Rep. Summer Lee Applauds Pittsburgh Water’s 14,000th Lead Line Replacement

WASHINGTON, D.C. – JANUARY 9, 2026 — Today, Congresswoman Summer L. Lee (PA-12) applauded Pittsburgh Water’s announcement celebrating its 14,000th lead service line as part of its nationally recognized Community Lead Response initiative — a milestone made possible in large part by historic federal investments in water infrastructure secured during the Biden Administration.

“Replacing 14,000 lead lines means thousands of families can turn on their taps with confidence, kids can grow up healthier, and communities that have been ignored for far too long can continue to see real investment and real care,” said Rep. Lee. “This is what it looks like when we put people first and use public dollars to deliver dignity, safety, and opportunity in our neighborhoods. I want to congratulate Pittsburgh Water and the entire workforce that made this milestone possible. Their commitment and hard work are protecting public health every single day, and Pittsburgh is showing the nation what’s possible when we invest boldly and center equity, setting the standard for communities across the country.”

Pittsburgh Water announced that the milestone was achieved as part of its aggressive effort to fully replace all residential lead service lines by 2027. The utility credited significant state and federal funding, including hundreds of millions in low-interest loans and grants administered through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST), helping ensure the work comes at no direct cost to customers.

Congresswoman Lee has consistently advocated for robust federal investments in clean drinking water, lead remediation, and environmental justice — delivering resources directly to communities in PA-12 and working alongside local, state, and federal partners to accelerate lead pipe replacement.

Rep. Lee’s Action on Clean Water

Congresswoman Lee has played a leading role in securing funding, advancing legislation, and elevating public awareness around lead remediation and water infrastructure, including:


From U.S. Capitol to Front Porch: Suozzi Replaces Stolen Flag for Veteran

Glen Cove, NY – After reading a letter published in Newsday from Frederick Robert Bedell Jr., a Vietnam-era veteran whose American flag was recently stolen from his home in Bellerose, Congressman Tom Suozzi (D–Long Island, Queens) wanted to help. Today, he visited Mr. Bedell and replaced the stolen flag and flagpole with an American flag that had been flown over the U.S. Capitol.

“If I have said it once, and I have said it hundreds of times: ‘Never Forget the Vet,’” said Suozzi. “After reading Mr. Bedell’s letter in Newsday, I secured an American flag that had flown over the Capitol to replace the one that was stolen from his home.

“We must always uphold our solemn promise to those who have served our nation by ensuring they receive the respect, resources, and dignity they deserve—including something as meaningful as a replacement American flag,” added Suozzi.

On Friday, Suozzi returned from Washington, D.C. with the American flag, presented it to Mr. Bedell, and spent time with the veteran, who is also battling cancer.

“The work of Congress is often challenging, but moments spent with courageous veterans, like Mr. Bedell, remind us why the work matters,” concluded Suozzi.

Mr. Bedell, 76, is a proud Vietnam-era U.S. Navy veteran who served aboard two U.S. warships and remains deeply engaged in his community. He is a member of Our Lady of the Snows Church in Floral Park and serves as Grand Knight of St. Anastasia Knights of Columbus Council No. 5911 in Douglaston.

Mr. Bedell’s letter to Newsday:

Musings: I'm a vet whose flag was stolen

Where is today’s American patriotism? My American flag was recently stolen overnight. And the person or persons also took the pole it was on.

I’ve lived in this Glen Oaks Village development for 20 years and in Little Neck, Queens, for 10 years and never had this happen.

My flag was the only one on the block. I am 76 and have served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam era and aboard destroyers, aircraft carriers, and helicopters. I served with respect for our flag and in defense of our nation.

This egregious act is an insult against all the men and women who have served our country, some of whom sacrificed their lives.

The American flag is the fabric of our nation. It represents all the men and women who have served and have lost arms, legs or sight. May God forgive whoever stole my flag. I wish the perpetrator(s) would return it.

— Frederick Robert Bedell Jr., Bellerose

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Congresswoman Lee Secures Over $4.4 Million for Nevada in Federal Funding Bill

Yesterday, Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03) voted to pass a federal funding package that includes over $4.4 million in federal investments for community projects throughout southern Nevada.

“When I got elected, I made a commitment to make sure southern Nevada receives its fair share of federal funding. Every day from my seat on the House Appropriations Committee, I have championed southern Nevada’s priorities, and this legislation reflects it,” said Congresswoman Susie Lee. “These investments will help improve our water safety and supply and equip our law enforcement officers with the tools they need to keep our community safe. I’ll keep working to bring tax dollars back home to southern Nevada to make key investments to improve our infrastructure, strengthen our public safety, and ensure our community has the resources it needs.”

Highlights of the Investments Secured by Rep. Lee include:

$1,092,000 to enhance wastewater infrastructure and safety in the southwest region of Laughlin by removing and replacing 1.5 miles of aged, asbestos-containing cement pipes.

$908,000 to design a two-million-gallon water storage tank to address Laughlin’s four-million-gallon portable water storage deficit. Laughlin’s water treatment and delivery system is the only such system managed by the Las Vegas Valley Water District that lacks a secondary water source and lags in water storage capacity. To meet this crisis, Congresswoman Lee helped pass a law in 2025 requesting assistance to update Laughlin’s water system, which includes the construction of additional storage tanks to ensure adequate reserves. This investment is the first step to fully funding construction of the tanks.

$1,031,000 to allow Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department to purchase vital equipment for their Air Support Section, which patrols over 8,000 square miles of Clark County. LVMPD’s Air Support Section is also responsible for search and rescue, transportation flights, Presidential motorcade escorts, covert ariel surveillance of suspects, and maintenance of mountain top radio repeater sites.

$1,031,00 for the Desert Research Institute to conduct a study on how to reduce lithium-ion battery fire risks and provide firefighters with effective fire suppression strategies and proper personal protection. Unfortunately, Las Vegas has experienced several notable lithium-ion battery fires in recent years.

$360,000 to enable the Nevada State Police to purchase equipment for four virtual reality training systems, ensuring officers are equipped to deal with situations in a manner that uses the least level of force while maintaining officer safety.

More information on each of these projects can be found here.

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PASSED HOUSE: Congresswoman Lee and Senator Cortez Masto’s Help Hoover Dam Act

Yesterday, the bipartisan, bicameral Help Hoover Dam Act introduced by Congresswoman Susie Lee(NV-03) and Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) passed the U.S. House of Representatives.

“The Hoover Dam is as much a wonder of the West today — for the power, water, and recreational opportunities that it continues to provide — as it was when it first became part of the Nevada landscape 90 years ago. With maintenance needs mounting as the dam approaches its centennial, my common-sense legislation will cut through federal red tape and free tens of millions of dollars in long-stranded funding for Hoover Dam capital improvement projects,” said Congresswoman Susie Lee, lead House sponsor of the Help Hoover Dam Act. “This is government efficiency — keeping energy prices from going up, protecting our natural resources, and saving taxpayers money. I urge the Administration to release this funding in support of an American icon.”

“The Hoover Dam generates power for hundreds of thousands of homes throughout the Southwest,” said Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, lead Senate sponsor of the Help Hoover Dam Act. “Currently, $50 million in funding is sitting unused, when it should be put to work improving the dam and making its energy production sustainable for future generations of Nevadans. Congresswoman Lee and I won’t stop fighting until this bipartisan, bicameral legislation is signed into law.”

The legislation allows the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) — which testified in support of the bill during the 118th Congress — to access about $50 million in long-stranded funds for Hoover Dam operations, maintenance, and improvement projects. Representatives Mark Amodei (NV-02), Greg Stanton (AZ-04), and Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06) co-led this legislation in the House.

Reclamation has estimated that the nearly century-old Hoover Dam will require more than $200 million in major plant investment over and above routine operation and maintenance during the next decade. Constructed in the 1930s, the dam generates hydroelectric power for 1.3 million people across Nevada, Arizona, and California each year. Lake Mead, the dam’s reservoir, supplies water to 25 million people and serves as the focal point of America’s first and largest National Recreation Area.

The Help Hoover Dam Act will:

Invest upwards of $50 million in the Hoover Dam, utilizing existing funding collected from Hoover hydropower contractors over the last 25 years — helping save taxpayer dollars, prevent energy prices from going up, and protect Western water and other natural resources.

Give the Bureau of Reclamation clear authority to recover these previously stranded funds from an orphaned federal account, as well as partner with Hoover hydropower contractors to pay for authorized activities — including operations, maintenance, capital improvements, and clean-up actions — at Hoover Dam and lands connected to the dam.

The Help Hoover Dam Act now moves to the Senate for further consideration as part of the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026.

The Help Hoover Dam Act is endorsed by the American Public Power Association, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the Colorado River Commission of Nevada, the Southern Nevada Water Authority, the Nevada Rural Electric Association, the Arizona Power Authority, the Irrigation and Electrical Districts Association of Arizona, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, and others.

