-of-control waste has never been more important.

Read the bill HERE.

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Committee Unanimously Passes Peters’ Bipartisan Bill to Help Prevent Infant Formula Shortages

WASHINGTON, DC — Bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) to prevent future shortages of infant formula has unanimously passed the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee. The Protect Infant Formula from Contamination Act would strengthen the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) oversight of infant formula manufacturing to help ensure our nation’s supply of infant formula is safe and affordable for American families.

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

Peters reintroduced this bill with U.S. Senator John Hoeven (R-ND). The bill now advances to the full Senate.

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

Peters’ bill is in response to the bacterial contaminations at an infant formula manufacturing plant, the deaths of 9 infants, and infant formula recalls that triggered a nationwide shortage in 2022. Between September 2021 and February 2022, the FDA received reports of infants who were sickened after consuming powdered infant formula products manufactured by a facility in Michigan. The FDA initiated an onsite inspection at the facility and commenced an investigation that revealed insanitary conditions, including the presence of five different strains of Cronobacter sakazakii within the facility. In February 2022, the FDA warned consumers not to use certain products manufactured at this facility and the company issued a voluntary recall. In addition, in 2023, FDA issued warning letters to three additional infant formula manufacturers to improve conditions at their plants. While progress has been made to restore the safety of products made at the facilities, additional oversight remains needed to prevent future contaminations and shortages. Peters’ bipartisan legislation would improve the FDA’s ability to help prevent future bacterial contaminations and minimize the supply chain disruptions if product recalls do occur.

To prevent future contamination, Peters’ Protect Infant Formula from Contamination Act would:

Require infant formula manufacturers to conduct testing for Cronobacter or Salmonella in infant formula marketed for consumption: Under current law, infant formula manufacturers are required to notify the FDA if their product is contaminated, but only if the product has left their control. Knowledge about such incidents would enable the FDA to more effectively and proactively target its inspections, import controls, and finished product testing requirements for manufacturers.

Require infant formula manufacturers to share positive contaminant results with the FDA: The bill would require manufacturers to share contaminant information with the FDA, supporting the FDA’s efforts to quickly identify the strains and origins of contamination, and detect other potentially contaminated products. This requirement would have helped the FDA identify related Cronobacter or Salmonella strains during the contaminations and formula recalls in 2021.

Require infant formula manufacturers to consult with the FDA on how to properly dispose of contaminated products: Bacteria can live and spread across multiple surfaces in the process of removing infected product from a facility. The safe, comprehensive disposal of contaminated products is critical to ensuring that recontamination risks are eliminated and do not impact other product batches. The bill would ensure the highest, science-backed standards and methods of disposal are made available to manufacturers with impacted products.

Furthermore, the legislation would require the FDA to issue a progress report to Congress on its implementation of the recommendations it provided in the Long-Term National Strategy to improve the safety and security of our nation’s infant formula supply. In January 2025, the FDA released its Long-Term National Strategy to Increase the Resiliency of the U.S. Infant Formula Market to secure a safe, consistent, and diversified infant formula supply, addressing vulnerabilities exposed by the 2022 formula shortage. Among other recommendations, the FDA’s strategy calls for the testing authorities included in Peters’ Protect Infant Formula from Contamination Act.

The Protect Infant Formula from Contamination Act is supported by numerous key stakeholders including the Association of Maternal and Child Health, First Focus, Zero to Three, March of Dimes, MomsRising, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and the Center for Science in the Public Interest.

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Senate Passes Bipartisan Funding Bill with Peters-Led Provisions to Strengthen Michigan Manufacturing, Public Safety, and Great Lakes Protections

WASHINGTON, DC – As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) secured funding to improve public safety, support job creation, and improve the health of our Great Lakes in bipartisan legislation that passed the Senate. The Fiscal Year 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Act would fund federal programs and high-impact, local public projects that support Michigan priorities like safer communities, growing Michigan’s advanced manufacturing economy, and a clean environment. The bill now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

“This bipartisan legislation advances critical projects in Michigan and across the country,” said Senator Peters. “I was proud to secure investments in this bill that will strengthen public safety, support local law enforcement, and boost Michigan's economic competitiveness. The bill also takes important steps to preserve our Great Lakes and Michigan’s natural resources for future generations.”

The bill includes numerous measures led and supported by Peters, including:

Strengthening Michigan’s Manufacturing Sector

Obstructing Trump Administration Cuts to Manufacturing Programs: The bill included language Senator Peters championed to prevent the Department of Commerce from unilaterally defunding or overhauling contracts from Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Programs – like the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center. The bill also includes $175 million for the MEP program despite the Trump Administration’s budget proposal to eliminate it. This program helps small and medium-sized manufacturers grow their business and integrate advanced manufacturing techniques and technology, and works to strengthen our domestic manufacturing supply chain. For every dollar of federal investment, MEP generates $24.60 in new sales growth for manufacturers and $27.50 in new investment. This translates into $4.3 billion in new sales annually. In 2024, the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center estimated they helped 584 businesses produce over $150 million in sales growth and over $100 million in investments. For every $1 of a company’s investment, the Center returns $18 in financial returns.

Supporting Michigan Technological University AI Program: Peters secured $2 million in funding for the Safe and Secure AI Manufacturing Implementation Program for Michigan Technological University to support research into and deployment of AI standards and practices to support small and medium manufacturers.

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST): The bill invests heavily in the National Institute of Standards and Technology. These resources will help NIST advance research in cutting-edge fields like carbon dioxide removal, artificial intelligence, quantum information science, and cybersecurity. NIST will also develop standards, tools, and tests to help ensure AI systems operate safely.

Making Michigan Communities Safer

PAWS Act: Peters recently secured $3 million for the Emergency and Transitional Pet Shelter and Housing Assistance Grant Program, which was established by Peters’ Pet and Women Safety (PAWS) Act. The grant program, administered by the Department of Justice, provides emergency and transitional shelter options for domestic violence survivors with companion animals. Peters additionally secured language in the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Act encouraging the Department of Justice to continue providing robust funding for grants under the program.

Project Safe Neighborhoods: Peters secured funding in the bill for the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative – a nationwide law enforcement program that uses evidence-based and data-driven approaches to reduce violent crime. Last Congress, the Senate passed Peters’ bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.

Preventing Violence Against Women: The bill contains increased funding for the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) and its lifesaving programs. Grants from OVW programs support training for police officers, state domestic violence and sexual assault coalitions, rape prevention programs, homicide reduction initiatives, domestic violence hotlines, women’s shelters, transitional housing, and rural support services. In addition, Peters secured language in the bill directing the Department of Justice to develop best practices, in consultation with Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) community-based organizations, for the investigation and prosecution of violence against MENA women.

Improving Police-Community Relations: The bill provides funding for the State, Local, Tribal and Territorial Law Enforcement Assistance and Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office grant programs which aim to strengthen police-community relations.

Addressing Substance Use Disorder in Our Communities: The bill provides significant funding to help our communities and first responders address substance use disorders, including opioids, and to address drug trafficking.

Promoting Community Policing in Oakland County: The bill includes over $1 million to modernize Oakland County’s Courts and Law Enforcement Management Information Systems (CLEMIS), which will improve transparency of law enforcement activity and promote community policing.

Improving Criminal Investigation in Van Buren County: Peters secured $576,000 in the bill for Van Buren County to support purchase of rapid-processing DNA technology, which will reduce a current backlog and enable crimes to be solved more efficiently.

Purchasing New Patrol Vehicles in Kalamazoo: The bill includes $490,000 to help the City of Kalamazoo upgrade its public safety vehicles, which will allow personnel to respond to service calls safely and efficiently.

Making Road Patrols Safer in Oakland County: The bill would provide $26,000 for the Oakland County Sherrif’s Office to purchase safety equipment for motorcycle patrol officers.

Supporting Safe Traffic Stops in Warren: Peters secured $38,000 in the bill to help the City of Warren Police Department purchase new safety equipment to aid officers during traffic stops and investigations.

Improving Security at East Lansing’s Government Facilities: Peters secured $472,000 to support safety and security enhancements at the City of East Lansing’s government facilities.

Bolstering Canton Township’s Public Safety Communications Infrastructure: The bill includes over $1 million for Canton Township’s Bi-Directional Antennas Project. The funding will be used to purchase radio boosters that will enhance public safety communications.

Upgrading Police Communications in Marquette: The bill includes $264,000 for the City of Marquette to purchase new portable radios, which would improve emergency response for Marquette Police Department officers.

