Murphy on Trump's Secret Deal with the UAE: The White House is a Non-Stop Corruption Machine

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) spoke on the floor of the U.S. Senate to demand accountability following new reporting that a firm controlled by the U.A.E.’s National Security Advisor secretly purchased a 49% stake in the Trump family’s crypto venture, World Liberty Financial. The deal steered millions of dollars to Trump and his envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, right before the Trump White House greenlit an unprecedented deal to sell advanced AI chips to the U.A.E. last year, ignoring bipartisan national security warnings.

In his speech, Murphy exposed the crypto corruption Trump has tried to hide from the American people since he took office: “..days before [Trump’s] inauguration, a $500 million payment – a deal to pay World Liberty Financial $500 million for a 49% stake is done in secret. Now we don't know the full extent of that sale, but at the very least, $187 million is going directly from this UAE company into the Trump family's pockets. At least $31 million is going directly from this UAE company into the pocket of the Witkoff family. It is not a coincidence – it is not a coincidence that a secret deal is done in which a foreign government puts money directly into the hands of the president of the United States, secretly, and then very soon thereafter, we find out that the president is throwing out years of national security policy. He's discarding the advice of his advisors, and he's going to hand that country that just gave him $187 million national security secrets.”

Murphy left no doubt about the unprecedented and dangerous scale of Donald Trump’s pay-to-play corruption: “The White House has become a non-stop corruption machine. Never, ever before in the history of the country has the president of the United States so openly, so brazenly, so consistently worked to use the immense power of the presidency to enrich himself. Never before in the history of the nation has something like this happened. In secret, the president of the United States taking payments from foreign governments – put in his own pockets – and then handing them national security favors that the United States had never been willing to do in the past.”

Murphy concluded by calling out Republicans for allowing Trump to trade America’s national security for his personal enrichment, assuring them there will be consequences for this potentially criminal behavior: “What we are talking about here is stunning: a secret payment of at least $187 million to Trump's family, a payment of at least $31 million to the family of Trump's top Middle East advisor, and then, soon after a gift of national security secrets to the UAE that, up until those two secret payments, every American president had refused to give. That is corruption. Those are the elements of a bribe. This is potentially criminal conduct. The rule of law may be suspended today. Republicans may not be willing to do anything about this corruption, simply because the president is of your party. For now, Trump and his friends may get away with these crimes and with this corruption. But the rule of law is coming back, and when it does, everyone who has greased their palms off government service, trading government favors for cash, and violating the laws of this nation are going to jail.”

A video of the speech is available HERE. A full transcript of the speech is available below.

Madam President, over the course of the last year, President Trump has been engaged in just a stunning array of acts to enrich himself and his family, using government policy, the power of the White House, to essentially trade away US policy, US national security secrets in exchange for investments in Trump himself – making himself rich off of being president of the United States. I'm coming to the floor today because over the weekend, through good old-fashioned investigative journalism, we discovered what might be the most corrupt act in this administration.

Amidst a dizzying array of daily corruption, the Wall Street Journal reported over the weekend that four days before Donald Trump's inauguration, an investment firm closely tied to the United Arab Emirates secretly signed a deal with the Trump family to purchase a 49% stake in a company called World Liberty Financial. That's the Trump family's fledgling crypto currency venture. They run that business in coordination with the Witkoff family. The Witkoff family, of course, headed by Steve Witkoff, who is, not coincidentally, the president's chief Middle East advisor. The company that made the investment that took this 49% stake is backed by an individual named Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed al-Nahyan. That's UAE’s National Security Advisor, but he is also deeply embedded in a number of very important companies that dole out investments from the United Arab Emirates.

One of the companies he is involved in, Tahnoon is involved in, is an AI firm called G42. This is all important to understand the scope of what we just discovered over the weekend. On behalf of this company, G42, Tahnoon has been arguing that the United States should sell G42, a UAE company, our most sensitive AI chips. We have not sold this hardware to the UAE. In the past, both Republican and Democratic administrations, both Republican and Democratic members of the Senate, both Republican and Democratic members of the House have said, we cannot sell this advanced AI hardware to UAE because of the well-known integration of UAE national security service – including this individual – with China. So, we've never sold these chips to UAE because we were pretty sure, and again, this was a bipartisan consensus, we were pretty sure that these chips would just flow straight to China, and China cannot – cannot – get control of this advanced AI hardware. It was shocking to most national security experts, shocking to Republicans and Democrats in Congress, when shortly after the president's inauguration, he decided against the advice of his national security advisors, to sell these chips to the UAE, and in particular, to this company owned by Sheikh Tahnoon.

Let me just accentuate the bipartisan nature of the opposition to this decision to transfer the technology to the UAE: in 2024, Republican Chair of the House, the House Foreign Affairs committee, Michael McCaul raised, the concern and asked for a probe of Microsoft's $1.5 billion investment into G42 and, again, this is Republican Chairman McCaul says to the Biden administration, I need you to do an investigation into – not the US government transfer – but Microsoft's investment into G42, citing integration between the UAE and China.

As I noted, it has been reported that this decision to sell these chips valued at $1 billion was done over the objection of the senior national security officials, including the Senior Director for Technology at the NSC, who argued for restricting access to these advanced chips. But Trump goes through with the sale, leaving everybody scratching their heads. This is really bad for American national security. Everybody knows that if you give these chips to the UAE, they're going to likely find their way into Chinese hands, but he green lights the sale of $1 billion of these advanced chips, and this weekend, we find out the likely reason: secretly, days before the administration, this UAE company, helmed by the individual who stands to benefit by the sale of the chips, makes an investment of $500 million, secretly, in Donald Trump's company, World Liberty Financial.

Now, just so you have no illusions, there is no separation between Donald Trump, Steve Witkoff, and World Liberty Financial. The World Liberty Financial is affiliated with a company called DT Marks DeFi LLC and President Trump reportedly owns 70% of that company. The rest of the 30% is believed to be split amongst Trump's sons, DT Marks, by the way, is not held by the Trump Organization or any of its companies. It's a company owned directly by Donald Trump. Steve Witkoff said that he was divesting his stake in this company, World Liberty Financial, but on a disclosure that he filed as late as September last year, just months ago, he still had a stake, a financial interest in that company.

So, Steve Witkoff, the Middle East advisor, Donald Trump, president of the United States – direct ownership stakes in World Liberty Financial – days before the inauguration, a $500 million payment, a deal to pay World Liberty Financial $500 million for a 49% stake is done in secret. Now, we don't know the full extent of that sale, but at the very least, $187 million is going directly from this UAE company into the Trump family's pockets. At least $31 million is going directly from this UAE company into the pocket of the Witkoff family. It is not a coincidence. It is not a coincidence that a secret deal is done in which a foreign government puts money directly into the hands of the president United States, secretly,

and then very soon thereafter, we find out that the president is throwing out years of national security policy. He's discarding the advice of his advisors, and he's going to hand that country that just gave him $187 million national security secrets.

Now of course, this isn't the first time that President Trump has done business with this particular individual, because Sheikh Tahnoon also runs a company called MGX. MGX put $2 billion worth of investment towards the president's business empire earlier in the year. Now this was done in public so we saw it all for ourselves, but it was no less corrupt, just because it wasn't discovered by journalists. In that deal, this UAE company decided to finance an investment in a company called Binance with Donald Trump's crypto coin. At the time, Trump's crypto coin was a fledgling product in the market. It did not have any big backers. Guess who comes to the rescue? Sheikh Tahnoon. With another one of his companies, he finances a $2 billion investment in Binance with Trump's crypto coin – almost overnight, making that crypto coin one of the most successful…one of the most highly traded in the industry.

Now, in that case, the investment was directly by UAE into Donald Trump's company. It was financing a venture in Binance with Trump's crypto coin. But just because the corruption was a little bit more oblique doesn't mean that it wasn't corruption in this case. In this case, it is a direct investment by a foreign government of half a billion dollars, directly into a company controlled and run by the president of the United States. There is no record in the history of the United States of a foreign government making a direct investment in a company owned by the president of the United States. No wonder they did this in secret. No wonder they tried to get away with it without anybody knowing.

The UAE doesn't give this money away for nothing. They were asking for these national security secrets. They were asking for this advanced chip technology. And it's just not a coincidence. You don't have to be born yesterday to understand that. There's a connection between the payment to Donald Trump, the investment in his business, and the transfer of the national security secrets. I just don't want this to become normal. I just don't want us to paper over the multimillion-dollar corruption of the president of the United States – every single day profiting off of his position. I don't understand why our Republican colleagues excuse this. The White House has become a non-stop corruption machine. Never, ever before in the history of the country has the president of the United States so openly, so brazenly, so consistently worked to use the immense power of the presidency to enrich himself. Never before in the history of the nation has something like this happened in secret. The president of the United States taking payments from foreign governments, put in his own pockets, and then handing them national security favors that the United States had never been willing to do in the past.

