Booker Statement on Trump’s Nomination of Billionaire Republican Donor to Head the Federal Trade Commission

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights, issued the following statement:

“Donald Trump’s nomination of megadonor David MacNeil to the Federal Trade Commission’s recent vacancy is yet another blatant example of the administration’s corruption and pay-for-play politics. Instead of prioritizing consumer protection and fair competition practices that drive down costs at a time when Americans are facing skyrocketing prices, Trump is rewarding a billionaire donor who helped bankroll his campaign.

“Trump’s treatment of the Federal Trade Commission speaks volumes about his disregard for the agency’s mission. He unlawfully fired experienced, qualified, antitrust attorneys, Rebecca Slaughter and Alvaro Bedoya, and is now nominating Mr. MacNeil, chief executive of a floor mat manufacturing company who has no antitrust or legal experience whatsoever to qualify him for this post.

“Even more troubling are the serious conflicts of interest this nomination presents. If Mr. MacNeil retains leadership or equity in his company while serving at the FTC, it would severely undermine impartial enforcement and erode public confidence in the agency. The FTC must act as an independent watchdog, not a landing spot for wealthy donors whose business interests may come before the public good.

“This nomination raises serious concerns about conflicts of interest and reinforces what Americans already know: Donald Trump governs for the wealthy and well-connected, not for consumers or small businesses who need a fair, impartial FTC focused on creating a more affordable economy for consumers.

“I urge Congress, in exercising its advice and consent authority, to scrutinize Mr. MacNeil’s nomination and ensure that the next FTC Commissioner will aggressively enforce our nation’s antitrust laws, promote robust competition in our economy, lower prices for American families, and vigorously protect consumer rights.”


Senator Budd Secures $72 Million in FEMA Public Assistance & $44.6 Million in Hazard Mitigation Grants for Western North Carolina

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) released the following statement after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem today announced more than $72 million in Public Assistance (PA) grant program reimbursements and $44.6 million in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds for Hurricane Helene recovery projects across Western North Carolina. These HMGP funds are critical for protecting Western North Carolina from potential flooding and storm damage in the future.

“Ever since Hurricane Helene devastated the lives of more than half a million North Carolinians, I have been working non-stop to obtain approval for federal relief necessary to rebuild Western North Carolina. In recent months, I’ve engaged extensively with the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA regarding applications under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. I am glad that today, in addition to another tranche of public assistance funding totaling over $72 million, Secretary Noem has approved $44.6 million in grants for projects under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. While this is another promising step in the right direction, there are still families awaiting buyouts for their damaged and destroyed properties. As I have with the public assistance program, I pledge that I will continue to work closely with all federal, state, and local leaders to continue to identify projects that qualify for federal reimbursement, and I will be in constant contact with FEMA to get these dollars to Western North Carolina communities,” said Sen. Budd.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, below are some of the notable FEMA Public Assistance grants obligated to the state and communities:

$34.7 million to North Carolina Department of Transportation for road and bridge repairs across more than 300 sites in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Caldwell, Henderson, Mitchell, Surry, and Watauga counties.

$17.6 million to Rutherford County for the removal of nearly 700,000 cubic yards of debris and 75,000 trees and limbs from public rights of way, and the operation of four debris reduction sites.

$10.5 million to Asheville for potable water distribution, the repair or replacement of more than 100 fleet vehicles, DeBruhl Water Treatment Plant repairs, and road repairs.

$3.7 million to Beech Mountain for repairs to the town’s sewer system and wastewater treatment plant.

DHS has announced that Hazard Mitigation Grant Program investments moving forward will include projects to:

Acquire flood-prone properties in Buncombe County (approximately $14.2 million).

Acquire flood-prone properties in Henderson County (approximately $9.2 million).

Elevate 14 homes in Beaufort County (approximately $2.5 million).

According to DHS, FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) “provides funding to state, local, tribal, and territorial governments to develop hazard mitigation plans and rebuild in ways that reduce or mitigate future disaster losses in their communities. This funding becomes available following a Presidentially declared disaster.”

###


Cassidy, Colleagues Urge Crackdown on Mexican Cartels Stealing Gulf Red Snapper, Advocate for Louisiana Fishermen

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) led nine Republican senators in urging the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to crack down on illegal fishing by Mexican vessels in U.S. waters, which undermines Louisiana fishermen and funds cartel activity.

“The continued ability to sell illegally harvested red snapper into the U.S. market is a powerful financing source for the Cartel and undermines both U.S. fisheries management and national security,” wrote the senators.

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

Cassidy was joined by U.S. Senators John Kennedy (R-LA), Ted Cruz (R-TX), John Cornyn (R-TX), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Katie-Boyd Britt (R-AL), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Ashley Moody (R-FL), and Rick Scott (R-FL).

Read the full letter here or below.

Dear Under Secretary Jacobs,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

###


Cornyn Chairs Hearing on Biden’s Afghan Vetting Failures, ‘Trojan Horse’ Parole Program

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) today delivered the following opening remarks during a joint Senate Judiciary subcommittee hearing entitled, “Biden’s Afghan Parolee Program – A Trojan Horse with Flawed Vetting and Deadly Consequences,” which he co-chaired as Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Border Security and Immigration. Excerpts are below, and video can be found here.

“Many of the 70,000 Afghan nationals that were paroled in to the United States were unvetted and allowed to travel throughout the United States, even when we had derogatory information or concerns about them.”

“Responsibility for the failures with the withdrawal and evacuation from Afghanistan lies squarely at the feet of the Biden administration.”

“Neither the Biden State Department, the Department of Defense, nor the Department of Homeland Security had a proper plan in place.”

“The speed and lack of coordination of the withdrawal was far from the only problem. The process by which massive numbers of these foreign nationals was vetted and brought to the United States was also filled with flaws.”

“The young man who committed this heinous attack against our National Guard service members on November the 26th was not the recipient of a Congressionally passed Special Immigrant Visa Program; rather, he entered the country through Operation Allies Welcome parole program.”

“This parole program was created as an end run-around Congress, and the Biden administration, in the process, let in tens of thousands of unvetted Afghans into the country. These individuals had no honorable military service or sacrifice that warranted special treatment. In fact, most of them had no immigration status at all.”

“At least 1,300 Afghan nationals were allowed to travel and enter the United States before we even collected their biometrics – fingerprints, photograph – in order to run background checks through the various government databases.”

“The Biden administration allowed more than 70,000 Afghan nationals into the United States using this claimed parole authority.”

“Thankfully, now that President Trump is back in office, he’s prioritized vetting of all aliens outside the country and currently inside the country, including parolees.”

“Americans deserve to live free from fear that individuals with ties to terrorist organizations are not roaming about our country. We cannot bring back U.S. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, but we can and will do everything in our power to prevent such a horrible incident from occurring again. That accountability starts today with this hearing.”


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

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), John Kennedy (R-LA), Rick Scott (R-FL), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) today introduced the Stop Fraud by Strengthening Oversight and More Accountability for Lying and Illegal Activity (Stop Fraud by SOMALIA) Act, which would strengthen penalties for child care providers who commit fraud and impose immigration consequences on fraudulent child care providers who are not U.S. citizens, making them inadmissible and deportable:

“The Minnesota scandal has exposed a deep-rooted, morally bankrupt fraud empire, and it is clear more must be done to rid our nation of these heinous criminals,” said Sen. Cornyn. “I applaud President Trump for his efforts to end this corruption, and I’m proud to take it a step further with the Stop Fraud by SOMALIA Act, which would ensure these consequences are enshrined into law before any more funds are misused or sent overseas to fund American-hating terrorist networks like we saw in now-disgraced Governor Walz’s state.”

“Americans are the most generous people in the world. That’s why I was so disgusted when I saw scammers, mostly members of Minnesota’s Somali community, take advantage of the American people’s kindness and rob them blind under the guise of ‘child care.’ I’m proud to support the Stop Fraud by SOMALIA Act, which will crack down on these vile crimes and tackle fraud head-on,” said Sen. Kennedy.