Upgrading Aging Patrol Vehicle Fleet in Houghton: The bill includes $385,000 for Houghton County to purchase new police patrol vehicles, helping to improve emergency response throughout the region.

Strengthening Eaton County Security Infrastructure: The bill includes $414,351 for Eaton County to support security system improvements at the Eaton County Governmental Complex.

Westland Police Technology Update: The bill also includes $100,000 to upgrade aging computer systems in police squad cars in Westland.

Investing in Sustainable Solutions to Protect Michigan’s Environment, Natural Resources

Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory: The bill provides funding for the Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab (GLERL), which studies the dynamic environments and ecosystems of the Great Lakes. The work produced and shared by GLERL informs local decisions for safe and sustainable resource management throughout the Great Lakes Basin. GLERL research also plays a crucial role in the work carried out by the Coast Guard’s Center of Expertise for Oil Spill Preparedness and Response in Sault Ste Marie. Peters also secured language in the bill recognizing the importance of continued support for the work of the Great Lakes Center of Expertise for Oil Spill Preparedness and Response, which examines the impacts of oil spills in freshwater environments and develops effective responses. Peters-led efforts made the Great Lakes Center of Expertise a reality. Peters authored and passed legislation into law establishing the Great Lakes Center of Expertise in 2018, and then successfully secured $4.5 million in total to kick-start the initiative the following year. Peters then announced the Great Lakes Center of Expertise will be headquartered in two Michigan locations to maximize research and operational capabilities. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, Peters has continued to secure funding to support the Center’s work.

Great Lakes Monitoring: The U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) is the nation’s premier ocean, coasts, and Great Lakes observing program. The bill provides funding to fill critical gaps in our nation’s ocean and Great Lakes observation infrastructure. It will also ensure the availability of coastal data to inform management decisions on oil spill planning and response, navigation safety, fisheries management, and harmful algal blooms.

Supporting the Great Lakes Compact: The bill includes $1,500,000 for the Great Lakes Commission to execute the authorities provided under the Great Lakes Basin Compact and improve the health of the Great Lakes. Specifically, this funding will help further efforts to address water quality, nutrient pollution, harmful algal blooms, aquatic invasive species, and coastal management throughout the Great Lakes region.

Addressing Harmful Algal Blooms: The bill supports the National Ocean Service’s research on harmful algal blooms (HABs). This funding is vital to preserving the health of the Great Lakes, which provide drinking water to more than 40 million people, support a $16 billion recreational boating industry, and draw 37 million anglers, hunters, and bird watchers each year. HABs, which produce toxic or harmful effects on people and wildlife, have been reported in the Great Lakes and in every U.S. coastal state. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), their occurrence is likely on the rise.

Coastal Zone Management Grants: This bill provides much-needed funding for NOAA’s Coastal Zone Management Program, which provides grants to states with approved coastal zone management plans for the protection, restoration, and enhancement of coastal zone areas, including those in the Great Lakes region. All eight Great Lakes states have active Coastal Zone Management programs committed to preserving the health of the lakes and the $6 trillion regional economy they help sustain. This unique program is essential to the economic and ecological importance of our coastlines and Great Lakes shorelines while supporting state and local efforts to address critical management issues such as coastal hazards, habitat, and water quality.

Marine Debris Program: The NOAA Marine Debris Program is a joint effort that supports national and international efforts to prevent, identify, and reduce the occurrence of marine debris. The program leverages resources from state and local agencies, tribes, non-governmental organizations, academia, and industry for innovative research, outreach, and education initiatives. This bill provides funding to allow this important work to continue.

National Marine Fisheries Services, Studying PFAS in Fish: The bill recognizes the threat posed by the concentration of PFAS detected in fish tissue. The bill directs NOAA to conduct fish tissue sampling and monitoring of PFAS to evaluate the impacts on aquatic health and public safety.

Improving the Census Process to Ensure Michigan Communities Are Accurately Represented

Census Bureau: The bill provides increased funding for the U.S. Census Bureau and includes language requesting updates on delays in planning the upcoming 2030 decennial census. This provision is essential to ensuring the Bureau does not fall behind on crucial preparations and can control long-term costs. The census and other key federal surveys are tied to important outcomes for communities in Michigan and across the country, including federal resources for education, health care, and infrastructure. The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, where Peters serves as Ranking Member, is responsible for conducting oversight of the Census Bureau. Peters previously convened a hearing in downtown Detroit to examine impacts of the 2020 Census on Michigan. Peters also convened a hearing in 2021 with senior federal officials to examine how lawmakers can work to improve operations at the Census Bureau. Peters has also pressed the Census Bureau to ensure it addresses 2020 Census undercounts and improves annual population data.

Strengthening Workforce Development Initiatives, Securing Investments in STEM Training Programs

Creating Employment Opportunities in Detroit: The bill includes $600,000 secured by Peters for the City of Detroit’s Pathway to Employment program, which supports reentry opportunities for Detroiters by improving access to education and employment.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA): Despite efforts by the Trump Administration to significantly cut funding, the bill provides continued funding for key NASA science and STEM education programs that support cutting edge research and scholarships at Michigan universities. The STEM education programs also strengthen our aerospace workforce pipeline.

Fully Fund the Artemis Space Mission: Despite efforts by the Trump Administration to significantly cut funding, this bill includes full funding that Senator Peters championed for the Artemis Mission, which is set to take the United States back to the Moon as well as, eventually, Mars. The Artemis program is supported by Michigan aerospace manufacturers and one of the astronauts participating in the upcoming Artemis III mission, Christina Koch, is a Michigander.

National Science Foundation: Senator Peters helped secure $8.75 billion in funding for the National Science Foundation. This level of funding prevents the catastrophic 55 percent cut proposed by the Trump Administration, which would have devastated U.S. scientific and STEM leadership, and harmed Michigan’s research institutions’ ability to continue advancing cutting edge research.

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Ricketts Supports Senate Passage of Bipartisan Appropriations Package

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) released the following statement after voting in support of a three-bill appropriations package to fund Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS); Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment for Fiscal Year 2026.

“I voted to keep the government running and get our work done on time,”said Senator Ricketts. “Nebraskans want a government that works. This package stops the government from relying on short-term fixes and starts focusing on real results.”


IN CASE YOU MISSED IT…  Sen. Rick Scott’s More Affordable Care Act Delivers on President Trump’s Push to Make Health Care Great Again

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In case you missed it, as President Trump calls for fixes to make health care more affordable for families, Senator Rick Scott’s More Affordable Care Act works to deliver just that. This bill will fix the broken health care crisis Obamacare has created, drive down health care costs and empower Americans to take charge of their health care, increase transparency and competition in the system, and gives families the opportunity to shop across state lines. The senator’s More Affordable Care Act is an answer to President Trump’s call to send any federal support directly to families, rather than insurance companies, through new HSA-style Trump Health Freedom Accounts that empower families to shop for the plan that best fits their unique needs.

The bill is cosponsored by Senators Mike Lee and Cynthia Lummis and is led by Republican Study Committee Chairman August Pfluger in the House of Representatives.

Senator Scott outlines his More Affordable Care Act with Chairman Pfluger in the Washington Examiner HERE. Read what industry leaders are saying about the bill HERE.

The More Affordable Care Act:

Establishes Trump Health Freedom Accounts, HSA-style accounts that ensure federal dollars to support families are delivered to them directly, not funneled to insurance companies;

These funds can be applied to premiums and will be Hyde-compliant by restricting use on abortion health plans or abortion services;

Offers more options for plans that will create market-driven incentives to drive down costs;

Allows Americans to shop across state lines with the creation of a state waiver program within the Affordable Care Act, further expanding competition within the health insurance market and the availability of health insurance plans within existing ACA exchanges;

Any health insurance plan that is approved by a waiver state’s insurance commissioner shall be sold on an easily accessible exchange, whether that’s the federal exchange of healthcare.gov, a state’s exchange, or a state-managed, commercially run exchange.

Enhances President Trump’s Executive Order to increase transparency in health care and provide patients with the price and quality of a good or service in advance. Families will have up-front pricing on what things will cost them – a health care menu – so they can make informed decisions and plan for their needs;

Maintains protections for pre-existing conditions; and

Enhances the Small Business Tax Credit to encourage employer-sponsored coverage and increase accessibility.