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Rep. Sykes Announces More Than $21 Million for Street Safety in Summit County

AKRON, OH – Today, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) announced the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded two Safe Streets and Roads for All grants totaling $21,320,094 to the Cities of Akron and Fairlawn. The grants will support safer roads, intersections, pedestrian crossings, and streets throughout our communities.

“I’m excited to announce this funding, which will make our roads safer for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists alike. As a proud member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I’ll continue working to bring more of these essential funds back to Northeast Ohio,” said Rep. Sykes.

The City of Fairlawn will receive $20,856,094 to design and construct safety upgrades along the 3.5-mile West Market Street corridor from Heritage Woods Drive to North Revere Road. The project includes a roundabout at Smith Road; pedestrian refuge islands between Cleveland-Massillon Road and South Smith Road; high-visibility crosswalks and rectangular rapid-flashing beacons, corridor lighting, and walkway improvements; access management with 8–12 driveway consolidations and right-in/right-out at Flight Memorial Drive; bus pull-offs; and extended left-turn lanes.

“This is going to make a tremendous positive impact to our city. Our administration has always put safety at the forefront of everything we do and this grant is going to enable us to make Fairlawn one of the safest cities for pedestrians, drivers, cyclists and riders in the entire state and in the entire country. Fairlawn is essentially going to be a model for every other city in Ohio when it comes to creating a safe environment and in maximizing traffic throughput.” said City of Fairlawn Mayor Russell T. Sharnsky.

The City of Akron will receive $464,000 to conduct supplemental planning activities to develop corridor-level safety plans for six corridors identified in the Akron Metropolitan Area Transportation Study Action Plan. Deliverables include data collection, safety analysis, stakeholder engagement, and ADA-accessible feasibility studies recommending Federal Highway Administration Proven Safety Countermeasures to inform future implementation.


Congressman Shri Thanedar to Introduce Abolish ICE Act

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Shri Thanedar will introduce the Abolish ICE Act, legislation that would dismantle the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and end its current enforcement authority.

“The tragic death of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis, a 37-year-old mother fatally shot by an ICE agent, shows that ICE cannot be reformed and must be abolished. The Abolish ICE Act is a step toward justice, accountability, and a more humane approach to immigration policy.”

Since ICE was established in 2003, legal experts have argued that its mission could be carried out more effectively and justly by other federal agencies, because its design prioritizes terror over justice. Decades of terror tactics culminated in the killing of Renee Nicole Good, making clear ICE is not an organization bound by the rule of law.

“When an agency’s structure consistently produces harm instead of justice, there is no way to reform it. We must fundamentally change the way we approach immigration.”

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

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Congressman Tim Moore Introduces National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day Resolution

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Tim Moore (NC-14) introduced a bipartisan resolution to recognize January 9, 2026, as National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, honoring the courage and sacrifice of the men and women who wear the badge at the local, state, and federal levels. The resolution, co-led by Congressman Don Davis (NC-01), sends a strong message of support and gratitude to law enforcement officers across the country.

“Every single day, our brave law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to keep Americans safe and uphold the rule of law,” said Congressman Tim Moore. “This resolution is one way for Congress to say thank you, but it can’t stop there. We must also advance policies that give them the tools, training, and respect they need to do their jobs and get home safely. At a time when some in politics and the media use dangerous rhetoric that targets law enforcement, we must stand firm in support of those who defend our communities.”

Read the full text of the resolution HERE.

In addition to Moore and Davis, this resolution is cosponsored by Reps. Barry Moore (AL-01), Tom Kean (NJ-07), Mike Ezell (MS-04), Tony Wied (WI-08), Buddy Carter (GA-01), Daniel Webster (FL-11), Mike Simpson (ID-02), Nick Langworthy (NY-23), Pat Harrigan (NC-10), Troy Nehls (TX-22), Derek Schmidt (KS-02), Glenn Grothman (WI-06), Claudia Tenney (NY-24), Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), Jack Bergman (MI-01), Michael Rulli (OH-06), David Kustoff (R-TN), María Salazar (FL-27), French Hill (AR-02), Addison McDowell (NC-06), Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03), Burgess Owens (UT-04), Ralph Norman (SC-05), Dave Taylor (OH-02), Richard Hudson (NC-09), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Andy Barr (KY-06), Michelle Fischbach (MN-07), Young Kim (CA-40), Scott Franklin (FL-18), Don Bacon (NE-02), Jen Kiggans (VA-02), Randy Feenstra (IA-04), Julie Fedorchak (ND-AL), Brad Finstad (MN-01), GT Thompson (PA-15), Jeff Hurd (CO-03), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), Mike Rogers (AL-03), James Moylan (GU-AL), and John McGuire (VA-05).

The resolution also has support from law enforcement organizations, including the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), the National Fraternal Order of Police, the National Sheriffs' Association, the National Association of Police Organizations, and the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association.

“America’s law enforcement officers serve with extraordinary courage, dignity, and professionalism, often at great personal risk, to safeguard our communities and uphold the rule of law. This resolution recognizing January 9, 2026, as National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day is a meaningful and timely affirmation of the nation’s gratitude, honoring the daily sacrifices of those who serve, remembering those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and recognizing acts of heroism carried out in service to others,” said Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA) National President Mathew Silverman. “FLEOA proudly supports this resolution and thanks Representative Tim Moore, and all advocates of this resolution. We encourage all Americans to observe this day by demonstrating respect, support, and appreciation for law enforcement officers across the United States.”

"The FOP extends its gratitude to Representatives Tim Moore and Don Davis for today’s symbolic resolution expressing support for the law enforcement community. We appreciate their understanding of the sacrifices our officers make everyday—often quietly and without fanfare—to keep our neighborhoods safe and subsequently express our thanks a little bit louder,” said Patrick Yoes, National President, National Fraternal Order of Police.

Sheriff Chris West, President, National Sheriffs' Association, added,“National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day is an important opportunity to honor the service, courage, and commitment of the men and women who protect our communities. The National Sheriffs' Association strongly supports this resolution and thanks Representative Moore for recognizing law enforcement officers who serve our nation with integrity and dedication.”

“The North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association appreciates our members of Congress who recognize and value the significant sacrifices and contributions made by America’s law-enforcement officers who protect and serve our communities every day throughout the year,” said Eddie Caldwell, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association.


Rep. Tokuda Secures Critical Funding for Hawaiʻi in Minibus Package

Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) voted in favor of a bipartisan minibus package that includes three funding bills for the Departments of Commerce, Justice, Energy, Interior and Science agencies. The legislation, which passed the House by a vote of 397-28 now goes to the Senate.

“This funding package takes a critical step toward fully funding the government and delivers real investments in clean water, research, jobs, and public safety that strengthen Hawaiʻi’s communities,” said Rep. Tokuda. “At a time when people are already worried about making ends meet, they should not be burdened with the added instability of another government shutdown. I will continue to fight for the economic certainty and security that all Americans deserve.”

The measure includes the following Community Project Funding secured by Rep. Tokuda:

$1,092,000 for the County of Kauaʻi to build a new one-million-gallon water storage tank in Kīlauea and replace the aging 100,000-gallon tank with a larger, modern facility.

$1,092,000 for the County of Maui to upgrade the Lahaina Water Treatment Plant by rehabilitating waterlines, modernizing source wells, and adding backup water storage.

$995,000 for the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo to purchase new spectrometry equipment for the Volcano Monitoring and Geoarchaeology Laboratory.

$775,000 for the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Research to develop the Wailoa Fisheries Research Station in Hilo into an aquaculture accelerator, supporting the growth of Hawai‘i’s aquaculture industry.

The legislation also enacts provisions from Rep. Tokuda’s Native Arts and Culture Promotion Act to streamline the grant application process and eliminate outdated signatory requirements that have prevented Native Hawaiian–serving organizations from accessing funding through the Native Hawaiian Culture and Arts Development Grant Program.

Programmatic funding that directly benefits Hawaiʻi organizations and programs includes:

$6.2B for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, supporting Hawaiʻi’s fisheries management, coral reef restoration, climate resilience, and coastal hazard mitigation, protecting both natural resources and Native Hawaiian subsistence and cultural practices.

$3.3B for the National Park Service, funding the protection and maintenance of Hawaiʻi’s national parks, trails, and cultural sites, preserving sacred and historic locations important to Native Hawaiian communities and tourism.

$720M for Violence Against Women Act grants, which provides for shelter, counseling, and legal aid for survivors, including culturally informed services for Native Hawaiian women and families.

$375M for Juvenile Justice grants, which helps the State of Hawaiʻi develop youth diversion programs, restorative justice initiatives, and culturally sensitive rehabilitation programs for Native Hawaiian and other at-risk youth.

$207M for the National Endowments for the Arts and Humanities, which provide grants to Hawaiʻi-based artists, cultural organizations, and educational programs.

$50M for the Minority Business Development Agency, which provides technical assistance, training, and funding that helps Native Hawaiian and other minority-owned businesses grow, access capital, and strengthen Hawaiʻi’s economy.

$2.75M for the Native Hawaiian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development Grant Program.