Back during the Biden administration, there were endless hearings. There were nonstop speeches on this floor about the “Biden crime family.” You guys went wild over this, despite not a single allegation ever being made of an exchange by President Biden giving favorable government treatment in exchange for a personal benefit to the president. The closest Republicans ever came was that the president's son, Hunter Biden, had been named to the board of an energy company in Ukraine when his father worked on Ukraine policy. You know how many boards the Trump kids have been named to in the last 12 months? You know how many contracts – government contracts – have been given to those companies that the Trump kids just got put on the boards of, magically, when their father became president? Listen, what Hunter Biden did was wrong. I said it at the time. He shouldn't have been on that board. But there was never a single allegation that President Biden did anything for that company, that his son was on the board of or got a single dollar in exchange for his son's service on that board. Investigations, speeches, hundreds of hours on Fox News – not a single allegation.

Trump enriches himself every single day off his office. Every single day, foreign governments buy him things: luxury planes, investments in his company, sweetheart deals, licenses to build hotels. All in exchange for favorable treatment from the United States government. It's all out there in the open for people to see.

This was a case in which they knew it was so egregious, it was so wrong, that they did it in private. What we are talking about here is stunning – a secret payment of at least $187 million to Trump's family, a payment of at least $31 million to the family of Trump's top Middle East advisor, and then soon after, a gift of national security secrets to the UAE that up until those two secret payments, every American president had refused to give. That is corruption. Those are the elements of a bribe.

This is potentially criminal conduct. The rule of law may be suspended today. Republicans may not be willing to do anything about this corruption, simply because the president is of your party. For now, Trump and his friends may get away with these crimes and with this corruption, but the rule of law is coming back, and when it does, everyone who has greased their palms off government service, trading government favors for cash and violating the laws of this nation are going to jail.


At HELP Hearing, Senator Murray Slams Trump Administration on Chaos at NIH; Cuts to Biomedical Research and Clinical Trials

***WATCH: Senator Murray’s exchange at the hearing***

Washington, D.C. — Today, at a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing with U.S National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Dr. Jayanta “Jay” Bhattacharya, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA)—a former chair and senior member of the HELP Committee—spoke forcefully on how the Trump administration’s cuts at the NIH have cost countless families their hope for life-changing treatments and cures and severely set back American competitiveness in biomedical research. Senator Murray also held Dr. Bhattacharya accountable for his decision to disband the NIH’s Advisory Committee to the Director—an unprecedented change to the longstanding expert panel—and Institute and Center advisory councils and review panels, and the decision to ban fetal tissue research to appease anti-abortion extremists.

In a major victory for biomedical research and families, Senator Murray secured $48.7 billion for NIH, including $226 million for Senator Murray’s landmark 21st Century Cures Act, in the FY26 Labor-Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies appropriations bill—preventing Trump’s devastating cuts to NIH and research into lifesaving cures and treatments. Senator Murray continues to be the leading Democratic voice speaking out for more investments in biomedical research and protecting NIH, and this bill is an important step in preventing the Trump administration from decimating the biomedical research enterprise Congress has built in a bipartisan manner over decades, which has long been the envy of the world and drives medical innovation that has saved millions of lives. Senator Murray and Democrats were able to reject Trump’s proposal to cap indirect cost rates, reject the Trump administration’s proposal to eliminate four NIH Institutes and Centers and consolidate the rest, and codify in bill language for the first time, funding levels for select NIH programs, including universal flu vaccine development, maternal mortality research and the Office of Research on Women’s Health. The bill also prevents the Trump administration from implementing a misguided policy—at the direction of the Office of Management and Budget over the interests of scientists—to multi-year fund all of its new grants up front. This would have cut the number of new research grants NIH awards this year by the thousands—instead, Democrats ensured that NIH will fund more new research into promising treatments and cures, not less.

[CUTS TO CLINICAL TRIALS]

Senator Murray began her questioning by pressing Dr. Bhattacharya on the Trump administration’s devastating cuts to biomedical research. Over the last year, Trump and Dr. Bhattacharya have implemented many policy changes that have caused mass chaos at NIH and severely disrupted medical research. They froze or terminated billions of dollars of federally funded research, issued “supplemental guidance” to illegally cap indirect costs that support research infrastructure, and fired thousands of NIH employees—staff and scientists, causing some NIH labs to shut down: “NIH funds thousands of clinical trials around the world. For families, these trials really represent hope and a chance for new treatments and cures. But last year, 1 in 30 NIH-funded clinical trials were disrupted by the Trump administration’s grant terminations, it affected more than 74,000 trial participants.”

“Dr. Bhattacharya, what do you have to say to patients who were receiving that life-saving treatment—whose clinical trials were impacted by those cuts?” asked Senator Murray.

“Senator, we made sure that if there was any disruption, that the researchers had resources available to make sure that patients receive continuity of care. Ultimately, we worked with researchers from across the country to make sure that the clinical trials were really focused on advancing health and not on other political agendas and renegotiated them. Ultimately, we have preliminary estimates, I think ultimately ended up maybe only a dozen clinical trials were terminated,” Dr. Bhattacharya answered.

Senator Murray replied, “The Trump administration terminated or froze 5,478 NIH grants last year. In less than 6 months, the Trump administration terminated 383 active NIH clinical trials. That included 118 cancer clinical trials. Those patients are in a race for time.”

“Can you guarantee to us today that NIH will not terminate grants in this wide-ranging, haphazard way again this year?” Senator Murray asked.

“Senator, I mean, most of those trials were restored—” Dr. Bhattacharya replied in part.

Senator Murray pushed back, “My question to you wasn’t going backwards, it’s going forwards. Do you guarantee you will not terminate any NIH grant trials this year?”

Dr. Bhattacharya responded, “Senator, in 2020, a very large number of clinical trials were terminated. It’s hard to predict the future, but I will guarantee, I can guarantee, that we will focus our clinical trial efforts on advancing health, and not on the ideological.”

“Tens of thousands of real people rely on these clinical trials. It’s not easy to get into them, and I think we deserve an answer that’s much clearer, more direct than you just gave,” Senator Murray said.

[NIH ADVISORY COUNCIL VACANCIES]

Senator Murray continued her questioning by pressing Dr. Bhattacharya on his decision to disband the NIH’s Advisory Committee to the Director and his failure to recruit and retain Advisory Council members across NIH. Last year, the cancellation of Advisory Council meetings caused a backlog of tens of thousands of grants in the NIH system, which was compounded with the firing of staff. Advisory Councils have been left with fewer members, undermining the expertise required to make decisions on funding grant awards. This has left huge gaps in both expertise and capacity for NIH’s scientific grant review process: “This time last year, all of NIH’s Institutes and Centers were prohibited from holding Advisory Council meetings—which is the final step, it is mandated by law, before NIH can award any grants. Under your leadership, Advisory Council members have not been replaced at the end of their terms. And for the first time in NIH’s 139-year history, you completely disbanded the Advisory Committee to the Director—it hasn’t met for more than a year. More than half of NIH Institutes are set to lose all of their voting Advisory Committee members by the end of 2026. In fact, one of the Institute’s Council will have no members by the end of this month. Since grants cannot be funded without Council approval, this poses a very serious threat to NIH’s ability to fund research.”

Senator Murray asked, “Tell us how many Institute Advisory Councils and other review panels have been disbanded under your leadership? And tell us how are you going to fix this?”

“I’ve ordered the institutes to nominate new members. We’re working as fast as we can with dozens and dozens and dozens of new members, including for the Advisory Committee Director, I just sent up a slate. We’re going to have those faculty committees working, there will be no delay,” answered Dr. Bhattacharya.

Senator Murray pushed, “Well, if you can provide this committee please, with information on the status of every one of these councils and your agenda for getting them done. You can’t, by law, send any research dollars until those are in place and without any members.”

“That’s a priority of mine to make sure that those councils are staffed,” replied Dr. Bhattacharya.

[BAN ON FETAL TISSUE RESEARCH]

Senator Murray concluded her questioning by pressing Dr. Bhattacharya about the NIH’s recent ban on fetal tissue research, an irreplaceable modality for scientific discovery: “Two weeks ago, NIH issued a ban on fetal tissue research. This policy immediately halted all research that has led to groundbreaking medical advances—from the development of the polio vaccine to IVF. This stops irreplaceable research into new treatments for everything from Alzheimer’s to Parkinson’s. What is the scientific evidence for NIH banning fetal tissue research?”

“As I said earlier, fetal tissue research has been declining in use because of the availability of new alternatives, including induced pluripotent stem cells and a whole host of other new technologies. We did a study, an investigation, to make sure that the impact, the scientific impact—” Dr. Bhattacharya replied in part.

“But you don’t have any evidence that you’re going to put in front of us, you’re just saying something else is there, and there’s not always better alternatives. And in fact, for stem cell research, there’s very, very limited [options]. So, you’re not presenting us any [evidence]. I’ll tell you why I’m asking. This seems to me like a political decision by NIH. You made the decision right when we were having a mass gathering of anti-abortion activists here in DC. So, you can see why all of us go, ‘What’s this about?’ But I am very concerned that NIH, issuing this ban with very little notice, is going to have a huge impact on patients in this country. And I want you to commit to providing to us a complete list of affected projects, so we on this committee know what’s been terminated—hopefully by the end of this week,” Senator Murray further pressed.