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Sen. Rick Scott Reintroduces No Relief for Allies of Dictators Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Rick Scott reintroduced the No Relief for Allies of Dictators Act to revoke existing and deny future U.S. visas to foreign nationals who enable or benefit from regimes in Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua, and Bolivia to protect our national security and stop those who support evil dictators from entering U.S. communities. This applies to current and former officials connected to the regimes of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela, Hugo Chávez Fidel Castro, Raúl Castro, and Miguel Díaz-Canel in Cuba; Daniel Ortega and members of the Sandinista Party in Nicaragua; and Evo Morales in Bolivia, as well as foreign nationals acting on behalf of these criminal regimes.

Senator Rick Scott said, “President Trump is taking critical action to hold dictators around the world accountable and get dangerous individuals who came into our country unchecked out of our communities. The president’s recent action to bring Nicolás Maduro to justice proves that the United States will no longer tolerate criminal regimes endangering the United States, trafficking drugs and dangerous criminals into our country, enabling terror, or standing against freedom. To build on that action, we must make clear the United States will, under no circumstances, provide a safe haven for anyone who has helped these regimes commit their evils and destroy lives by passing my No Relief for Allies of Dictators Act. This bill willstop anyone involved with dangerous regimes – standing in direct opposition to the freedoms of our nation and endangering our families, from ever entering the United States.”

The No Relief for Allies of Dictators Act would:

Revoke existing visas and block new visa issuances for individuals who support or advance the authoritarian regimes in Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Bolivia;

Target both individuals currently in the United States and those applying from abroad who have committed human rights abuses or engaged in actions that undermine the sovereignty of the Cuban, Venezuelan, Nicaraguan, and Bolivian people;

Impose visa restrictions on current and former officials of these regimes, as well as foreign nationals acting on their behalf;

Extend visa restrictions to immediate family members, including spouses and children, of foreign officials who support these regimes; and

Allow for visa restrictions on foreign officials seeking to travel to the United States for United Nations General Assembly-related activities, based on case-by-case determinations by the Secretary of State and the Director of National Intelligence.


Rounds, Cassidy and Colleagues Blast Tim Walz for Rampant Childcare Fraud, Demand Accountability for American Taxpayers

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and the entire Senate Republican Conference are demanding accountability from outgoing Minnesota Governor Tim Walz amid widespread reports of fraud and abuse of federal child care funding in Minnesota.

“The state’s apparent negligent management of federal funds raises significant concerns about the adequacy of the state’s oversight, verification, and compliance systems for safeguarding taxpayer dollars intended to support vulnerable children and working families,” wrote the Senators. “Unfortunately, these latest reports appear to reflect only the tip of the iceberg.”

“The Constitution grants Congress the power of the purse, and the United States Senate is exercising its duty to ensure proper stewardship of federal taxpayer dollars for child care programs, and we take this responsibility very seriously,” continued the Senators.

This effort is in conjunction with the Trump administration, which has paused child care funding to Minnesota and other states pending verification and audits of how funds were used. There is also a current federal investigation into large-scale fraud in Minnesota’s social services programs.

Rounds and Cassidy are joined by Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Ashley Moody (R-Fla.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Jon Husted (R-Ohio), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), John Curtis (R-Utah), Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), John Boozman (R-Ark.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa).

Read the full letter HERE or below.

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Dear Governor Walz:

We write to express serious concern regarding recent reports and federal investigations alleging widespread fraud and misuse of federal funds within Minnesota’s state-administered child care assistance programs. The state’s apparent negligent management of federal funds raises significant concerns about the adequacy of the state’s oversight, verification, and compliance systems for safeguarding taxpayer dollars intended to support vulnerable children and working families. Unfortunately, these latest reports appear to reflect only the tip of the iceberg.

Federal prosecutors have been conducting a broader investigation of large-scale fraud in Minnesota’s social services programs. Some authorities estimate that billions in federal funds across various programs, including child care, nutrition, Medicaid, and housing assistance, may have been misappropriated since 2018. One example includes the “Feeding Our Future” scheme, where more than 50 individuals were convicted for diverting hundreds of millions of dollars in pandemic relief funds intended for school meals.

Under the leadership of President Trump, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has acted promptly to freeze child care payments to Minnesota pending verification and audits of how funds were used. The Constitution grants Congress the power of the purse, and the United States Senate is exercising its duty to ensure proper stewardship of federal taxpayer dollars for child care programs, and we take this responsibility very seriously. To that end, we are writing to request detailed responses to the following questions, on a question-by-question basis, no later than Thursday, January 22, 2026:

Please describe the state’s ongoing efforts to comply with federal directives to conduct a comprehensive audit of child care centers identified as high-risk.

What is the state’s estimated timeframe to achieve full compliance?

Please detail any additional verification requirements Minnesota has adopted or plans to implement in the near term to support proof of legitimate use of federal child care payments. In your response, please specify whether these verification requirements apply to each federal funding stream used to support Minnesota’s child care programs, including the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), COVID-19 pandemic relief funds, and any other sources of federal taxpayer dollars. Please also indicate whether any of the providers identified as high-risk receive Head Start or Early Head Start funding.

How often does the state conduct on-site monitoring, inspections, or investigative visits of licensed, registered, and state exempt child care providers that receive child care subsidies?

How many investigations has the state conducted since January 1, 2018, and what evidence of fraud has been uncovered?

Please detail specific examples of fraudulent billing, including but not limited to billing for children who did not exist or were not present; falsifying attendance records and/or names; enrolling ineligible children to increase reimbursement; overbilling for services not provided; and using fake business structures to draw down additional public funds.

Please describe the prior compliance and enforcement efforts the state has undertaken to address concerns about accountability raised in previous federal audits documenting oversight shortcomings in Minnesota’s child care assistance program.

Please list all regulatory and oversight actions (as well as technology and systems improvements for fraud prevention) that the state has undertaken since January 1, 2018, in response to the findings of federal audits documenting the systemic misuse of welfare funds, including but not limited to the May 2025 HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) audit report.

Please include the dates of implementation and scope of all mandated reforms to comply with federal audits.

In the May 2025 HHS OIG audit report, the OIG made the following three recommendations: (1) recover identified overpayments; (2) strengthen monitoring of attendance records; and (3) implement real-time electronic attendance reporting, as previously recommended by the Legislative Auditor. As of the end of 2025, these recommendations remain open, indicating that they have not been completely adopted by the state. Why have these recommendations not been completely adopted by the state, and who made the decisions not to expeditiously move forward with adopting the OIG’s recommendations?

Please describe any additional reforms Minnesota has evaluated for potential implementation to prevent fraud in the state’s federally funded welfare programs, including but not limited to individual registration requirements, use of fingerprinting technologies, etc.

Please provide detailed documentation for all providers receiving federal child care funds from the state of Minnesota since January 1, 2018, including attendance records, licenses, inspection and monitoring reports, complaints, and investigations.

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Rounds Issues Statement Following Senate’s Passage of Appropriations Package

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued a statement following the Senate’s passage of a package of three appropriations bills for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. The legislation, which included Interior, Environment and Related Agencies (Interior), Energy and Water Development (EWD) and Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies (CJS), passed the Senate on Thursday afternoon.

“I’m pleased that the Senate has passed our second appropriations package for FY2026,” said Rounds. “This appropriations package reduces the cost of running these agencies by $2 billion compared to what a continuing resolution with current funding levels would have been. Our ‘minibus’ appropriations package includes several wins for programs in South Dakota. I’m particularly glad to have secured funding for projects across the state, from rural water development to tribal construction projects to law enforcement security upgrades. It also funds programming at the Sanford Underground Research Facility, a world-class underground laboratory outside of Lead.

“We’ve now passed half of our required appropriations measures for FY2026. The work we do within the Senate Appropriations Committee is an example of what we can accomplish when we work together. The Senate continues to work our way through the regular order appropriations process, which we’ve returned to under the leadership of Majority Leader John Thune and Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to fund the rest of government ahead of January 30.”