$1.9M to help protect Hawaiian forest birds such as ‘i‘iwi and ‘ākepa.

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Congresswoman Torres Secures $10.7 Million in Community Projects for the Inland Empire in FY26 Appropriations Package

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Norma Torres, a member of the House Appropriations Committee that oversees federal spending, announced she successfully secured $10,722,000 for eight critical public safety, water infrastructure, and flood control projects across the Inland Empire as part of the fiscal year 2026 appropriations process. These Community Project Funding requests (CPFs) were included in H.R. 6938, the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026, which passed the House by a vote of 397 - 28 and now moves to the Senate.

“These community projects are about meeting real needs on the ground, protecting public safety, strengthening water infrastructure, reducing flood risk, and making sure our communities are prepared for the future,” said Congresswoman Norma Torres. “As an appropriator, I fought to deliver federal funding that will directly improve quality of life in the Inland Empire, and I’m proud to secure more than $10.7 million for projects that local leaders have identified as urgent and needed.”

The FY26 Community Project Funding requests secured by Congresswoman Torres include:

Energy & Water Development Community Projects:

$3,200,000 – Ontario Section 219 Recycled Water Expansion Project Funding to construct approximately 13 miles of new infrastructure in Ontario to deliver recycled water to public landscapes, improving water efficiency and long-term sustainability.

Commerce, Justice, Science Community Projects:

$1,031,000 – Autism Society Inland Empire Law Enforcement Training Initiative Funding to provide specialized training and resources for local law enforcement in Pomona, Fontana, Ontario, and Chino to support safer interactions with community members whose conditions or disabilities may affect communication or require accommodations.

$1,031,000 – Ontario-Montclair School District Safer Schools Initiative Funding to enhance school safety infrastructure in partnership with local law enforcement to protect students, educators, and staff.

Interior and Environment Community Projects:

$1,092,000 – City of Chino Benson Emergency Power Generator Project Funding to install backup power systems to ensure continued water delivery during power outages.

$1,092,000 – Los Serranos Flood Protection Project Funding for Chino Hills to install a storm drain system to mitigate flood risks and protect neighborhoods.

$1,092,000 – City of Upland Campus Avenue Storm Drain Improvement Project Funding to upgrade storm drain infrastructure to prevent flooding and protect homes, schools, and local businesses.

$1,092,000 – Inland Empire Utilities Agency Chino Basin Advanced Water Purification Demonstration Facility Funding for a first-of-its-kind advanced water purification facility in Rancho Cucamonga to enhance water quality and strengthen long-term regional water security.

$1,092,000 – Monte Vista Water District Pipeline Replacement Project Funding to replace aging pipeline infrastructure in Montclair to prevent leaks and improve water flow reliability.

“These investments reflect what happens when Congress listens to local leaders and puts community priorities first,” Torres added. “I will continue working to ensure the Inland Empire receives the federal support it deserves.”


Rep. Gabe Vasquez Secures $4.8 Million in Federal Funding for Better Public Safety and Infrastructure in New Mexico

January 9, 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On January 8, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) secured over $4.8 million in federal funding for direct investments in public safety and water infrastructure in New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District.

“You sent me to Congress to make your life better, and that is exactly what this $4.8 million federal investment in our community will do,” said Vasquez. “This bill will make our communities safer and healthier, providing for better tools and training for our law enforcement officers, upgrading drinking and wastewater infrastructure in places like Ramah, and more.”

Rep. Vasquez has advocated for the passage of this Community Project Funding for years, and yesterday’s passage of the FY2026 Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS), Interior, and Energy and Water appropriations bills in the House was a major victory, as these landmark pieces of legislation continue on a glide path toward final passage to deliver millions in concrete investment in New Mexico.

Community Project Funding secured includes:

$1,069,000 for the Albuquerque Crime Center Upgrades Project

This project will expand Albuquerque’s public safety camera network and strengthen its integration with the Real Time Crime Center, helping officers access critical information in real time. These upgrades would support faster emergency response, improve crime prevention, and make neighborhoods safer by giving law enforcement better tools to address violent and property crime.

$500,000 for the Bernalillo County Public Safety Technology Upgrades

This project would upgrade public safety technology and training systems used by the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office to help deputies respond more effectively to crime. Modern tools and improved training would support faster investigations, stronger preparedness, and safer communities for residents across the county.

$1,092,000 for the Belen Wastewater Treatment Facility

This project would upgrade Belen’s aging wastewater treatment facility to keep pace with population growth and reduce risks to public health and the environment. The improvements would help prevent system failures, protect local water resources, and ensure reliable wastewater service for residents now and in the future.

$1,092,000 for the Clancy Lift Station Replacement

This project would replace failing wastewater infrastructure at the Clancy Lift Station to prevent sewage backups and protect public health in Truth or Consequences. The upgrades would help ensure reliable service for homes and the New Mexico State Veterans’ Home while safeguarding nearby waterways and the Rio Grande watershed.

$1,092,000 for the Ramah Navajo Drinking Water Improvement

This project would renovate Ramah Navajo’s only drinking water system, replacing decades-old pipes and infrastructure that have caused frequent water breaks and contamination risks. The upgrades would ensure reliable access to clean, safe drinking water for Tribal families and support the long-term health and sustainability of the community.

In addition to these Community Project Funding wins, the Congressman championed the passage of the following priorities to improve life for New Mexicans:

Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS):

Police Funding: $4.4 billion in funding secured for state and local law enforcement, including investments to help law enforcement agencies recruit and retain officers, modernize equipment, improve training, combat crime, and keep communities safer. This funding includes:

$375 million for Juvenile Justice grants

$800 million for Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) programs

$397 million for Byrne Justice Assistance grants

$538 million for Byrne Justice community projects

$50 million for Community Violence Intervention and Prevention grants

Combatting Fentanyl: $2.6 billion for the DEA to disrupt and dismantle the Mexican cartels responsible for flooding the United States with fentanyl

Combatting Violence and Supporting Victims of Crime:

$720 million for Violence Against Women Act grants

$1.95 billion for the Crime Victims Fund

Commerce and Business Development:

$175 million for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program to support small and medium-sized domestic manufacturers grow and create good-paying American jobs

$50 million for the Minority Business Development Agency to help minority-owned businesses thrive

$400 million for Economic Development Administration grants to invest in programs that spur job creation in economically distressed communities

Interior:

Support for Public Lands:

$3.3 billion for the National Park Service

$1.3 billion for the Bureau of Land Management, including $11.2 million for National and Scenic Historic Trails, which will go to managing the Continental Divide Trail

Clean Water: $4.4 billion for clean drinking water infrastructure

Wildfire: $6.4 billion in resources for DOI and USFS to prepare for and respond to wildland fires

Funds Local Infrastructure: Fully funds the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program, which offsets property tax losses due to federal land. New Mexico received $49 million in FY2024.

Support for Tribes:

$2.5 billion for the Bureau of Indian Affairs

$1.4 billion for the Bureau of Indian Education

$570 million for Tribal Public Safety and Justice programs, which is a $14.5 million increase over FY25

Energy and Water:

Combatting Drought: Rep. Vasquez singlehandedly passed legislation requiring the Bureau of Reclamation to brief Congress in the next 180 days on the drought conditions in the Rio Grande watershed, including on the current use of water resources and measures that can be used to combat the impacts of drought on economic activity, such as farming.

Water Conservation: $1.6 billion for the Bureau of Reclamation to deliver water to farmers and cities, work with local entities to manage dam infrastructure, and provide water conservation assistance

Southwest Border Regional Commission: $6 million, an increase of $1 million from last year, to bring equitable federal investments to rural communities in the border region

Energy Investments: $15.1 billion in new authority to support the development of domestic supply chains and invest in energy research and development programs at the Department of Energy

National Labs: $8.4 billion to support cutting-edge research at our national laboratories and partnerships with universities throughout the country

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Vindman, Garbarino Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect Seniors from Abuse, Expand Access to Social Services

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Eugene Vindman (D-Va.-07) and Andrew Garbarino (R-N.Y.-02) introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen medical-legal partnerships that protect seniors and other vulnerable elders from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

“Seniors — like my dad who is over 90 years old — should never face abuse, neglect, or exploitation simply because they don’t know where to turn for help,” said Vindman. “By bringing legal and social services directly to health care providers, this bill helps ensure seniors are protected and treated with dignity. I’m proud to partner with Congressman Garbarino on this effort to reduce elder abuse.”

“Many seniors face legal challenges that directly affect their health, housing, and financial security, yet accessing the right support can be difficult,” said Garbarino. “The Linking Seniors to Needed Legal Services Act strengthens coordination between health and legal providers by supporting medical-legal partnerships that help connect vulnerable seniors with available legal resources. I’m proud to join Congressman Vindman in leading this bipartisan effort to better serve our seniors.”

The Linking Seniors to Needed Legal Services Act would expand medical-legal partnerships — multidisciplinary teams that bring together health care providers, social workers, and legal professionals at a single care site — to ensure seniors can access critical legal and social services where they already receive medical care.

