Heinrich Grills BLM Official on Proposal for Gravel Mine in Placitas, Emphasizes Inadequate Pay for Firefighters, Underscores Impacts of Trump Administration’s Cuts to Forest Service Workforce

WASHINGTON — During a U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Public Lands, Forests, and Mining Subcommittee hearing to discuss pending legislation, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the full Committee, questioned Associate Chief of the U.S. Forest Service Christopher French on how cuts by the Trump Administration are harming the agency’s ability to properly manage public lands and risking public safety by threatening wildfire preparedness.

Additionally, Heinrich grilled Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Nevada State Director Jon Raby on the agency’s opposition to permanent protections against a gravel mine on the Buffalo Tract in Placitas, New Mexico, which egregiously ignores community input.

BLM’s opposition to protecting the Buffalo Tract underscores the need to pass Heinrich’s Buffalo Tract Protection Act, which would permanently withdraw minerals from development on four parcels of BLM lands in southern Sandoval County, including the Buffalo Tract and the Crest of Montezuma.

VIDEO: Ranking Member Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) blasts BLM Nevada State Director Jon Raby for ignoring community input in the agency’s mine proposal, February 12th, 2026.

On Staffing and Funding Cuts to the Forest Service

Heinrich began his questioning by addressing substantial cuts to the Forest Service and the impacts it is having on operations, “Mr. French, we've seen a pretty substantial cut in the workforce in New Mexico, in the Forest Service. We've seen that on the Santa Fe National Forest, we've seen it on the Carson National Forest, the Cibola, the Lincoln, the Gila. It's been felt across the system from issues like trail maintenance to processing permits for outfitter guides, to wildfire preparedness. The bills that we're talking about today direct your agency to do a number of things, to take actions and undertake new endeavors and new policies. All of which require an adequate workforce. How many National Forest System staff would actually be needed to fulfill your mission? All of the things that the Congress has tasked the National Forest System to do and to properly manage the roughly 193 million acres of land that the U.S. Forest Service manages?”

French replied, “That's a big question.”

Heinrich responded, “And I bet the Forest Service has looked at this.”

French said, “We have.”

Heinrich pushed, “I bet there's an answer.”

French answered, highlighting the inadequate funding and staffing levels at the U.S. Forest Service, “So, I mean, the reality is if you look at the requirements of statutes of what we're told and asked to accomplish there, the needs for funding and staffing far exceed the requirements that are placed on us to manage those to standard. We manage the largest trail system in the country. 165,000 miles of trails, and yet, the staffing that we have and the budgets that we have, we struggle to maintain up to a third of it a year. "Now, I mean, we are working to overcome the things you just talked about. Today, we're announcing 2,000 summer hires, recreation hires, to assist us in overcoming that work. We've been in a place of getting our workforce to a more sustainable level, to the budgets we have. But we do, we have done that work. We can certainly share it with you. I'm not prepared today to give you.”

Heinrich replied, “I would appreciate it if you can share that with us.”

French confirmed, “You bet.”

On Insufficient Pay for Firefighters

Heinrich followed, “Do we pay our firefighters enough?”

French asked, “In my opinion?”

Heinrich responded, “Yeah.”

French said, “No.”

Heinrich reiterated, “In your opinion.”

French said, “I want to be thoughtful here, because I don't have with me a particular position from an administration, but as a past firefighter myself...”

French stated, “...When I look at what we asked them to do and watching over the last 20 years, our fire seasons becoming larger and larger, putting more and more demands on them and their families. And when I look at what is being compensated at state levels, I think there's work to do there.”

On Staffing and Funding Cuts to the Bureau of Land Management

Heinrich asked BLM Nevada State Director Jon Raby how many staff are necessary to carry out the agency’s work, “Mr. Raby, same question. You manage, the BLM, manages 246 million acres. How many folks would we need to adequately manage that?”

Raby answered, “Senator, thank you for the question. And of course, in the Bureau of Land Management, we have an organization of about 9,000 employees, manage 245 million acres. We receive about $5.75 per acre to manage these lands, which, we've always been a lean organization. We've been very focused, again, on our mission delivery and at the same time, ensuring that we have organizational efficiency and workforce optimization. So, we've always had these sort of competing objectives at times, but they're complementary objectives as well. And so, while, again, we may not have always received what we may have desired, we can't look on ourselves and say we're going to be woeful about what we don't have. We are very focused on what we do have. And then we set our priorities accordingly. And of course, we're fully staffed in our wildland fire organization as well as law enforcement and energy and minerals. And then we certainly rely on a lot of partners to help us between state and local organizations as well.”

On the BLM Disregarding Community Input for a Proposed Gravel Mine in a Residential Area in Placitas, New Mexico

Heinrich asked Raby whether he thought it was appropriate to move forward with a gravel mine project in Placitas, New Mexico. “The parcels that were identified for withdrawal in the Buffalo Tract Protection Act make up roughly a little over 4,000 acres. One of my concerns is that they're kind of scattered through residential neighborhoods. So, the impacts of a gravel mine amongst a residential community would be felt pretty acutely. And, residents are rightly worried about health impacts, noise, particulate pollution, as well as disruption to wildlife in the area. I mean, that's kind of the reason why there is, to my knowledge, no real opposition to this legislation. There's literally a gravel mine just down the road that is very successful, and people are okay with because it's not in the middle of a residential community. Do you think that a suburban neighborhood is the appropriate place for a gravel mine?”

Raby responded, “Senator, thank you again for the question. And when we look at the proposal for mineral withdrawals that can preclude opportunities and options for again, what we believe is responsible development that can take into account local considerations...”

Heinrich interjected, “I'm sorry, Mr. Raby. How is it responsible to put a very noisy, very particulate, heavy, industrial activity in the middle of a suburban neighborhood? I don't understand the ‘responsible’ part of that statement.”

Raby replied, “We go through a lengthy process between the environmental reviews.”

Heinrich interrupted, pointing out the community’s significant opposition to the BLM’s gravel mine proposal, “I know the process because I heard about it from all of the community members in that area. I don't know of anyone who supports this. Your position, the BLM position, has literally no community support. Do you listen to the community before you make a decision like that?”

Raby answered, “Well, Senator, of course, we listen to the community. We have our local line officers, our district managers, field managers, who absolutely are engaged with the community, and they have to also account for the national policy direction. We have a declared National Energy Emergency, which, by reference, includes a Mineral Emergency.”

Heinrich pushed back, pointing out Raby’s inconsistencies in logic, “How does producing gravel solve the National Energy Emergency?”

Raby responded, “Yeah, it's a mineral resource,”

Heinrich said, “Right.”

Raby continued, “That again, provides opportunity for development.”

Heinrich interjected, “Which we produce five miles away. In abundance.”

Raby conceded, “Your point is well taken. I understand.”

Heinrich continued, “My point is that your policy in this case is completely disconnected from the local community. And while we have very wide opinions on this Committee, where we get crosswise is when there is a federal policy dictated from Washington, D.C. that is completely disconnected. And this is like where Senator Murkowski and I actually agree. It's where Senator Daines and I actually agree. When we get in trouble, is when we don't listen to the local community. And in this case, it is my view that the Administration and the BLM is completely ignoring the local community. And so Ranking Member Cortez Masto, I want to enter into the record, if there's no objection, all of the community groups, from local Tribes to the county, to the local municipality, to the neighborhood association that this would impact, their views on the Buffalo Tract Protection Act.”

Cortez Masto confirmed entering the community statements of support for the Buffalo Tract Protection Act, into the record, “Without objection.”

Heinrich concluded his questions, “Thank you.”

A list of endorsements and statements of support for the Buffalo Tract Protection Act are here.


Heinrich Highlights Legislation to Protect Public Land Access in Placitas and Río Grande del Norte

WASHINGTON — During a U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Public Lands, Forests, and Mining Subcommittee hearing to discuss pending legislation, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the full Committee, emphasized the need to pass two of his bills, the Buffalo Tract Protection Act, and the Cerro de la Olla Wilderness Establishment Act, to expand access to public lands in New Mexico. As Heinrich noted in his remarks, the Buffalo Tract Protection Act and Cerro de la Olla Wilderness Establishment Act have significant support from local communities and have had bipartisan support from previous congresses.

VIDEO: Ranking Member Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) delivers opening remarks during a Public Lands, Forests, and Mining Subcommittee Hearing, February 12th, 2026.

Ranking Member Heinrich emphasized the significant support his Buffalo Tract Protection Act has in New Mexico, “[This] bill would implement a mineral withdrawal for four small parcels in the Placitas area, just north of Albuquerque. Heinrich additionally stressed the harmful effects of a gravel mine in the area would pose on local communities and wildlife and pointed out the cultural significance of the land for local Pueblos, “...The Buffalo Tract is valued for hiking, outdoor recreation, but also serves as an important wildlife corridor between the Sandia Mountains to the south and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the north. These parcels are adjacent to a neighborhood and a community. There’s literally several gravel mines only a few miles from the Buffalo Tract that are not controversial in this community because they're in an appropriate location. Further, the lands in this withdrawal proposal are culturally and ecologically significant to two Pueblos, two Native American Tribes in New Mexico, who support this effort. And for these reasons, it is an inappropriate location for gravel mining.”