“Families deserve to know what their taxpayer dollars are being used for. What we’ve seen in Minnesota, where federal dollars meant to support children are being fraudulently used, is outrageous and those at fault must be held responsible,” said Sen. Scott. “The Stop Fraud by SOMALIA Act delivers accountability by permanently barring bad actors who steal public funds from receiving federal support and by strengthening oversight to ensure these programs serve children, not criminals. I’ll keep fighting to protect hardworking families and safeguard taxpayer dollars.”

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

Background:

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

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

Repayment of misspent funds;

And required referral for federal criminal investigations.

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

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


PHOTO: Cornyn Meets with UT Tyler President

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) today met with The University of Texas at Tyler’s (UT Tyler) President Dr. Julie Philley to discuss how the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program that is part of the Cornyn-backed Working Families Tax Cuts Act will benefit the rural communities that UT Health East Texas serves. See photo attached and below.

The Trump administration recently allocated $281,319,361 for Texas from the RHT Program, the most of any state. Last month, Sen. Cornyn and Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) led a letter with members of the Texas congressional delegation to Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Dr. Mehmet Oz, urging him to prioritize funding for the State of Texas. Sen. Cornyn also released a statement in support of Texas’ application in November.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353

January 14, 2026

Cotton Introduces Bill to Protect Arkansans from Criminal Migrants

Washington, DC — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced legislation to crack down on migrants who are convicted of a crime. The Deportation Acceleration Act would make any noncitizen who is convicted of a felony or two misdemeanors automatically deportable.

“Migrants who threaten the safety of Arkansans by not respecting our laws don’t belong here. My bill will ensure these criminals are swiftly deported,” said Senator Cotton.

Text of the bill can be found here.

The Deportation Acceleration Act would:

Require state and local law enforcement agencies to report criminal convictions of noncitizens to the Department of Homeland Security.

Subject any noncitizen who is convicted of a felony or two misdemeanors to an expedited removal process.

Shorten the appeal window from 180 days to 30 days for removal cases.

Allow the Secretary of Transportation to withhold certain funds from sanctuary jurisdictions.

###


President Trump Acknowledges Importance of Crapo’s Push for Secure Rural Schools

Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo today joined President Donald Trump, U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, and a bipartisan group of lawmakers in the Oval Office to highlight initiatives of importance to rural America, including the recent Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program reauthorization. During the event, Crapo spoke on the need for a permanent solution for SRS funding to provide more certainty to rural county governments and schools that rely on the program. The President also signed into law the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which Crapo co-sponsored.

To view the statements from Senator Crapo, President Trump and Secretary Rollins, click HERE or the image above.

On the need for a long-term solution for rural, forested counties:

“This is critical legislation to our rural communities across this country, and we have to fight every couple of years to get it [SRS funding] extended just a couple more years. This extension we got this year, went back to pick up a few years that we missed and is going to expire again at the end of the year. I am going to encourage us to get back in here [Oval Office] to sign a Secure Rural Schools bill that is permanent… I hope that you will set a goal with me to get that done.”

Crapo led passage of SRS reauthorization in the U.S. Senate alongside his colleagues Senator Ron Wyden (D-Oregon), Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon). The late Representative Doug LaMalfa (R-California) and Representative Joe Neguse (D-Colorado) led the bill in the U.S House of Representatives.

President Trump signed the bill into law December 18, 2025, which reauthorized the program through Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 and provided lapsed payments for FYs 2024 and 2025.

Background on the SRS program:

Congress first authorized the first SRS program in 2000 with enactment of the SRS and Community Self-Determination Act.

This legislation specifically assists counties containing tracts of federally owned forest land that are tax-exempt.

The program provides payments to county governments in areas where those forests are located because counties do not receive tax revenue from federal land; the payments come through timber receipts and other revenue generating activities within U.S. national forests.

In Idaho, $22.8 million was distributed across 34 counties to help pay for educational programs, emergency response systems and other services in Fiscal Year 2023.

Since the program was not reauthorized in 2023, county payments reverted to 1908 timber sharing law, which represents about an 80 percent cut for some counties.

###


Sen. Cruz Statement On Trump Administration Designation of Muslim Brotherhood Branches

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Sen. Cruz, a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement after the Trump administration announced it was designating branches of the Muslim Brotherhood in Lebanon, Egypt, and Jordan.

Sen. Cruz said, “President Trump and Trump administration officials are systematically targeting the Muslim Brotherhood and its branches, including through President Trump’s Executive Order last year and by implementing the strategy for designations laid out in that order. These measures were advanced despite overwhelming resistance, lobbying, and obstruction from supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood abroad and from career bureaucrats across the U.S. government. I applaud and am deeply grateful for the President’s leadership in securing these achievements.

"These steps are critical to the national security of the United States and to protecting Americans from the jihadist terrorism promoted by the Brotherhood. President Trump’s Executive Order laid out a bottom-up strategy of designating individual Muslim Brotherhood branches as a way of countering the global Muslim Brotherhood, and I am confident that the President will pursue further measures and designations.

"I have been leading the fight in Congress to secure designations for my entire tenure in the Senate, and that bottom-up strategy is written into legislation I authored, the Muslim Brotherhood Terrorist Designation Act of 2025. In the Senate, that legislation has secured bipartisan support, and I urge my colleagues to expeditiously advance it.”

BACKGROUND


Daines on Montana Radio: Men Don’t Belong in Women’s Sports

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today joined KSKY, KGEZ, and KGVO’s morning radio shows to talk news of the day. Read highlights below.

Daines on keeping men out of women’s sports:

I was with Riley Gaines there on the steps of the Supreme Court. Of course, Riley has been the face and spokesperson here for the craziness of men competing in women’s sports. And Riley is an amazing patriot. I said, Riley, can you believe that we’re standing here in front of the United States Supreme Court hearing a case about whether or not it’s okay to allow men to compete in women’s sports? Explain that to our ancestors. Explain that to Lewis and Clark when they came out to Montana years ago and say, would you ever think? Not in a million years. But look, we’ve got to take this fight all the way to the Supreme Court. We’re parents of two daughters. We’re grandparents now of three granddaughters. And this is about science. It’s about biological truth. It’s about common sense. It’s about fairness. It’s about safety. You think about allowing these young, strong men to be on the courts with our women, to be in the same locker room, to be in the same hotels when they’re out traveling on the road and sports teams. Dave, I mean, as a dad of a couple of daughters, it’s outrageous. And I think we’re going to do okay. It looks like the arguments, as we listened to the audio of the Supreme Court when they made the oral arguments, it seemed to me that the good guys on the court there, and we have we’ve got enough good guys in the court, I think, here to stand with common sense in America and stand with the states of Idaho and West Virginia whose laws were being challenged by these crazy liberal groups, and I think we’re going to win the case.

Listen to the full interview on KSKY HERE.

Daines on the capture of Nicholas Maduro:

So I’ll tell you, if they were to let Congress know about it beforehand, we’d have blown the cover on a very covert operation of Delta Force. But let’s keep in mind that was primarily led by the Justice Department. Maduro was indicted in 2020 for narcoterrorism charges. President Biden put a $25 million bounty on his head. So this is about law and justice. The military were just supporting what was primarily a law enforcement operation. There’s no way you could extract him without having the support of Delta Force and a U.S. military, an amazing operation, by the way, certainly. But it was first and foremost a law enforcement operation of an indicted narcoterrorist, bringing him to justice.

Daines on securing the southern border:

There was a lot of unwinding that had to be done from the mess was created by having a wide open border under the last administration. You know, we had over 10 million folks come across that southern border because the Biden administration gave a green light to do so. And sadly, you had some bad folks, some associated with Venezuelan gangs like TDA [Tren de Aragua]. I know they actually took some folks up in the Flathead off the street. They took some folks down in my hometown of Bozeman off the street that were associated with TDA out of Venezuela. This is a criminal cartel. But there’s just a lot of work to be done to undo what was done by the last administration.

Listen to the full interview on KGEZ HERE.