“Absolutely you can have that, but I’m telling you, we didn’t terminate projects. We recommended that the—required that the scientists find alternatives, and there are alternatives available. Using tissue from aborted embryos and aborted babies, is not necessary for science,” said Dr. Bhattacharya.

“We’ve been around on this topic many times, we know full well the scientific research that this enables and what is being cut off. And in fact, what is really disconcerting is your announcement that NIH is threatening the use of human embryonic stem cells, that will affect upwards of 600 NIH projects totaling $325 million. Mr. Chairman, you can bet I’ll be following this very closely,” Senator Murray replied.

Senator Murray, a longtime congressional leader on health care, has been fighting back tirelessly against the Trump administration’s efforts to gut lifesaving research at NIH and push out nearly 4,000 skilled scientists, grants administrators, and other employees at the agency. She led the entire Democratic caucus in a letter last February raising the alarm over the Trump administration’s actions to threaten American biomedical research infrastructure and set us back generations. Senator Murray released a statement decrying the Trump administration’s all-out assault on the NIH upon meeting with Dr. Bhattacharya last February, and at his nomination hearing in March, she pressed Bhattacharya on the Trump administration’s efforts to cut billions from biomedical research through an illegal cap on indirect costs, and their unprecedented halt on NIH Advisory Council Meetings, among other issues. In October, Senator Murray slammed the Trump administration at a HELP hearing for upending biomedical research and cancelling grants, taking a toll at NIH and FDA. She has sent numerous oversight letters and hosted numerous press conferences and events to lay out how the administration’s reckless gutting of HHS is risking Americans health and safety and will set our country back decades, and lifting up the voices of HHS employees who were fired for no reason and through no fault of their own.

Throughout her career, Senator Murray has led Congressional efforts to boost biomedical research. Over her years as Chair of the Labor-HHS Appropriations Subcommittee, she secured billions of dollars in increases for biomedical research at NIH, and during her time as Chair of the HELP Committee she established the new ARPA-H research agency as part of her PREVENT Pandemics Act to advance some of the most cutting-edge research in the field. Senator Murray was also the lead Democratic negotiator of the bipartisan 21st Century Cures Act, which delivered a major federal investment to boost NIH research, among many other investments.

###


Senator Murray Calls on Senate Republicans to Work with Democrats on Serious Reforms to Rein in ICE and CBP

Murray: “We cannot fund DHS if we do not rein in DHS.”

***WATCH: Senator Murray’s remarks***

Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, delivered the following remarks at the Senate Democratic Leadership press conference regarding negotiations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) appropriations bill.

Senator Murray’s remarks, as delivered, are below:

“Last week, we wrapped up 11 of our 12 funding bills, and passed those bills that rejected the devasting cuts from Trump and the House Republicans, it ended the slush fund continuing resolution, and it took Congress’ power of the pen back from Russ Vought, and rejected every far-right poison pill.

“But our work is not done—there is one bill left: DHS. Because we cannot fund DHS if we do not rein in DHS.

“That is a clear, hard line. Law enforcement cannot be lawless—but that’s exactly what we have been seeing from ICE and CBP.

“What is happening in Minneapolis has not been subtle, federal agents are going door to door—asking for papers. And just as often ignoring papers—taking in people who are legally seeking asylum—like little 5-year-old Liam and his father, who a judge forced them to release this week.

“We have people that have done nothing wrong being abducted by masked agents with no warrant, shipped across the country, and herded into overcrowded detention centers, for who knows how long. Some of them—taken in Minneapolis mind you—are being left out in the street in Texas, no way to get home when ICE is forced to grapple with the reality that they were here legally all along.

“The response to this lawless catastrophe has been understandable: outrage from everyone who believes this is a country where law, order, due process, and basic human decency matters.

“People have protested peacefully, people have documented the chaos as legal observers, and the Trump Administration’s response to that has only grown more unhinged and infuriating.

“We saw protesters tear gassed—even as they were pinned on the ground. We saw the shocking murders of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, and we heard the Administration lie every step of the way. They lied about little Liam and his dad being here illegally. They lied about Alex Pretti brandishing a weapon and called him a terrorist.

“Just this week, we all saw a video of a woman who was abruptly cut off and pulled over, guns immediately drawn on her, nearly arrested before the local police stepped in and saved her from ICE. And yet—the Trump Administration is trying now to lie about that too.

“Enough. We are not going to fund a rogue Department with its unchecked agents and officers.

“We are going to have accountability at DHS or there will not be Democratic votes to fund a lawless agency. If Republicans refuse to make the changes the American people are demanding—they are forcing a Republican shutdown of DHS.

“The chaos, the brutality—all of it has happened at the explicit direction of this President and a Republican Congress that wrote him a blank check. If Republicans want Democratic votes to fix this—then they need to understand that half-measures won’t cut it. It really is that simple.

“This is somber stuff—legal immigrants being brutalized, American citizens being detained, American citizens being shot and killed by our own immigration enforcement. The Trump administration needs to take these abuses seriously and understand that what Democrats are demanding is reasonable and it is necessary.

“End the roving patrols. Hold federal agents accountable and hold them to the same standards as local law enforcement on the basic things like use of force. Get ‘masks off,’ get body cameras on, and ensure proper identification.

“So, my message to Trump and this entire administration: Stop the lying. Stop slandering American citizens and lawful immigrants. Stop insulting our intelligence and spitting on the Constitution. This country sees right through this. The people recognize that Democrats are fighting to protect basic, American principles and basic American rights.

“My message to Republicans: We are at the table, and we are ready to negotiate serious measures to rein in these rogue federal agencies. We are focused on getting a bill—and it has to be a bill that reins in the abuses we are seeing done by ICE and CBP.

“Americans deserve accountability, we will settle for nothing less.”

###


WATCH: Padilla Condemns ICE and CBP’s Violent Abuse of Power Under Trump

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, joined a bicameral spotlight forum to denounce Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents’ violent tactics and disproportionate use of force as they enact President Trump’s mass deportation agenda in American cities.

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, and U.S. Representative Robert Garcia (D-Calif.-42), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, convened the forum to hear testimony from U.S. citizens who have been victims of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers and agents’ violent abuse of power. Martin Daniel Rascon, a U.S. citizen and resident of San Bernardino, California, was among the witnesses who testified, recounting his experience when ICE and CBP agents unlawfully stopped him and his family last August before a CBP agent fired on their car multiple times.

Padilla slammed the out-of-control Trump Administration’s reckless, indiscriminate immigration enforcement campaign that has terrorized American communities, starting with Los Angeles. He condemned ICE and CBP’s cruel and unlawful violence against immigrants, peaceful protesters, bystanders, and U.S. citizens alike.

Padilla demanded meaningful reforms and accountability for DHS’ rogue violence after ICE and CBP’s violent killings of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti last month in Minneapolis. After Good’s brothers and her family’s lawyer offered powerful testimony at the forum, Padilla expressed his deep condolences to Good’s family and warned that more lives could be lost if ICE and CBP continue their violent operations in Minneapolis and in other cities across the country. Padilla also criticized his Republican colleagues for refusing to hold DHS accountable and blasted the Administration for villainizing victims of the violent actions of ICE and CBP agents before any unbiased, independent investigations take place.

In addition to Mr. Rascon, the following witness offered testimony:

Marimar Martinez: A U.S. citizen and resident of Chicago, Illinois. In October, she was shot five times by CBP agents. After being shot by the Border Patrol Agent, Ms. Martinez was later charged with assaulting the agents who shot her. All charges were dropped by the U.S. Attorney’s Office six weeks later.

Aliya Rahman: A U.S. citizen and resident of Minneapolis, Minnesota. She is also a person with autism and a traumatic brain injury. In January, she was violently dragged from her car by immigration agents after telling them she had a disability; she was then detained without immediate access to medical care or accommodations.

Luke and Brent Ganger: The brothers of Renee Nicole Good, a U.S. citizen and resident of Minneapolis, Minnesota who was shot and killed by an ICE agent in January.

Antonio Romanucci: An attorney representing the family of Renee Nicole Good.

Seth Stoughton: A former police officer and Professor at the University of South Carolina School of Law, where he is the Faculty Director of the Excellence in Policing & Public Safety (EPPS) Program.

Key Excerpts:

Let’s not let our Republican colleagues off the hook, because under normal circumstances, regardless of who’s in the majority, when tragedies like this happen, Congressional committees convene to conduct our job to provide that oversight, but our Republican colleagues refuse to. Not at the House, not at the Senate, not at the full committee, and not even the subcommittee level. But at least we are here doing what we can to bring this information to light.

We’ve seen the masks, the unmarked cars, the agents who refuse to identify themselves. We’ve seen the agents coming out of helicopters, rappelling onto an apartment building in Chicago, kicking in doors indiscriminately, all for purposes of making a promotional video for themselves. We’ve heard and seen about the tear gas. We’ve seen the shootings of cars like Mr. Rascon’s experience and others.

Instead of proceeding with the best practices of an independent investigation, what do we hear from the Administration, all the way to the top? “No, these officers have complete immunity.” Number one, that’s not true, it’s wrong. Number two, it’s the opposite message, the wrong message to send to the agents in the field.