Turning to his Cerro de la Olla Wilderness Establishment Act that would establish the Cerro de la Olla Wilderness within the Río Grande del Norte National Monument, Ranking Member Heinrich noted, "This parcel encompasses Cerro de la Olla, a towering shield volcano over the Taos Plateau where the people of Taos have hunted, gathered herbs, and collected firewood for generations.”

Heinrich continued, explaining that the Cerro de la Olla Wilderness Establishment Act would adjust the boundaries of the Río Grande del Norte Monument to include recent Land and Water Conservation Fund (LCWF) acquisitions adjacent to the monument, “LWCF acquisitions such as these are great examples of a community coming together to build economic development opportunities, unlock access for pristine hunting, hiking, and recreation opportunities, and provide an opportunity for protecting fragile and valuable landscapes.”

A video of Heinrich’s opening remarks is here.

A transcript of Heinrich’s remarks as delivered is below:

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I want to thank both you and Ranking Member Cortez Masto for convening this subcommittee hearing today.

This hearing will add to the significant number of conservation bills ready for markup and I look forward to working both with you– and Chairman Lee – to get them marked up, passed, and frankly signed into law, most importantly.

I’d like to highlight two of the bills that I have on the agenda that are widely supported in New Mexico.

The first bill would implement a mineral withdrawal for four small parcels in the Placitas area, just north of Albuquerque.

The threat of a gravel mine in the area and the particulate pollution that comes with it brought the community together to seek permanent protection for these parcels.

The largest area is commonly known as the Buffalo Tract, is valued for hiking, outdoor recreation, but also serves as an important wildlife corridor between the Sandia Mountains to the south and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the north.

These parcels are adjacent to a neighborhood and a community. There’s literally several gravel mines only a few miles from the Buffalo Tract that are not controversial in this community because they're in an appropriate location.

Further, the lands in this withdrawal proposal are culturally and ecologically significant to two Pueblos, two Native American Tribes in New Mexico, who support this effort.

And for these reasons, it is an inappropriate location for gravel mining.

This has been literally a decade-long effort, and I appreciate the support that the community as a whole has provided for this bill in past congresses, from the local municipality to the county, to the local tribes, the neighborhood association. It goes on and on because this is not a controversial bill in my state.

My second bill would establish the Cerro de la Olla Wilderness within the Río Grande del Norte National Monument.

And this parcel encompasses Cerro de la Olla, which is a towering shield volcano over the Taos Plateau where the people of Taos have hunted, gathered herbs, collected firewood for literally generations.

The high elevation of Cerro de la Olla offers solitude and unparalleled views, while the surrounding landscape in the monument offers recreational opportunities including whitewater rafting, fishing, hiking, and camping.

Designating this wilderness will ensure that all of the above values are preserved so that future generations can experience them.

In addition, this bill would make some minor adjustments to the boundaries of the Río Grande del Norte National Monument to include recent Land and Water Conservation [Fund] acquisitions adjacent to the monument.

The acquisitions will allow new public access to the monument and increase opportunities for both recreation and traditional uses.

But most importantly, we are further protecting these acquisitions from commercial development in an area that is renowned in New Mexico for its viewshed.

LWCF acquisitions such as these are great examples of a community coming together to build economic development opportunities, to unlock access for pristine

hunting opportunities, hiking, recreation opportunities, and provide an opportunity for protecting fragile and valuable landscapes.

This bill is a major priority for the Taos community, including both the county, the Pueblo of Taos City,?and?I’m?proud to be able to offer this bill for consideration today.???

Both of these bills have had, literally, years of support and been processed by this committee in past congresses– with bipartisan support.

Understanding that the Chairman and I, the Chairman of the overall Committee, and I may differ in opinion about this type of conservation legislation, I hope that we will be able to have these bills considered and advanced on a markup shortlist soon.

And once again, I want to thank you Chairman Barrasso and the Ranking Member for having this hearing today.


Heinrich Statement Applauding Decision Striking Down Trump’s Tariff Taxes

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) released the following statement on the U.S. Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision striking down many of President Trump’s sweeping tariff taxes, which have raised costs on New Mexico working families, small businesses, and entrepreneurs.

“Trump’s illegal tariffs have driven up the price of groceries and everyday necessities for New Mexico families and small businesses. The Supreme Court’s decision today upholds the law, but it doesn’t undo the damage these tariffs have already inflicted,” said Heinrich. “And now, instead of correcting course, Trump is already launching new tariffs, proving once again that he and his administration don’t care about lowering costs for everyday Americans. But I know working families can’t afford Trump’s illegal tariffs, and I won’t stop fighting to lower costs for New Mexicans.”

Heinrich has been fighting hard to lower costs and help New Mexicans put food on the table.

Last month, Heinrich cosponsored the No Tariffs on Groceries Act, legislation to prevent President Trump from enacting tariffs that raise grocery costs for New Mexico families. The No Tariffs on Groceries Act will require congressional approval for any tariff levied on food or agricultural products. While Republicans blocked passage of the No Tariffs on Groceries Act, Heinrich remains committed to lowering grocery costs and getting this legislation passed into law.

Last February, Heinrich spoke out against President Trump’s tariffs, which have raised costs for families and killed jobs.

Heinrich also cosponsored Senator Ed Markey’s (D-Mass.) Small Business Liberation Act, which would exempt small businesses from global baseline and reciprocal tariffs and provide refunds to the small businesses that were forced to pay them.

This past spring, Heinrich pushed Trump’s then-Secretary Designee of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)to share her plan to address the rising cost of eggs driven by the highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak. His letter emphasized the importance of the USDA in maintaining a safe, affordable food system for American families and supporting robust domestic and foreign markets for American farmers.

Last April 2025, Heinrich sent a letter to the U.S. Trade Representative demanding answers on how Trump’s tariffs will impact New Mexico farmers.

Last November, Heinrich cosponsored legislation to stop the Trump Administration from illegally withholding SNAP funds during Trump’s recent government shutdown. Heinrich supported the New Mexico state government’s plan to fund SNAP benefits during Trump’s shutdown. Once the federal government reopened, Heinrich joined his colleagues in the New Mexico Congressional delegation to urge the USDA to refund New Mexico for Trump’s shutdown food stamps lapse.

As a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, Heinrich fully funded SNAP and increased funding for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) by $603 million.

Last July, Heinrich voted against Republicans’ Big, Bad Bill, which funds Republicans’ tax handouts for billionaires at the expense of working people by cutting SNAP and Medicaid. Senate Republicans also voted down Heinrich’s amendments to protect funding for food assistance like SNAP.

Additional background on Heinrich’s work to lower health care costs for New Mexicans.

Last December, Heinrich joined Senate Democrats to introduce the Lower Health Care Costs Act to extend the enhanced premium ACA tax credits for three years and protect New Mexicans from rising health care costs. Congressional Republicans and President Trump blocked this bill and let the ACA tax credits expire, effectively raising the cost of health care during a time when New Mexican families are already struggling under high health care costs.

In addition to voting for the Lower Health Care Costs Act, Heinrich cosponsors the Health Care Affordability Act of 2025 to make the enhanced Advance Premium Tax Credit permanent and build upon record health care marketplace enrollment.

Heinrich also hosted a roundtable to hear directly from New Mexicans whose premiums will rise significantly as a result of Republicans’ refusal to extend the ACA’s enhanced premium tax credits.

Last September, Heinrich hosted a press conference with BeWell New Mexico and the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty to highlight how the health care crisis, created by Trump and Republicans, will hike health care premiums if Republicans allow ACA premium tax credits to expire.

Last July, Heinrich stood up for New Mexico families by voting against Senate Republicans’ Big, Bad Bill that would fund Republicans’ tax handouts for billionaires at the expense of working people. For over 27 hours, Heinrich pushed to amend Republicans’ reconciliation legislation, repeatedly voting to lower costs for families, block cuts to Medicaid, protect rural hospitals in New Mexico, extend tax credits for health care premiums, and prevent millions of Americans from losing their health insurance.

Heinrich voted to pass the American Rescue Plan in 2021, which authorized initial enhancements to the premium tax credit to make health insurance more affordable for more people and increase subsidies for working, middle-income families in New Mexico. In 2022, Heinrich voted to pass the Inflation Reduction Act, which extended the enhanced premium tax credit through 2025.

Additional background on Heinrich’s work to lower energy costs for New Mexico families.

Last December, Heinrich secured long overdue funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to lower utility costs and heating bills for New Mexico families this winter.

Additionally, Heinrich, as Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, released a fact sheet to inform New Mexicans how President Trump’s actions are gutting the energy sector and hiking up costs for families across the country. At a time when high energy demand is causing rising prices, Heinrich has repeatedly called for Trump and his agencies to stop stalling projects that could increase energy supply and lower prices.

Last October, Heinrich delivered remarks on the Senate floor, blasting President Trump for waging a war on American-made energy – causing energy costs to skyrocket and killing good-paying jobs. He urged his Republican colleagues to take action to resolve the affordability crisis facing New Mexico families.

Last August, Heinrich hosted a roundtable discussion on how many jobs the Trump Administration will kill and how much they will raise New Mexicans' utility bills as a result of Trump’s Big, Bad Bill.