Rounds has served on the Senate Committee on Appropriations since January 2025. He serves on six subcommittees, including Interior and EWD. Read a list of Rounds’ wins in the appropriations bills below:

Interior:

Includes two of Rounds’ Congressionally Designated Spending (CDS) requests totaling $15.507 million:

$8.92 million for the Oglala Sioux Tribe Sanitation Facilities Construction Project

$6.587 million for the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Sanitation Facilities Construction Project

Includes robust funding requested by Rounds for several tribal programs:

$570 million for the Bureau of Indian Affairs Public Safety and Justice

$996 million for Indian Health Service’s Purchased and Referred Care Program

$87 million for Bureau of Indian Education’s Tribal Colleges and Universities

Includes a provision to require a briefing on current timber harvest levels in the Black Hills National Forest

Includes a provision to require a report on law enforcement staffing levels at Mount Rushmore National Memorial

EWD:

Includes six of Rounds’ CDS requests, totaling $21 million:

$20.3 million for Water Investment in Northern South Dakota (WINS)

$50,000 for the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)’s BIA Route 6 at Cherry Creek project

$50,000 for USACE’s Big Sioux Ecosystem Restoration and Cultural Resources project

$50,000 for USACE’s Little Bend and Counselor Creek Restoration and Resiliency project

$50,000 for USACE’s West Bend and Vicinity Restoration and Resiliency project

$500,000 for USACE’s Lower Big Sioux Watershed Comprehensive Study

Includes robust funding requested by Rounds through the Department of Energy for projects and infrastructure at the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) outside of Lead:

$260 million for the Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility/Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (LBNF/DUNE)

$114 million for the Proton Improvement Project-II

$44 million for SURF operations and infrastructure upgrades

Includes $17.53 million for the Mni Wiconi water project

CJS:

Includes three of Rounds’ CDS requests, totaling $4.938 million:

$3.92 million for upgrades to security equipment and technology at the existing jail and jail expansion for the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office

$675,000 for critical technology upgrades and training for an Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program within the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office.

$343,000 for a project to monitor and forecast South Dakota air quality impacts from wildland fires at South Dakota State University

Includes $250 million for the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR)

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Amid National Cuts, Schatz Secures Nearly $34 Million In New Earmark Funding For Hawai‘i Non-Profits, Infrastructure Projects, More Earmarks Expected In Next Round Of Funding

WASHINGTON – Amid federal funding cuts nationwide, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) secured nearly $34 million in new congressional directed spending, also known as earmarks, for Hawai‘i in a bipartisan funding package approved by the Senate today. Additional earmark funding for Hawai‘i is expected to be included the next funding package in the coming weeks.

“Despite some challenges in Washington, we secured nearly $34 million in new earmark funding for Hawai‘i and expect more to come,” said Senator Schatz. “These earmarks will give local non-profits and infrastructure projects more resources to serve communities across Hawai‘i.”

As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Schatz worked with congressional leaders to ensure Hawai‘i received its fair share of federal earmark funding.

EARMARKS SECURED BY SENATOR SCHATZ INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

County of Maui – $1 million

The funding will be used to make infrastructure upgrades that will increase the reliability of the Lahaina water system’s ability to meet fire flow requirements and have backup supplies. (Schatz, Tokuda, Hirono joint request)

County of Kaua‘i, Department of Water – $1 million

This project supports the installation of a water storage tank to increase water storage capacity in the Kilauea community. The storage tank will support approximately 2,800 full-time residents and 6,500 acres of agricultural lands. (Schatz, Tokuda, Hirono joint request)

Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (O‘ahu) – $1 million

The funding will be used to make critical repairs and improvements to the aging sewer system in the Papakolea Homestead Subdivision. (Schatz, Case joint request)

County of Maui – $2 million

The funding will be used to support the conversion of the existing Kealaloa exploratory well into a fully operational production well. (Schatz, Hirono joint request)

Honolulu Board of Water Supply – $2 million

The project will support the replacement of infrastructure at the Kaonohi Booster station, which is nearing the end of its useful life. (Schatz, Hirono joint request)

County of Hawai‘i, Department of Water Supply – $1.4 million

The funding will be used to support the conversion of Hawai‘i Department of Water Supply systems from chlorine gas treatment to liquid chlorine. This project creates a safer work environment and more stable supply of disinfected water. (Schatz, Hirono joint request)

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (O‘ahu) – $1 million

The funding will support continued engineering work to reduce impacts from flooding to the Waikiki watershed. (Schatz, Hirono joint request)

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (O‘ahu) – $1.5 million

The funding will be used to support a feasibility study to evaluate modifications to the channel at Honolulu Harbor, including disaster resilience and national security benefits.

County of Maui – $450,000

The funding will be used to create a backup communications capacity for first responders in West Maui using microwave radio links so that they can remain connected, even if existing cables are disrupted or damaged during a disaster. (Schatz, Hirono joint request)

Hawai‘i Pacific University – $1.5 million

The funding will be used for the development of an aquaculture education training program at HPU to support Hawai‘i’s “Blue Economy” workforce and expand aquaculture career opportunities. (Schatz, Hirono, Case joint request)

University of Hawai‘i at Hilo – $995,000

The funds will be used to help modernize UH Hilo's Volcano Monitoring and Geoarchaeology Lab to support rapid, cost-effective analysis of volcanic eruptions. (Schatz, Hirono, Tokuda joint request)

University of Hawai‘i Groundwater and Geothermal Resources Center (Hawai‘i Island) – $1.3 million

The funding will be used for the University of Hawai‘i to conduct geothermal research in partnership with the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. (Schatz, Hirono joint request)

Hawai‘i State Energy Office – $1.8 million

The project will support the Hawai‘i State Energy Office and the University of Hawai‘i Laboratory for Advanced Visualization & Applications develop an energy, land use, and disaster planning visualization tool for Hawaii. (Schatz, Hirono joint request)

Hawaiian Islands Land Trust (Maui) – $600,000

The funding will be used to install a predator-proof fence around the Pupuka wetlands to protect Hawaiian waterbirds and other native wildlife and maintain the ecosystem for subsistence fishing. (Schatz, Hirono joint request)

Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife (Maui, Kaua‘i) – $500,000

This project will help prevent the extinction of Hawai‘i’s native forest birds by reducing invasive mosquito populations that spread avian malaria. (Schatz, Hirono joint request)

Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife (Hawai‘i Island) – $500,000

The funding will be used to support the maintenance and expansion of predator control programs, as well as the implementation of mosquito control techniques to protect native bird populations on Hawai‘i Island.

Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife (Maui) – $460,000

The project supports infrastructure upgrades for a rare species facility in Olinda, Maui. Upgrades include tree removals to create a fire break, an interior sprinkler system, solar panels with battery storage, and upgrading the perimeter fence. (Schatz, Hirono joint request)

Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife (O‘ahu) – $400,000

The funding will be used to make critical equipment upgrades to a facility that maintains rare native invertebrate species and cares for many species that are extinct in the wild. Upgrades include securing the deck, storm shutters, security system, hardening infrastructure, and environmental chambers for propagation. (Schatz, Hirono joint request)

The Nature Conservancy Hawai‘i and Palmyra (Hawai‘i Island, Maui, Kaua‘i) – $400,000

The funding will be used to reduce wildfire risk through fuel load management, invasive species control, firebreak improvements, and the development of a field communications network to support increased monitoring and emergency response in remote areas.

Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife (Hawai‘i Island) – $250,000

The funding will be used to replace existing shadehouse structures for threatened and endangered plant species at a facility that partners with Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. (Schatz, Hirono joint request)

Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife – $200,000

The project supports the State's Plant Extinction Prevention program to protect wild plant populations through propagation, seed collection, and habitat restoration. (Schatz, Hirono joint request)

Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources (O‘ahu) – $1 million

The funding will be used to support a survey of vulnerable areas outside the current known range of invasive species in Pearl Harbor. (Schatz, Hirono, Case joint request)

County of Maui – $1 million

The earmark will fund a new Computer Aided Dispatch and Reporting/Records Management Systems to respond to calls for service quicker and more efficiently. The system will also improve coordination with State and Federal partners. (Schatz, Hirono joint request)

Chaminade University of Honolulu – $1 million

The funding will support an institute to serve as a hub for teaching and strengthening those employed in the justice fields in the Pacific Islands through specialized training.

University of Hawai‘i – $1 million

The funding will support UH’s work to improve space weather forecasts. Space weather forecasts are critical to protect vulnerable electrical infrastructure and satellites. (Schatz, Hirono joint request)

Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center – $1.5 million

The funding will be used by NOAA’s Pacific Island Fisheries Science Center to use electronic monitoring technology to supplement human observer coverage for the Hawai‘i’s longline fleet.

Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources (Hawai‘i Island) – $775,000

The funding will support the reopening of the Wailoa Fisheries Research Station in Hilo to propagate native fishpond species like ‘ama‘ama (striped mullet) and native wetland plants for fishpond restoration. (Schatz, Hirono, Tokuda joint request)

Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources (Kaua‘i) – $500,000

The funding will be used to make critical upgrades to the existing coral restoration facility on Kaua‘i to better respond to emergencies and strengthen ongoing restoration efforts. (Schatz, Hirono joint request)

Pacific Tsunami Museum (Hawai‘i Island) – $400,000

The funding will be used to support outreach and education on tsunami safety by the Pacific Tsunami Museum in Hilo.