Specifically, this bill would establish a grant program for states to develop, expand, or sustain medical-legal partnerships in healthcare settings. These partnerships would help address unmet social and legal needs that directly impact health outcomes — including housing instability, food insecurity, access to education, and continuity of care.

The legislation would also require states to develop and expand legal assistance hotlines, creating an accessible entry point to identify seniors who could benefit from legal and social services. These hotlines would connect vulnerable seniors with trained professionals who can help combat isolation, neglect, and exploitation before situations escalate.

To support this work, the bill would directly appropriate $125 million per year for four years under the Elder Justice Act. States would report program outcomes to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, with the Secretary submitting an evaluation and report to Congress every four years to ensure accountability and effectiveness.

BACKGROUND

Studies show that nearly one in ten seniors has experienced some form of abuse, including psychological harm, financial exploitation, or neglect. Too often, these cases go undetected because seniors lack access to the legal and social supports that could intervene early and prevent further harm.

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Wagner Introduces Resolution Honoring 30 Years of the F/A-18 Super Hornets

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), released the following statement after she introduced a resolution recognizing the 30th anniversary of the first flight of the F/A–18 E1 Super Hornet from Lambert Field in St. Louis and the 30 years of distinguished service of the F/A–18E/F Super Hornet:

“History was made thirty years ago when the F/A-18 E1 Super Hornet first departed Lambert Field in St. Louis. In the following three decades, the Super Hornets have played a critical role in keeping the United States the most powerful country in the world by saving lives and protecting freedoms worldwide. The Super Hornets were made by your neighbors right here in St. Louis, fostering a robust local economy powered by groundbreaking defense companies like Boeing and McDonnell Douglas and maintaining our region’s critical role in supporting our national security. I am proud of the dedicated Missourians who build these fighter jets and help ensure we maintain naval supremacy and freedom of the seas. You do incredible work for our country and for that we thank you.”


Chairman Walberg Statement on December Jobs Report

Today, Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI) released the following statement in response to the Department of Labor’s December jobs report:

"Today’s job report once again shows how Republican policies are strengthening job creators, empowering the workforce, and fostering sustained economic growth. While December’s job growth is encouraging, we’re not done until costs come down even further for working families. Congressional Republicans and the Trump administration are working tirelessly to ensure the economy is improving on both fronts."


Wasserman Schultz, Soto, Meeks Lead 70 House Democrats to Demand Trump Administration Restore TPS for Venezuelans

“Conditions in the country are deeply unstable and dangerous, and the still-intact

Venezuelan regime, emboldened by support from the President of the United States,

has doubled down on repression and brutality since taking power.”

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Darren Soto (FL-9), and House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gregory Meeks (NY-5) led 70 House Democrats in a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem demanding they immediately restore Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelans following the Trump Administration’s military action in Venezuela. The letter was signed by every Democratic Member of Congress from Florida. No Republicans signed the letter.

On Saturday, January 3, 2026, the Trump Administration conducted a major military operation in Venezuela, without Congressional authorization or notification, to depose and arrest Nicolás Maduro, leading to further instability in the nation. TPS is designed to protect immigrants from nations destabilized by war, violence, or natural disasters from deportation back to unsafe conditions.

“Hundreds of thousands of lawful Venezuelan residents who benefited from TPS…are facing deportation in the coming weeks to instability, desperate poverty and danger—conditions that have become even more dangerous since President Trump ordered military strikes and special operations to remove dictator Nicolás Maduro,” the Members wrote. “Many Venezuelans are hiding out in their homes, terrified of follow-on strikes or harassment by the regime which remains in place.”

“While Maduro was captured and brought to the United States to face justice, his criminal accomplices remain in power,” wrote the Members. “We are disturbed that the Administration has vocally backed these individuals, who are complicit in the worst abuses of the Venezuelan regime over the last decade, while dismissing the pro-democracy leadership of the legitimate president-elect, Edmundo González, and Nobel Peace Prize winning opposition leader María Corina Machado.”

Other signers of the letter include: Reps. Amo, Balint, Barragán, Bell, Bonamici, Brown, Carson, Casten, Castor, Cherfilus-McCormick, Chu, Cisneros, Cleaver, Conaway, Crockett, Dean, DeSaulnier, Doggett, Elfreth, Escobar, Espaillat, Frankel, Frost, Robert Garcia, Sylvia Garcia, Goldman, Gottheimer, Green, Huffman, Jonathan Jackson, Julie Johnson, Kamlager-Dove, Krishnamoorthi, Larsen, Larson, Susie Lee, Lieu, Lynch, McBride, McGovern, McIver, Menendez, Meng, Moskowitz, Moulton, Nadler, Norton, Pallone, Panetta, Pingree, Pou, Pressley, Raskin, Rivas, Salinas, Scanlon, Schakowsky, Scholten, Robert Scott, Titus, Tokuda, Torres, Trahan, Vargas, Waters, Watson Coleman, and Wilson.

The complete letter can be read here and below.

Dear Secretary Rubio and Secretary Noem:

We write to urge you to immediately restore Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelans following the Trump Administration’s military action in Venezuela. Conditions in the country are deeply unstable and dangerous, and the still-intact Venezuelan regime, emboldened by support from the President of the United States, has doubled down on repression and brutality since taking power.

The Trump Administration’s calamitous decision to terminate TPS for Venezuelans in January 2025 was rooted in a determination that conditions in the country had improved. This claim was baseless at the time, and, with the regime left in place, it is certainly untrue now. This termination of lawful status has caused unimaginable fear and anxiety for law-abiding Venezuelan families, who passed criminal background checks, earned work permits, and paid fees and taxes.

Hundreds of thousands of lawful Venezuelan residents who benefited from TPS are set to lose their employment authorization, which will have devastating economic consequences for essential sectors in Florida and across the country. Many are facing deportation in the coming weeks to instability, desperate poverty and danger—conditions that have become even more dangerous since President Trump ordered military strikes and special operations to remove dictator Nicolás Maduro.

This administration has not just abandoned Venezuelans in the diaspora, they have abandoned the Venezuelans that remain in Venezuela, who yearn for freedom and a democratic transition. While Maduro was captured and brought to the United States to face justice, his criminal accomplices remain in power, including de facto interim president Delcy Rodriguez, Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López, and Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello (who was indicted alongside Maduro in 2019). We are disturbed that the Administration has vocally backed these individuals, who are complicit in the worst abuses of the Venezuelan regime over the last decade, while dismissing the pro-democracy leadership of the legitimate president-elect, Edmundo González, and Nobel Peace Prize winning opposition leader María Corina Machado.

The worst fears of the Venezuelan community were confirmed as President Trump stated that Delcy Rodriguez will be empowered to “make Venezuela great again” and underscored that his objective was extracting oil resources from the country rather than ending the suffering of Venezuelans and promoting a peaceful, democratic transition of power.

In the days since the U.S. military operation commenced, which included missile and drone strikes in densely populated areas of Caracas that damaged residential buildings and injured innocent bystanders, the Venezuelan regime has enacted a new law criminalizing any expression of support for Maduro’s exit from the country. Dozens of people have been arrested and jailed, including journalists, for sending text messages or issuing social media posts related to the news. Many Venezuelans are hiding out in their homes, terrified of follow-on strikes or harassment by the regime which remains in place.

In light of these developments, we urge you to immediately rescind the revocation of TPS for Venezuelan beneficiaries and extend these critical protections for law-abiding Venezuelans who are genuinely fearful of being sent back to the same murderous regime under new management.

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Rep. Watson Coleman Reintroduces Customer Non-Discrimination Act

Bill Would Add Sexual Orientation, Sex, and Gender Identity to the Prohibitions on Discrimination Covered by the Civil Rights Act of 1964

Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) reintroduced the Customer Non-Discrimination Act, legislation that ensures fair treatment for LGBTQ+ Americans in public spaces and commercial services open to the public. The bill, also included as a provision of the Equality Act, adds sexual orientation, sex, and gender identity to the prohibitions on discrimination covered by the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

“Most Americans believe everyone, be they LGBTQ+ or straight, should be treated with dignity and respect and we’ve come a long way in the fight for equality irrespective of what we look like or who we love," said Watson Coleman. "Yet, too many LGBTQ+ Americans still risk being fired, refused housing, or even denied healthcare just because of who they are. We need to stamp out this legalized discrimination. This bill would make it so that spaces like restaurants, banks, retail stores and hotels cannot refuse to serve LGBTQ+ people on the basis of their sexuality."

The Customer Non-Discrimination Act, first introduced by Watson Coleman in 2015, amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by adding sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity to shield LGBTQ+ people from discrimination like that experienced by the couple that sought a wedding cake in Masterpiece Cakeshop, Ltd. v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission. The bill would also make updates to the public accommodations covered by the 1964 law to include retail stores, banks, legal services, healthcare providers and transportation services — ensuring that all these public facing entities remain open to everyone.