Last July, Heinrich grilled Trump’s Department of Energy (DOE) nominee Audrey Robertson on energizing our grid with renewables to keep costs low for families, and her record of managing oil spills in New Mexico as the co-founder and an executive of Franklin Mountain Energy. Heinrich also questioned energy company executives on Trump Administration actions that are impacting grid reliability and driving up families’ energy costs.

Heinrich also pressed several pending Trump Administration nominees on the president’s Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget request and his Big, Bad Bill, which raises costs on American families by gutting investments in energy efficiency and clean energy programs. Last May, Heinrich urged the Trump Administration to immediately reverse course on its plan to illegally and unilaterally terminate the ENERGY STAR program. In the letter, Heinrich highlighted the cost-saving benefits of the program, which would save the average American household $450 on utility bills each year simply by choosing ENERGY STAR certified products.

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After DHS Silence, Hickenlooper Demands Meeting with ICE on “Death Cards” Incident

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper released the following statement after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) failed to respond to a letter he sent with Senator Michael Bennet and Representatives Diana DeGette, Joe Neguse, Jason Crow, and Brittany Pettersen demanding a DHS briefing and independent investigation into reports that “death cards” were left in the empty cars of individuals detained by ICE agents in Eagle County.

“ICE has failed to provide to us the information on the reports of their agents leaving “death cards” in detainee’s vehicles in Eagle County,” said Hickenlooper.

“When we requested a meeting this week, ICE kicked the can down the road. We need immediate transparency, not deflections. People are terrified and this administration remains unaccountable.

“We will NOT let up until there’s a full independent investigation and real accountability.”

The “death cards” have a history of being used by white supremacist groups to intimidate people of color. These specific cards found in Colorado had the address and phone number of the Aurora ICE detention facility printed on them.

Hickenlooper recently took to the Senate floor to condemn the racist “death cards,” blast ICE’s lawlessness, and denounce the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. He also voted against the DHS funding bill because it failed to overhaul ICE.

Full text of Hickenlooper’s letter to DHS is available HERE.

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Hickenlooper, Bennet, Colleagues Demand Trump Reverse Political Termination of $600M in Public Health Grants

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet, along with nine of their Senate colleagues, are demanding the Trump administration immediately reverse its recent politically-motivated termination of $600 million of public health grants for Colorado, California, Illinois, and Minnesota.

“This funding supports core state and local public health infrastructure in each of these states, and any effort to impose such deep cuts is a threat to public safety. We demand that the administration immediately and definitively reverse course in its effort to rescind critical public health funding from communities in these states,” the senators wrote.

“Indeed, only these four states were the subject of terminations, despite every state in the country receiving such funds to conduct virtually identical activities. It appears instead that these grant terminations are politically motivated. Public health threats, including infectious diseases, are not bound by state lines and they do not care about political affiliations. Terminating these grants makes those living in the specific communities served by these programs less healthy and it increases the risks to the health of all Americans,” the senators continued. “The safety and health of our communities should not and cannot be contingent on political whims.”

Last week, the Trump administration blatantly targeted Democratic states, by eliminating critical Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funding for public health and testing and treatment of lethal diseases including HIV, despite every state in the country receiving funds to conduct identical activities. In Colorado, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is losing $25 million in grants. Other health organizations in Colorado were targeted as well.

The full text of the letter can be found HERE and below:

Dear Secretary Kennedy:

We write you today to express deep concern about the Trump administration’s decision to abruptly and unjustifiably terminate a reported $600 million in public health grants for California, Colorado, Illinois, and Minnesota administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This funding supports core state and local public health infrastructure in each of these states, and any effort to impose such deep cuts is a threat to public safety. We demand that the administration immediately and definitively reverse course in its effort to rescind critical public health funding from communities in these states.

CDC’s priorities statement lists “a commitment to modernizing public health infrastructure and enhancing our approach to health data” as a key strategic priority, alongside “empowering communities and strengthening public health systems for a safer, healthier nation.” The administration has allegedly deemed the $600 million in grant funding as “inconsistent with agency priorities.” Despite this claim, the administration’s effort guts essential public health infrastructure, as well as testing and treatment for lethal diseases, including HIV. Should the administration move forward with these planned cuts, basic public health infrastructure in California, Colorado, Illinois, and Minnesota will be threatened.

In fact, the Department of Health and Human Services has provided no explanation for how these grants are “inconsistent with agency priorities”. That is because there is no defense of these actions on those grounds – a review of the grants being terminated demonstrate that these are overwhelmingly exactly the kind of activities CDC should be supporting in communities across the country. Indeed, only these four states were the subject of terminations, despite every state in the country receiving such funds to conduct virtually identical activities. It appears instead that these grant terminations are politically motivated. Public health threats, including infectious diseases, are not bound by states lines and they do not care about political affiliations. Terminating these grants make those living in the specific communities served by these programs less healthy and it increases the risks to the health of all Americans.

The largest cuts target the Public Health Infrastructure Grant (PHIG) program – funding that serves as the backbone of hundreds of local health agencies. In California, PHIG funds emergency dental services for low-income children, and funds critical health care workforce education, including training for nurses and epidemiologists. Such deep cuts to PHIG funding would also result in hundreds of job terminations for public health workers who have dedicated their careers to protecting communities in California. In Illinois, cuts to PHIG would eliminate approximately one hundred employees from the Illinois Department of Public Health– upending financial stability for workers and their families and reducing the state’s capacity to prevent lead poisoning in children and monitor disease outbreaks. The loss of PHIG funding in Colorado will significantly degrade public health infrastructure and capabilities across the State, ranging from reduced diabetes care for low-income residents, to elimination of resources for rural Coloradans who lack access to local care providers, to harming the State’s ability to respond to immediate public health needs and future public health emergencies. In Minnesota, these grant terminations will lead to the immediate termination of 75 Minnesota Department of Health FTEs, immediate loss of organizational support for 50 rural local public health departments, including two very small “frontier” public health departments, and elimination of core public health activities, including the norovirus and food safety program which includes a statewide foodborne illness complaint system, making it riskier for Minnesotans to trust the food supply of real, whole foods. In addition, these cuts to public health funding will jeopardize Tribal health programs in California, Colorado, and Minnesota that address chronic disease and uphold the federal government’s treaty obligations.

These latest grant terminations also fall on the heels of your recent attempt to terminate 2,800 grants and $2 billion in funding supporting mental health and substance use prevention and treatment programs nationwide, as well as your attempt to pause all activities under CDC’s PHIG program nationwide. Those actions were so reckless and deadly that both decisions were reversed within 24 hours. Effectuating similar terminations to lifesaving public health programs, but targeting them to Democratically governed and represented states is solely vindictive and should be immediately reversed. Funding provided by CDC has improved the well-being and health status of communities across the United States. Investment in public health infrastructure nationwide is essential to achieving this administration’s stated goals of improving population health, strengthening resilience, and reducing long-term healthcare costs. Weakening this infrastructure diminishes our collective ability to respond to emerging health threats, leaving our country more vulnerable.

To that end, we demand the Trump administration immediately and definitively reverse all efforts to gut CDC public health funding for California, Colorado, Illinois, and Minnesota, and to abandon this kind of politically-motivated effort in other states. The safety and health of our communities should not and cannot be contingent on political whims, and we look forward to working with you to ensure robust support for America’s public health infrastructure.

Sincerely,

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Hickenlooper Demands Immediate Refunds for Small Businesses After SCOTUS Tariff Ruling

A former small business owner, Hickenlooper fought Trump’s illegal tariffs, condemned the harm done to Colorado businesses, working families

His Small Business RELIEF Act would repay small businesses for tariff-taxes they’ve paid, help lower prices for consumers

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper welcomed the Supreme Court decision to strike down President Trump’s illegal tariffs and called on the Trump administration to promptly repay businesses the $175 billion they’ve been taxed and help relieve the increasing prices their tariffs have caused for Americans.

“President Trump’s tariffs were blatantly illegal from the start and made life unaffordable for working families and small businesses. The Supreme Court confirmed today that tariffs are taxes and only Congress can set them,” said Hickenlooper. “The Trump administration should immediately pay back every single Colorado small business that suffered from their reckless tariffs. If they don’t, we need to pass our bill to make them do exactly that.”

Last year, he introduced the Small Business RELIEF Act to exempt small businesses from the admin’s sweeping tariffs and give them refunds for the tariffs they have already paid. Hickenlooper also supported the challenge against the Trump administration that was considered in this Supreme Court decision, signing onto an amicus brief for the case.

In October, he also helped pass the Senate effort to end the emergency declaration the White House has used to try to justify their illegal tariffs that have increased prices on Americans.

Over the summer, Hickenlooper chaired a field hearing of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee in Denver to highlight the strain the outdoor recreation industry is facing under the Trump administration’s chaotic tariffs. Hickenlooper previously called on Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler to address the impacts of the Trump administration’s tariffs on small businesses and sent a letter to the Trump administration demanding answers on the national security and economic impacts of their tariffs on Canadian goods. He’s been continually outspoken on social media against the illegal tariffs and has met with small business owners across Colorado to hear about the damaging effects of the Trump administration’s tariffs.

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Hirono Statement Following Supreme Court Striking Down Trump’s Global Tariffs

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a senior member of the Senate Committees on Small Business and Entrepreneurship and the Judiciary, released the following statement after the Supreme Court ruled against Trump’s global tariffs.