University of Hawai‘i – $680,000

The project will support a comprehensive assessment of training needs in fisheries and ocean management across the Western and Central Pacific.

Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture – $500,000

The funding will be used to support a Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture study to evaluate the feasibility of regenerative aquaculture development in Hawai‘i. (Schatz, Hirono joint request)

Honolulu Police Department – $520,000

The project will support the conversion of physical records, such as case files, incident reports, arrest records, and evidence logs, into digital formats. This will enhance accessibility, security, and efficiency while reducing physical storage needs and risks.

Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources – $1 million

The funding will be used for the restoration of fishpond habitat at sites in Niu Valley and Kuli‘ou‘ou, O‘ahu. (Schatz, Hirono, Case joint request)

University of Hawai‘i at Manoa – $750,000

The funding will be used to help with the buildout of a solar array at the University of Hawai‘i Manoa. (Schatz, Hirono joint request)

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (Maui, Kaua‘i) – $3.1 million

The funding will be used to support continued mosquito control techniques to reduce avian malaria in Hawai‘i. (Schatz, Hirono joint request)

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At Commerce Hearing, Schatz Underscores Need To Protect Kids From Addictive Algorithms On Social Media, Calls For Cellphone Ban In Schools

WASHINGTON – During a hearing on screen time in the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) highlighted the negative impacts of addictive social media algorithms on children and the need to ban algorithmic targeting for kids who are still developing. Schatz’s bipartisan legislation, the Kids Off Social Media Act, bans algorithmic targeting for children under 17, in addition to setting a minimum age of 13 for social media use.

“I'm quite skeptical of this model in which the social media platforms give you the opportunity to either tweak the algorithm or turn off the algorithm – no one's going to do that. I think banning the algorithmic feed for kids who are not yet fully developed is a is a very powerful tool,” said Senator Schatz.

Schatz also called for a bell-to-bell ban on phones in schools, noting that phones distract students from learning and socializing with their peers.

“I think we should have a bell-to-bell ban,” said Senator Schatz. “Social media is particularly terrible for children. But having all the world's information in your phone is probably not a great way to lock in when it comes to learning algebra or American history. And so putting the damn thing away and making sure that no other kid has access to it is absolutely essential.”

A video of Senator Schatz’s remarks and exchange with witnesses is available here.

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Sens. Scott, Rosen, colleagues introduce bipartisan bill to strengthen U.S. critical mineral mining workforce

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) joined Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV) in introducing the Critical Mineral Mining Education Act to strengthen American workforce development and STEM education in the critical mineral mining field through the creation of a mining Fulbright exchange program. This bipartisan legislation would enable the U.S. and its partners to better compete with China in the critical mineral sector, a crucial step in maintaining American leadership in advanced technology manufacturing.

Over the last three decades, U.S. efforts to compete with China in the global critical mineral supply chain have been complicated by a diminishing and aging mining workforce. Through the creation of this new program, the U.S. can leverage the expertise of its partners while enhancing our own academic and research capacity in the critical mineral sector. South Carolina has been a proven leader in its production of Fulbright recipients, and this program further expands opportunities for our students and scholars in fields essential to our national and economic security.

“By partnering with our allies to develop American talent in critical mining sectors, we are building the workforce needed to secure American access to critical minerals essential to defense, energy, and economic growth,” said Sen. Scott.“The Critical Mineral Mining Education Act takes a targeted, practical approach to closing workforce gaps by training U.S. students in advanced mining and processing.”

“Nevada is a national leader in mining and critical mineral production, and supporting this industry will help grow Nevada’s economy,” said Sen. Rosen.“We need to ensure we have the workers with the training and experience ready to fill good-paying mining jobs in our state. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan bill to help build the pipeline that will train our workers, bolster our economic and national security, and level the playing field with China all along the critical mineral supply chain.

“The University of South Carolina continues to distinguish itself as a national leader in producing Fulbright recipients, a testament to our academic excellence and global impact,” said Dr. Michael Amiridis, president of the University of South Carolina. “I commend Senator Scott’s leadership in expanding the Fulbright Program to meet emerging national priorities, particularly by strengthening education and research in key sectors.”

Jason Czyz, president and chief executive officer, Institute of International Education (IIE) said, “IIE is proud to support the Critical Mineral Mining Education Act, which will harness Fulbright’s global exchange network to strengthen domestic mining education and develop the skilled workforce essential to resilient, secure U.S. mineral supply chains.”

“The American Critical Minerals Association applauds Senator Rosen, Senator Curtis, Representative Olszewski, Representative Huizenga and Representative Kim on the introduction of the Critical Mineral Mining Education Act of 2026. As the U.S. continues to invest in critical minerals projects, we must advance policies that will support growth and certainty for the sector and ensure a sophisticated and robust workforce to support those efforts,” said the American Critical Minerals Association (ACMA). “This requires a focus on recruiting, training and preparing our workforce for careers in the production, processing, and recycling of minerals. The Department of Energy states that the future of the ‘critical minerals and materials economy will require thousands of workers spanning all levels of operation.’ To grow the critical minerals sector, we must be strategic and forward thinking in growing a domestic workforce that possesses the highly specialized skills and knowledge required for the production and processing of critical minerals and materials. The Critical Mineral Mining Education Act creates a pathway for fostering collaboration with our allies and ensuring opportunities for American students to benefit from the expertise of critical minerals experts across the globe. We applaud this effort and urge Congress to pass the Critical Mineral Mining Education Act.”

Sens. Scott and Rosen are joined by Sens. John Curtis (R-UT) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) in introducing this bill. Companion legislation is led in the House by Representatives Johnny Olszewski (D-MD-02), Bill Huizenga (R-MI-04), Ami Bera (D-CA-06), and Young Kim (R-CA-40).

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Sens. Shaheen and Young, Reps. Wittman and Moolenaar Introduce New Bipartisan Bill to Increase Domestic Supply of Critical Minerals, Create a Strategic Resilience Reserve to Support National and Economic Security

**New bipartisan, bicameral bill makes a historic $2.5 billion investment to strengthen national and economic security by reducing reliance on China for critical minerals**

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Todd Young (R-IN), alongside U.S. Representatives Rob Wittman (R-VA-01) and John Moolenaar (R-MI-02), are today introducing new bipartisan, bicameral legislation to support domestic supply chains for critical minerals to meet national and economic security needs through the creation of a new Strategic Resilience Reserve (SRR).

Critical minerals have emerged as a key chokepoint in the global economy and give the People’s Republic of China enormous leverage, as they’ve demonstrated in the last year. Just like the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and the CHIPS and Science Act have created more resilient domestic supplies of energy and semiconductors, this bipartisan legislation will play a vital role in insulating the U.S. economy from external threats and creating good-paying jobs at home.

Specifically, the new Securing Essential and Critical U.S. Resources and Elements (SECURE) Minerals Act would establish the SRR in an independent government corporation—run by a seven-member board appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate—to focus on supporting the critical minerals market, including through stable prices, expanding domestic and allied production capacity and recycling, stockpiles, competitive markets and supply chain work, with minerals where the U.S. is reliant on China (including rare earths, where China controls 90 percent of processing) and recycling prioritized. The legislation also prioritizes support for projects that recycle, reuse or repurpose critical minerals or extract minerals from mining or industrial waste.

“China’s global dominance of critical minerals supply chains gives it significant leverage and leaves the U.S. vulnerable to economic coercion. This bipartisan legislation is a historic investment in making the U.S. economy more resilient and supporting good-paying jobs in key sectors like aerospace, autos and technology,” said Senator Shaheen. “Delivering much-needed stability to the market, providing targeted investments and stockpiling key inputs will help insulate the U.S. from foreign threats and will provide a significant, and cost effective, boost to the U.S. economy.”

“For years, China has leveraged its dominance of critical minerals by manipulating global markets and supply chains. Our bill would counter China’s ongoing coercion and ensure the United States has a secure and accessible supply of the minerals that power our defense systems and high-tech industries. Creating this Reserve is a much-needed, aggressive step to protect our national and economic security,” said Senator Young.

“The United States, not communist China, should be leading the way in critical minerals like those we have in Nevada,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “Our bipartisan legislation would help bolster our supply chains, create more good-paying jobs here at home, and build a strategic reserve that enhances our global competitiveness. This is a necessary and strategic step for our economy and for our national security.”

In the Senate, the bipartisan SECURE Minerals Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Mike Rounds (R-SD).