So as heartbroken as I am, I’m not shocked that less than three weeks later, Mr. Pretti was shot. 10 times. In the back. All for what? Because Ms. Good and Mr. Pretti were exercising their First Amendment rights? They’re speaking up on behalf of their neighbors. That’s so core to our democracy, freedom of speech.

Under normal circumstances, we turn to the Department of Justice and the Civil Rights Division to oversee a credible, independent investigation and bring forth consequences and accountability when warranted. But sadly, we’re not living in normal times. And so we do need to exercise any leverage point we can for the important reforms and restraints of what’s happening on the streets, for the safety of our communities and our constituents.

Ms. Martinez deserves justice. Ms. Rahman deserves justice. Mr. Rascon deserves justice. The people of our country deserve better.

Video of Padilla’s remarks is available here.

Today’s event was the second public forum Padilla joined as part of an ongoing inquiry into the lawless and abusive tactics used by federal immigration agents. In December, Padilla heard testimony from five U.S. citizens, including three Californians, whom DHS agents have violently arrested and detained. Padilla and Senator Blumenthal also introduced the Accountability for Federal Law Enforcement Act that month to allow individuals — regardless of citizenship — the right to sue federal law enforcement officers and agencies in civil court for violations of their civil and constitutional rights.

Senator Padilla has been a leading voice in opposition to President Trump’s cruel and indiscriminate mass deportation agenda, including against his unprecedented, illegal militarization of Los Angeles and other American cities like Minneapolis. Last week, Padilla spoke on the Senate floor to hold the line against any additional funding for President Trump’s DHS after the brutal killings of Good and Pretti by ICE and CBP officers and agents. He also voted “no” against funding ICE and CBP’s cruelty. Additionally, Padilla and Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) joined U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and every Senate Judiciary Democrat in urging the Department of Justice to heed the calls of career prosecutors and open a civil rights investigation into the death of Renee Nicole Good. Last month, Padilla joined leading immigration advocates and interfaith leaders at an “ICE Out for Good” rally and vigil to condemn the Trump Administration’s abuses against American communities and to demand ICE and CBP leave Minnesota after Good’s killing.

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Reed Leads Calls for Fed’s Miran to Immediately End Improper Arrangement and Restore Fed Independence

WASHINGTON, DC – Trump economic advisor and current Federal Reserve Governor Stephen Miran was nominated to a short, four-month term at the Federal Reserve that ended last Saturday, January 31. But Miran -- who took a leave of absence as chair of the White House Council of Economic Advisers in order to join the seven-member Federal Reserve Board, and who Trump nominated to try and erode the Fed’s independence – has indicated he plans to remain at the Fed indefinitely while remaining “on leave” from his White House position.

Today, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) led their Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee colleagues in calling on Federal Reserve Governor Miran to immediately resign from the Federal Reserve Board after his short term expired on January 31, 2026.

“During your confirmation hearing to be a Governor, you testified under oath that you would not resign as Chair of the President’s Council of Economic Advisers because ‘the term for which I am being nominated is a little bit more than four months.’ This period is now up,” the eleven Democratic Senators on the Banking Committee wrote. “You are serving in holdover status and have implied an intention to stay indefinitely … Your extended tenure at the Federal Reserve has only compounded what was an improper arrangement from the outset, and this dual employment must end.”

The Senators’ letter articulates that Miran’s voting record and public statements demonstrate a lack of independence from White House political pressure, with his support for aggressive rate cuts appearing to follow the President’s demands rather than sound economic analysis—decisions that directly affect Americans’ ability to find jobs, afford homes, and manage their credit card debt.

“Despite empirical evidence that inflation remains elevated and the labor market is weakening, your voting record appears to be a product of the President’s pressure campaign to influence interest rates rather than sound analysis…” the Senators continued. “At worst, you are doing the President’s bidding and threatening to put the nation on the same path of high inflation and high unemployment – known as stagflation – we experienced when President Nixon similarly co-opted the Federal Reserve.”

“Your continued dual service at the Federal Reserve and the President’s CEA puts the Federal Reserve’s operations and our nation’s economy at risk. We therefore request you put our Nation’s economic well-being and the public’s trust in the Federal Reserve over your political ambitions and the President’s personal interests and immediately resign from the Federal Reserve,” the Senators concluded.

In addition to Reed, Gallego, and Ranking Member Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), the letter was also signed by U.S. Senators and Banking Committee members Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), and Mark Warner (D-VA).

Full text of the letter follows:

The Honorable Stephen I. Miran, Governor

Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System

Constitution Avenue & 20th Street NW

Washington, DC 20551

Dear Governor Miran,

With the expiration of your term at the Federal Reserve over the weekend, we write to request that you resign from the Board of Governors, effective immediately.

During your confirmation hearing to be a Governor, you testified under oath that you would not resign as Chair of the President’s Council of Economic Advisers because “the term for which I am being nominated is a little bit more than four months.” This period is now up. You are serving in holdover status and have implied an intention to stay indefinitely. You recently said on Bloomberg TV that you “don’t know” when your term will end and “wouldn’t mind” staying. Your extended tenure at the Federal Reserve has only compounded what was an improper arrangement from the outset, and this dual employment must end.

Your service at the Federal Reserve has apparently lacked independence from the White House. During your confirmation process you committed to “act in an independent manner based on my own analysis of the economy, of economic data, inflation, employment and the effects of economic policy thereon.” Despite empirical evidence that inflation remains elevated and the labor market is weakening, your voting record appears to be a product of the President’s pressure campaign to influence interest rates rather than sound analysis. For example, your support for jumbo rate cuts of 150 basis points in 2026 follows the President’s public calls for dangerously expansionary monetary policy. Such a significant cut is rarely seen outside a recession.

Your speeches have touted Trump’s immigration and trade policies in such a way as to appear beholden to the President while he controls your future employment at CEA. At worst, you are doing the President’s bidding and threatening to put the nation on the same path of high inflation and high unemployment – known as stagflation – we experienced when President Nixon similarly co-opted the Federal Reserve.

Your dual tenure at the Federal Reserve and CEA also conflicts with your own support for stronger firewalls between the central bank and political positions elsewhere in the Federal government. In a paper published in 2024, you proposed specific reforms to shut the revolving door, including prohibiting any Governor from returning to the executive branch for four years following their service at the Federal Reserve.

Americans depend on the Federal Reserve to make sound, independent decisions on monetary policy free from political pressure. These are decisions that affect Americans’ ability to find a job, afford a home, and pay off their credit cards. Your continued dual service at the Federal Reserve and the President’s CEA puts the Federal Reserve’s operations and our nation’s economy at risk. We therefore request you put our Nation’s economic well-being and the public’s trust in the Federal Reserve over your political ambitions and the President’s personal interests and immediately resign from the Federal Reserve.

Sincerely,


Reed Statement on Scouting America’s Vital Contributions to U.S. Military and Public Service

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, after Secretary of Defense Hegseth’s office threatened to end the U.S. military’s decades-long relationship with Scouting America, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement:

“Ending the military’s ties with Scouting America would be shortsighted and harmful to our nation’s long-term goals. For more than a century, Scouting America has helped shape young Americans who are grounded in duty, leadership, and love of country. The Scouts have provided one of the strongest pipelines into military and public service our nation has ever known.

“Secretary Hegseth’s notion that scouting is weakened because young women are given the chance to participate is shameful and false. Every Scout still wears the same flag on their sleeve and lives out the same timeless values, ethics, and morals that have always defined the organization. Scouting America produces exactly the kind of young men and women we need.

“Any attempt to threaten or politicize that legacy over personal cultural grievances is misguided and undermines a partnership that has long benefitted military families, readiness, and national security. We should be strengthening institutions that prepare young Americans to serve, not using the weight of the Pentagon to wage ideological fights against them.”


Sen. Rick Scott Leads Resolution Overruling D.C.’s Move to Deny Families and Businesses Trump’s Historic Tax Cuts

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Rick Scott announced a joint resolution rejecting the D.C. Council’s recent move that prevents federal tax laws under President Trump’s Working Families Tax Cuts from going into effect for district residents. This move by the D.C. government prevents families and businesses in the district from benefiting locally from massive tax savings like No Tax on Tips and No Tax on Overtime, American-made car loan interest deduction, and a senior tax deduction.

Senators Joni Ernst, Bernie Moreno, Marsha Blackburn, Roger Marshall, Kevin Cramer, and Markwayne Mullin are cosponsors in the Senate. Congressman Brandon Gill is leading the effort in the House of Representatives.

Senator Rick Scott said, “President Trump and Republicans passed historic tax cuts into law last year, including No Tax on Tips and No Tax on Overtime to support hardworking American families and businesses and to let them keep more of their own money. I cut taxes over 100 times when I was Governor of Florida to help turn our economy around and businesses grow – which is exactly what President Trump is working to do on the federal level. It is absolutely absurd that self-interested D.C. bureaucrats would deliberately deny families and businesses from saving their own, hard-earned dollars. Government’s top priority should be serving families, not benefiting off them.”