“For the past year, Trump’s tariffs have wreaked havoc on small businesses and driven up costs for consumers, while doing nothing to help the U.S. economy. Trump’s tariffs were never meant to help the American people. They were conceived as another lever for Trump to consolidate power and intimidate our global partners—including some of our closest allies. Today, the Supreme Court affirmed what we’ve known all along, these tariffs are not only reckless, they are illegal. Today’s ruling is an important step forward for American consumers and businesses, and also for the rule of law. Now that the Court has ruled, this regime needs to expeditiously reimburse the businesses who have borne the cost for Trump’s disastrous trade war and lay out a plan to actually address the affordability crisis facing millions of Americans. The President must not seek to reimpose these tariffs using the pretext of some other authority.”

As a member of the Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship, Senator Hirono has consistently fought to support the small businesses in Hawaii and throughout the country who have been impacted by the Trump Administration’s global tariffs. For the past year, she has fought for small businesses and families to get relief for the losses they have accrued as a result of the tariffs. In May, she introduced the Small Business Liberation Act, legislation that would exempt the more than 34 million U.S. small businesses from the overly broad, reckless global tariffs imposed by President Trump. In September, she also introduced the Small Business RELIEF Act, which would reimburse those businesses for costs incurred due to the tariffs. In addition to legislation, Hirono has stood with plaintiffs suing the Administration for losses they’ve accrued because of the tariffs and signed onto multiple amicus briefs advocating for relief.

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Hoeven: $150 Million in Assistance Available for Sugar Producers

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven, chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee and a senior member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the availability of $150 million of assistance for sugar producers. Hoeven worked with the Trump administration to make this assistance available, similar to the Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) program that began in December. USDA will work with sugar processors to deliver assistance to farmer-members.

“This $150 million in assistance builds upon the Farmer Bridge Assistance program, helping to support our sugar producers during times of market disruption and increased production costs,” said Hoeven. “While there is more work to be done to help our sugar beet farmers through these challenging times, we appreciate USDA for working with us to make this assistance available, and we look forward to the administration finalizing its efforts with sugar beet cooperatives to get this help out to producers.”

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Hoeven: “Crack the Code 2.0” Phase One to Receive $157 Million in Federal, State & Private Funding

EERC Also Set to Receive $25 Million After Senator Worked to Restore DOE Cooperative Agreement

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today announced that funding for phase one of his Crack the Code 2.0 initiative will total $157 million:

$76 million in private investment and $45.1 million in state funding are already in place, and $36 million in federal funding is on track to come through the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), subject to a 30-day Congressional review period and final review by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

Hoeven has been working with U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Chris Wright and his team at DOE to finalize the federal funding award.

Hoeven is spearheading the initiative to partner the state’s coal and oil industries, with the goal of doubling both oil recovery in the Bakken and the life of North Dakota’s coal-fired power plants.

The phase one funding will be used to develop large-scale pilot projects to advance the technical and commercial viability of enhanced oil recovery (EOR) in the Bakken.

In addition, the University of North Dakota (UND) Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) is set to receive $25 million over five years through the renewal of its cooperative agreement with DOE.

The EERC cooperative agreement has been in place since 1983, when the organization was de-federalized and spun off from DOE.

The Biden administration failed to renew the agreement, and Hoeven has been working with the Trump administration to restore the five-year funding agreement.

Crack the Code 2.0 is further supported by a policy Hoeven worked to secure in the One Big Beautiful Bill (OB3), also known as the Working Families Tax Cut Act, to properly align the 45Q tax credit to incentivize the use of CO2 for EOR. Doing so supports coal producers’ continued operations by providing access to a new revenue stream through selling CO2 to oil producers, while providing a strong, long-term incentive for EOR, making it the clear, commercially-viable choice to improve oil recovery in the Bakken.

“The $157 million in phase one funding for Crack the Code 2.0 will enable the EERC and its partners to develop large-scale pilot projects to prove CO2 EOR works in unconventional fields like the Bakken. This is not only important for North Dakota, which will be able to remain competitive in the global economy by producing more oil and at a lower cost, but it has national ramifications benefitting U.S. energy security as we roll out this technology to other oil plays,” said Hoeven. “Nobody is better positioned to do this than North Dakota. We have the resources, the geology, the infrastructure, the industry partners and the research capabilities right here at the EERC. EOR has the potential to unlock at least 5 billion more barrels of oil from the Bakken, while creating a new revenue stream for our coal-fired power plants that will help keep these essential baseload power facilities operating over the long-term.”

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Hoeven Secured Legislation to Renew Homelessness Service Grants for YWCA, Providers Across North Dakota

Senator Worked to Advance Measure Directing HUD to Renew Expired CoC Grants; North Dakota Received $3.3 Million from Program in 2025

FARGO, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today held a roundtable with YWCA Cass Clay CEO Erin Prochnow and members of the YWCA Board of Directors discussing efforts to renew grants for homelessness service providers in North Dakota under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Continuum of Care (CoC) program. North Dakota received $3.3 million in CoC funding last year, which was leveraged by service providers across the state to make more than 1,600 beds available to those facing homelessness. By working to renew this funding, Hoeven’s efforts will support the continued operations of facilities like the YWCA and Fraser Ltd. in Fargo, Abused Adult Resource Center in Bismarck, Grand Forks Housing Authority and the Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Center in Dickinson.

Specifically, as a member of the Senate Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations Committee, Hoeven:

Passed legislation as part of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 funding bill directing HUD to renew CoC grants for one year, beginning with grants that expire in the first quarter (Q1) of 2026.

Grants expiring in Q1 must be renewed no later than March 31, with those expiring in Q2 and Q3 to be reviewed and renewed starting April 1 and July 1, respectively.

Is working with HUD Secretary Scott Turner, Regional Director Tim Geitner and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Special Needs Assistance Caitlyn McKenney to ensure the grants are renewed in future years to provide certainty to the YWCA and others.

Hoeven spoke with Turner and Geitner on this priority earlier this week, following the senator hosting Turner in North Dakota last year.

During that visit, Hoeven and Turner toured Lantern Light, a 23-bed supportive housing facility in Fargo operated by the YWCA that utilizes CoC funding to serve low-income women, their children, and domestic violence survivors, with the senator making the case for continuing to support facilities like this.

The senator also organized a meeting between Turner and local housing advocates and service providers, including the YWCA, to help coordinate federal and local housing efforts.

“The $3.3 million in CoC funding that North Dakota received last year helped ensure more than 1,600 beds were available across the state, providing safety and a supportive space for families and individuals struggling with homelessness. That’s why, when these grants started to lapse, we went to work through my role on the THUD Appropriations Committee to get these funds renewed for another year,” said Hoeven. “We will continue working with Secretary Turner to get these grants renewed now and in the years to come so facilities like Lantern Light can be certain this funding will be in place when needed.”

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Hoeven: Trump Administration Repeals MATS Rule, Supporting Access to Baseload Power

Senator Sponsored CRA Resolution to Overturn Costly Biden-Era Rule

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today released the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final rule repealing the Biden-era Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) regulations, which imposed costly and overly-stringent regulations on coal-fired electric power plants. Hoeven, along with then-Congressman Kelly Armstrong, previously led bicameral legislation to block the EPA from implementing its new MATS rule. The senator also joined President Trump last year as he signed executive orders to initiate the process of repealing this and other harmful regulations imposed by the Biden administration.

“The Biden administration’s MATS Rule was designed to be unworkable and ultimately shut down our baseload coal-fired powered plants. That’s why we worked to repeal this burdensome rule and reinstate the previous regulations, which were proven to cost-effectively protect human health without harming our nation’s energy security,” said Hoeven. “We welcome the Trump administration finalizing these efforts, which will support the reliability and affordability of our electrical grid.”

When first advanced in 2012 by the Obama administration, this rule contributed to the closure of numerous power plants before being blocked by the Supreme Court in 2015. The Biden administration then revived the MATS rule utilizing the same unreasonable cost justification that was rejected by the Supreme Court. The regulations would have replaced the existing cost-effective standards, which have already been found to protect human health and safety and were put into place under the Trump administration following an eight-year technology review.

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Hoeven Working to Expand, Diversify & Strengthen North Dakota National Guard Operations

Senator Discusses Support for 119th Wing, T-REX Event at Camp Grafton & Enhancing Guard Member Benefits

FARGO, N.D. – At the North Dakota National Guard (NDNG) Roughrider Conference today, Senator John Hoeven discussed efforts to ensure the state’s Guard members have the training, equipment and facilities needed to succeed in their missions. As a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, Hoeven has worked to:

Strengthen NDNG operations, including:

By bringing the Technology Readiness Experimentation (T-REX) event to Camp Grafton.

This event, a partnership between the Department of War and the NDNG, will test and evaluate counter-UAS technology during the last two weeks of August, with additional events to follow.

Hoeven made the case to the Pentagon for leveraging North Dakota’s technology ecosystem for the T-REX event.

T-REX aligns with the more than $100 million that Hoeven secured in Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 for the Grand Forks region’s high-tech aerospace ecosystem.

The 119th Wing’s MQ-9 mission at Hector Field in Fargo.