The Customer Non-Discrimination Act is cosponsored by Reps. Paul D. Tonko (NY-20), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At Large), Scott Peters (CA-50), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson (GA-04), André Carson (IN-07), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Mark Takano (CA-39), Sylvia R. Garcia (TX-29), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), and Troy Carter (LA-02). It is endorsed by the Congressional Equality Caucus.


Rep. Webster Helped Constituents Recover More Than $3.6 Million in 2025

Washington, D.C. — Today, Florida Congressman Daniel Webster, R-Clermont, announced that in 2025, his office successfully returned over $3.6 million owed to constituents from federal agencies. These are constituents who contacted his office for help with issues before the IRS, VA, Social Security and more.

“Providing my constituents with first-class assistance with issues involving federal agencies is one of my top priorities,” said Rep. Webster. “Far too often, hardworking Americans and veterans face unnecessary delays and bureaucratic obstacles. I am pleased that we have been able to help so many constituents receive the benefits, services, and compensation they have earned.”

Congressman Webster’s constituent services staff works diligently with agency liaisons on a constituent’s behalf to answer questions, find solutions, or simply attempt to cut through the red tape. Webster’s office recently helped a veteran in Sumter County whose pending claim was tied up in VA bureaucracy. After Webster’s involvement, the claim was resolved, resulting in a retroactive payment of over $10,000.

Since January 2017, working on behalf of voters in his district, Rep. Webster’s office has gotten more than $28.5 million returned to constituents from owed tax returns, pension benefits or other retroactive payments. Webster added, “I am committed to continuing to work to improve the quality, effectivity and efficiency of our federal agencies.”

If you are a constituent in Congressional District 11 in need of assistance with a federal agency issue, call 352-241-9220 or visit https://webster.house.gov/casework.

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ICYMI: Bennet Fights Back Against Trump’s Unauthorized Military Deployment and Operations in Venezuela

Denver — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, continues to fight back against President Trump’s unauthorized military deployment and operations in Venezuela.

“Nicolás Maduro was an illegitimate, brutal dictator who lost, and then stole, Venezuela’s 2024 elections – and there’s no doubt as to the bravery and skill of our military and intelligence personnel who conducted the operation to apprehend him. With Maduro now in U.S. custody, however, the Trump administration has provided the American people with no coherent justification for keeping 15,000 U.S. troops and dozens of U.S. military assets in the region,” said Bennet. “The President says this is about securing Venezuela’s oil, but that is by no means a legitimate justification for putting boots on the ground or keeping an armada off of Venezuela’s coast. I will continue fighting to prevent the Trump administration from recklessly marching the U.S. military and intelligence community into Venezuela again with no clear exit strategy and against the wishes of the overwhelming majority of Americans who did not vote for this dangerous approach to foreign policy.”

Slammed So-Called “Peace President” on Senate Floor

Bennet took to the floor this week to criticize President Trump’s lack of transparency around his actions in Venezuela and to call for aggressive Congressional oversight of this administration’s plans for the country.

“Despite the President’s promises to not start new wars or pursue regime change operations abroad […] today there are 15,000 brave U.S. troops and an American armada off Venezuela’s coast, all without congressional authorization. And the President is threatening more attacks on more countries[.] [E]very time you turn the TV on, it’s another country: Colombia, Cuba, Mexico and Greenland – part of Denmark, a NATO ally,” Bennet said.

“Congress has not authorized any of these dangerous potential operations, which risk destroying alliances and relationships that have long kept the American people safe. The Trump administration, however, continues to trample on our constitution with unauthorized military actions while threatening others, weakening our democracy and making the world more dangerous in the process.”

“I think it’s really important for us […] to hold public oversight hearing[s] in which the administration explains [to] the American people what they plan to do with the thousands of U.S. troops off Venezuela’s coast, with their plan to ‘run Venezuela’ and with the regime in Caracas, over which they now claim to have control.”

Bennet’s full remarks can be viewed HERE.

Led Letter Demanding Public Oversight Hearings

Bennet led eight of his Democratic Senate colleagues on a letter to bipartisan leadership of the Senate Armed Services, Foreign Relations, Judiciary, and Intelligence Committees calling for public oversight hearings examining President Trump’s January 3 military operation in Venezuela and his future plans for the country.

Specifically, Bennet called for answers on the President’s legal justification for this operation, whether the President plans to again deploy U.S. troops in Venezuela, what his plans are to “run Venezuela,” and if he will subsidize the expansion of U.S. oil companies’ footprint in Venezuela as he promised, among other questions. Bennet also noted that President Trump’s intervention in Venezuela deviates from decades of U.S. foreign policy and risks implicating the United States in a dangerous scheme to run Venezuela “alongside elements of an authoritarian regime, seemingly for the purpose of exploiting Venezuela’s oil.”

“The Trump administration has, thus far, failed to explain its plans for Venezuela’s future, how this misadventure will end, and whether it plans to use the U.S. military to exploit Venezuela’s oil for our own economic purposes. Public hearings would provide the answers the American people deserve,” Bennet and the Senators wrote.

“Congress must fulfill its constitutional duty to conduct oversight and reassert its role in future decisions regarding Venezuela. The American people expect that we will do our jobs on a bipartisan basis, and we encourage you to convene hearings on these questions and related issues without further delay.”

A copy of the letter is available HERE.

Co-Sponsored War Powers Vote to Block Unauthorized War in Venezuela

Bennet joined Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.)’s War Powers Resolution to block President Trump from using the U.S. military to engage in hostilities within or against Venezuela unless authorized by Congress. On January 9, the Senate voted on and advanced that resolution by a vote of 52-47, with bipartisan support.

In November 2025, Bennet voted for a similar bipartisan Senate resolution to prevent President Trump from pursuing an unauthorized war with Venezuela, a resolution most Republicans blocked at the time.

Bennet’s statement on the vote is available HERE.

Legislation to Stop Trump From Further Unauthorized Military Operations in Venezuela

Additionally, Bennet introduced legislation to bar President Trump from carrying out further military or intelligence operations in Venezuela without Congressional authorization. Nothing in this legislation would limit the United States from defending itself against any attack by Venezuela, or from securing any future U.S. diplomatic presence in Venezuela. It would not limit routine intelligence activities.

The text of the bill is available HERE.

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Blackburn Highlights 2025 Accomplishments for Tennesseans

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released the following statement celebrating Republicans’ achievements and the priorities she secured for Tennesseans during the last year:

“Americans decisively voted to send President Trump back to the White House because they were fed up with open borders, wasteful spending, woke institutions, weakness on the world stage, and left-wing lunacy. 2025 was a historic year for the United States because of strong Republican leadership,” said Senator Blackburn. “We delivered the largest tax cut in history, permanently secured the southern border, restored law and order, and implemented an America First agenda both at home and abroad to transform the lives of Tennesseans and Americans. We’re just getting started, and I’m confident the best is yet to come in 2026.”

Click here to download video highlighting Senator Blackburn’s 2025 accomplishments.

SERVING TENNESSEANS

Nearly 4,500 casework issues completed on behalf of constituents;

Over 107,000 calls answered;

Over 313,000 mail requests answered; and

Over 223,000 Tennesseans reached in tele-town halls held across West, Middle, and East Tennessee.

BLACKBURN LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES SECURED IN 2025

Senator Blackburn secured several provisions in the Working Families Tax Cuts, including a $6,000 bonus deduction for millions of low- and middle- income seniors, tax relief for Tennessee’s singers and songwriters, the expansion of the Employer-Provided Child Care Credit, and fingerprinting and DNA testing requirements at the border to protect migrant children from exploitation.

Senator Blackburn supported the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program in the Working Families Tax Cuts, resulting in a $206,888,882 award for Tennessee.

Senator Blackburn led the effort to remove a provision in the Working Families Tax Cuts that would have banned artificial intelligence (AI) regulation by the states, eliminating critical protections for Tennesseans from the unintended consequences and harms of AI.

Senator Blackburn was recognized in TIME’s list of the World’s 100 Most Influential People in AI of 2025.

Senator Blackburn secured and supported vital wins in the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, including projects for Tennessee military bases, improving quality of life for service members, banning harmful DEI programs, modernizing critical infrastructure, funding important research programs, and strengthening national security.

Senator Blackburn advocated for a new air traffic control tower and modernized hanger design for Fort Campbell, both of which were included as part of the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilCon-VA) Appropriations Act.

Senator Blackburn sponsored the Filing Relief for Natural Disasters Act, which was signed into law to allow the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to postpone filing deadlines for taxpayers affected by state-declared natural disasters, instead of only presidentially-declared federal disasters.

Senator Blackburn spearheaded the push for the U.S. Air Force to selectMcGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base outside Knoxville, Tennessee, as the seventh main operating base for the KC-46 Pegasus aircraft.

Senator Blackburn worked with Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel and United States Attorney General Pam Bondi to deploy federal resources to Memphis, Tennessee, to fight violent crime. The Trump administration launched the Memphis Safe Task Force, which has made nearly 5,000 arrests since September.