The bill is supported by: the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, American Critical Minerals Association, Arizona State University, Bipartisan Policy Center Action, the Breakthrough Institute, Center for Public Enterprise, Employ America, Foundation for American Innovation, Institute for Progress, Jervois, New American Industrial Alliance, TechMet, Zeno Power

Click HERE to view a one-pager on the SECURE Minerals Act.

Click HERE to view a Section-by-Section of the SECURE Minerals Act

Click HERE to view bill text.

Last year, Shaheen and U.S. Senator John Curtis (R-UT) introduced bipartisan legislation to bolster partnerships with allies to secure the global supply of critical minerals. The bill both authorizes U.S. participation in the Mineral Security Partnership and authorizes the President to form an international coalition focused on securing reliable critical mineral supply chains and the components that depend on them.

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Shaheen Secures National and New Hampshire Priorities in Bipartisan Government Funding Bills, More Than $26.8 million for 18 Granite State Projects

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies (Ag-FDA) Subcommittee and a senior member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, highlighted the numerous priorities she championed and secured in the bipartisan Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies; Interior, Environment and Related Agencies and Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies appropriations bills recently passed by the U.S. Senate, including $26.8 million in Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) for 18 projects in New Hampshire. In these bills, which Shaheen helped craft, she secured critical investments to strengthen and improve infrastructure, increase public safety, bolster economic development in Granite State communities and more. The funding bills now head to the President's desk to be signed into law.

“The bipartisan bills that were passed out of the Senate today send a strong message that Congress is committed to continuing a regular appropriations process and to funding federal programs that Americans rely on every day,” said Senator Shaheen. “I was proud to help craft these bills to advance priorities that I've long championed, including to lower costs for the many Americans who are facing an affordability crisis, ensure people have access to clean drinking water and to protect survivors of sexual assault. Critically, I helped secure Congressionally Directed Spending that will go directly to Granite State communities, lowering energy costs, spurring economic development, making sure law enforcement have the tools they need to keep our communities safe, supporting clean water infrastructure upgrades and so much more.”

Shaheen-Secured Priorities in the Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2026

Protecting Cost-Saving Energy Programs

The bill protects the EPA’s popular ENERGY STAR program, which helps Americans save on energy costs. Shaheen helped secure $33 million for the program, preventing the Trump Administration from eliminating the program. Shaheen pushed back on the Trump Administration’s plans to scrap the Energy Star Program last year.

Investing in Clean Water

To support drinking water and wastewater infrastructure upgrades in communities throughout the Granite State, the FY26 Interior Appropriations bill provides $2.76 billion for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) and Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF).

Continuing her longstanding work to address toxic per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination, Senator Shaheen once again secured language ensuring states can use critical funding she fought for in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to assist private well owners in addressing PFAS and other dangerous contaminants, including private well owners.

Bolstering Outdoor Recreation and Forest-Based Economies

The Interior Appropriations bill allocates $900 million from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). New Hampshire will receive a portion of the nearly $300 million for LWCF stateside assistance programs that provide formula funding to New Hampshire and competitive grant opportunities to New Hampshire cities for parks, forests and other outdoor recreation development.

In order to support New Hampshire’s tourism economy, Shaheen joined her colleagues along the Appalachian Trail states in securing language directing the National Park Service to provide better budgeting to address expanded visitation, law enforcement, land acquisition and other needs. The bill also ensures the trail will receive $15 million from the FY25 Great American Outdoors Act’s Legacy Restoration Fund for deferred maintenance and trail rehabilitation in New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Shaheen also helped boost funding for state and private forestry, as well as forest research. Shaheen helped secure $308.5 million, an $8.5 million increase, for the Forest Service’s Forest and Rangeland Research account. Shaheen also secured language directing the U.S. Forest Service to use a portion of that funding to prioritize staffing at longstanding experimental forests like the Bartlett and Hubbard Brook in New Hampshire. These experimental forests benefit forest health, as well as the forest products industry that is the backbone of many rural communities. Shaheen also helped ensure $310.5 million was included in the bill for State, Private and Tribal Forestry, an increase of $27 million, despite the Trump Administration’s proposal to eliminate the program in its budget request.

Shaheen-Secured Priorities in the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2026

Lowering Home Energy Costs

A longtime champion of energy efficiency, Senator Shaheen helped secure $369 million—an increase from FY25—for the Weatherization Assistance Program, related training and technical assistance and the Weatherization Readiness Fund. The Trump Administration’s budget proposed eliminating weatherization funding completely. The bill also provides $3.1 billion for energy efficiency and renewable energy programs, rejecting the Trump Administration’s proposed cut of more than $2.5 billion. The bill also maintains funding of $66 million for State Energy Programs, rejecting the Trump Administration’s proposal to eliminate the funding. The State Energy Program provides funding and technical assistance to states to enhance energy security, advance state-led energy initiatives and increase energy affordability.

Northern Border Regional Commission

Shaheen secured $42 million for the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC)—a $1 million increase from FY25. NBRC is a vital federal-state partnership for economic and community development that provides grant funding to communities within Belknap, Carroll, Cheshire, Coos, Grafton and Sullivan counties. Shaheen has led efforts in Congress that support and invest in the NBRC. As Ranking Member of the Ag-FDA Appropriations Subcommittee, Shaheen recently secured a $500,000 increase in funding for the NBRC through the Ag-FDA FY26 funding legislation that was signed into law in November. New Hampshire recently received more than $9 million in federal funding for Granite State projects through NBRC.

Shaheen-Secured Priorities in the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies (CJS) Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2026

Securing Vital Funding for Economic Development and Manufacturing

Shaheen helped secure continued funding for the Economic Development Administration (EDA), including $400 million for Economic Development Assistance Programs (EDAP), $30 million more than was available in fiscal year 2025. The bill also includes $41 million for EDA’s Regional Technology and Innovation Hub (Tech Hubs) Program to support additional Tech Hubs implementation grants like the one Shaheen helped advocate for that went to ReGen Valley Tech Hub.

The CJS Appropriations bill also provides $175 million for the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program to encourage manufacturing growth and identify opportunities that accelerate local economies and fuel global competitiveness.

The bill includes Shaheen-secured report language directing $5 million to advance large scale production and use of innovative nanomaterials like the carbon fiber, Miralon, which are produced at Nanocomp Technologies in New Hampshire.

Shaheen also secured funding to ensure that the U.S. Department of Commerce continues its annual report on the economic contribution of outdoor recreation. Shaheen’s bipartisan Outdoor Recreation Jobs and Economic Impact Act requires this economic impact information to help inform policy makers and business leaders about the number of jobs created and consumer spending driven by outdoor recreation industries. According to the most recent report, outdoor recreation contributed $1.2 trillion to the national economy and added $3.8 billion in New Hampshire.

Keeping Americans Safe and Secure, Protecting Survivors of Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence

Shaheen secured multiple provisions that build on her work protecting survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and online crimes. This includes $10 million for continued implementation of her Sexual Assault Survivors’ Bill of Rights grant program which encourages states to ensure that survivors have, at minimum, the rights guaranteed to them under federal law, including the right to be provided a medical forensic examination without charge, to have a sexual assault evidence collection kit kept for 20 years or the statute of limitations and to be fully informed about the result of testing a kit. Shaheen also secured report language encouraging the U.S. Department of Justice to use trauma-informed interrogation techniques with sexual assault and rape survivors.

The CJS Appropriations bill also contains report language directing the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to utilize fusion centers to share threats against state judges and other judicial personnel.

Shaheen was also able to successfully include language calling attention to the significant staffing shortages across the Bureau of Prisons (BOP), requesting related reports to Congress and indicating support for recruitment and retention incentives. Shaheen recently introduced bipartisan legislation that would help address staffing shortages at federal prisons across the country.

Bolstering Support for Ocean Research and Conservation Efforts

Senator Shaheen secured many key resources to invest in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and other initiatives to support New Hampshire’s fisheries, ocean research and conservation efforts. Specifically, the Senate-passed legislation, includes:

Continued funding for ocean and climate research at NOAA in opposition to drastic cuts proposed by the Trump Administration. The bill funds NOAA at $6.14 billion (as opposed to the Trump proposal of $4.5 billion) and its climate research office at level funding of $224 million.

Full funding to ensure coverage of at-sea monitoring costs for the Northeast groundfish fishery.

Funding for research institutions important to New Hampshire, such as:

The National Sea Grant College Program (funded at $80 million), which includes for American Lobster research ($2 million), research on contaminants such as PFAS ($1 million), in addition to continued support for young fishermen ($2 million).