Senator Marsha Blackburn said, “By decoupling the D.C. tax code from the Working Families Tax Cuts signed into law by President Trump, the D.C. Council is depriving hardworking Americans from benefitting from tax provisions that will put more money in their pockets. This resolution would ensure seniors, service industry workers, and other taxpayers in our nation’s capital can reap the benefits of the historic tax reforms secured in the Working Families Tax Cuts.”

Congressman Brandon Gill said, “Thanks to President Trump, the Working Families Tax Cut stopped the largest tax hike since World War II, providing Americans with historic tax relief. The DC Council’s actions would block DC residents, namely service workers, from receiving these federal tax credits, from non-taxable tips and overtime, and from keeping their hard-earned money in their wallets. I am joining my colleague Sen. Rick Scott of Florida in putting a stop to the DC Council’s interference with America First tax relief.”

This legislation is endorsed by AMAC Action, DC Police Union, Independent Women’s Forum, International Franchise Association, National Association of Convenience Stores, National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors, National Restaurant Association, National Taxpayers Union, Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

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AFTER NORTH COUNTRY AIRPORTS FACED MAJOR CUTS, SCHUMER PROTECTS AND BOOSTS FEDERAL FUNDING FOR ESSENTIAL AIR SERVICE PROGRAM THAT NORTH COUNTRY AIRPORTS RELY ON TO KEEP CRITICAL FLIGHTS THAT DRIVE THE...

Essential Air Service Program Is The Main Federal Funding That Brings Flights To Watertown, Ogdensburg, Plattsburgh, Adirondack Regional And Massena International Airports

After Trump’s Attempt To Decimate Essential Air Service Program Leaving All Major North Country Airports Without The Support They Need To Provide Air Service, Schumer Announces Just-Passed Funding Bill Rejects Funding Cuts For Critical Flights That Drive Local Economy

Schumer: Protecting Essential Air Service Funding Is A Victory For Families And Small Businesses Across The North Country

After calling on Republicans to protect funding for the federal Essential Air Service program amid Trump’s proposed cuts, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today announced he has successfully increased funding for the vital program that all five North Country airports rely on. The Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development funding bill provides $514 million for the EAS program – a nearly 15% increase from last year, rejecting Trump’s proposal to cut the program by 50% and preventing the Department of Transportation from haphazardly terminating any EAS contracts.

“The Essential Air Service program is a lifeline for residents, businesses, and universities across the North Country. When I heard Trump wanted to cut funding for this vital program in half, I fought to protect it because I know how important it is for our rural communities like the North Country to get access to these flights to boost the local economy and connect area residents and businesses with national and international travel options,” said Senator Schumer. “I’m proud to announce we successfully prevented these changes from clearing the runway because I have not just preserved, but boosted, funding for this vital program preventing thousands of North Country residents from being left stranded having to travel hundreds of miles to get air service.”

Schumer explained that all five of the airports in New York that rely on EAS are in the North Country and help support flights critically important to the local economy, including:

Ogdensburg International Airport: round trip flights to Washington’s Dulles International Airport

Massena International Airport: round trip flights to Boston-Logan International Airport

Plattsburgh International Airport: round trip flights to Washington’s Dulles International Airport

Adirondack Regional Airport: round trip flights to Boston-Logan International Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport

Watertown International Airport: round trip flights to Philadelphia International Airport

Trump’s budget proposal would have slashed the EAS program by over $300 million next year, 50% of the program’s budget, gutting support for airports in the North Country. Schumer sounded the alarm on these proposed cuts, and said without these airports, North Country passengers would have to travel hundreds of miles to access air service. For example, passengers in Massena would have to travel as much as 256 miles to access air service. In addition to potential loss of air service, Trump’s budget proposal would also have devastated the local economy, potentially eliminating hundreds of jobs. Schumer announced, following his advocacy, the Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development funding bill provides $514 million for the EAS program, not only rejecting Trump’s proposal to cut the program by 50% and preventing the Department of Transportation from haphazardly terminating any EAS contracts but also increases funding by $64 million compared to last year – a nearly 15% increase.

The Essential Air Service program was developed after the airline industry was deregulated in 1978. Deregulation gave airlines the freedom to decide which markets to serve and how much to charge for that service. This led to a scarcity of air service in many communities across the country where operating costs were higher and populations were smaller and less dense. The EAS program was put into place to guarantee air service to these underserved communities. EAS ensures commuter airlines across the country serve rural communities, including Upstate New York.

The EAS program is widely popular and has been incredibly successful in Upstate NY. Schumer previously announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation named Breeze Airways as Ogdensburg International Airport’s new Essential Air Service carrier. Breeze launched a new direct, daily route from Ogdensburg International Airport to Washington, D.C.’s Dulles Airport in October 2024.

Schumer has worked for years to ensure NY’s airports are adequately funded and in the 2024 FAA bill secured an over 111% funding increase per year to strengthen the Essential Air Service (EAS) program and ensure small and rural communities maintain regular commercial service. The bill also makes it harder for airlines to terminate contracts that could leave communities without air service by incentivizing airports to keep their essential air service contracts, protecting families in areas that would not have easy access to an airport without the small one in their community.

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SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND DELIVER FULL FUNDING FOR WORLD TRADE CENTER HEALTH PROGRAM

Washington, D.C. – Today, following years of advocacy, U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, celebrated the passage to fully fund the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP), which is now on its way to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

Twenty-five years after the September 11th attacks, first responders and survivors continue to be diagnosed with serious and often life-threatening 9/11-related health conditions, underscoring the ongoing need for stable federal support for the program. The WTCHP faces increasing demand as enrollment continues to grow and new illnesses are identified, putting pressure on the program’s resources.

“Today, after years of work, we finally deliver on the sacred promise to ‘Never Forget’ by fully funding the World Trade Center Health Program to ensure the brave first responders and survivors always get the care they deserve. I have seen firsthand the toll that uncertainty and funding gaps take on our 9/11heroes, standing with them as more and more got sick with cancers and other illnesses from rushing to danger and working on the pile,” said Senator Schumer. “Families will no longer have to worry whether funding will be there for their loved ones to afford life-saving treatment. From the moment of the attacks, brave first responders and everyday New Yorkers made extraordinary sacrifices for our country. I promised I would not rest and never stop fighting until every 9/11 hero knows that when they need care, that care will be there for them. And today, a promise made becomes a promise kept. Now, with the World Trade Center Health Program fully funded, I’m thrilled to say we are eliminating funding cliffs for this program once and for all to ensure survivors will always receive the care they need.”

"The World Trade Center Health Program honors our promise to never forget our 9/11 survivors and the first responders who protected our nation in its darkest hour,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I was proud to work across the aisle to finally secure full funding for the World Trade Center Health Program, and I am relieved that the funding has been passed and will soon be signed into law. Ensuring our 9/11first responders and survivors have the resources they need to cope with the long-term health effects from toxic exposure has been one of my top priorities for my entire tenure in Congress. I am so proud of the work that our tireless advocates have done to fully fund the World Trade Center Health Program.”

“They say a victory has 1000 fathers. In all actuality, this victory, the passage of the WTCHP Correction Act (H.R.1410) has 145,000 plus fathers, in which over 48,000 plus have a certified 9/11 relate cancer,” said John Feal, 9/11 Responder and Advocate. “Responders & Survivors will continue to receive treatment and those who will get sick in the future from their toxic exposure will be able to join them. This short lived victor,y which took over 2 years was only achieved by the commitment & leadership of the NY Delegation and a selective few across the Country who worked closely as partners with a team of Advocates (Citizens for the Extension of the James Zadroga Act & the FealGood Foundation) who refused to give up and take no for an answer. Everyone's resolve & testament while tested, never wavered, and for that I am humbled to be part of this victory.”

“Tonight’s action by the United States Senate is a critical step forward for the heroes of September 11th and their families. The continued funding of the World Trade Center Health Program is not a political issue — it is a moral obligation,” said Uniformed Firefighters Association President Andrew Ansbro. “Thousands of firefighters and first responders answered the call on the worst day in our nation’s history, and many are still paying the price with their health. This funding ensures they will continue to receive the care they were promised and deserve. We are deeply grateful to Senator Gillibrand and her colleagues for standing with the men and women who ran toward danger, and for honoring our nation’s commitment to never forget those who sacrificed so much. The Uniformed Firefighters Association will never stop fighting to protect our members and all 9/11 responders, today and for generations to come.”

"Fully funding the World Trade Center Health Program is a major victory for all the 9/11responders and survivors suffering from long-term health challenges because of exposure to toxins at Ground Zero,” said New York State ADL-CIO President Mario Cilento. “The union movement has proudly led the fight to create the health program. Still, its full funding would not have been possible without the relentless leadership and advocacy of Senator Gillibrand, who ensured these brave Americans receive the care they deserve. We are deeply grateful for her unwavering commitment, alongside Senator Schumer, and the support of the entire New York delegation for getting this done and fulfilling a promise, as a country, that we would never forget."