Daines on the Bobcats’ National Championship Win:

It’s been a wild ride for both the Grizzlies and the Bobcats this year. I was grateful for how many Montana boys were on the field…at the National Championship game, which me and my wife Cindy were at down in Nashville…it’s only fitting that a kid from Billings, Taco Dowler, caught the winning pass. And I just love the fact that we’ve got those Montana kids, coming out of Montana high schools, playing for both the Grizzlies and the Cats.

Listen to the full interview on KGVO HERE.

###


Daines, Sheehy Introduce Bill Ensuring Clean Water for Northeastern Montana

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Tim Sheehy today introduced a bill to reauthorize the Fort Peck Dry Prairie Rural Water System. The bill extends authority for the Bureau of Reclamation to continue constructing essential water infrastructure in the Fort Peck Reservation and in Roosevelt, Sheridan, Valley, and Daniels counties from December 2026 to December 2028.

“Water infrastructure is especially important for Montana’s tribes and rural communities, and I’m pleased this bill will help provide these areas clean, safe water,” said Daines.

“As I work alongside Senator Daines to make life more safe, prosperous, and affordable for all Montanans, it’s an honor to help deliver our tribal partners and friends in northeast Montana the resources needed to thrive. I’m proud to support this commonsense bill to protect the critical infrastructure rural Montana communities depend on for access to reliable, clean water,” said Sheehy.

Read the full bill HERE.

Background:

The Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water System Act of 2000 was passed to provide municipal, rural, and industrial water from two interconnected water systems in Montana: the Assiniboine and Sioux Rural Water System (Tribal) and the Dry Prairie Water System (non-Tribal). The Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water System is one of four regional water systems in Montana.

Statements of Support:

“The Assiniboine and Sioux Rural Water System wants to thank Senator Daines and Senator Sheehy for introducing a bill to ensure that our partners, the Dry Prairie Rural Water System, will be able to complete the construction of their portion of the Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water System. This project is truly historic and is changing for the better the lives of the people in Northeast Montana.” – Assiniboine and Sioux Rural Water System.

“On behalf of the Dry Prairie Rural Water Authority, we commend Senator Daines, Senator Sheehy and the entire Montana Delegation for their diligent work in seeing the Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water System to completion. This vital drinking water project that has brought together Tribal and non-Tribal communities is life changing for the people of Northeast Montana.” – Rick Knick, Chairman of Dry Prairie Water Authority

###


Daines Statement on Venezuela War Powers Vote

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement today regarding his vote on the Venezuela War Powers Resolution:

“The War Powers Act grants presidents clear authority for the use of limited military force. President Trump was well within this authority when he brought Nicolas Maduro to justice. Congress was notified within 48 hours of the operation and the withdrawal was done not in 60 days but less than three hours. There are also no ongoing military operations in Venezuela. Furthermore, Maduro is an indicted narco-terrorist with a bounty on his head from the Biden and Trump administrations who will now face justice as a result of President Trump’s work and the bravery of law enforcement and service members.”

###


Duckworth Statement After Republicans Blocked Venezuela War Powers Resolution

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement after the Senate failed to pass a bipartisan War Powers Resolution—which Duckworth cosponsored—that would have prevented the use of the U.S. Armed Forces to engage in hostilities within or against Venezuela unless authorized by Congress. Last week, the same resolution advanced in the Senate by a vote of 52-47.

“It is indisputable that Nicolás Maduro was a brutal dictator. But it is not America’s responsibility to go around the world using our military to push regime change when there is no imminent threat to our national security and then running foreign countries when we have our own serious problems here at home.

“Our Constitution is clear: only the American people, through their elected representatives in Congress, can authorize a President to engage in acts of war. It entrusts them with this solemn responsibility because it is the American people—not any single occupant of the Oval Office—who will be forced to live with the consequences of those decisions.

“With Donald Trump making clear he is happy to ignore this Constitutional requirement at every turn, Senate Republicans had an opportunity to block the President from further escalating military force against Venezuela, reassert our Constitutional authority and send an important message that he must end his march into another reckless forever war with no justification and no end state. It’s shameful that instead of taking this critical opportunity, they again chose to take the word of the least trustworthy President in history—continuing to show that they care more about Trump’s wrath than the best interest of our nation’s servicemembers and the American people.”

-30-


Durbin Delivers Opening Statement In Joint Judiciary Subcommittee Hearing On Vetting Afghan Nationals

During his opening, Durbin noted, “These allies served alongside American service members through two decades of war. They put their lives on the line to support our troops.”

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, delivered opening remarks in today’s Senate Judiciary Joint Subcommittee hearing entitled “Biden’s Afghan Parolee Program – A Trojan Horse with Flawed Vetting and Deadly Consequences.” The hearing was scheduled in the aftermath of a horrific tragedy on November 26, when a gunman killed two National Guard members in Washington, DC. During his opening, Durbin condemned the Trump Administration for turning their backs on our Afghan allies —who put their lives on the line to support American troops over two decades of war.

“This hearing was scheduled in the aftermath of a horrific tragedy on November 26, when a gunman ambushed two National Guard members here in Washington. I offer my deepest condolences to the family of Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, who lost her life in the attack, and I am keeping Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe in my thoughts and prayers.”

“At the outset, I want to note my disappointment that there are no witnesses here today representing the executive branch agencies that are responsible for vetting immigrants. There are many questions we could ask them. The lead question is obvious. Why did the Trump Administration’s USCIS grant asylum last year to the National Guard shooter just months before his deadly attack?”

“We do have witnesses from several Inspectors General offices, but President Trump illegally fired the heads of two of these offices, and I’m concerned that these offices may now be reluctant to criticize the Trump Administration.”

“After the shooting, the Trump Administration announced a flurry of additional measures to crack down on legal immigrants. They halted all asylum decisions, and announced a plan to reexamine green cards for immigrants from 39 countries that the President has deemed ‘countries of concern’—including Afghanistan. The Administration also began cancelling naturalization interviews and ceremonies based on individuals’ countries of origin and they suspended visa and immigration processing for all Afghans.”

“Afghan allies are an extensively vetted population. They were vetted in Afghanistan before they were hired to work [alongside] our troops. They were vetted again when seeking safety in the U.S. and sometimes that vetting went on for months and longer, and again after they arrived through a rigorous and recurring process involved multiple federal agencies. These allies served alongside American service members through two decades of war. They risked their lives and many gave their lives to support our troops. So, what happened to these allies, these friends when they needed our support? Let’s look to our veterans for their perspective.”

“The Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America conducted a survey of their members last fall. More than 70 percent of respondents disagreed with the following statement: ‘Since 2001, the United States Government has done enough to support our Afghan Allies.’”

“Our service members need to know that when they are in the line of fire and depending on foreign allies to protect their lives, that the United States of America will stand by those allies. Who will put their life on the line for our service members in the next war, after watching our Afghan allies be detained and deported to a country where they could be imprisoned or killed for their work with us?”

“America is better for these service members having returned home. And America is better for their Afghan allies who now call our nation home.”

Video of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.

Audio of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.

Footage of Durbin’s opening statement is available here for TV Stations.

-30-


Durbin Denounces Trump Administration’s Cruel Efforts To Shut Down Legal Immigration

“What they have done, instead, is to effectively halt legal immigration from a long list of countries, all of which have majority non-white populations. This was their real intention all along,” Durbin said in his speech on the Senate floor

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today spoke on the Senate floor to deliver a scathing condemnation of the Trump Administration’s crackdown on legal immigration across the country. Under the guise of going after the “worst of the worst,” Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) have gone after U.S. citizens and immigrants who are legally in the U.S., racially profiling people on the street and detaining them. Further, the Trump Administration has implemented sweeping travel bans, stopped all processing of refugee and asylum claims, ended the congressionally authorized Diversity Visa program, and terminated Temporary Protected Status for many countries that are neither safe nor stable, including Afghanistan and Somalia, nationals of which the President called “garbage” just last month.

In his remarks, Durbin spoke out against the President’s extremist immigration policies and chastised the Trump Administration for siphoning resources from essential law enforcement activities to bolster this vile crackdown on legal immigration.