The Regional Training Institute (RTI) at Camp Grafton.

This goes hand-in-hand with the Line of Communications Bridge (LOC-B) Training Site that Hoeven worked to establish and fund at Camp Grafton.

Hoeven secured $9 million for the site, which will be the first of its kind in the nation serving National Guard members and is set to open this summer.

Advance construction of new facilities to support Guard missions based in Jamestown, Fargo and Dickinson.

Enhance the benefits available to Guard members.

To this end, Hoeven is sponsoring the Air Guard STATUS Act to establish a permanent federal tuition assistance (FTA) program for Air Guard members, similar to the program available to the Army National Guard.

Hoeven began this effort in 2019, having established a pilot FTA program for Air Guard members and securing a total of $20 million for the effort.

Doing so will help ensure the Air Guard can continue to recruit the best and brightest for the increasingly high-tech missions it takes on.

“North Dakota has the finest National Guard in the U.S., and they are in the fight every day. We’re working to support their continued success in the wide range of missions they take on, both at home and abroad,” said Hoeven “Importantly, by advancing the next generation of the MQ-9 Reaper, we are working to secure the future of Air Guard operations in Fargo. The 119th Wing supports military missions around the globe, and they need an aircraft that can meet their future operational requirements. At the same time, we continue to invest in the training provided at Camp Grafton, which not only supports our Guard members and law enforcement, but with the T-REX event being held in August, it also has a growing role in our UAS ecosystem. These are some of the exciting ways we are working to expand, diversify and strengthen the operations of the NDNG.”

Specifically, Hoeven has worked in recent years to advance the following priorities benefitting Guard operations across the state:

119th Wing MQ-9 Mission in Fargo – The senator included a measure in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to advance the development of the next generation of the MQ-9, with the goal of producing an aircraft with enhanced capabilities that can operate at a comparable scale.

Hoeven also continues working to secure construction funding for a new Consolidated Readiness Support Facility for the 119th Wing, having previously funded the project’s planning and design.

Camp Grafton Line of Communications Bridge (LOC-B) Training Site – Hoeven passed legislation and secured $9 million to establish the site.

This will be the only facility of its kind providing LOC-B training to Guard members.

Construction of the site began in 2024, and it will open and begin hosting training activities this summer.

Camp Grafton Lodging – The senator passed legislation as part of the FY2026 funding bill to ensure the National Guard addresses lodging needs for Camp Grafton’s Regional Training Institute (RTI).

Camp Grafton hosts a wide range of training programs for both the Guard and law enforcement.

Hoeven’s legislation directs the Guard to allocate funding to address such needs at training and readiness sites.

Jamestown Readiness Center – Hoeven has secured $2.3 million through annual funding legislation to advance a new Readiness Center in Jamestown.

This builds upon similar facilities Hoeven worked to fund supporting Guard operations in Fargo and Dickinson.

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HYDE-SMITH HELPS BREAK GROUND TO OPEN ACCESS TO OKHISSA LAKE PROJECT IN SOUTHWEST MISS.

Miss. Senator Continues Work on New Bill to Convey Additional Acreage for Lakeside Lodge & Conference Center Project

PHOTO: Senator Hyde-Smith (sixth from right) Helps Break Ground for Okhissa Lake Entrance Road Project.

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Miss. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today vowed to continue working for passage of her bill to authorize the transfer of additional federal property to support the Okhissa Lake rural development project in Franklin County.

Hyde-Smith, who launched federal backing for the lodge and conference center at Okhissa Lake as a new Senator in 2018, touched on her new legislation during a groundbreaking ceremony for an entrance road infrastructure project to improve access to the lake and rural development site that will be home to a 200-room lodge and a 1,000-person conference center.

“The Entrance Road project provides us with tangible evidence that the Okhissa Lake lodge and conference center is coming to life,” Hyde-Smith said. “I am grateful to everyone who has played a role in helping this project move along for so many years and to our partners who committed their support to making this an inviting destination for Southwest Mississippi.”

“In addition to funds for this project, I am also currently working on securing another land transfer to get more access to this beautiful body of water,” Hyde-Smith added. “We’re working diligently to get it passed through both chambers of Congress. Nothing moves fast in Washington, D.C., as all of you know, but we are laser-focused on doing what we can to get this project done so that one day we can reap the employment and economic benefits it will have on this community.”

As chair of the Senate Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (T-HUD) Appropriations Subcommittee, Hyde-Smith secured $2.0 million in the FY2026 T-HUD Appropriations Bill for the entrance road project, which will include turn lanes, traffic signals, signage, drainage structures, piping of utilities, roadway lighting, grading, pavement, curb-gutter, and other construction-related items. This funding became law on February 3 and builds on the $2.0 million secured in the FY2023 T-HUD bill to begin site development.

Hyde-Smith’s bill (S.2440) to convey additional U.S. Forest Service acreage to the state-affiliated Scenic Rivers Development Alliance has been placed on the U.S. Senate legislative calendar after it was approved by the Senate Agriculture Committee last October.

Quotes:

“We appreciate the assistance of Senator Hyde Smith and all our federal delegation in moving this local, state and federal collaborative project forward. The construction of this Entrance Road will flow into construction of the lodge and conference center, which will set the Scenic Rivers Region of Mississippi toward great growth. Full support from our State leadership has advanced our cooperative vision for using natural resources to develop Southwest Mississippi.” – Joseph L. Parker, Executive Director, Scenic River Development Alliance

“For over 60 years, local officials in Southwest Mississippi have envisioned a gateway into the Homochitto National Forest. The economic benefits to the Town of Meadville and the entire Scenic Rivers Region of Mississippi will eventually benefit roads, bridges, health care, fire protection and other essential governmental services. The Board of Alderman and I could not be prouder that construction is starting on the Entrance Road to the lodge and conference center.” – Lane B. Reed, Mayor, Town of Meadville

“After more than five years of planning, coordinating and persistence, the Amite County Board of Supervisors and I are proud to move forward with construction of the Entrance Road to the lodge and conference center - which will support the Ethel Stratton Vance Natural Area, Quail Hollow Golf Course and the Bogue Chitto Water Park. The five-county Coalition, which is the Scenic Rivers Development Alliance, continues to build bridges into Southwest Mississippi.” – Butch Graves, President, Amite County, Mississippi Board of Supervisors

“Starting construction of the Entrance Road for the benefit of the soon to be constructed lodge and conference center is a testament that private business - local, state and federal government and agencies - and foundations, non-profits, and chambers can effectively work together to develop rural areas. Post Covid travel has largely centered toward rural areas. Business opportunities for chamber members throughout Southwest Mississippi are enhanced with construction of the Entrance Road.” – Brad Jones, President, Franklin County Mississippi Chamber of Commerce

“Incremental progress - beginning with land acquisition to now starting construction of the Entrance Road should soon lead to building a lodge and conference center with approximately 165 full time jobs, construction jobs, spin-off industries and housing starts. Beginning with T. L. Wallace’s work today, real dollars will begin to flow into the Scenic Rivers Region of Mississippi.” – Catherine Sanders, Executive Director, Franklin County Economic Development District

“Developing the largely rural area of Southwest Mississippi continues to be the top priority of the Franklin County Board of Supervisors, after delivery of basic governmental services. Moving dirt on this Entrance Road will begin to complete the original vision of the USDA Forest Service to develop Lake Okhissa, with world class amenities. The Scenic Rivers Development Authority, in partnership with the Mississippi federal delegation and local legislators and the Lieutenant Governor are executing a well-planned, sustainable development project that will yield benefits for the next generation.” – Patrick Wade Larkin, D.V.M., President, Franklin County, Mississippi Board of Supervisors

“Enhancing the core mission of the Scenic Rivers Development Alliance, by developing outdoor recreation for local economic benefit, is the top priority for the Scenic Rivers Development Alliance Board of Directors. This project is the lynchpin for attracting tourists to Southwest Mississippi and extending their stay in order to allow them to hike, kayak, fish, golf and enjoy the out-of-doors. Senator Hyde Smith, Representative Guest, Governor Tate Reeves and Lieutenant Governor Hoseman have led the charge, alongside Executive Director, Joseph Parker and the Scenic Rivers Development Alliance staff to begin construction of the Entrance Road to the lodge and conference center on Lake Okhissa.” – Ronnie Lindsey, President, Scenic Rivers Development Alliance Board of Directors

Background:

HYDE-SMITH: FARM BILL AGREEMENT WILL BENEFIT MISSISSIPPI (2018)

HYDE-SMITH PROMOTES FOREST SERVICE-USDA EFFORTS TO DELIVER COVID RECOVERY HELP TO TIMBER HARVESTERS, HAULERS (2019)

HYDE-SMITH: USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT PITCHES IN $99,800 FOR OKHISSA LAKE PROJECT STUDY (2019)

HYDE-SMITH LOOKS TO NEXT STEPS TO FACILITATE FOREST SERVICE OKHISSA LAKE LAND TRANSFER (2021)

HYDE-SMITH PRESSES USDA ON ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEWS FOR OKHISSA LAKE TRANSFER (2021)

HYDE-SMITH VOTES TO COMPLETE FY2022 APPROPRIATIONS CYCLE (2022)

USDA NOMINEE TELLS HYDE-SMITH OKHISSA LAKE MODEL IS ‘BRILLIANT’ (2025)

HYDE-SMITH GAINS COMMITTEE APPROVAL FOR FY2026 TRANSPORTATION, HUD APPROPRIATIONS BILL (2025)

SENATE APPROVES FY2026 TRANSPORTATION, HUD APPROPRIATIONS BILL; HYDE-SMITH LED CRAFTING AS SUBCOMMITTEE CHAIR (2026)

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Kaine Statement on Trump’s Threat of Illegal War with Iran

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations and Armed Services Committees, released the following statement regarding reporting that President Donald Trump is considering imminent military action in Iran:

“Trump is bumbling his way toward war with Iran in a feeble attempt to accomplish what had already been done by a diplomatic deal that was effectively curbing Iran’s nuclear program—until Trump tore it up, over the objections of his then-Secretaries of Defense and State.