“The New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations appreciates the steadfast efforts of Senator Gillibrand and the New York Congressional Delegation to extend the 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act,” said New York State Police Investigators Association President Kurt Labuda. “While more than 24 years have passed since 9/11, the effects of that terrible day are still being felt by the police, firefighters and others who worked and lived in and around ground zero in the days and months following the attack. Tragically, the New York State Police continue to lose members each year of 9/11 related health issues. While this bill and funding will not bring them back, it will help countless others with screening, health care, and medical treatment. It is our duty to honor those who worked at great personal risk to themselves on and after that tragic day, and this is part of that responsibility.”

“Responders and survivors must always receive the care they were promised without delay or disruption. More than two decades after the September 11 attacks, hundreds of retired and active Troopers continue to live with the long-term health consequences of their service,” said Charlie Murphy, President of New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association. “Fully funding the World Trade Center Health Program as part of this year’s federal appropriations process ensures our members will not fall through the cracks and will continue to receive lifesaving medical monitoring and treatment. We are grateful to Senator Gillibrand for her steadfast leadership and for securing the stability that our responders have earned.”

“On September 11, 2001 we may have seen the worst of humanity, but the days, months, and years that followed were defined by the best of humanity as heroic first responders from the NYPD, FDNY, and the New York City Building Trades, stood side-by-side leading recovery efforts in the direct aftermath of the attacks on the World Trade Center. These selfless men and women deserve access to medical treatment and services for their September 11-related health conditions, and now that has been made possible through the passage of the 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act,” said Gary LaBarbera, President of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York. “We thank Senator Schumer, Senator Gillibrand, Congressman Nadler, and Congressman Garbarino for their continued and exceptional leadership on behalf of September 11 responders and survivors. This critical funding for the World Trade Center Health Program will improve the lives of countless patriots and their families by providing them the care they have long-deserved."

“Since her election to Congress, Sen. Gillibrand has been a fierce advocate for 9/11 responders in New York and across the nation. Thanks to her leadership, Congress has once again provided the funding necessary for the World Trade Center Health Program and honored its commitment to those who answered the call on September 11, 2001,” said NYPD Sergeants Benevolent Association (SBA) President Vincent Vallelong. “In the nearly 25 years since 9/11, we have seen daily reminders of the heavy price paid by our members and others who selflessly placed themselves in harm’s way for their neighbors and their country. The SBA is grateful for the efforts of Sen. Gillibrand to fulfill the promise of the original Zadroga Act, and we are proud to have worked alongside her to ensure that 9/11 responders and survivors receive the ongoing care that they deserve.”

“I would like to personally thank you for your tireless efforts on the passing of the budget. which included the Funding for the WTCHP. Your efforts will ensure that my members of Local 94, and all the other first responders, will get the proper health care they deserve. I would like to thank you for standing shoulder to shoulder with us in this battle. Without your commitment to these important issues, our heroes would go unrecognized in their times of need. Together we remain united in our vow to, NEVER FORGET,” said Thomas Hart, President International, Union Of Operating Engineers Local 94.

The WTCHP was established in 2011 as part of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act and was originally funded for five years at $1.6 billion. The program was reauthorized in 2015 and extended through 2090 with bipartisan support. In 2022, Senators Gillibrand and Schumer led lawmakers in passing $1 billion for the WTCHP in the end-of-year spending bill, and in 2023, Senator Gillibrand helped secure an additional $676 million for the program. The updated funding secured this year continues that commitment to ensuring 9/11responders and survivors receive the care they need, now and in the years ahead.

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SCHUMER SUCCESSFULLY PROTECTS FEDERAL FUNDING FOR JOB CORPS ACROSS UPSTATE NY, PRESERVING ONE OF AMERICA’S LARGEST AND MOST EFFECTIVE JOB TRAINING PROGRAMS

After Trump Attempted To Totally Eliminate Job Corps, Schumer Announces Just-Passed Funding Bill Successfully Rejects Funding Cuts And Schumer Secured Language To Protect Job Corps Centers From Closure

Job Corps Provides Workforce Training To Thousands of Students Across America & Upstate NY – Located In Albany, Sullivan, Orleans, Otsego & Chautauqua Counties – Helping Underserved Workers Get The Skills They Need To Start Careers In Healthcare, Construction, Tech, And Other Fields With Worker Shortages

Schumer: Protecting Jobs Corps Is A Victory For Workers & Small Businesses Across Upstate NY

After Schumer stood at Job Corps centers across Upstate NY to lead the fight to protect one of the nation’s largest and most effective workforce training programs from Trump’s effort to eliminate it, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today announced he has successfully preserved funding for Job Corps and helping students across America, including thousands in New York, get the skills they need to enter in-demand careers.

“Job Corps is one of the best bang for your buck programs we have to boost our local economies, which is why I fought hard to protect it from Trump’s proposed cuts. I’m proud to announce that, following my advocacy, we have preserved funding for Job Corps, ensuring the continuation of one of America’s largest and most effective workforce training programs,” said Senator Schumer. “Last year, I traveled to Job Corps centers across Upstate NY from Otsego to Orleans County to meet with students, staff, and small business owners whose lives have been changed for the better because of this vital program. Job Corps has thousands upon thousands of success stories helping young people develop skills to find jobs in in-demand fields, and today is a victory for all of them and a testament to their hard work. I will continue standing up for federal programs like Job Corps that support our small businesses and help young New Yorkers find good jobs and thrive.”

Anand Vimalassery, National Job Corps Association Interim President & CEO said, "Job Corps faced unprecedented disruption and uncertainty over the last year. Through it all, Senator Schumer stood by our students and staff in Calicoon, Cassadaga, Glenmont, Medina, New York City, and Oneonta. His leadership is helping ensure young adults in New York continue to have a pathway into the skilled workforce through Job Corps and we’re grateful for his support.”

After hearing about Trump’s proposed cuts, Schumer traveled to Job Corps centers across Upstate New York, from the Iroquois Job Corps center in Orleans County to the Cassadaga Job Corps center in Chautauqua County and the Otsego Job Corps Center, to stand with students, staff, and small business owners and demand we protect this vital pipeline for skilled workers to fill jobs. The just-passed Fiscal Year 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education funding bill rejects Trump’s call to eliminate Job Corps and instead provides $1.76 billion in federal funding to keep them open. Schumer also secured language that blocks the closure of Job Corps Centers unless such closures meet specific requirements.

In May 2025, Trump paused operations at Job Corps centers nationwide. Afterward, a federal judge temporarily blocked Trump from shutting down Job Corps centers, and another federal judge said operations must resume until the previous case is resolved. Schumer explained that the Trump administration not only attempted to shut down Job Corps centers, but in his budget request, Trump said he wanted to totally zero out funding for the program, effectively killing the program without needing the approval of federal courts.

In addition to fighting back on Trump’s proposed elimination of funds for Jobs Corps in the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bill, Schumer led efforts in the Senate to oppose the Trump administration’s destructive and potentially illegal actions like pausing existing funds for the Job Corps centers. Schumer called on U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer to protect Job Corps and demanded answers on these destructive efforts. Thanks to Schumer’s leadership, the Fiscal Year 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education funding bill rejects Trump’s call to eliminate Job Corps and instead provides $1.76 billion in federal funding – which is consistent with the previous year – to keep them open and includes language to protect against Trump’s efforts to illegally shut down specific centers.

Schumer said Job Corps centers have helped millions of young people ages 16 to 24 finish high school, learn technical skills, and get jobs in in-demand fields such as healthcare and construction. Low-income and at-risk young people have received stable housing and healthcare while developing the skills they need to get good-paying jobs after graduation. Across Upstate NY, centers in Albany, Sullivan, Orleans, Otsego, and Chautauqua Counties serve thousands of young New Yorkers and employ over 500 staff.

"I remember the day President Trump called Job Corps a failure unworthy of American Investment. It felt like he was calling us failures unworthy of investment. That shattered any hope my classmates and I had,” said Oneonta Job Corps Academy graduate Jaylynn Garelick. “But then, Senator Schumer stood up and joined the fight to save Job Corps. Without this program so many lives would've been destroyed. Thank you, Senator Schumer, for helping save Job Corps.”

“The Iroquois Job Corps Center has been a cornerstone of opportunity in Orleans County for more than sixty years, helping young people gain the skills and credentials they need to succeed while strengthening our local economy,” said Lynne Johnson, Chairman of the Orleans County Legislature. “Preserving funding for Job Corps is critical for our students, our workforce, and our community. Thanks to Senator Schumer, the Iroquois Job Corps Center can continue delivering real pathways to good-paying careers and supporting the next generation of skilled workers.”

“Job Corps put me on a path to a good-paying union career, and Iroquois gave me the support to succeed,” said Kevon Parson, an Iroquois Job Corps graduate and member of the Buffalo Bricklayers union. “I’m thankful Senator Schumer fought to preserve Job Corps funding so students across Upstate New York still have that same shot.”