“The Trump Administration has diverted resources from law enforcement and national security efforts to focus on arresting immigrants who pose no threat to public safety. We’ve seen it in Chicago. We’ve seen it in Minneapolis. This Administration is targeting legal immigrants who have followed every rule and regulation,” Durbin began.

In November, President Trump politicized the death of two National Guard members in order to justify the freezing of all new visas for Afghan nationals. Since then, the Administration halted all asylum and refugee decisions and implemented an immigration ban on 39 countries. Today, it became public that the State Department also extended a visa ban to 36 additional countries.

“Many of these [Afghani] visa applicants fought against the Taliban alongside American forces and now must flee Afghanistan to avoid punishment or death for the ‘crime’ of working with us. President Trump has abandoned them,” Durbin said. “He [President Trump] slammed the door on Afghan nationals who risked their lives to save the lives of American soldiers. And he did not stop there. In addition to suspending visa applications for Afghan nationals, the Trump Administration paused all asylum and refugee decisions.”

“The Trump Administration has extended broad immigration bans to anyone from 39 different countries—including individuals from those countries who are already in the United States… The Administration is reviewing again all legal immigration cases already approved under the Biden Administration for individuals from the banned nations. To be clear, this expansion is not limited to nationals of countries on the list—it also includes anyone who was born in one of those countries, even if they lived the majority of their life somewhere else,” Durbin continued.

“My office has received reports that Canadians born in Iran have been impacted by this new Trump ban. There have even been reports that the ban has stopped parents who have completed every step of the adoption process from bringing their new babies to the United States. The Administration has claimed that this is about vetting immigrants to protect public safety—but tell me, does it make sense to deny entry to a baby for ‘vetting’ reasons?” Durbin said.

Durbin then condemned the President’s vile language and blatant animosity toward immigrants, which is fueling the Administration’s immigration policies. After degrading Somali immigrants in a Cabinet meeting last month, the Administration terminated Somalia’s designation for Temporary Protected Status.

“What the President has done is to bring down the hammer on those who are legally immigrating what he calls from ‘s-hole countries.’ Remember that phrase? When the President during his first term referred to those from Africa and Haiti in profane and racist terms in the Oval Office? At the time, the White House denied that he said it. But I was there when the President made those statements, not once, but twice. I was in that meeting, and I confirmed that he used those vulgar terms referring to people from other countries. Two Republican Senators publicly accused me of lying,” Durbin said. “Well, at a rally in Pennsylvania last month, President Trump bragged that he had indeed used the slur that I referred to earlier.”

“At a Cabinet meeting last month, he [President Trump] publicly called Somali immigrants ‘garbage,’” Durbin said. “Just yesterday, the Administration announced the termination of Somalia’s designation for Temporary Protected Status. TPS allows immigrants from a country that is unsafe to temporarily remain in the United States. Does the President really think Somalia is a safe or stable place for these individuals to return? I think not. He just doesn’t care.”

“These racist comments and policies have confirmed what we’ve known all along: the President has a deep-seated animus for immigrants who are not white,” Durbin continued.

Durbin decried the Administration’s mission to go after all immigrants, even those that have entered the country legally.

“Last Friday, in the midst of federal immigration agents’ assault on Minneapolis, the Department of Homeland Security began arresting recently arrived refugees in Minnesota. These refugees have already gone through intensive vetting, sometimes for years, before they’ve been allowed to come to the United States. They followed our laws and came here in the ‘right way,’” Durbin said. “The fraud in Minnesota is serious, and warrants continued investigation, but punishing thousands of refugees because of crimes they had nothing to do with is just plain wrong.”

“The Administration says their immigration policies are intended to protect Americans. I’m calling their bluff. What they have done, instead, is to effectively halt legal immigration from a long list of countries, all of which have majority non-white populations. This was their real intention all along,” Durbin continued.

“Already, the lives of people in our immigration system—particularly people of color—have been unfairly upended. Immigrants have seen their long-scheduled green card interviews cancelled. Naturalization candidates have been pulled from their scheduled citizenship ceremonies. I know this to be true because it happened to my constituents, who have reached out to my office,” Durbin said. “They are rightfully upset that the Administration has stopped them—individuals who are already approved for citizenship—from taking their oath of allegiance to this country.”

Durbin concluded his remarks by recalling his mother’s own immigration and underscoring that the United States is a nation of immigrants.

“My mother was a naturalized U.S. citizen. I keep her naturalization certificate framed in my office in the United States Capitol. Those who are willing to take the oath of allegiance to our country become some of our most loyal citizens. My mom was one of them. We cannot abandon them,” Durbin said.

“We must not allow America to turn its back on immigrants who have followed every rule and who make our country stronger. It would be an affront to the Constitution and a retreat from our heritage as a nation of immigrants… We are a nation of immigrants, and we should never forget it,” Durbin concluded his remarks.

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

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

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

-30-


Durbin, Fischer’s Protecting Children With Food Allergies Bill Signed Into Law

The legislation, which is an amendment to the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, will train school food service staff to prevent and respond to food-related allergic reactions

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), both members of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, today celebrated that their bipartisan Protecting Children with Food Allergies Act became law through an amendment in the newly signed Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act. Durbin and Fischer’s legislation will ensure school food service staff receive essential training about food allergies, so that they are better equipped to prevent, recognize, and respond to food allergic reactions, which can save lives.

“When parents drop their kids off at school, they should have peace of mind knowing that their children are safe with personnel who are trained to handle their children’s food allergies,” said Durbin. “I’m pleased that our bipartisan Protecting Children with Food Allergies Act earned the support of both chambers of Congress and the White House. Its enactment will ensure that kids will be safer in the event of an allergic reaction.”

“I’m grateful President Trump signed our bipartisan, commonsense Protecting Children with Food Allergies Act into law. Now, parents can have the peace of mind knowing that school food service personnel nationwide will know how to respond if a student experiences a serious allergic reaction,” Fischer said.

Food allergies are a growing public health concern. Over the past two decades, the number of children with food allergies in the U.S. has more than doubled. Approximately six million children are estimated to have food allergies, about two students per classroom. Further, 20 percent of all epinephrine shots administered in schools are given to children who have undiagnosed food allergies—which makes it even more important for school food personnel to understand how to recognize and respond to an allergic reaction.

USDA requires annual trainings to school food personnel who work under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the School Breakfast Program (SBP). Required trainings include modules in nutrition, health, and food safety standards. USDA also makes available trainings that address food allergies, but those are not required as part of these annual trainings. The Protecting Children with Food Allergies Act will add “food allergies” to the existing list of trainings to ensure that school food personnel receive essential information about food allergies.

The Protecting Children with Food Allergies Act has endorsements from Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI), and School Nutrition Association (SNA).

-30-


Durbin Meets With Metropolitan Water Reclamation District To Discuss Thornton Reservoir

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with Kari K. Steele, President of Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) to discuss funding for the Thornton Reservoir, which was built to reduce chronic flooding in the Great Lakes region. During their meeting, Durbin and President Steele spoke about securing federal reimbursement from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for construction of the reservoir, which was guaranteed through MWRD’s Project Cooperation Agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Despite the reservoir being in service since 2015 and providing an estimated $660 million in flood reduction benefits to 14 communities, the Army Corps still owes MWRD approximately $200 million in reimbursements. Last month, Durbin wrote to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, urging leadership to include $25 million in construction funds in its Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Work Plan to reimburse the MWRD for the work on Thornton Reservoir. Durbin also filed an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act that would add language to the bill directing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to make funding available for reimbursements like those owed to MWRD.

“MWRD is assigned the critical task of keeping our water supply safe while also ensuring our water infrastructure is in working order. Despite the critical nature of this work, MWRD is still waiting for its reimbursement for the construction of Thorton Reservoir,” said Durbin. “As I told MWRD leadership in our meeting today, I will continue to push for this reimbursement and to offer the resources MWRD needs to keep our state’s water infrastructure up and running.”

In Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24), Durbin secured a $20 million earmark for MWRD to address excessive flooding in historically underserved communities in the Chicagoland area, including Harvey, South Holland, and Blue Island.