“Virginia families have already suffered enough because of wrongheaded forever wars in the Middle East. Virginians don’t want a President ordering our troops to take action—against foreign countries or against American cities—without congressional debate and vote.

“I have filed a bipartisan resolution to block this war against Iran unless Congress votes to approve it. If some of my colleagues support war, then they should have the guts to vote for the war, and to be held accountable by their constituents, rather than hiding under their desks. The President is dragging us further and further into overseas quagmires while everyday Americans are weighed down by rising costs, disappearing jobs, and sputtering growth.”

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Kaine Welcomes Supreme Court Ruling Against Trump’s Abuse of Tariff Powers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Budget Committee and former civil rights attorney, praised the Supreme Court’s ruling in Learning Resources v. Trump and Trump v. V.O.S. Selections, Inc. that the Trump Administration abused its authorities under emergency economic power legislation to impose broad-based tariffs. Kaine joined an amicus brief in the cases against Trump and has led four successful Senate bills to nullify Trump’s broad-based tariffs.

“President Trump’s effort to use emergency powers to impose broad-based tariffs on key allies and trading partners was unlawful and ill-advised from the start, and I am glad that the Supreme Court ruled against this egregious and destructive abuse of presidential power,” said Kaine. “Broad-based tariffs are a tax on American consumers, and the Trump Administration’s attempt to pretend otherwise was laughable in its inaccuracy and deeply disrespectful to the millions of American consumers who have faced higher prices because of Trump’s unaffordable economic policies. The Supreme Court did its job here in upholding the bedrock principle of separation of powers – Congress must step up and do the same on tariffs, war powers, and many other issues.”

Kaine has been a leading voice in the U.S. Senate on challenging President Donald Trump’s abuse of emergency powers, especially related to tariffs, and on reasserting Congress’ role as a coequal branch of government. Kaine has led four successful bipartisan pieces of legislation – one in April2025 and three in October 2025 – to passage in the Senate to nullify Trump’s broad-based tariffs, including a global tariff and levies on Canada and Brazil. Kaine has also forced two votes on his legislation to end Trump’s spurious energy emergency declaration, which the Administration undertook as a backdoor method of circumventing clean-energy policies and enriching Big Oil donors. He has also fought against the Trump Administration’s abuse of executive power in foreign policy, including leading the successful passage of legislation to repeal the 1991 and 2002 Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMFs) and introducing War Powers Resolutions for Venezuela, the Caribbean, and Iran.

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Walkinshaw, Kaine Lead 21-Member Letter Demanding Force Analysis and Answers on Peace Corps Reorganization, Staffing Cuts

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative James R. Walkinshaw (D-VA-11) and U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) led a 21-member letter to Peace Corps Acting Director Richard Swarttz requesting detailed information about the agency’s ongoing plans to reduce staff and reorganize its structure.

The lawmakers warned that pairing an “ambitious plan to increase the number of volunteers to 8,000 per year by 2030” with “significant staff reductions at Headquarters and overseas posts” raises “serious concerns about whether the Peace Corps can meet its statutory responsibilities and safeguard Volunteers in the field.”

In addition to Walkinshaw and Kaine, U.S. Senators Cory A. Booker (D-NJ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Andy Kim D-NJ), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chris Van Hollen D-MD), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR), as well as Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) and U.S. Representatives Donald S. Beyer Jr. (D-VA-08), Ed Case (D-HI-01), Madeleine Dean (D-PA-04), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA-10), Robert Garcia (D-CA-42), Glenn F. Ivey (D-MD-04), James P. McGovern (D-MA-02), Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA-03), and Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA-10) signed the letter.

The lawmakers described an agency “already strained by understaffing” and raised alarm that staff losses due to the Department of Government Efficiency have left the Peace Corps with “fewer people to carry out its core mission.” They also expressed concern about the agency moving forward with Reduction in Force (RIF) plans amid ongoing questions from the Peace Corps Union and Members of Congress.

“Before any further workforce reductions or restructuring proceed,” the lawmakers wrote, “Peace Corps Headquarters must conduct a force analysis to demonstrate it has the personnel, expertise, and operational capacity to meet statutory requirements and maintain the safety and security of Peace Corps Volunteers worldwide.”

The letter requests “thorough answers” to questions about how the Peace Corps plans to meet statutory responsibilities and support Volunteers “given the current staff limitations,” what steps the agency is taking to ensure staff are supported to fulfill the agency’s mission, and how the Peace Corps will ensure it can “review, place and support” an increased volume of applicants “to the highest standards.” The lawmakers also asked why the agency is proceeding with RIFs rather than waiting for “natural attrition and term time-outs,” noting that prior plans stated “natural attrition would be sufficient to reduce staff.”

The text of the letter is available here and below:

Dear Mr. Swarttz,

We write to request information about the Peace Corps’ ongoing plans to reduce staff and reorganize the agency structure. Recent plans shared by the agency include an ambitious plan to increase the number of volunteers to 8,000 per year by 2030. Yet those goals have been paired with significant staff reductions at Headquarters and overseas posts over the past year, raising serious concerns about whether the Peace Corps can meet its statutory responsibilities and safeguard Volunteers in the field. The agency faces major headwinds, including a reduced U.S. diplomatic presence globally and insufficient investment in the prosperity and development of local communities we serve abroad, despite the post Covid-19 demand from our country partners for volunteers. Before any further workforce reductions or restructuring proceed, Peace Corps Headquarters must conduct a force analysis to demonstrate it has the personnel, expertise, and operational capacity to meet statutory requirements and maintain the safety and security of Peace Corps Volunteers worldwide.

At the start of the Trump Administration, Peace Corps Headquarters contained approximately 953 employees and 1,100 open positions—an agency already strained by understaffing. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) then accelerated a deliberate hollowing out of the Peace Corps’ capacity. After the government-wide “Fork in the Road” deferred resignation offer in early 2025 began thinning ranks, DOGE intensified the pressure and in March 2025, supervisors were urged to compile lists of personnel and programs to cut, turning the Peace Corps into a target for downsizing rather than a mission to be rebuilt.

By May, personnel were pushed again toward the Deferred Resignation Program and threatened with termination if they did not accept. Under that campaign, approximately 250 employees took the offer. The outcome has been stark – since the beginning of the Trump Administration, the Peace Corps has lost roughly 40 percent of its personnel, losses consistent with DOGE’s cut-first agenda, leaving the agency with fewer people to carry out its core mission.

In September 2025, the Peace Corps Union received an official notice of intent to involuntarily separate 26 Bargaining Unit Employees and 11 non-Bargaining Unit Employees to reach a stated goal of 575 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff at Headquarters. The Union notice period began on September 23, 2025, but was tolled during the government shutdown which lasted from October 1, 2025, to November 12, 2025. The Union met with Agency leadership once the government reopened and was informed verbally that the Reduction in Force (RIF) notice and negotiation period would move forward immediately. At that time, the Peace Corps Union filed a formal grievance against the agency as the language in the Continuing Resolution that was passed on November 12 prohibited additional RIFs from moving forward. The Peace Corps responded by agreeing to toll negotiations until the end of the Continuing Resolution on January 30, 2026. The recent statements made by the agency’s senior leadership indicating that they are pursuing RIFs has deeply concerned the Peace Corps Union and Congress, especially given the current challenges Peace Corps staff have faced while attempting to uphold the Agency’s mission and support Peace Corps Volunteers.

In light of these concerns, we respectfully request thorough answers to the questions below:

How is the Peace Corps planning to ensure it can meet its statutory requirements and support the well-being of its Volunteers abroad given the current staff limitations faced by the agency?

What concrete steps is the agency taking to ensure federal staff are fully supported to complete the work necessary to fulfill the statutory requirements of the agency?

What steps is the agency taking to ensure that if they are successful in increasing the number of applications coming in, that they will be able to review, place and support those applicants as volunteers, to the highest standards?

Why is the agency proceeding with a RIF plan rather than waiting for natural attrition and term time-outs to occur given that the original plan submitted by Peace Corps to the Office of Personnel Management and the Office of Management and Budget stated that natural attrition would be sufficient to reduce staff?

How does the agency plan to ensure that following statutory requirements are met:

Recruiting and placing qualified volunteers.

Providing adequate healthcare and safety for volunteers.

Ensuring adequate response in the event of sexual assault of volunteers. Especially as it pertains to volunteers being able to work with the Office of Victim Advocacy.