“Thank you, Senator Schumer, for securing the necessary federal funding for Job Corps. The Oneonta Job Corps Academy is a significant partner to area employers and the greater Otsego County Community. They are national leaders in overhead power training and furnish qualified employees to businesses from masonry and tile setting to auto body repair and nursing. Their graduates provide much needed workforce contributions to our struggling local labor market. But more than that, the true impact of Job Corps is that they change the life direction of our nation's at-risk youth. This return on investment is nearly incalculable,” said Sean Lewis, Otsego County Chamber of Commerce President & CEO.

“I want to thank Senator Schumer for his strong and consistent advocacy for our community and for the Job Corps program. His leadership has made a real difference in protecting this vital vocational program for young people,” said Sullivan County Legislator Catherine Scott. “As a Sullivan County legislator, I see firsthand the impact Job Corps has on our community. It is not only a major local employer, but a place where young people are given the opportunity to learn, grow, and build a future for themselves. The education and hands-on training students receive help them gain real skills, confidence, and a pathway out of poverty—opening doors that might otherwise remain closed."

“Thank you, Senator Chuck Schumer, for your advocacy efforts in preserving Job Corps,” said Cassadaga Job Corps graduate Arlene Tariq, LMSW. “This program gave me real opportunity, skills, and direction at a time when I needed it most. Because of Job Corps, I was able to build a foundation for my future that truly changed my life.”

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ICYMI: In Bipartisan Appropriations Package, Shaheen Secures National and New Hampshire Priorities, More Than $43 million for 54 Granite State Projects

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies (Ag-FDA) Subcommittee and a senior member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, highlighted the numerous priorities she championed and secured in the bipartisan Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Department of Defense; Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education and Related Agencies; Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations and Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bills recently passed by the U.S. Senate and House, including $43 million in Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) for 54 projects in New Hampshire. In these bills, which Senate Democrats helped craft, Shaheen secured critical investments to address housing affordability, bolster support for resources to fight the substance use disorder epidemic, invest in childcare, support small businesses and more. The funding bills now head to the President's desk to be signed into law.

“By rejecting the Trump Administration’s most reckless funding cuts and investing in programs that help provide financial breathing room for Americans during the cost of living crisis, this bipartisan package sends a clear signal of support for working families across the nation,” said Senator Shaheen. “As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee who helps craft these bills, I was proud to secure Congressionally Directed Spending that helps small states like New Hampshire fund over fifty critical projects that will make life better for families in every corner of our state.”

Shaheen-Secured Priorities in the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2026

Standing With Ukraine

Senator Shaheen has consistently worked to ensure the delivery of military, humanitarian and economic assistance to Ukraine as they fight for their freedom and democracy amid Putin’s war. The Senate-passed Defense Appropriations bill includes $400 million to equip the Ukrainian Armed Forces and Eastern Europe with the tools needed to fend off Russia’s aggression.

Upholding the Women, Peace and Security Law

Amid efforts by Secretary Hegseth to undermine the Women, Peace and Security law Senator Shaheen ushered through Congress under the first Trump Administration, the Senate-passed Defense Appropriations bill includes $12.5 million to implement WPS across the combatant commands.

In 2017, Shaheen led the bipartisan Women, Peace and Security law through Congress to prioritize the promotion of women’s participation in foreign policy and national security efforts, such as conflict prevention, peace negotiations and democratic institutions. Women’s participation in peace negotiations increases the probability by 35 percent of agreements lasting at least 15 years.

Supporting New Hampshire’s Defense Industrial Base

As a result of Senator Shaheen’s leadership for New Hampshire’s aerospace industry, the bill provides $5 million for the work done in Londonderry on L3 Harris’s Enhanced Night Vision Goggle-Binocular and funds the procurement of one additional F-15EX aircraft above the President’s Budget Request. It also fully funds the KC-46 refueling tanker, flown by the New Hampshire National Guard’s 157th Air Refueling Wing; and fully funds the procurement of two additional Compass Call aircraft, for which key components come from BAE System’s facilities in Hudson and Merrimack. The bill also includes a $175 million increase for the Improved Turbine Engine Program, which will support work on the program done in Hooksett.

Shaheen also worked to include $9.6 billion for the procurement of F-35 Joint Strike Fighters. Shaheen has been a steadfast supporter of the F-35 program, which enhances U.S. national security and invests in New Hampshire’s economy and role in support of our national defense. New Hampshire has 58 first-tier suppliers for the program. Shaheen also secured $5 million for the verified destruction of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF), which use per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as an ingredient. The DOD has used AFFF for several decades across the country, and PFAS chemicals have been linked with human health concerns.

Finally, the bill includes a $32 billion increase requested by Shaheen for the APEX Accelerators Program, which assists small businesses in New Hampshire with procurement opportunities with the Department of Defense.

Investing in Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and New England’s Ship Building Workforce

As a co-chair of the U.S. Senate Navy Caucus and a senior member of the Defense Subcommittee and U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Shaheen built on her long legacy of support for New England’s shipbuilding industry and workforce, including through authorizing funding and workforce development for the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. The defense bill provides $5.4 billion to procure two Virginia-class submarines, which are maintained at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. This funding will also directly support Virginia-class program suppliers in New England. The bill also provides $12.2 billion for the procurement of two Columbia class submarines, plus one in advance procurement dollars.

Shaheen-Secured Priorities in the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2026

Boosting Efforts to Address the Substance Use Disorder Crisis

A longtime champion of increasing funding to address the ongoing substance use disorder crisis, Senator Shaheen secured $20 million in increased funding for the State Opioid Response (SOR) grant program, as well as a $40 million increase for the Substance Use Prevention, Treatment and Recovery Services Block Grant.

The report includes language ensuring that the formula used to calculate the 15 percent hardest hit state set aside includes opioid-specific overdose data. The bill also directs the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to avoid large funding cliffs between funding cycles and encourages the agency to expand the number of states eligible for the hardest-hit set aside.

Protecting Investments in Workforce Development

Maintaining key investments that support job training and help connect Granite Staters with good jobs, Shaheen secured $2.9 billion for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) formula grants and $285 million for Registered Apprenticeships. The Registered Apprenticeships Program supports an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway where employers can develop and prepare their future workforce, and individuals can obtain paid work experience with a mentor, receive progressive wage increases, classroom instruction and a portable, nationally-recognized credential.

The bill includes $55 million for Workforce Opportunities for Rural Communities Grants, including $8 million for the Northern Border Regional Commission.

Senator Shaheen secured language directing the Department of Labor to issue guidance authorizing Job Corps center operators to utilize alternative background check and vetting services that meet statutory requirements.

The bill maintains funding for AmeriCorps at $1.25 billion.

Investing in Child Care and Education

Amid efforts by the Trump Administration to roll back, delay and withhold critical funding that helps make child care and education more affordable for Granite Staters, the Senate-passed appropriations bill makes significant investments in students’ and families’ ability to get ahead, including:

$8.8 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant.

$1.19 billion for the TRIO programs in opposition to its proposed elimination in the President’s Budget.

Directing the Department of Education to annually update publicly available student loan outcomes data.

Instructing the Department of Education to support staffing levels required by law.

Directing the Department of Education to award formula grants to states as soon as the Department is able to distribute them.

$15.5 billion for Individuals with Disability Education Act grants in opposition to the Trump Administration’s proposal to consolidate them and devolve their operations to the states.

$291.8 million for the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Boosting Health and Medical Research

The Senate-passed appropriations package includes Shaheen-backed provisions to counter ill-advised cuts to medical research at the Department of Health and Human Services, including:

$48.7 billion for National Institutes of Health (NIH) research.

$2.32 billion for NIH diabetes research.

Uncovering Damaging Effects of PFAS

As part of her efforts to uncover the health effects related to PFAS contamination, the Senate-passed appropriations bill includes Senator Shaheen’s request directing the Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to engage with the National Institute of Standards and Technology on their ongoing study to identify a firefighter’s relative risk of exposure to PFAS released from their protective gear.

Advancing Access to Lower Cost Drugs

The Senate-passed appropriations package includes Shaheen’s provision urging the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to examine barriers to biosimilar drug access, which have been proven to increase competition and lower drug costs. Shaheen’s bipartisan INSULIN Act also includes proposals to expedite Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approval of biosimilar drugs.

Shaheen-Secured Priorities in the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2026

Increasing Access to Affordable Housing

To help address New Hampshire’s severe shortage of affordable housing, the bill invests $1.25 billion in the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, which helps build new housing across the state and supports grant programs that aid state and local efforts to remove barriers to housing construction. The bill also protects funding for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) rental assistance programs, rejecting drastic cuts proposed by the Trump Administration.

The legislation also protects grant programs that provide housing assistance and supportive services for people experiencing homelessness, including increased funding for Homeless Assistance Grants. The bill includes language Senator Shaheen supported which ensures local organizations that help Granite Staters keep a roof over their heads are not cut off from funding.

Shaheen also successfully included language to cut red tape that can slow affordable housing construction, as well as a provision calling for HUD to prioritize projects that address the dual challenges of housing and child care.

Prioritizing Aviation Safety

In the wake of numerous near misses and tragedies, the appropriations bill invests in programs to address air traffic controller (ATC) staffing shortages, improve working conditions for controllers and ensure the safe transportation of people and goods within U.S. airspace, including by providing:

$13.7 billion for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) operations, an amount that will allow the FAA to hire 2,500 new air traffic controllers and 54 new aviation safety inspectors.