-30-


Durbin, Murphy Call On Appropriations Leadership To Protect Funding For Amtrak & Rail Projects In Illinois

In their letter, the Senators made clear that federal investment is critical in improving and expanding passenger rail services in Illinois

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) in leading 12 of their Democratic Senate colleagues in urging U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee leadership, including the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development leadership, to defend funding for the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail (IPR) grant program in the fiscal year 2026 spending legislation. While the committee-passed U.S. Senate Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill included $75 million for this account, House Republicans have proposed zeroing out the funding, risking ongoing work to upgrade and potentially expand our national passenger rail network in Illinois.

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.”

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.”

The Senators continued their letter, highlighting rail projects in Illinois that federal investment could advance. The Senators specifically listed the Chicago Access Program, which supports projects aimed at reducing trip times and improving capacity for existing and future Midwest routes and connections to the south and east; increasing the frequencies on the Hiawatha Corridor in Wisconsin and Illinois; and upgrading the rail corridor between Chicago, Indianapolis, and Cincinnati, and potentially adding new service to Louisville.

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.”

In addition to Durbin and Murphy, the letter was signed by U.S Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).

Full text of the letter is available here and below.

January 9, 2026

Dear Chairs Collins and Hyde-Smith and Ranking Members Murray and Gillibrand,

As you work to finalize the fiscal year (FY) 2026 spending legislation, we urge you to support no less than $75 million for the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail grant program—the amount included in the committee-passed Senate Transportation, Housing and Urban Development bill. The House of Representatives has proposed zeroing out this account. Eliminating funding for the Federal-State Partnership grant program would hinder ongoing work to improve rail infrastructure in the Northeast and across the country.

The Federal-State Partnership grant program was reauthorized in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) “to fund capital projects that reduce the state of good repair backlog, improve performance, or expand or establish new intercity passenger rail service.” In general, not less than 45% of annual funding is reserved for projects along the Northeast Corridor (NEC), which are to be consistent with the most current NEC Service Development Plan. In addition, not less than 45% of annual funding is reserved for projects not located along the NEC, with preference given to projects included in a corridor development (i.e., service improvement and expansion) plan previously selected by the FRA. In addition, a share of the funding provided to non-NEC projects must also benefit, in whole or in part, one of Amtrak’s fifteen Long-Distance routes.

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.

Why the Northeast Corridor needs robust funding

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.

While the IIJA made a significant down payment to help address this SOGR backlog, it is simply not enough given the years of underinvestment and the age of the assets. Without sufficient annual appropriations to supplement the IIJA, many of the NEC’s most critical projects will not advance.

Why non-NEC projects need robust funding

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:

Vermonter route expansion to Montreal;

Chicago Access Program projects in Illinois to reduce trip times and improve capacity for existing and future Midwest routes and connections to the south and east;

More frequencies and enhanced service on Cascades Corridor in Washington and Oregon;

A new Front Range Corridor in Colorado and Wyoming connecting Denver, Colorado Springs, Pueblo and Cheyenne;

A new Massachusetts Inland Route service;

More frequencies on the Hiawatha Corridor in Wisconsin and Illinois and extension to Madison, Green Bay, and Eau Claire, Wisconsin, as well as St. Paul, Minnesota;

A new Phoenix-to-Tucson corridor in Arizona;

More frequencies on the Downeaster Corridor in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine;

A new “3C+D Corridor” in Ohio connecting Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati;

Rebuilding of an abandoned higher-speed rail corridor between Richmond, Virginia, and Raleigh, North Carolina;

Heartland Flyer route extension to connect Kansas communities, including Wichita, with Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Fort Worth, Texas;

Upgrades to the rail corridor between Chicago, Indianapolis and Cincinnati, potentially including new service to Louisville;

A new corridor in Texas, connecting Dallas/Ft. Worth, Austin, and San Antonio;

Multiple new rail connections in California; and,

A multi-corridor network from a new Atlanta Hub station, including new corridors to Nashville, Tennessee; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Savannah, Georgia; and elsewhere in the South; and

Reestablish passenger rail service between Scranton and New York via New Jersey

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.

Sincerely,

-30-


Durbin Statement On Republicans’ Vote Against Venezuela War Powers Resolution

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) released the following statement after the Senate failed to pass the bipartisan war powers resolution, which would block the use of the U.S. Armed Forces to engage in hostilities within or against Venezuela unless authorized by Congress. The resolution previously advanced in the Senate by a vote of 52-47.

“The U.S. Constitution explicitly says that the power to declare war resides with Congress. The Trump Administration is potentially engaging us in a long-term conflict and has yet to engage the American people in the discussion or plan.

“Until we have clarity, we cannot allow this conflict to escalate at the expense of American lives. Unfortunately, the majority of my Senate Republican colleagues don’t agree or will bend to the will of the President.”

Article 1, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution states that the power to declare war is an explicit power of Congress and Congress overwhelmingly reaffirmed this constitutional provision when it passed the War Powers Act in 1973 over the veto of President Nixon.

In April 2018, Durbin traveled to Venezuela, where he met with then-National Assembly Member Juan Guaidó as well as President Nicolás Maduro, warning him that pursuing a sham election the following month would further isolate his autocratic regime. In July 2024, Durbin condemned Nicolás Maduro for falsely claiming that the nation’s election was called in his favor, despite meticulously documented election results by observers demonstrating overwhelming support for opposition candidate Edmundo González. He reiterated these comments in an additional speech on the Senate floor in September 2024.

In September 2024, Durbin met with five Latin American democracies’ ambassadors to discuss the electoral crisis in Venezuela. In January 2025, Durbin reintroduced a bill terminating all U.S. petroleum cooperation and petroleum-related trade with Venezuela until the legitimate results of the recent Venezuelan election are respected. And in May 2025, Durbin met virtually with Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado.

-30-


Durbin Statement On Trump Administration Terminating Funding For Addiction Treatment, Suicide Prevention, And Rural Ambulance Services

Durbin’s office has been contacted by Illinois constituents about the harms from the Trump Administration’s arbitrary grant cuts to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today released the following statement after the Trump Administration terminated an estimated $2 billion in grant funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to treat addiction, mental health, and provide homelessness services. The grant cuts also affect Durbin’s longstanding bipartisan priorities to address childhood trauma and bolster rural ambulance services. Durbin’s office was notified by Illinois constituents last night about these abrupt grant termination letters.

“President Trump’s war on drugs will take more than a new President in Venezuela. Last night’s termination of addiction treatment is a step backwards that will cost lives. Other cuts to mental health treatment and EMS services show this Administration is more interested in building White House ballrooms than life-saving clinics.”

Despite the Trump Administration’s claims about prioritizing opioid and fentanyl overdoses, or the mental health of children, the elimination of funding for suicide prevention and addiction treatment services across the country will risk lives and harm the economy.

The Trump Administration’s grant termination directly affects Durbin and U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito’s (R-WV) Resilience Investment, Support, and Expansion (RISE) from Trauma Act, bipartisan legislation to increase support for children who have been exposed to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and trauma, including witnessing community violence, parental addiction, or abuse.

These cuts also affect Durbin and U.S. Senator Susan Collins’ Supporting and Improving Rural EMS Needs (SIREN) Reauthorization Act, legislation that supports rural EMS agencies in training and recruiting staff, conducting certification courses, and purchasing equipment, including naloxone to address the opioid overdose epidemic.

-30-


Fischer, Durbin’s Protecting Children with Food Allergies Bill Signed into Law

Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), both members of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, celebrated their bipartisan Protecting Children with Food Allergies Act becoming law through an amendment to the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act.

Fischer and Durbin’s legislation will ensure that school food service staff receive essential training about food allergies, so that they are better equipped to prevent, recognize, and respond to food allergic reactions, which can save lives.