Supporting the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program for return Peace Corps Volunteers.

Ensuring volunteers receive adequate training abroad.

Consistently and accurately report data to Congress.

Prior to implementing any additional workforce reductions or restructuring actions, we request that the agency conduct a comprehensive force analysis and provide concrete evidence and justification for how the current reorganization and RIF plans will improve agency efficiency while ensuring compliance with the aforementioned statutory requirements. Thank you for your attention to this urgent request.

Sincerely,

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Warner, Kaine, Colleagues Demand Department of Education Reverse Its Decision to End Federal Funding for Minority-Serving Institutions

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine, a member of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, (both D-VA) joined Senate colleagues in urging the Department of Education to immediately reverse the Trump Administration’s harmful decision to unilaterally halt federal funding for Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs). In the letter to U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, the senators criticized the Department of Education’s use of a Department of Justice (DOJ) determination that these programs are unconstitutional. The Trump Administration’s halt of mandatory and discretionary funding for MSIs, which have previously been authorized on a bipartisan basis, threatens the institutions’ ability to serve students of all backgrounds and help them complete their degrees. There are over 800 federally recognized MSIs, including nine in Virginia.

“This decision is yet another example of this Administration attempting to circumvent Congress and its obligations to follow the law,” wrote the senators. “Unilaterally deciding that long-standing programs are unconstitutional, absent a ruling from the judiciary, sets a dangerous precedent and disrupts needed support that colleges and students rely on.”

“We urge you to allocate Title III and V discretionary and mandatory funds as Congress intended so that these institutions, which educate millions of working-class Americans, can continue to successfully serve every student they enroll and continue to be economic engines for the communities they serve across this nation,” continued the senators.

In the letter, the senators blasted DOJ’s legal justification for declaring that both discretionary and mandatory MSI grant funding is unconstitutional, citing DOJ’s reliance on a Supreme Court decision in Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President & Fellows of Harvard College that discusses race-based admissions policies, not race-based funding allocations. The senators emphasized that the factors a college or university can consider when evaluating a student for admission, as addressed in the Supreme Court decision, are unrelated to whether a school should be considered an MSI and that relying on that precedent is an “inappropriate subversion of duly-enacted federal law.” MSIs are evaluated for consideration of federal funding based on the student population they serve, not their admission policies.

MSIs enroll over 5 million students, many of whom are first-generation college students. The nine MSIs in Virginia include Hampton University, Norfolk State University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, Virginia University of Lynchburg, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia Tech, Northern Virginia Community College, and Marymount University.

The letter is led by U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), and Rev. Raphael Warnock (D-GA). In addition to Warner and Kaine, the letter is cosigned by U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

Full text of the letter is available here and below:

Dear Secretary McMahon:

We write to express our strong opposition to the Administration’s decision to unilaterally halt federal funding for Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) based on a unilateral determination by the Department of Justice (DOJ) that these programs are unconstitutional. These longstanding programs have been authorized and funded by Congress for decades, and the Administration’s baseless decision to deem these programs unconstitutional needlessly disrupts the fiscal stability of thousands of colleges and universities that educate millions of students of all ethnicities and backgrounds.

Congress first established MSI programs on a bipartisan basis in the 1986 reauthorization of the Higher Education Act and expanded them in subsequent reauthorizations. MSIs have received bipartisan support over the course of six administrations presided over by presidents of both parties. That was true during President Trump’s first term, when he signed the FUTURE Act into law, to secure permanent funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges (TCCUS), and MSIs.

More than 800 federally recognized MSIs currently serve over five million students, many of whom are first generation college students and come from low-income backgrounds. These include Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions (ANNHSIs), Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), Native American Serving Non-Tribal Institutions (NASNTIs), and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs). More than half of all MSI students qualify for Pell grants, and HSIs enroll 37 percent of the nation’s Pell recipients. As directed by Congress in Section 312(b) of the Higher Education Act, institutions to be eligible for MSI funding, are evaluated on their current enrollment (e.g. among the students they enroll, 15 to 25 percent of existing students must be from a particular student population), have lower than average expenditures, and must enroll high percentages of students receiving Pell grants or need-based aid.

On September 10, 2025, grantees who were recipients of discretionary grant funds under six programs received a letter that the funds were being reprogrammed because the Department of Education (Department) believed that “racial quotas” were unconstitutional. At the time, the Department recognized that while it had statutory authority to reprogram the discretionary funds, the mandatory funds provided to MSIs, which have been required in statute since 2007, could not be reprogrammed and would continue to be dispersed. The Department then added that it would continue to consider the underlying legal issues associated with the mandatory funding mechanism in these programs.

On December 2, 2025, the Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) issued an opinion analyzing the constitutionality of the Department of Education’s MSI programs and determined that both the discretionary and mandatory grants for HSIs, ANNHSIs, ANNAPISIs, and NASNTIs, and the formula-based PBI programs, are unconstitutional. On December 19, the Department of Education stated that it was evaluating the full impact of the OLC opinion on the affected programs.

While the Department of Justice’s opinion cites to the Supreme Court’s decision in Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President & Fellows of Harvard College, 600 U.S. 181 (2023) (“SFFA”), that decision pertained specifically to the factors a college or university can consider when evaluating a student for admission. Those factors are unrelated to the determination of whether a school should be considered an MSI, and relying on that precedent— when there has been no specific court determination that MSIs are unconstitutional—is an inappropriate subversion of duly-enacted federal law. MSIs are not directed nor required to employ race-conscious admissions policies for their enrollment; they are evaluated based on the population of students they already serve at the time they are applying for funding.

Furthermore, the funding provided to eligible MSIs through Title III and V grants is provided to the institution, not to specific students. The benefits of the funds are directed towards all students that attend those colleges, regardless of race, ethnicity, or socio-economic status. Without these funds, under-resourced institutions would not be able to adequately support their students’ success and the economic benefits for the local communities where these institutions are located would be lost.

Notably, the OLC opinion does not differentiate grants to Native American or Native Hawaiian and Alaska Native serving institutions from other MSI grantees. The opinion incorrectly lumps these institutions with all MSIs, even as federal law has long recognized that these programs serve categories of students that are not racial but rather political classifications. Notably, 90 percent of Native students enroll in traditional public and private colleges, including NASNTIs and ANNHSIs, and the federal government has a fundamental legal responsibility to Native students’ education that is not based on race but on treaties, statutes, court decisions, and the trust responsibility. Further, last year the Department recognized this “unique political and legal relationship” when it took the position that American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian history is not classified as diversity, equity, and inclusion and pledged to “continue to deliver on all statutory grant programs that support American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian students.” NASNTIs and ANNHSIs are statutorily authorized to receive federal support from the Department to strengthen their capacity to serve American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian students.

Furthermore, this action is inconsistent with the policies of this Administration. Nearly a half dozen agencies have clarified that programs that serve American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians do not constitute Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) activities prohibited by President Trump’s executive orders. Grants supporting Native communities with which the federal government holds trust and treaty obligations do not impose racial quotas or restrict admissions based on race, but rather deliver on the federal trust responsibility to provide an education for American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians because of their unique legal status and political relationship with the United States.

This decision is yet another example of this Administration attempting to circumvent Congress and its obligations to follow the law. Unilaterally deciding that long-standing programs are unconstitutional, absent a ruling from the judiciary, sets a dangerous precedent and disrupts needed support that colleges and students rely on.

We urge you to allocate Title III and V discretionary and mandatory funds as Congress intended so that these institutions, which educate millions of working-class Americans, can continue to successfully serve every student they enroll and continue to be economic engines for the communities they serve across this nation. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

Sincerely,

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Kelly Joins Colleagues in Demanding Department of Education Reverse its Decision to End Federal Funding for Minority-Serving Institutions

Senators blast DOJ for baseless legal reasoning behind determination to deem MSIs unconstitutional and cut off federal funding

Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) joined Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), and 22 of their Senate colleagues in urging Education Secretary Linda McMahon to immediately reverse the harmful decision to unilaterally halt federal funding for Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs). The senators warned that the administration’s flawed reliance on a DOJ determination threatens discretionary and mandatory funding and puts the education of millions of students at risk.

There are currently 21 Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) in Arizona and six emerging HSIs, which serve nearly 90,000 Hispanic students, almost half of all Hispanic undergraduates in the state. These institutions rely on MSI federal funding to provide vital supports and services for students to help them complete their degrees. Historically, these programs have been authorized on a bipartisan basis in law. The Trump Administration’s decision to end funding for MSIs threatens the institutions’ ability to adequately serve the students they enroll of all backgrounds.

“This decision is yet another example of this Administration attempting to circumvent Congress and its obligations to follow the law,” wrote the senators. “Unilaterally deciding that long-standing programs are unconstitutional, absent a ruling from the judiciary, sets a dangerous precedent and disrupts needed support that colleges and students rely on.”

“We urge you to allocate Title III and V discretionary and mandatory funds as Congress intended so that these institutions, which educate millions of working-class Americans, can continue to successfully serve every student they enroll and continue to be economic engines for the communities they serve across this nation,” continued the senators.