Senator Blackburn supported the confirmation of two Tennesseans, Jeff Hagood and Mitch Graves, to the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Board of Directors.

Senator Blackburn shepherded several of President Trump’s outstanding nominees— Whitney Hermandorfer to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, Mike Dunavant to be U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, and Braden Boucek to serve as U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee— through their confirmation processes.

Google removed its large language model, Gemma, after Senator Blackburn demanded the company shut it down for fabricating criminal allegations.

Senator Blackburn’s Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) reached 73 co-sponsors in the Senate.

Toymaker Mattel indefinitely pulled plans to create an AI toy with OpenAI following Senator Blackburn’s pressure.

Senator Blackburn led a hearing following new allegations from six whistleblowers that Meta buried child safety research. Two former Meta researchers testified at the hearing about the toxic culture at Meta.

The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approved Tennessee’s Hospital Investment Program (HIP), which provides supplemental funding to hospitals to help cover the cost of serving TennCare and uninsured patients.

Senator Blackburn led the Tennessee delegation on multiple occasions to secure disaster relief for the victims of Hurricane Helene and fight for fraud victims.

Senator Blackburn led the Tennessee delegation in requesting swift approval of a major disaster declaration for West Tennessee following severe weather.

Senator Blackburn co-sponsored several bills that were signed into law, including the:

TAKE IT DOWN Act: This law criminalizes the distribution of nonconsensual intimate images on Big Tech platforms.

Laken Riley Act: Named in honor of 22-year-old Laken Riley, who was murdered by a member of the violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, this law requires U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to arrest illegal aliens who commit theft, burglary, larceny, shoplifting, assault of law enforcement officers, or any crime that results in death or serious bodily injury to another person. It also mandates that these illegal aliens are detained until they are removed from the U.S.

HALT Fentanyl Act: This law makes the temporary classification of fentanyl-related substances as a Schedule I drug of the Controlled Substances Act permanent to combat the fentanyl crisis.

Protecting Regular Order (PRO) for Veterans Act: This law institutes a three-year requirement for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide quarterly, in-person budget reports to Congress to encourage greater oversight and financial accountability.

Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act: This law expands access to federal support for the families of firefighters and other first responders who pass away or become permanently disabled from service-related cancers.

Senator Blackburn sponsored two bills that passed the Senate unanimously and await action in the House of Representatives:

Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act: This bill would help address the increasingly pervasive sexual assault and harassment of Federal Bureau of Prisons employees by inmates.

American Music Tourism Act: This bill would support and increase music tourism for both domestic and international visitors.

Senator Blackburn led several resolutions that passed the Senate, including those to recognize the importance of community care for veterans, Women Veterans Appreciation Day, National Country Music Month, and the 100th anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry.


Blumenthal Demands DHS Provide Information on Training Policies Governing the Use of Force Following the Killing of Renee Good

[WASHINGTON, DC] – Following the killing of Renee Nicole Good, an unarmed U.S. citizen, by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), wrote U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem today seeking information about “how thoroughly, if at all, agents are being trained on DHS policies governing the use of force, what those policies are, and whether, in light of the rapid expansion of its forces – 12,000 officers and agents hired in less than a year – speed is being prioritized over safety and substance in the training and hiring of these new officers.”

Blumenthal opened an inquiry into DHS’s use of excessive force in its interactions with U.S. citizens last year. Today, Blumenthal wrote to Noem, “The shooting of Renee Nicole Good in Minnesota is simply the latest and gravest example of DHS’s escalating and indefensible use of force against the American public. Your shameful remarks this week denigrate a beloved mother and Minnesotan and are another entry in this sordid tale of DHS deception and propaganda.”

In December, Blumenthal released a report highlighting firsthand accounts of twenty-two Americans who were physically assaulted, pepper sprayed, denied medical treatment, and detained – sometimes for days – by federal immigration agents. The report, Unchecked Authority: Examining the Trump Administration’s Extrajudicial Immigration Detentions Of U.S. Citizens, was released ahead of a bicameral public forum hosted by Blumenthal and U.S. Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, to receive testimony from five Americans who were unconstitutionally detained by agents of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Both the report and the forum featured accounts of federal immigration officials acting with excessive force and then fabricating claims about the U.S. citizens who were detained.

In October, Blumenthal and Garcia opened an inquiry into the increasing detention of U.S. citizens by federal immigration agents. In a letter to Noem, Blumenthal and Garcia demanded information and records from the agency following increasingly frequent reports of unconstitutional detentions of U.S. citizens by agents of ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), often using disproportionate force. Blumenthal and Garcia reiterated their request in another letter to Noem in November.

The full text of today’s letter to Noem is copied below and available here.

Dear Secretary Noem,

This week, Americans watched in horror as an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) agent murdered an unarmed woman in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Beginning almost immediately after the incident, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”)—and you personally—repeatedly misstated the basic facts of this interaction notwithstanding video evidence that refutes your statements.[1] The Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI or “the Subcommittee”) has been conducting an ongoing inquiry into DHS’s use of excessive force in its interactions with U.S. citizens. Specifically, on December 9, 2025, PSI released a report detailing interviews with 22 U.S. Citizens detained by DHS officials, documenting instances of excessive use of force by ICE and Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) agents including shooting an individual five times, breaking ribs, and slamming people to the ground.[2] The report documented how following such flagrant violations, DHS’s preferred tactic was to claim that its agents were following the law and that those agents were injured by the very individuals whose rights they had violated.[3] Claims that, based on all available evidence, proved untrue in each case observed by the Subcommittee. The shooting of Renee Nicole Good in Minnesota is simply the latest and gravest example of DHS’s escalating and indefensible use of force against the American public. Your shameful remarks this week denigrate a beloved mother and Minnesotan and are another entry in this sordid tale of DHS deception and propaganda.

At the same press conference where you misstated how the shooting in Minnesota unfolded, you noted that the ICE agent who fired his weapon “followed his training, did exactly what he’s been taught to do in that situation,”[4] These comments necessitate asking how thoroughly, if at all, agents are being trained on DHS policies governing the use of force, what those policies are, and whether, in light of the rapid expansion of its forces –12,000 officers and agents hired in less than a year[5]– speed is being prioritized over safety and substance in the training and hiring of these new officers. While DHS has, thus far, declined to formally identify the name of the ICE agent who shot Ms. Good, they have described him as a 10-year veteran of the agency, further raising the question of whether seasoned officers are receiving adequate updates to their training as well.[6]

To assist the Subcommittee in its inquiry into the rise in instances of excessive use of force by DHS agents, as well as to ascertain the scope of training that agents receive and follow, please provide the following information by January 23, 2026:

Describe in detail what evidence demonstrates that the agent who fatally shot Renee Nicole Good “followed his training;”

The date on which the agent who fatally shot Renee Nicole Good began his employment with DHS;

The hours of training on the use of force and discharge of firearms received by the agent who fatally shot Renee Nicole Good;

Any disciplinary records regarding the agent who fatally shot Renee Nicole Good;

Whether the ICE agent who shot Renee Nicole Good has been placed on administrative leave or other restricted duty following this incident;

Does DHS or its components document instances of excessive use of force by agents during immigration enforcement operations?

If so, please indicate for each component the number of documented instances for years 2024 through 2026.

Does DHS or its components document instances of firearm discharge by agents during immigration enforcement operations?

If so, please indicate for each component the number of documented instances for years 2024 through 2026.

In addition, please produce the following records[7] on or before January 23, 2026:

Records reflecting any changes to hiring standards at DHS from 2024 to 2026 including but not limited to: education requirements, age requirements, physical fitness requirements, polygraph requirements, background requirements, and criminal history requirements;

Records reflecting any changes to training requirements for DHS agents on the use of force and the discharge of firearms from 2024 to 2026, including but not limited to, policies, procedures, guidance, hours of training, coursework, and simulation exercises;

Any and all policies, procedures, guidance, training documents, or other records provided to DHS agents performing immigration enforcement operations pertaining to the use of force and firearms;

Any and all policies, procedures, guidance, or other records related to hiring standards or requirements for agents disaggregated by year for 2024, 2025, and 2026.

Please contact the Subcommittee if you have any questions about responding to these requests. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

-30-

[1] Juliana Kim & Alana Wise, Democratic leaders respond to fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis. Here's what we know, NPR (Jan. 8, 2026), https://www.npr.org/2026/01/07/nx-s1-5670289/ice-minneapolis-shooting-immigration-crackdown.

[2] S. Perm. Subcomm. On Investigations, 119th Cong., Unchecked Authority: Examining the Trump Administration’s Extrajudicial Immigration Detentions of U.S. Citizens (Dec. 9, 2025), https://www.hsgac.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025.12.8_ICE-Report-revised-FINAL.pdf.

[3] Id.

[4] Associated Press, Noem defends fatal ICE shooting of Minneapolis woman in remarks to reporters, PBS News(Jan. 7, 2026), https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-live-noem-holds-news-conference-in-minneapolis-after-fatal-ice-shooting-of-woman.