The NOAA Center of Excellence for Operational Ocean and Great Lakes Mapping (funded at $10 million) awarded to the University of New Hampshire (UNH), which will build on NOAA and UNH’s partnership to improve the nation's water and coastal mapping capabilities.

$5 million for a new Aquaculture Cooperative Institute created in FY 24.

$47.5 million for the Integrated Ocean Observation System (IOOS) and $34 million for the National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS). Funding for other NOAA research programs, such as North Atlantic Right Whale Research ($51 million), Northeast groundfish research ($2.5 million), a new industry-based fishery survey ($3 million) and a study into the development of a fishery disaster program ($1 million).

Supporting Cutting Edge Research and Strengthening America’s Leadership in Space Exploration and Innovation

To strengthen America’s continued leadership in space, the bill provides $7.25 billion for NASA Science, rejecting a proposed 47% cut in the Trump Administration’s budget and rejecting termination of five operating and planned missions.

The CJS Appropriations bill also provides $7 billion for research activities at the National Science Foundation, rejecting a proposed 57% cut in the Trump Administration’s budget proposal.

Senator Shaheen also included the following Congressionally Directed Spending projects for New Hampshire, totaling more than $26.8 million:

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Sullivan Celebrates Passage of Appropriations Package, Including Significant Funding for Alaska

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) today celebrated the Senate’s passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies; Energy and Water Development; and Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies funding bills. The appropriations package funds the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and Interior, several other federal agencies, including the Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as well as a variety of programs and infrastructure projects that are important to Alaska.

“This latest bipartisan government funding package is filled to the brim with wins for Alaska,” said Sen. Sullivan. “I worked closely with my Appropriations Committee colleagues to ensure that Alaskans’ priorities were reflected in this legislation, and I especially want to commend Senator Murkowski for her hard work as a senior member of the Committee and lead author of the Interior and Environment portions of this legislation as chair of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee. This legislation touches on a number of important areas for our state—further unlocking resource development opportunities, investing in our transportation and water infrastructure, conveying lands to Alaska, promoting safety in our communities, and strengthening our fisheries. Altogether, this legislation will build momentum behind the Alaska comeback—continuing to unleash all sectors of our economy and creating good-paying jobs for our hard-working families.”

Among other Commerce Department and fisheries priorities that Sen. Sullivan strongly advocated for, the package:

Provides $6.1 billion nationwide for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) programs, all of which support the safety and cultural and economic livelihoods of Alaskans across the state. This includes:

$1.3 billion nationwide for National Weather Service programs that support weather forecasts, maritime safety, and tsunami hazard mitigation.

$3.125 million for the NOAA Bycatch Reduction Engineering Program (BREP). Sen. Sullivan recently introduced the Bycatch Reduction Act, which would authorize $4 million for BREP to ensure the continued improvement of fishing gear and technologies that are aimed at reducing bycatch.

$43.5 million nationwide for the Integrated Ocean Observing System, a $1 million increase from the previous year, supporting Alaska’s Ocean Observing System that provides critical coastal and ocean data that support maritime safety, coastal hazard mitigation, and water quality monitoring.

$214 million nationwide for NOAA Fisheries data collection, surveys, and assessments to provide adequate data collection and sound science and research to support Alaska’s fisheries and maintain Alaska’s seafood competitiveness.

$45 million nationwide to support Regional Fishery Management Councils and International Fisheries Commissions, management bodies that are critically important to ensuring sustainable management of Alaska’s fisheries.

Among the energy and resource development priorities that Sen. Sullivan strongly advocated for, the package:

Reinforces Congress’ directive in Section 201(4)(b) of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) that DOI is required to permit surface transportation access from the Ambler Mining District to the Dalton Highway, making clear this is a statutory mandate and not discretionary.

Directs the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) to meet the 2016 Tongass Land and Resource Management Plan timber sale targets.

Directs the Department of Energy to report on how to provide federal loan guarantees under the Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline Act to be a tool to advance the Alaska LNG project.

Includes dedicated funding for Alaska-specific geothermal resource assessments to support energy development of this untapped resource.

Funds the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI) to help locate areas of Alaska with the highest critical mineral potential.

Among the infrastructure, environment, lands, water, and Alaska Native provisions that Sen. Sullivan strongly advocated for, the package:

Provides $13 million for the Port of Alaska in Anchorage, funding that will help support the modernization of Alaska’s primary commercial port and a key logistics hub for statewide freight and military operations.

Provides $300 million nationwide for small, remote, or subsistence harbors, a major investment that will help maintain and upgrade rural and coastal harbors that are lifelines for remote communities, especially in Alaska.

Provides nearly $40 million for the Alaska Native Village Water Program, a continued investment in safe drinking water and sanitation infrastructure for rural villages in Alaska.

Provides $18 million for the Denali Commission, funding that reinforces the Commission’s role as Alaska’s federal infrastructure partner entity for rural energy, water, transportation, and community resilience projects.

Provides $1.52 billion nationwide for wildland fire management activities.

Provides $32.7 million total to continue long-overdue State of Alaska, Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), and Native allotment land conveyances, including a $1 million increase for the Alaska Native Vietnam-era Veterans Allotment Program.

Provides $20 million for the ANCSA Contaminated Lands Program, funding that accelerates the clean-up of legacy contaminated sites on Alaska Native Corporation lands.

Provides $8.05 billion nationwide for the Indian Health Service, which includes funding for staffing new facilities and health care delivery services. Contract support costs and tribal lease payments are fully funded, and advanced appropriations are maintained.

Provides $10 million specifically for Alaska mapping and modernization as part of the National Geospatial Program, which supports infrastructure, resilience, and resource development.

Provides $3.5 million to carry out the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grant Program (SWIFR), which was created by Sen. Sullivan’s 2020 Save Our Seas 2.0 Act.

Includes language that continues the prohibition on enforcing federal regulations that would shut down small, remote Alaska incinerators.

Requires the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) to identify staffing needs to reduce the probate backlog to under two years in every region, an important step toward resolving long-standing delays that hinder Alaska Native families and land title certainty.

Among the judicial priorities that Sen. Sullivan strongly advocated for, the package funds a number of Office of Justice Programs and Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), including:

$720 million nationwide for Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) programs, including increased support for transitional housing, the rural program, civil legal assistance, the Sexual Assault Services Program, and the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners program.

$86 million nationwide for drug courts, which offer a proven alternative model of justice, one that prioritizes recovery and stability over incarceration.

$32 million nationwide for Veterans Treatment Courts, which support veterans who have turned to self-medication to address physical and mental health issues, allowing them another chance at rehabilitation.

$964 million nationwide for the Byrne Judge Advocate General (JAG) Program, which funds a diverse set of state, local, and Tribal justice initiatives, including in Alaska.

$253 million nationwide for the COPS Hiring Program, which benefits communities across Alaska by helping advance and fund the practice of community policing locally, territorially, and statewide. The program also supports Tribal law enforcement agencies.

$35 million nationwide for the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, which provides insights into the over-prescribing of opioids to continue to combat the opioid epidemic.

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Thune: Regular Order, Bipartisan Results on Appropriations

Click here to watch the video.

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor:

Thune’s remarks below (as delivered):

“Mr. President, the work of the Appropriations Committee never seems to stop.

“And that’s certainly been true over this past year.

“Under the leadership of Chair Collins, our colleagues on the Appropriations Committee have held hearings and markups and done the hard work of writing legislation to fund the government.

“They’ve reported eight full-year bills from the committee – most of them with broad bipartisan support.

“And that put us in a position to be able to pass three appropriations bills here in the Senate before the August state work period last year.

“Now, Mr. President, we hadn’t passed a single government funding bill in this chamber before August since 2018.

“In 2025, we passed three of them.

“And we were able to reconcile those three bills with the House and get them signed into law in November.

“That’s the way we should be passing appropriations bills: through regular order, a process that gives all senators the opportunity to make their voices – and the voices of their constituents – heard.

“Mr. President, that’s a far cry from how things have too often been done around here in the past.

“In too many years, we’ve had massive omnibus bills being written behind closed doors.

“That’s not how I wanted to operate.

“And when I became majority leader, I said that appropriations would be a priority.

“I said that I wanted to take bills through regular order to open up the process and ensure that we were making the best use of taxpayer dollars.

“And we’ve made considerable progress this past year getting back to regular order.

“And I hope that that progress will continue as we look ahead to the next appropriations cycle.