“I’m grateful President Trump signed our bipartisan, commonsense Protecting Children with Food Allergies Act into law. Now, parents can have the peace of mind knowing that school food service personnel nationwide will know how to respond if a student experiences a serious allergic reaction,” Fischer said.“When parents drop their kids off at school, they should have peace of mind knowing that their children are safe with personnel who are trained to handle their children’s food allergies. I’m pleased that our bipartisan Protecting Children with Food Allergies Act earned the support of both chambers of Congress and the White House. Its enactment will ensure that kids will be safer in the event of an allergic reaction,” Durbin said.

USDA requires annual training to school food personnel who work under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the School Breakfast Program (SBP). Required training includes modules in nutrition, health, and food safety standards. The Protecting Children with Food Allergies Act will add “food allergies” to the existing list of required trainings to ensure that school food personnel receive essential information about food allergies.

Permalink: https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2026/1/fischer-durbin-s-protecting-children-with-food-allergies-bill-signed-into-law


Fischer on Senate Floor: Stands in Solidarity with the People of Iran, Commends President Trump for Economic Pressure

Today, during a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, reaffirmed her solidarity with the Iranian people as they protest the authoritarian Iranian regime’s flagrant economic mismanagement and brutal treatment of its own citizens.

Click the image above to watch a video of Fischer’s remarks.

Click here to download audio.

Click here to download video.


As Open Enrollment Comes to a Close, Senator Gallego Joins Protect Our Care to Discuss Republican Premium Hikes

PHOENIX — Today, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) joined Protect Our Care Arizona to hold Republicans in Congress accountable for doubling, tripling, and even quadrupling the premiums of over 370,000 Arizonans by ending the Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits that keep coverage affordable for millions of hard-working families. Instead, Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans have prioritized giving more tax breaks to billionaires and big corporations at the expense of the well-being of Americans.

Watch the full event here.

“Republicans had every chance to work on a deal to extend the ACA tax credits, but they chose not to. With open enrollment closing tomorrow, 24 million Americans will have to decide whether they will pay more than double for their health insurance premiums or go without health insurance altogether,” said Senator Gallego. “While Republicans were focused on starting wars over oil and lining the pockets of their billionaire friends, my colleagues and I were fighting to lower health care costs. I’m grateful for partners like Protect Our Care who are in this fight with us.”

“It’s not just individual people that are going to get hurt,” said Jessica Schubel, Former Health Care Assistant to President Biden. “Small businesses too, the engine of our economy. I’m a small business owner, and I’m part of the five million small business owners that buy their own coverage on the ACA marketplace. Here in Arizona, over 110,000 small business owners and self employed workers do this. Nationwide, our premiums are going up about $1,500 a year.”

“With the cost of living being so unaffordable and so many people experiencing unexpected health conditions, we need to make healthcare affordable by protecting the ACA,” said Robert Hess III, Arizona ACA patient advocate.

“They don’t have a plan,” said Steve Gomez, Arizona father and ACA patient advocate. “They don’t have a concept of a plan, they don’t have a thing. That’s the truth. Their plan is to squeeze Americans day by day for health care costs, throw them to the side, and make them make the choice: do I pay for my utilities, do I pay for food, or do I pay for health care?”

1/14/26


Gallego Statement on Venezuela War Powers Resolution Vote

WASHINGTON – Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), a Marine Corps combat veteran who served in Iraq, released the following statement after Republicans voted to block the Venezuela War Powers Resolution offered by Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia:

“I fought in Iraq, and I know what happens when we rush into a war that doesn’t need to happen. We cannot go down this path again.

“Whatever spin Republicans put on this, at the end of the day, what is happening in Venezuela is a war. When people are shooting, that is war. When the President deploys the power of the United States military, that is war.

“The Constitution is clear that only Congress has the power to declare war. Senate Republicans just had the chance to stand up for that responsibility, but they chose to give it away and enable Trump’s chaos.

“When I talk to Arizonans, they tell me they want their politicians to create more good-paying jobs, help them afford a home, and bring down grocery prices. Instead of focusing on the real issues that affect American families, this administration wants to spend Arizonans’ tax dollars to put ‘boots on the ground’ in Venezuela and run the country’s economy for years. This will not benefit the American people, but Trump does not care. He has done this to line the pockets of Big Oil companies.

“There is no justification for dragging this country into a war in Venezuela. Today, the Senate failed to make that clear.”

Senator Gallego has spoken out about Trump’s dangerous, short-sighted military action, including speaking on the Senate floor to highlight the parallels between the administration’s military actions in Venezuela and the lead up to the war in Iraq. He also introduced a War Powers Resolution in December to block further military action in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific Ocean.

1/14/26


Gallego Unveils Plan to Lower Housing Costs, Rebuild the American Dream Through Homeownership

The four-pillar plan includes short- and long-term solutions to address America’s housing affordability crisis

WASHINGTON – Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) today released his plan to tackle America’s housing affordability crisis. “The Path Home: Rebuilding the American Dream and Restoring Housing Affordability,” lays out Senator Gallego’s vision to build more, build faster, and ensure working people can afford the homes we build.

“Growing up, my single mom worked tirelessly to afford a two-bedroom apartment for me and my three sisters. By the time I graduated high school, I was able to help her buy a house thanks to a government-backed loan. Today, though, owning a home is out of reach for most Americans and just affording rent is a stretch,” said Senator Gallego. “A safe, affordable place to call home is the foundation of success in this country. It’s the cornerstone of the American dream. We owe it to the young people of this country to make that achievable again, and that’s exactly what this plan sets out to do.”

READ MORE: Sen. Ruben Gallego releases plan to tackle housing affordability (MS NOW)

The plan consists of four pillars:

Build More Homes for All Americans: Build more homes of all types, in all communities, by boosting supply, modernizing federal housing programs, and investing in growing and retaining a residential construction workforce. A housing construction boom can also create millions of good-paying jobs for construction workers that do not require a college degree.

Clear the Path to Smarter, Faster Homebuilding: Clear the path to smarter, faster homebuilding by reforming outdated zoning and permitting systems that slow development and drive up costs. This requires state and local buy-in which the federal government can help incentivize. We need partners in the fight to solve the crisis.

Lower Housing Costs and Keep Americans Housed: Take direct action to lower housing costs and keep Americans housed, through expanded assistance, robust fair lending enforcement, and meaningful tenant protections.

Future-Proof Our Homes and Communities: Future-proof our homes and communities — making them more resilient to extreme weather, rising insurance costs, and aging infrastructure.

Read the full plan HERE.

1/14/26


WTAS: Gallego Unveils Plan to Lower Housing Costs, Rebuild the American Dream Through Homeownership

The four-pillar plan includes short- and long-term solutions to address America’s housing affordability crisis

WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) released his plan to tackle America’s housing affordability crisis, “The Path Home: Rebuilding the American Dream and Restoring Housing Affordability.” The plan lays out Senator Gallego’s vision to build more, build faster, and ensure working people can afford the homes we build.

Since its release earlier today, the plan has received support from organizations, union leaders, and elected officials.

Here’s what they are saying in Arizona:

“Housing affordability is central to the Arizona Promise, and I’m thankful for Senator Gallego for putting forward this comprehensive plan for renters and homebuyers across the country. I welcome continued federal attention on the urgent need to lower housing costs,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “Arizona has already taken decisive action to address housing affordability, including expanding homebuyer assistance through the Arizona is Home program, cutting red tape so more housing can be built, investing in weatherization and energy-efficient home upgrades, and helping more veterans out of homelessness. Building on this momentum will require partnership at every level of government to increase supply and bring costs down for families.”

“I commend Senator Gallego for introducing a commonsense housing plan that takes concrete steps to ban algorithmic rent setting, a problem my office helped uncover with our investigation and subsequent lawsuit against RealPage and colluding corporate landlords. Rents skyrocketed in Arizona in recent years because these bad actors rigged the system in their favor,” said Attorney General Kris Mayes.

“I support Senator Gallego’s The Path Home: Rebuilding the American Dream and Restoring Housing Affordability plan. The included framework will provide the opportunity to increase the number of housing units and expand homeownership opportunities for all,” said Titus Mathew, Housing Director for the City of Phoenix.