[5] Press Release, ICE Announces Historic 120% Manpower Increase, Thanks to Recruitment Campaign that Brought in 12,000 Officers and Agents, U.S. Dep’t Of Homeland Sec., (Jan. 3, 2026), https://www.dhs.gov/news/2026/01/03/ice-announces-historic-120-manpower-increase-thanks-recruitment-campaign-brought.

[6] While not confirmed by DHS, media reporting has identified the ICE Agent as Johnathan Ross. Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, Court Records Reveal Details of ICE Agent’s Previous Dragging Incident, New York Times, (Jan. 8, 2026), https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/08/us/ice-agent-jonathan-ross-minneapolis-shooting.html.

[7] For purposes of this request, “records” include any written, recorded, or graphic material of any kind, including letters, memoranda, reports, notes, electronic data (emails, email attachments, and any other electronically-created or stored information), direct messages, chats, calendar entries, inter-office communications, meeting minutes, phone/voice mail or recordings/records of verbal communications, and drafts (whether or not they resulted in final documents).


Senator Blumenthal: Week in Review 1/2/2026-1/9/2026

Demanding Justice & Accountability After ICE Agent’s Killing of an Unarmed U.S. Citizen

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), released the following statement in response to the killing of Renee Nicole Good, an unarmed U.S. citizen, by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Minneapolis, Minnesota:

“This horrific tragedy was both predictable and preventable. For months, armed ICE and CBP agents have roamed American cities and brutally assaulted American citizens with seemingly no repercussions – and now, a woman is dead. My heart breaks for her family and loved ones. I join my colleagues from Minnesota and the many local and state lawmakers and law enforcement officials who have called for peace in the aftermath of this terrible tragedy. And I also join them in demanding justice and accountability for this American killed by an ICE agent; for this community, which has been terrorized by lawless immigration agents; and for our country, which deserves a government that follows the law and abides by the basic values of our Constitution.”

After the tragic and reckless killing of Good, Blumenthal wrote U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem today seeking information about “how thoroughly, if at all, agents are being trained on DHS policies governing the use of force, what those policies are, and whether, in light of the rapid expansion of its forces – 12,000 officers and agents hired in less than a year – speed is being prioritized over safety and substance in the training and hiring of these new officers.”

Blumenthal opened an inquiry into DHS’s use of excessive force in its interactions with U.S. citizens last year. Today, Blumenthal wrote to Noem, “The shooting of Renee Nicole Good in Minnesota is simply the latest and gravest example of DHS’s escalating and indefensible use of force against the American public. Your shameful remarks this week denigrate a beloved mother and Minnesotan and are another entry in this sordid tale of DHS deception and propaganda.”

The full text of today’s letter to Noem is available here.

In December, Blumenthal released a report highlighting firsthand accounts of twenty-two Americans who were physically assaulted, pepper sprayed, denied medical treatment, and detained – sometimes for days – by federal immigration agents. The report, Unchecked Authority: Examining the Trump Administration’s Extrajudicial Immigration Detentions Of U.S. Citizens, was released ahead of a bicameral public forum hosted by Blumenthal and U.S. Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, to receive testimony from five Americans who were unconstitutionally detained by DHS agents.

Both the report and the forum featured accounts of federal immigration officials acting with excessive force and then fabricating claims about the U.S. citizens who were detained.

In October, Blumenthal and Garcia opened an inquiry into the increasing detention of U.S. citizens by federal immigration agents. In a letter to Noem, Blumenthal and Garcia demanded information and records from the agency following increasingly frequent reports of unconstitutional detentions of U.S. citizens by agents of ICE and CBP, often using disproportionate force. Blumenthal and Garcia reiterated their request in another letter to Noem in November.

Blumenthal joined MS NOW to discuss the tragic killing in Minneapolis and his investigation into the Trump Administration’s aggressive immigration policy enforcement.

“What happened in Minneapolis was preventable and predictable, based on what we found in our report interviewing 22 victims of this kind of escalating, indefensible violence—which involves U.S. citizens being detained, being dragged from cars, being injured and denied medical care, being denied access to relatives, an example of the lawlessness and recklessness we’re seeing on the part of ICE. And what we’re seeing now, which you just showed in that video, smacks of a cover-up. If the top officials of our government were really interested in the truth, they wouldn’t be pre-judging the investigation. They would support an independent, objective investigation—which is what I’ve called for with state and local police,” said Blumenthal on MS NOW.

The full interview on MS NOW can be found here.

Slamming the Trump Administration’s Lawless Actions in Venezuela

Blumenthal reacted after the Senate voted to block President Trump from carrying out future military action in Venezuela after Trump authorized a strike earlier this week that captured the country’s leader, Nicolas Maduro.

“The Trump Admin’s military action in Venezuela took place without the consent of the people’s representatives in Congress, & that was wrong, & a disservice to our men & women in uniform. I am proud today that the Senate took a bipartisan stand for Congress’ power to actually take actions & do something—& in this case, offer a sharp rebuke of President Trump’s lawless military action.This is long overdue. I wish we saw more of it. The Senate must quickly pass the War Powers Resolution itself to bring some accountability to another potential endless war,” wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X.

Blumenthal released the following statement after the initial strike in Venezuela leading to the capture of Maduro.

“If we’re starting another endless war, with no clear national security strategy or need, count me out. Maduro is a cruel criminal dictator, but President Trump has never sought approval from Congress for war as the Constitution requires - and our military deserves. We’ve seen several Administrations lead us into conflicts without objectives or timelines and with disastrous consequences. President Trump has also articulated no clear end game to prevent further chaos, violence, and bloodshed in Venezuela. The American people deserve—and Congress should demand—facts and clarity,” said Blumenthal.

After senators received a briefing on the situation in Venezuela, Blumenthal slammed the Trump Administration for their lack of a solid plan to stabilize the country.

“Today's classified briefing gave me absolutely zero comfort. Continuing military action & unrest in Venezuela risk spiraling out of control. There appears to be no clear justification or exit strategy. Trump is seemingly conducting a continuing military operation not a law enforcement action. Maduro is in custody, but an American armada remains poised to invade again. They must come to Congress for approval. After promising to end forever wars, Trump must explain to the American people why he wants to drag the US into another armed conflict,” wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X.

Marking the Five Year Anniversary of the January 6 Insurrection

Blumenthal delivered remarks on the Senate Floor marking the five-year anniversary of the January 6, 2021 insurrection. Blumenthal recalled his experience as he and his colleagues were evacuated from the Senate Chamber by Capitol Police officers and rushed to safety.

In his remarks, Blumenthal urged all Americans to remember what happened on that day:

“Do not forget five years ago rioters invited by President Trump tried to destroy our democracy. Trump pardoned and glorified them, and even empowering some of them in key administration offices. We cannot allow him to rewrite history. Do not forget police were brutally attacked, injured and killed for doing their job to enable a peaceful democratic transition of power. They still bear the scars, so does our democracy. Do not forget democracy is not guaranteed. It cannot be taken for granted. Do not forget it is our duty to remember the truth.”

The video of Blumenthal’s remarks is available here.

On the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee

Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Blumenthal is demanding answers from Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins regarding data revealing a “staggering increase” in reports of sexual harassment and assault taking place at VA facilities. Blumenthal stressed his concerns with this increasing number in light of Collins’ inactivation of required harassment prevention and accountability training for VA employees.

“VA has experienced a staggering increase in reports of sexual harassment and assault since the Department began reporting these metrics to Congress under the Deborah Sampson Act,” the Senator wrote in a letter to Collins. “In its most recent annual report, VA disclosed 1,541 cases of sexual harassment at its facilities. The number of sexual assault cases at Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities received by VA Police climbed from 323 to 472 between 2021 and 2024, while the number of sexual harassment cases reported to the Harassment Prevention Program (HPP) increased from 42 to 778. While some portion of these increases may be due to increased awareness of VA’s reporting resources, such drastic increases are indicative of systemic failures across the Department to keep veterans and VA employees safe.”

Blumenthal cited his concern with Collins’ inactivation of legally required Harassment Prevention & Accountability Training at VA, noting it puts the Department in clear violation of the Deborah Sampson Act and leaves both new and existing VA employees without information on how to report and address harassment and sexual assault. “It is unacceptable that, while sexual harassment and assault reports at VA facilities continue to increase, the Department is unconcerned with providing its employees mandated sexual harassment prevention training.”

The full text of the Senator’s letter is available here.

Blumenthal Bulletin

Blumenthal released a statement on the DOJ lawsuit against Connecticut for refusing to turn over the state’s voter records to the Trump Administration.

Blumenthal joined the Connecticut delegation in announcing $6.8 million for traffic and road safety improvements.

Blumenthal met with Mayor Pernerewski and delegation colleagues to discuss federal help after Waterbury’s massive water main break.

Blumenthal celebrated public service at the Inaugural of Mayor Justin Elicker and local officials in New Haven.