The Senators blasted DOJ’s legal justification for declaring that both discretionary and mandatory MSI grant funding is unconstitutional, citing DOJ’s reliance on a Supreme Court decision that discusses race-based admissions policies, not race-based funding allocations: “Those factors are unrelated to the determination of whether a school should be considered an MSI, and relying on that precedent—when there has been no specific court determination that MSIs are unconstitutional—is an inappropriate subversion of duly-enacted federal law. MSIs are not directed nor required to employ race-conscious admissions policies for their enrollment; they are evaluated based on the population of students they already serve at the time they are applying for funding.”

There are over 800 federally recognized MSIs, including Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs), Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions (NASNTIs), and Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions (ANNHSIs). MSIs enroll over 5 million students, many of whom are first-generation college students.


King Joins Bipartisan Letter to Support Low-Income, First-Generation Students

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), joined a bipartisan group of his Senate colleagues in calling on the Department of Education (DOE) to ensure the timely delivery of federal funds for TRIO, a long-standing set of federal programs that help approximately 840,000 middle school, high school, and post secondary students prepare for, enter, and graduate from college—specifically, low-income and first-generation students. In a letter to Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, the Senators raise concerns over the recent delays faced by TRIO recipients and urge for the timely awarding of grants to qualifying students.

“As strong supporters of the Federal TRIO Programs, we write to urge the Department of Education to ensure the timely execution of the upcoming Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 TRIO grant competitions for Talent Search and Educational Opportunity Centers. Specifically, we ask that the Department of Education issue the Notice Inviting Applications for new Talent Search and Educational Opportunity Centers by March 1, 2026, so that award notices can be released no later than June 30, 2026, and programs can begin promptly on September 1, 2026,” the Senators began.

“Unfortunately, in recent years, the Department of Education has failed to award grants to TRIO recipients in sufficient time,” the Senators continued. “These delays can result in increased strain on program administrators and, more importantly, students. By delaying the execution of these programs, programs may be forced to make difficult decisions, including laying off staff or scaling back services. This has a direct impact on the timeliness and quality of TRIO services, and it may result in students losing access to the help they need to succeed in college.”

“We are deeply concerned that any delays in the Talent Search and Educational Opportunity Centers competition process will result in irreversible damage to our students, families, and communities, as many rely on the vital programs and services provided by TRIO programs. Therefore, we respectfully urge you to ensure that the upcoming Talent Search and Educational Opportunity Centers competition is conducted in a timely manner,” the Senators concluded.

In addition to King, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Susan Collins (R-ME), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Angela D. Alsobrooks (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), James Lankford (R-OK), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jim Risch (R-ID), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

Senator King has consistently worked to ensure that Maine’s colleges and universities have the resources they need to continue to educate Maine’s future leaders. Last year, he urged Secretary McMahon to reverse the Department of Education’s decision to terminate funding for two federally funded TRIO Upward Bound programs in Maine. In 2020, he celebrated more than $5 million in grants to aid Maine’s colleges and universities efforts to support low-income and first-generation college students through the TRIO program. In addition to securing funding for Maine schools, Senator King has spoken out against cuts to the Department of Education as the Trump Administration attempts to erode and dismantle the agency.

The full text of the letter can be found here and below.

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Dear Secretary McMahon:

As strong supporters of the Federal TRIO Programs, we write to urge the Department of Education to ensure the timely execution of the upcoming Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 TRIO grant competitions for Talent Search and Educational Opportunity Centers. Specifically, we ask that the Department of Education issue the Notice Inviting Applications for new Talent Search and Educational Opportunity Centers by March 1, 2026, so that award notices can be released no later than June 30, 2026, and programs can begin promptly on September 1, 2026.

Federal TRIO programs support postsecondary access, retention, and completion for low- income, first-generation students from all backgrounds. These programs help approximately 840,000 students prepare for, enter, and graduate from college each year. Congress annually appropriates funding for TRIO on a bipartisan basis, and the FY26 Consolidated Appropriations Act, which President Trump signed into law, appropriated $1.191 billion for TRIO programs.

As you know, the Federal TRIO programs operate on a competitive five-year grant cycle, and for FY26, the Department of Education is expected to issue grant competitions for Talent Search and Education Opportunity Centers. The Talent Search program focuses on low-cost, early interventions for students in grades 6-12, and has had successful results. For instance, the Department’s own data shows that 22% more Talent Search students enroll in college than students in the bottom income quartile nationally. Educational Opportunity Centers, which prepare adult learners for entry into the workforce, are also similarly effective. For example, data from the Department of Education shows that 73% of eligible Educational Opportunity Center participants applied for college admission.

Unfortunately, in recent years, the Department of Education has failed to award grants to TRIO recipients in sufficient time, despite the fact that the Higher Education Act requires the Secretary to inform TRIO applicants about the status of their application for continued funding “at least 8 months prior to the expiration of the grant or contract.” For example, last year, the Department of Education delayed releasing more than $600 million in federal funding for over 2,000 TRIO programs, which impacted over 650,000 low-income, first-generation students.

These delays can result in increased strain on program administrators and, more importantly, students. By delaying the execution of these programs, programs may be forced to make difficult decisions, including laying off staff or scaling back services. This has a direct impact on the timeliness and quality of TRIO services, and it may result in students losing access to the help they need to succeed in college.

As such, the FY26 Consolidated Appropriations Act included language to direct the Department of Education to “ensure that the notices inviting applications for new awards for the Talent Search and Educational Opportunity Centers grant competitions are published no later than December 1, 2025” and “to take steps necessary to issue grant award notifications for all TRIO programs (both new and non-competing continuation award notices) no later than June 30, 2026.”

While December 1 has already passed, the intent of that language is clear—to ensure that the FY26 TRIO competitions and grant award notifications are released in a timely manner. As such, we ask that the Department of Education launch the grant competition for Talent Search and Educational Opportunity Centers by March 1, 2026, so that award notices can be released no later than June 30, 2026, and programs can begin promptly on September 1, 2026.

We are deeply concerned that any delays in the Talent Search and Educational Opportunity Centers competition process will result in irreversible damage to our students, families, and communities, as many rely on the vital programs and services provided by TRIO programs. Therefore, we respectfully urge you to ensure that the upcoming Talent Search and Educational Opportunity Centers competition is conducted in a timely manner.

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Senator King: SCOTUS Decision Deeming Tariffs Unconstitutional Is “Definition of Checks and Balances”

WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) today released a statement following the Supreme Court’s ruling against the White House’s sweeping tariffs:

“Today’s Supreme Court ruling striking down the Trump White House’s tariff policies is a civics lesson for both the President and the Congress, and boils down to three core truths of our American experiment in self-government and the people’s rule:

The United States is a constitutional republic, and in Article 1, Section 8, Clause 3 of our Constitution it clearly states that:

[The Congress shall have Power . . . ] to regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes;

The Supreme Court maintains the Constitutional guardrails preventing overreach from the other two branches of the federal government. This is the core definition of checks and balances.

Congress has a clear role to play in terms of shaping American life, safety, and economic policy as it seeks to look after the citizens it represents.

Today’s 6-3 ruling is an example of the Supreme Court reasserting its key role in our government. I can only hope that my colleagues in Congress follow the judiciary’s lead to reassert its own role and responsibilities as the Constitution outlines.”

Senator King has been outspoken in his opposition to President Trump’s tariffs since they were imposed last year. Last June, Senator King joined an amicus brief opposed to an appeals’ court stay on a lower court ruling the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariffs illegal. In July, he joined an additional amicus brief in support of the Court of International Trade’s ruling that the IEEPA tariffs are illegal ahead of its hearing in the federal appeals circuit court. In September, Senator King cosponsored a Joint Resolution of Disapproval (JRD) to terminate the underlying emergency at the Northern border and eliminate tariffs on Canada, and cosponsored a JRD to terminate the underlying emergency with respect to the Brazilian tariffs. In October, ahead of the hearing before the Supreme Court, Senator King joined an amicus brief in support of plaintiffs arguing that tariffs imposed under IEEPA are illegal. As recently as last month, Senator King referred to the White House’s “illegal tariffs” in a statement expressing concern over the administration’s overreaching ICE operations in Maine, as well as its threats against Greenland.

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Klobuchar Statement on Tariff Supreme Court Decision

Klobuchar attended the Supreme Court arguments in this case

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) released the following statement following the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down the administration's across-the-board tariffs.

“Today, the Supreme Court finally affirmed what I have been saying for a year: President Trump’s reckless tariffs - which are costing families, farmers, and small businesses - are illegal,” said Klobuchar. “I attended the oral arguments and predicted this outcome based on the Justices’ pointed questions of the administration.”

“To strengthen our economy, we must provide our small business owners and farmers with more certainty – not trade wars that raise prices for consumers and shut out American businesses from export markets. With today’s decision, it is clear that Congress – not the president – has the power to impose tariffs. We must reassert this authority and stand up for American workers, businesses, and consumers.”

Senator Klobuchar has been a vocal opponent of the President’s tariffs and attended the Supreme Court’s oral arguments for this case in November.

This month, the House voted to repeal President Trump’s International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariffs on Canada.

In October, Klobuchar’s legislation to reverse tariffs on Canada passed the Senate for the second time, with a bipartisan vote of 50-46. In 2024, Canada was Minnesota’s largest trading partner – exporting $7.5 billion in goods to Canada – accounting for 28 percent of the state’s exports.

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