“Housing affordability is the top issue for Tucson families, and we need partners in Washington who understand what cities are facing. I commend Senator Ruben Gallego for putting forward a plan that meets this moment and recognizes the leadership of communities that are taking action. This proposal helps cities like Tucson move faster to create stable and affordable homes for the people who make our communities work,” said Tucson Mayor Regina Romero.

“In Flagstaff, affordable housing is one of the most pressing issues for our city and residents. Senator Gallego’s housing plan addresses some of the critical challenges that Flagstaff and so many communities are confronting to ensure that housing is available and affordable. It takes aim at some of the specific issues we face in Flagstaff from ensuring our homes can weather disasters such as catastrophic wildfire to streamlining and strengthening key federal housing programs. All of these elements are critical for tackling this important challenge, and I thank Senator Gallego for his leadership on this issue,” said Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett.

“The Southwest Fair Housing Council applauds Senator Ruben Gallego’s plan to address America’s fair and affordable housing crisis with a comprehensive approach that includes critical funding for fair housing services, ensuring everyone has a safe, decent, and affordable place to call home,” said Jay Young, Executive Director of Southwest Fair Housing Council.

Here’s what they are saying around the country:

“LIUNA commends Senator Ruben Gallego for putting forward a serious plan to confront our nation’s housing crisis. By encouraging the use of workforce development programs and requiring that federally assisted housing construction pay fair and competitive wages, Senator Gallego’s plan works to grow the national housing stock while protecting the livelihoods of construction workers who make these projects possible,” said Brent Booker, General President of the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA). “LIUNA looks forward to working with Senator Gallego and other stakeholders as policymakers advance solutions that strengthen our housing market and support good union jobs.”

“Senator Gallego is right to focus on the lack of housing supply as the leading cause of the nation’s housing crisis,” said Jeffrey D. DeBoer, President and CEO of the Real Estate Roundtable. “His proposals to expand the low-income housing tax credit; encourage the conversion of obsolete buildings into housing; and reward local jurisdictions for streamlining zoning and land use laws each would promote building more homes. Also, Senator Gallego’s proposal to improve the Housing Choice Voucher Program would help make rental housing more affordable for millions of Americans. We look forward to helping Senator Gallego and his team advance these important proposals in the most impactful way possible.”

“The housing shortage is raising costs for families, but we’ve seen incredible turnarounds for cities and states that are simply building more. Senator Gallego’s plan would clear permitting roadblocks and get more housing constructed quickly. These are exactly the kind of solutions we need,” said Adam Kovacevich, CEO of the Chamber of Progress.

The Rebuild, the Chamber of Progress: “The path forward isn’t complicated: build more, cut red tape, help people access homeownership, strengthen the safety net, and prepare for the future. But it does require summoning the political will to actually do it. Gallego’s laid out the roadmap. The question is whether anyone else in Washington has the stomach for the fight that following it demands. Whether the American Dream, in the 21st century, is a visceral reality or a faded myth may depend on the answer.”

“America’s housing affordability crisis is primarily a supply problem. One that makes access to opportunity and family formation metrics worse for millions of people. Senator Gallego’s ambitious framework will help align federal policies to spur new housing supply where it’s needed most and enable more Americans to live where and how they want,” said Andrew Justus, Housing Analyst for the Niskanen Center.

“We appreciate Sen. Gallego’s attention to addressing our nation’s vast affordable housing shortage, and for featuring the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit prominently as part of the solution,” said Emily Cadik, CEO of the Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition. “The Housing Credit has had a tremendous impact in Arizona and around the country, and building upon its success will allow more working families, seniors and veterans to live in homes they can afford.”

“Senator Gallego’s housing plan offers a thoughtful and necessary path forward by combining common-sense reforms with innovative solutions that expand housing supply, improve affordability, and increase accessibility for all Americans. NAHREP applauds the Senator’s leadership to meet the scale of the nation’s current housing crisis with urgency and creativity,” said Gary Acosta, Co-Founder and CEO of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals.

“Housing costs are the biggest factor making life unaffordable for millions of Americans,” said Mike Kingsella, CEO of Up for Growth Action. “Senator Gallego’s plan reflects a clear understanding that the affordability crisis is fundamentally a housing crisis. By pairing increased housing supply with regulatory reform, targeted assistance, and climate-resilient construction, this approach addresses both the long-term shortage and the near-term pressures households face. Up for Growth Action welcomes this framework and looks forward to working with members of Congress and stakeholders to translate it into durable, effective legislation.”

“It’s long past time for bold action from our federal government on America’s devastating housing shortage. This framework correctly treats housing shortages as a national catastrophe requiring federal leadership, pushing and enabling local jurisdictions to address the problem. At a time of deep housing scarcity, this proposal reflects a serious, evidence-based commitment to building the homes America needs. This proposal aligns federal policy with what the evidence shows: jurisdictions that allow more housing see better affordability and stronger regional growth,” said Laura Foote, Executive Director of YIMBY Action.

“Senator Gallego’s plan represents exactly the kind of smart, comprehensive approach we need to tackle America’s housing affordability crisis. This proposal targets the real barriers that have constrained housing production and driven up prices for far too long, recognizing that we cannot regulate, subsidize, or tax our way out of our housing shortage – we have to build,” said Derek Kaufman, President of Inclusive Abundance Action.

“The National NeighborWorks Association (NNA) applauds Senator Gallego for his leadership and vision in proposing a bold plan to tackle the housing affordability crisis,” said Lou Tisler, Executive Director of the National NeighborWorks Association. “Senator Gallego rightly recognizes that America needs a comprehensive set of housing solutions— from streamlining outdated regulations to launching innovative programs like a national home repair initiative. NeighborWorks organizations across the country deliver proven solutions to address housing affordability every day. NNA looks forward to working with the Senator and his colleagues to advance policies that ensure everyone has access to a safe, affordable home.”

“Senator Gallego’s comprehensive housing plan represents bold, commonsense action to tackle our nation’s housing crisis. By expanding the housing supply, lowering costs, and unlocking new tools to build more homes, this plan moves us closer to a future where every family has a safe, affordable place to call home. It’s the kind of pragmatic leadership our communities urgently need,” said Donald Whitehead, Executive Director of the National Coalition for the Homeless.

“With the ongoing housing crisis, more than ever, we need comprehensive housing solutions that create more housing units around the nation, especially for people at the lowest incomes and at risk of or experiencing homelessness. The Alliance would like to thank Senator Gallego for his leadership in introducing these much-needed reforms that would allow more people access to housing which we believe is a human right,” said Steve Berg, Chief Policy Officer of the National Alliance to End Homelessness.

“This housing plan rightfully elevates home repair and preservation to the same level of urgency as new construction; it recognizes that we cannot solve our housing crisis through new construction alone. By investing in the homes families already have, this plan directly advances stability, affordability, and dignity for low- and moderate-income households who have been left behind for far too long,” said Freyja Harris, CEO of the Coalition for Home Repair.

“At a time when housing affordability and supply are central concerns discussed around kitchen tables in every American community, MBA welcomes the introduction of Senator Gallego’s housing initiative. Efforts to boost supply, lower costs, modernize related federal programs, and encourage state and local permitting and zoning reforms are welcome elements to the ongoing housing debate. We look forward to continuing our work with him and his office – and other congressional leaders – at a time when housing legislation is poised to move in both chambers of Congress,” said Bill Killmer, Senior Vice President of Legislative & Political Affairs at the Mortgage Bankers Association.

“Improving the affordability and availability of housing is one of the most pressing challenges facing the nation. The American Planning Association applauds Senator Gallego for advancing a comprehensive housing plan that will help planners and communities remove obstacles, reform systems, and provide incentives to increase housing supply and opportunity for all. APA supports this initiative and its aim to use a range of policy approaches to help drive local housing solutions,” said Sue Schwartz, President of the American Planning Association.

“We are grateful that Senator Gallego is focused on housing issues and the Appraisal Institute applauds his continued support for the critical role appraisers play in a healthy housing market,” said Michael Acquaro-Mignogna, 2026 President of the Appraisal Institute.