Blumenthal attended the swearing in of Barbara Smyth as the new Mayor of Norwalk.

Blumenthal attended the swearing in of Jason Hayes as First Selectman in East Granby, along with other impressive local leaders.

Blumenthal joined parents and children celebrating Three Kings Day in New Haven and West Haven.

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Booker Joins Murphy, 12 Senators to Call on Appropriations Leadership to Defend Funding for Northeast Corridor Development, Expanded Amtrak Lines Nationwide

WASHINGTON D.C. — U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) joined a group of 14 of his Senate colleagues, led by U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT), in urging Senate Appropriations Committee leadership, including leaders of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development, to protect funding for the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail (IPR) grant program in fiscal year 2026 appropriations legislation. While the committee-passed Senate Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development appropriations bill includes $75 million for the program, House Republicans have proposed eliminating the funding entirely, jeopardizing ongoing efforts to improve the safety and reliability of rail infrastructure in the Northeast Corridor and expand the nation’s passenger rail network.

The Senators laid out why annual appropriations of IPR grants are needed: “While the IIJA provided five years of guaranteed funding for the Federal-State Partnership grant program, this funding was always intended to be supplemental to annually appropriated dollars. The IIJA also authorized up to $1.5 billion for Federal-State Partnership grant program in fiscal year 2024. The IIJA investment alone is not sufficient to fully address the nation’s rail state-of-good-repair (SOGR) backlog nor to fully improve and expand intercity passenger rail in a way that America deserves.”

The senators warned failing to fund Northeast Corridor projects could lead to hundreds of millions of dollars in added costs and severe disruptions for riders: “The NEC’s SOGR backlog stands at well over $40 billion, representing a serious threat to the nation’s economy. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Amtrak and commuter railroads on the NEC transported more than 800,000 people per weekday, and the workforce that travels on the NEC contributes roughly $50 billion annually to the economy. However, the specter of the SOGR backlog causing delays or track closures is a constant concern. According to the Northeast Corridor Commission, “[t]he loss of the NEC for a single day could cost the country $100 million in added congestion, productivity losses, and other transportation impacts.” If Congress does not make the necessary investments, disruptions will become more frequent and more severe over time.”

They also highlighted how the funding would both expand and establish Amtrak passenger lines throughout the country: “In 2021, Amtrak released a $75 billion, 15-year vision to bring more trains to more people across the nation. This vision was meant to start an important conversation about the need for robust federal investment in passenger rail, especially in underserved and unserved communities. Congress responded by authorizing the FRA Corridor Identification and Development Program and the IIJA provided $12 billion via the Federal-State Partnership grant program as an initial down payment on non-NEC rail expansion. While this IIJA funding is a critical first step, to fully realize the type of passenger rail network that the country deserves, the Federal-State Partnership grant program will require robust additional funding in FY26 and beyond. Below is an illustrative list of types of non-NEC corridor development and related projects that federal investment could advance, assuming support from relevant states and communities and approval by the FRA”

The senators concluded: “On behalf of our millions of constituents who depend on a safe and reliable passenger rail network, and also those who deserve access to passenger rail but do not have it as a meaningful option today, we urge the Subcommittee to vigorously defend the $75 million appropriation for FY 2026 for the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail grant program.”

The letter was also signed by U.S Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Chris Coons (D-DE), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (D-VT.), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).


Boozman, GOP Conference Demand Accountability for Fraud, Waste and Abuse in Minnesota

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) joined Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee Chairman Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) to demand accountability from outgoing Minnesota Governor Tim Walz in response to widespread reports of fraud and abuse of federal child care funding in his state. The senators, supported by Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-WY) and Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee Mike Crapo (R-ID) led the entire Republican conference in their initiative.

“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,” wrote the senators. “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.”

Text of the letter can be found below.

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

a. 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.


U.S. Senators Katie Britt, Rick Scott, Colleagues Commend U.S. Military on Successful Execution of Operation Absolute Resolve

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) joined Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.) and several of their Senate Republican colleagues in introducing a resolution commending the United States military for its recent action in Venezuela resulting in the arrest of indicted narco-terrorist dictator Nicolás Maduro.

“The United States military has once again proven it is second to none. Only our forces could execute a mission of this complexity, speed, and precision. I commend all of the courageous servicemembers involved in Operation Absolute Resolve, which was an undeniable success,” said Senator Britt. “Because of President Trump’s bold action and courage—doing what many of his predecessors did not have the backbone to do—the people of Venezuela now have the opportunity for a prosperous future, and America is safer knowing that an illegitimate, narco-terrorist dictator will be brought to justice in an American court of law.”

The resolution praises the operation’s precision and the Trump Administration’s leadership in bringing Maduro to justice and giving the people of Venezuela an opportunity for a more prosperous future.

Senator Rick Scott said, “This decisive mission demonstrated American strength and resolve, arrested an indicted narco-terrorist who has killed hundreds of thousands of Americans, and sent a clear message that the United States will no longer tolerate criminal regimes that endanger American families, especially in our hemisphere. A Latin America free of socialist and communist rule is in the best interest of the United States, and that’s why for years, I have fought alongside the people of Venezuela to restore their God-given freedom and liberty. It’s incredible to see the community come together with such gracious excitement for the future of their nation. Thank you, President Trump, Secretary Rubio, and Secretary Hegseth, for fighting for the Venezuelan people. I am proud to stand with them and all of Latin America in celebrating this incredible occasion.”

Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), John Curtis (R-Utah), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Mike Rounds (R-S.Dak.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark)., Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), and Kevin Cramer (R-N.Dak.) are also cosponsors of the resolution.

Senator Britt has praised President Trump’s actions in Venezuela, posting on X that the action was “bold, courageous, and will save countless lives.”

You can read the full text of the resolution here.

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Budd Joins Bipartisan Bill to Maintain U.S. Leadership in Global Race to Advance Quantum Computing

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.), member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, joined U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) in introducing the bipartisan National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act to help maintain American leadership and competitiveness in the global technology race. The legislation would authorize five years of support for quantum research and development (R&D) funded through federal science agencies.

“Maintaining America’s leadership in technological innovation is non-negotiable for our national defense and economic growth. Quantum computing has transformative potential in finance, healthcare, secure communications, and other fields. We must continue to strategically invest in quantum research and development to ensure continued American security and prosperity well into the future,” said Senator Budd.

“We need to ensure the United States has the talent and research capabilities required to lead the global tech competition and outcompete China. Quantum technologies promise to dramatically transform every industry and sector of our economy and revolutionize our technological capabilities. The National Quantum Initiative strengthens the research and development investments and builds a strong workforce which plays a critical role in safeguarding America’s economic and national security. This legislation, which reauthorizes the NQI, is critical to ensuring American leadership in quantum technology,” said Senator Young.

“From scientific breakthroughs in healthcare to clean energy solutions, quantum technology is a game-changer and federal investment is vital to accelerating the transition from basic science to quantum innovation and practical applications. The State of Washington, with its vibrant tech industry, national lab partnerships and a growing pipeline of quantum engineers and technicians, is poised to become ‘Quantum Valley.’ By investing in workforce development, promoting international cooperation with trusted allies and supporting resilient domestic supply chains, the National Quantum Initiative will position the United States to drive innovation, benefit from economic growth and create high-skilled jobs,” said Senator Cantwell.

U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), and Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) also co-sponsored the legislation.

Read the full bill text HERE.

BACKGROUND

The bill would reauthorize quantum R&D programs at the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), National Science Foundation (NSF), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to maintain U.S. leadership in the global race to advance quantum science and develop quantum applications.

Quantum computing has the potential to solve complex problems exponentially faster than existing computers. The technology could lead to breakthroughs in drug discovery, weather forecasting, financial and economic modeling, artificial intelligence, cryptography, and other innovations. Quantum sensing applications can provide more precise measurements critical for navigation and tracking, seismic monitoring, infrastructure monitoring, and geographical surveying.

The National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act would:

Extend the National Quantum Initiative by a full five years to December 2034.

Require the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy to develop an international quantum cooperation strategy to coordinate R&D activities with allies of the United States.

Build on the work of the National Quantum Initiative to advance basic research and establish additional directives to develop practical quantum applications.

Require each agency to develop metrics for monitoring and evaluating advancements in quantum information science and progress towards practical quantum applications and report to Congress.

Create prize challenges to accelerate the development of quantum applications and algorithms through public-private collaboration.

Authorize funds for NIST’s quantum research and consortium activities.

Establish up to three new NIST quantum centers to advance research in quantum sensing, measurement, and engineering.

Direct the Secretary of Commerce to submit a plan to strengthen quantum supply chain resilience.

Create new NSF Multidisciplinary Centers for Quantum Research and Education, a quantum workforce coordination hub, and quantum testbeds.

Authorize funds for NASA quantum R&D activities, including quantum satellite communications and quantum sensing research initiatives.

Direct the Government Accountability Office to conduct a study on reducing red tape and paperwork burden related to private sector and academic participation in National Quantum Initiative activities and centers.

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