“But we have to finish this one first.

“Mr. President, we have a January 30 deadline to fund the remainder of the federal government.

“And we’re on track to do that.

“Before we leave this week, the Senate will send another package of three bills to the president’s desk.

“This package received a big bipartisan vote in the House last week.

“We had a big bipartisan vote here in the Senate earlier this week, and we’re on track to pass it later today.

“And President Trump is expected to sign it into law.

“Yesterday, the House passed another package of two bills – again with broad bipartisan support.

“And I want to point out that this package – like the three-bill package we’re considering in the Senate – actually spends less money than if we were to do just another continuing resolution.

“It cuts $10 billion – or more than 10 percent – from what we would expect to spend on these agencies under a continuing resolution.

“And that’s thanks to our appropriators doing the hard work of going through the budget and making the tough budgeting decisions that all Americans are familiar with – whether they’re running a business or managing their household budget.

“That’s the result of a better process, and it’s what happens when we make government funding a priority.

“Mr. President, appropriators are working on another package of the four remaining bills, which I hope will receive the same bipartisan backing that has characterized the appropriations cycle thus far.

“And before the end of the month, the Senate will need to process all of these funding bills and get them to the president’s desk.

“Mr. President, appropriations doesn’t always make headlines, but it is an important responsibility.

“So I want to thank our colleagues on the Appropriations Committee again for their diligence in crafting these bills.

“And I know when we finish this cycle, the next one is coming in right on its heels.


Tuberville, Cassidy Call for Crackdown on Mexican Cartels Stealing Red Snapper

WASHINGTON – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) in writing a letter to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to crack down on illegal fishing by Mexican vessels in U.S. waters, which undermines Alabama fishermen and supports cartel activity. Alabama accounts for 34% of all recreational red snapper caught in the gulf, which makes the state vulnerable to the impacts of illegal fishing. The letter comes in a series of efforts from Sen. Tuberville to support Alabama’s fishermen and promote safe, American seafood. Last year, the Senate passed Sen. Tuberville’s Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act to develop a system for determining country of origin for seafood imported into the U.S.

“We write to express concern regarding the continued illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing for red snapper by Mexican vessels operating in U.S. waters in the Gulf of America. The Coast Guard has demonstrated sustained and effective operational enforcement through repeated interdictions and seizures; however, the continued presence of Mexican lanchas in U.S. waters suggests that enforcement at sea, by itself, is insufficient to eliminate the incentive to fish illegally. We urge the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to use its import-restriction authorities, and other applicable authorities, to address this problem in a targeted and proportionate manner that supports law-abiding U.S. fisheries,” wrote the Senators.

Sens. Tuberville and Cassidy were joined by Sens. Katie Britt (R-AL), John Cornyn (R-TX), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), John Kennedy (R-LA), Ashley Moody (R-FL), Rick Scott (R-FL), and Roger Wicker (R-MS) in signing the letter.

Read the full letter below or here.

“Dear Under Secretary Jacobs,

We write to express concern regarding the continued illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing for red snapper by Mexican vessels operating in U.S. waters in the Gulf of America. The Coast Guard has demonstrated sustained and effective operational enforcement through repeated interdictions and seizures; however, the continued presence of Mexican lanchas in U.S. waters suggests that enforcement at sea, by itself, is insufficient to eliminate the incentive to fish illegally. We urge the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to use its import-restriction authorities, and other applicable authorities, to address this problem in a targeted and proportionate manner that supports law-abiding U.S. fisheries.

Despite fewer vessel interdictions in 2025 than the previous year, the volume of illegally harvested red snapper seized by the Coast Guard rose 28 percent, reaching 15,859 pounds. While fewer individual lanchas are being stopped, those that are interdicted are carrying much larger, high-value hauls intended for the U.S. market. Furthermore, a recent DHS Office of Inspector General report identifies that the Coast Guard only interdicts one in every five detected foreign fishing vessels, leaving nearly 80 percent of illegal incursions unchallenged and free to enter domestic commerce through opaque supply chains.

The Gulf of America red snapper fishery is a highly regulated domestic fishery that is shared between recreational and commercial harvesters. Allocation of the fishery between domestic stakeholders is a topic of intense policy discussion and high-level decision making, reflecting the immense value of the fishery to our nation. Mexican IUU-caught fish steal that value from both sets of American stakeholders.

Reports from the Department of the Treasury indicate that these lanchas are not operating as isolated or subsistence fishing ventures, but as organized operations increasingly linked to the Gulf Cartel, one of Mexico’s most dangerous criminal organizations. The continued ability to sell illegally harvested red snapper into the U.S. market is a powerful financing source for the Cartel and undermines both U.S. fisheries management and national security. As long as access to the U.S. seafood market remains available without consequence for non-compliant actors, interdictions alone will not meaningfully alter this behavior.

Congress anticipated circumstances such as these when it enacted the High Seas Driftnet Fisheries Moratorium Protection Act, which authorizes an import prohibition when foreign fishing activities undermine conservation and enforcement efforts. To date, these import authorities have never been exercised, even as evidence mounts that illegally harvested red snapper continues to enter U.S. commerce through cartel-linked supply chains.

We respectfully urge NOAA Fisheries to evaluate—without further delay—the use of its existing statutory authority in coordination with relevant agency partners to eliminate illegal fishing in U.S. waters and prevent IUU-caught fish from entering U.S. markets. Conditioning market access on compliance through focused, risk-based measures would protect law-abiding U.S. fishermen, safeguard shared fish stocks, and remove a key economic incentive sustaining cartel-linked fishing activity while preserving lawful trade and minimizing impacts on compliant segments of the American seafood industry.

We would appreciate NOAA Fisheries’ action in more aggressively applying its existing authorities to ensure that illegally harvested red snapper is not sold in the United States.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to your response.

Sincerely,”

MORE:

Senate Passes Tuberville Legislation to Protect American Fishermen from Cartels

Tuberville, Cruz Introduce Legislation to Protect American Fishermen from Cartels

Tuberville Takes Aim at Cartels Engaged in Illegal Red Snapper Fishing

Tuberville Voices Concerns about New Federal Red Snapper Limits

Tuberville, Colleagues Advocate for Management Flexibility to Preserve Red Snapper Season

Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

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Tuberville, Cornyn Introduce Stop Fraud by SOMALIA Act to Address Child Care Fraud

WASHINGTON – This week, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), John Kennedy (R-LA), and Rick Scott (R-FL) to introduce the Stop Fraud by Strengthening Oversight and More Accountability for Lying and Illegal Activity (Stop Fraud by SOMALIA) Act, which would strengthen penalties for child care providers who commit fraud and impose immigration consequences on fraudulent child care providers who are not U.S. citizens, making them inadmissible and deportable. Fox News first reported on the bill’s introduction.

“Taxpayer-funded, Somalian-run ‘child care centers’ in Minnesota are one of the biggest scandals in American taxpayer history,” said Sen. Tuberville.“Governor Tim Walz is 100% responsible for this disaster. He welcomed Somalian illegals to Minnesota, handed them billions in taxpayer dollars, and then refused to ask basic questions about where the money was going. It’s beyond embarrassing and should NEVER be allowed to happen in this country. Congress needs to pass the Stop Fraud by SOMALIA Act to ensure this is the last time taxpayers have to foot the bill for illegal operations like we have seen in Minnesota.”

BACKGROUND:

The Stop Fraud by Strengthening Oversight and More Accountability for Lying and Illegal Activity (Stop Fraud by SOMALIA) Act would amend the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act to impose strict penalties on child care providers who commit fraud, including:

Mandatory permanent debarment from all federally funded child care assistance programs;

Repayment of misspent funds;

And required referral for federal criminal investigations.

The bill would also require states to enforce these bans and prevent providers from evading debarment through restructuring or name change.

Lastly, the Stop Fraud by SOMALIA Act would impose immigration consequences on childcare providers who are not U.S. citizens and are involved in fraud or terrorism-related activity, making them inadmissible and deportable, barring them from asylum, adjustment of status, and subjecting them to mandatory detention and expedited removal.

MORE:

Tuberville, Cornyn Introduce Bill to Crack Down on Illegal Immigrants Who Murder Innocent Americans

Tuberville, Grassley Push to Strengthen the Abused Immigration Parole Program

Tuberville, Grassley Introduce Legislation to Protect Jobs for American Citizens, Not Illegal Aliens

Tuberville Joins Hagerty in Bill to End Counting of Illegal Aliens in Electoral College and Congressional Apportionment Votes

Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

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