“NAIHC commends Senator Gallego’s housing plan and appreciates its recognition that Tribal housing must be part of any serious solution to the national affordability crisis. His call to reauthorize NAHASDA and reduce regulatory barriers at the federal level reflects a clear understanding of what Native communities need to build and sustain quality, affordable housing,” said Rudy Soto, Executive Director of the National American Indian Housing Council (NAIHC).

1/14/26


Gillibrand, Colleagues Demand Trump Administration Restore Funding For Full-Service Community Schools

$6 Million In Funding At Risk For New York Schools, Threatening Services For Rural Students

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) urged Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to reverse the Department of Education’s decision to discontinue $168 million in Full-Service Community Schools grants across 12 states, including New York.

Gillibrand joined Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and nine of their colleagues in opposing the administration’s abrupt cuts to this funding in the middle of the school year. This will force schools to shut down essential programs that support students’ academic performance and facilitate families’ access to food, housing, and health care, among other services.

The senators also criticized the department’s vague claim that the grants – which have existed for over 15 years – violate civil rights law and stressed that these grant cancellations run directly counter to congressional intent and long-standing bipartisan support for this program that serves students and families all across the country.

“As costs continue to rise for families across the country, the Trump administration should be strengthening support for students and families, not pulling the rug out from under them in the middle of the school year and disrupting essential services in underserved communities,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Students and parents rely on the critical resources provided by community schools to help them succeed inside and outside the classroom. I am a strong supporter of the Full-Service Community Schools program and will keep fighting to restore this critical funding while working to ensure that our students have the resources they need to thrive.”

In addition to Senators Gillibrand, Schumer, Van Hollen, and Sanders, Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) also joined the letter.

“We write to express our strong opposition to the Department of Education’s (“the Department”) recent action on December 12th, 2025, to discontinue $168 million in Full-Service Community Schools grants serving students across 12 states. Pulling expected federal grant funds from public schools in the middle of the school year, built around community partnerships and parent engagement, is just plain wrong. Congress authorized and appropriated funds specifically for the Full-Service Community Schools program because research shows community schools improve student academic achievement, reduce chronic absenteeism, and support student wellbeing. We demand that the Department fully reinstate all Full-Service Community Schools grants that were abruptly discontinued,” the senators began.

“The Full-Service Community School grant program supports school districts and public schools in their mission to meet students’ needs so they can succeed academically and in life, focusing on the school as a community center that can connect families to food, housing assistance, medical care, and other services,” they continued. “This unnecessary termination of education funding is alarming families, disrupting carefully-planned programs that support children, and jeopardizing services for thousands of students in underserved communities.”

“The Department claims that affected grantees violate civil rights law or conflict with the administration’s policy priorities, but this rationale lacks any specificity. Grant recipients received letters providing few details, and just one week or less to appeal. These discontinuations directly contradict bipartisan congressional intent for this program. In 2023, Congress increased annual funding for the Full-Service Community Schools program from $25 million to $150 million, which was maintained in fiscal year 2024 and 2025 appropriations laws, reflecting bipartisan recognition that schools serving high-poverty communities require comprehensive support. All federal grants must abide by applicable requirements, but the Department has failed to produce legitimate reasons, including any grantee performance-related information, to discontinue multi-year grants that Congress authorized and appropriated, that grantees are implementing successfully, and that provide essential services to our underserved students,” they wrote.

“We demand that you reinstate all community school grants that have been abruptly discontinued and respectfully suggest that the Department refocus its efforts to support community schools in their efforts to meet the needs of and improve education outcomes for all students,” they concluded.

Text of the letter can be viewed here and below.

Dear Secretary McMahon:

We write to express our strong opposition to the Department of Education’s (“the Department”) recent action on December 12th, 2025, to discontinue $168 million in Full-Service Community Schools grants serving students across 12 states. Pulling expected federal grant funds from public schools in the middle of the school year, built around community partnerships and parent engagement, is just plain wrong. Congress authorized and appropriated funds specifically for the Full-Service Community Schools program because research shows community schools improve student academic achievement, reduce chronic absenteeism, and support student wellbeing. We demand that the Department fully reinstate all Full-Service Community Schools grants that were abruptly discontinued.

The Full-Service Community School grant program supports school districts and public schools in their mission to meet students’ needs so they can succeed academically and in life, focusing on the school as a community center that can connect families to food, housing assistance, medical care, and other services. Community leadership and school coordinators partner to co-locate services and provide cost-effective resources that are deemed necessary by the families they serve—a community-based approach that has been successful in both rural and urban areas. Multiple studies show that community schools lead to more positive academic outcomes for students and more successful schools. Discontinuing these grants puts students’ progress in jeopardy.

On December 12th, 2025, the Department abruptly discontinued $168 million in grants to community schools just two weeks before their next round of funding was set to arrive. Across the country, nineteen grant recipients received letters alerting them that, effective immediately, their projects would no longer receive future federal funding under their approved grant awards, including in many rural communities. Your decision is forcing schools and community partners to eliminate vital services for students and families in the middle of the academic year, with no transition period or alternative support.

Full-Service Community Schools grants are generally authorized for five years, providing schools and partners with the stability to plan for the reliable delivery of services. The grants that were abruptly cancelled had either two or three years remaining in their approved five-year projects. This unnecessary termination of education funding is alarming families, disrupting carefully-planned programs that support children, and jeopardizing services for thousands of students in underserved communities. Schools that built partnerships with community organizations, hired staff, and made multi-year commitments to families now face breaking those promises through no fault of their own.

The Department claims that affected grantees violate civil rights law or conflict with the administration’s policy priorities, but this rationale lacks any specificity. Grant recipients received letters providing few details, and just one week or less to appeal. These discontinuations directly contradict bipartisan congressional intent for this program. In 2023, Congress increased annual funding for the Full-Service Community Schools program from $25 million to $150 million, which was maintained in fiscal year 2024 and 2025 appropriations laws, reflecting bipartisan recognition that schools serving high-poverty communities require comprehensive support. All federal grants must abide by applicable requirements, but the Department has failed to produce legitimate reasons, including any grantee performance-related information, to discontinue multi-year grants that Congress authorized and appropriated, that grantees are implementing successfully, and that provide essential services to our underserved students.

We demand that you reinstate all community school grants that have been abruptly discontinued and respectfully suggest that the Department refocus its efforts to support community schools in their efforts to meet the needs of and improve education outcomes for all students.

###


Gillibrand Statement On Failure Of War Powers Resolution

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement following the failure of the resolution to require congressional authorization for military force against Venezuela:

“Today’s vote sends a clear message to the American people: Republicans will not keep the president in check. At a time when working New Yorkers are struggling to pay their bills and want action on health care, wages, and the cost of living, the president wants to spend American tax dollars and risk American lives in another protracted foreign regime change effort.

“I am deeply disappointed by the failure of this resolution, but the issues it raises will not disappear. The Constitution makes clear that Congress, not the president, has the power to authorize military action. I will continue fighting for accountability, to reassert Congress’ constitutional role, and to prioritize policies that put working families first.”

###


Gillibrand Statement On Passage Of The Whole Milk For Healthy Kids Act

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand made the following statement on the passage of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act. The bill changes the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) current meal program guidelines to permit schools to serve whole milk in addition to reduced-fat and fat-free milk, as well as nutritionally equivalent milk substitutes at the request of a parent or guardian. Senator Gillibrand is an original cosponsor of the bill in the Senate.

“Kids need nutritious meals to learn and thrive, and whole milk provides those critical nutrients. The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act invests in children’s health and supports New York State’s dairy farmers,” said Senator Gillibrand. “By allowing schools to offer whole milk and milk substitutes that are equivalent in nutrition, we’re making school meals healthier and ensuring that locally produced dairy continues to play a role in feeding the next generation. It’s a win for students, schools, and New York agriculture.”

New York State is the fifth-largest producer of dairy in the country, and the dairy industry is New York’s largest agricultural sector. New York’s nearly 2,800 dairy farms produce 16.1 billion pounds of milk annually, representing over 7% of total U.S. milk production.

###