$577 million in supplemental Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding. In New Hampshire, AIP supplemental grants have helped airports prepare for winter conditions and ensure the safety and security of passengers, property and equipment.

$279 million for the Contract Tower Program, a $23 million increase that Shaheen successfully advocated for. This funding is critical to aviation safety, ensuring that operations continue at the 263 FAA contract towers across the country.

$513 million for the Essential Air Program, which amounts to full funding for the program. This program ensures affordable air service in rural communities.

Shaheen-secured language to support ATC workforce development by directing the FAA to prepare a report on the Enhanced Collegiate Training Initiative Program’s initial outcomes.

Shaheen-secured language directing the FAA to report on the status of the Airport Non-Cooperative Surveillance Radar (ANSR) program and its implementation. ANSR is an initiative to develop and modernize aging non-cooperative radars within the National Airspace System.

Shaheen-Secured Priorities in the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2026

Supporting Small Businesses

As a long-time leader on small business issues and a top member of the U.S. Senate Small Business Committee, Senator Shaheen helped protect funding for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Entrepreneurial Development programs, including the State Trade Expansion Program, Women's Business Centers, Small Business Development Centers and more.

Shaheen has also led the charge to ensure that SBA’s district offices are adequately staffed—a challenge currently facing the Granite State office. In the FY26 appropriations bills, Shaheen secured language encouraging SBA to have at least seven full-time employees at each district office and directing them to fill vacant positions below that level.

Supporting Housing and Economic Development

The bill protects the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund) from funding cuts proposed by the Trump Administration and limits the administration’s ability to undercut the fund by slashing staffing. Shaheen has been a strong support of the CDFI Fund which promotes development in low-income urban and rural communities by investing in mission-driven financial institutions.

Battling the Substance Use Disorder Crisis

Senator Shaheen has spearheaded crucial legislation and funding to stem the opioid epidemic and increase access to substance use treatment in New Hampshire. In the FY26 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill, Shaheen helped protect funding for the Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Program, which provides grants to local community coalitions to address the youth substance use disorder crisis, and the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Program, which provides assistance to federal, state and local law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions in the United States.

Preventing Postal Disruptions

Senator Shaheen has long been concerned about the Postmaster General’s harmful changes to the U.S. Postal Service that are negatively impacting Granite Staters. That’s why she supported language in the legislation directing the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to brief the Appropriations Committee on the status of postal facility consolidations within 180 days of this legislation’s enactment. Senator Shaheen previously helped introduce bicameral, bipartisan legislation that would prohibit USPS from consolidating, closing or downgrading a processing and distribution center if it would leave a state without one or negatively impact mail delivery across a state.

Missing Armed Forces and Civilian Personnel

Senator Shaheen has long been committed to helping the families of prisoners of war (POWs) and those missing in action (MIA). Her bipartisan bill with Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID), the Bring Our Heroes Home Act, would eliminate obstacles preventing families and caseworkers from accessing the records needed for recovering America’s POWs and MIA. According to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, more than 81,500 Americans remain unaccounted for from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Cold War, the Gulf Wars and other conflicts. As part of this effort, Shaheen secured language in the appropriations bill encouraging the National Archives to begin searching for and publicly releasing records related to missing service men and women, as her bill would require.

Cracking Down on Scams

In an effort to protect the American public from the proliferation of increasingly complex scams, this year’s bill includes Shaheen-led language expressing concern about the dangers posed by AI-generated robocalls and directing the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to brief the Committee within 60 days of enactment.

Senator Shaheen also included the following Congressionally Directed Spending projects for New Hampshire, totaling more than $43 million:

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Shaheen Statement on ACLU Findings Outlining Detailed Plans for Merrimack ICE Facility

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) released the following statement in light of new findings from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Hampshire that made public state documents confirming detailed plans for a new Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Merrimack:

“In New Hampshire, many Granite Staters are watching the Trump Administration’s chaotic and often lawless approach to immigration enforcement with outrage and anxiety—wondering what it could mean if similar operations were to expand into our communities. Yet for more than a month, rumors about plans for a new ICE facility in Merrimack raised questions that went unanswered as DHS provided unsatisfactory responses or outright ignored our requests for more information, leaving the public completely in the dark.

“Granite Staters deserve answers about what the federal government is planning in New Hampshire, especially amid growing concerns with how this Administration’s sweeping and untargeted operations have wreaked havoc and made it harder for local law enforcement to do their jobs. The Trump Administration’s responses thus far have been wholly inadequate, and I intend to continue forcefully pushing for answers.

“We know that we can and must have a secure border, safe communities and adhere to a humane immigration system that abides by the rule-of-law.”

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Shaheen, Young Statement on Trump Administration’s Critical Minerals Stockpile Announcement

**Bipartisan pair introduced the SECURE Minerals Act to support domestic supply chains for critical minerals to meet national and economic security needs**

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Todd Young (R-IN), lead sponsors of the SECURE Minerals Act to create a new Strategic Resilience Reserve that ensures a domestic supply of critical minerals, released the following statement on the announcement that the Trump Administration is launching a $12 billion stockpile of critical and rare earth minerals:

“We are pleased to see the Administration take steps to stockpile critical minerals for economic purposes. It’s a clear sign that there is bipartisan support for securing a robust domestic supply of critical minerals that both reduces our reliance on China and stabilizes the market.

“Beyond this effort, we should ensure a reliable, long-term supply and provide the durability needed to grow and maintain a domestic critical minerals industry in order to stabilize prices and diversify our most important supply chains away from China. Our bipartisan, bicameral SECURE Minerals Act will give American companies and consumers the certainty we need to fend off supply chain disruptions, volatile prices and economic coercion from our most important economic adversary.

“With this announcement in mind, we look forward to working with our colleagues to earn more support and pass our bill through Congress to advance long-term American leadership to secure the materials and good jobs that strengthen our national security and grow our economy.”

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

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

Click HERE to view bill text.

Click HERE to view “What They’re Saying” about the SECURE Minerals Act.

Last month, Shaheen and Young introduced the new Securing Essential and Critical U.S. Resources and Elements (SECURE) Minerals Act to establish a Strategic Resilience Reserve in an independent government corporation to focus on supporting the critical minerals market. The House companion is led by Representatives Rob Wittman (R-VA-01) and John Moolenaar (R-MI-02). In the Senate, the bipartisan SECURE Minerals Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-SD), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tim Sheehy (R-MT) and Angus King (I-ME).

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

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Standing Up for Victims of Havana Syndrome, Senators Shaheen and Collins Urge Pentagon to Pause Relocation Proposal

**Pentagon proposal would relocate the cross-functional team that advances research and needed care for victims of anomalous health incidents (AHIs), also known as Havana Syndrome**

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Susan Collins (R-ME), long-standing partners on efforts to treat and uncover the effects of anomalous health incidents (AHIs), are raising concerns about the Pentagon’s possible proposal to restructure the team that oversees the federal government’s response to AHIs, also known as “Havana Syndrome.” In a letter to U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Shaheen and Collins argue that a proposed relocation of the cross-functional team (CFT) could stifle ongoing efforts to do right by victims of Havana Syndrome and urge the Pentagon to pause the effort until Congress is briefed.

The Senators wrote, in part: “Since 2021, the Department's CFT has identified critical care for victims, led research into causation and provided timely information to Congress on its important work. We ask that you maintain the current structure of the CFT and pause any proposed movements of the CFT's location within the Department until the Department follows its statutorily-required briefing requirements to Congress.”

The lawmakers continued: “Since Congress passed the HAVANA Act, more than 300 US government personnel have qualified for care in the military health system, many of them U.S. servicemembers, diplomats and members of the intelligence community. We owe it to these personnel to continue to receive care while ongoing research is done on attribution and technology, which can only be done by the CFT in its current form.”

The Senators continued: “It was also President Trump's first administration that began investigating the source of the phenomenon when AHIs were first reported. Therefore, any proposed changes to the CFT and its mandate from within your Department appear to be out of line with both your priorities and those of the President.”

Shaheen and Collins concluded: “Consistent with your commitments to Congress and the law, we request that you pause any movement of the Cross-Functional Team within the Pentagon until you brief Congress immediately both on your statutory requirement and any proposed changes to the CFT's location and structure.”

Click HERE to view the full letter text.

In 2019, Shaheen successfully secured language to provide long-term, emergency care benefits for injured U.S. Government employees serving overseas and their dependents that have been designated as suffering injuries as a result of a hostile action or health incident while serving in China and Cuba. The Shaheen and Collins-backed HAVANA Act was signed into law on October 8, 2021, after passing both chambers of Congress unanimously.

Shaheen and Collins have long partnered to push the U.S. government under Presidents of both parties to do more for victims of Havana Syndrome. In 2021, the pair unveiled bipartisan legislation to reform the U.S. government’s investigation and response to suspected directed energy attacks and improve access to care for impacted individuals. In 2024, they led a bipartisan group of Senators in sending a letter to President Biden urging his administration to renew efforts to investigate the root cause behind AHIs.

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