Hickenlooper, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Overhaul, Digitize Permitting Process

ePermit Act would bring federal permitting process into 21st century

Effort will make electricity cheaper, more reliable

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper, John Curtis, Cory Booker, Dave McCormick, Mark Kelly, Steve Daines, Alex Padilla, and Ted Budd introduced the bipartisan ePermit Act to modernize and streamline federal permitting processes. The bill would replace outdated paper applications and siloed permitting processes with an online interactive platform for submitting applications and tracking federal permitting processes to help lower costs and increase transparency for the public.

“Our outdated permitting processes take too long and leave people in the dark the entire time,” said Hickenlooper. “Our bipartisan ePermit Act creates a one-stop-shop to streamline the process, reduce costs, and make it easier for everyone to track.”

“Outdated, paper-based permitting systems slow down projects, frustrate communities, and make it harder for agencies to do their jobs,” said Curtis. “Our bipartisan legislation brings federal environmental reviews into the twenty-first century by improving transparency, coordination, and public engagement without weakening critical environmental standards.”

“In the 21st century, it should be a no-brainer to use modern digital technology instead of pencils and paper to streamline and centralize our permitting process,” said Booker. “This is a commonsense solution that will cut unnecessary delays in bureaucracy and save money without compromising environmental standards, all while promoting accessibility and public engagement. Making the government run more effectively and efficiently to deliver for communities is something both parties can get behind, and I’m proud that Democrats and Republicans are coming together to make our government work better for all Americans.”

“Our permitting system is outdated and still shaped by paper files and unnecessary bureaucracy,” said McCormick. “A digital permitting framework would help federal agencies review permits more efficiently and transparently, leading to faster approvals, stronger coordination, and more predictable timelines for all involved. I am pleased to support this legislation and help transform our permitting process into one that can work effectively for the 21st century.”

“From water infrastructure to transportation, Arizona has real needs, and we shouldn’t be waiting years for things to get built because the process gets stuck,” said Kelly. “By modernizing permitting with the latest technology and tools, projects can move forward faster and more efficiently. That means less bureaucracy and fewer delays, without cutting corners on environmental protections or public input.”

“There is no reason critical permitting reviews should be delayed by outdated, bureaucratic systems,” said Padilla. “Modernizing our systems through digital tools and standardizing permitting data collection across agencies will save money and time while preserving strong environmental standards and public input. E-permitting is a commonsense solution with bipartisan support, and I will keep working across the aisle to get it done.”

Currently, outdated, paper-based systems and poor interagency coordination bog down the federal permitting process. Projects regularly get delayed by months – or years – and end up costing more. The senators’ bipartisan bill would overhaul how federal agencies work together to review applications and bring the process into the 21st century. It would improve public transparency in the process while preserving existing environmental protection requirements.

Specifically, it would:

Require Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), in consultation with Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council (from FAST-41), Chief Information Officers Council, Office of Management and Budget, to establish data standards for Federal agencies

Create publicly accessible information on authorization timelines, project location, project type, environmental reviews, and mitigation measures

Require agencies to establish integrated geographic information system (GIS) analysis tools

Require a pilot program to be created within a year of enactment

Set target implementation date for December 2027

The legislation has already received strong support. Check out what supporters are saying HERE.

Full text of the legislation available HERE.

###


Franklin County Hospital gets stronger footing with new appropriations package

Daily Leader Staff

President Donald Trump signed a five-bill appropriations package Feb. 3 that includes a wide assortment of benefits for Mississippi, including a provision fought for by Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) to help keep the doors open at the Franklin County Hospital.

Hyde-Smith, of Brookhaven, Hyde-Smith serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee that crafted the five-bill package (HR.7148) that will ensure most federal programs and projects will be funded through Sept. 30. With the signing of the measure Tuesday, Congress has completed 11 of the 12 annual funding bills.

Hyde-Smith worked to include language in the FY2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education (Labor-HHS) Appropriations Bill to reinstate the Critical Access Hospital (CAH) designation for the Franklin County Hospital, which the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) rescinded on Jan. 15.

“There is still so much work to do to improve rural healthcare in Mississippi, but I’m very happy that we’ve acted to help the Franklin County Hospital and give it a stronger chance to be on a stronger financial footing. Without this, the hospital could have closed. CMS dropping the critical access status wasn’t warranted and we’ve come up with a sensible solution to ensure continued access to quality rural healthcare there and for other hospitals in that situation,” said Hyde-Smith, who serves on the Labor-HHS Appropriations Subcommittee.

Resending the CAH designation for the hospital in Meadville meant that it would no longer be eligible for federal resources intended to help sustain the financial viability of rural hospitals and assure access to essential medical services.

Last October, Hyde-Smith introduced bipartisan legislation (S.3047) to protect the Franklin County Hospital and others in the same situation. Earlier this year, Hyde-Smith, U.S. Representative Michael Guest (R-Miss.), and others asked congressional and appropriations leadership to support the inclusion of the CAH language.

Overall, Hyde-Smith used her membership on the Appropriations Committee and six subcommittees to support projects and programs beneficial to Mississippi and the nation.


Georgia Senate Passes Bill for Imported Shrimp Menu Disclosure

February 10, 2026 at 5:13 AM GMT-5

The Georgia state senate has passed legislation requiring restaurants and other foodservice establishments to disclose the use of imported shrimp on their menus. According to SeafoodSource, the bill passed in a 43-to-8 vote.

If enacted, the legislation would mandate that Georgia food establishments include the term FOREIGN IMPORTED next to every menu item containing imported shrimp. The state house passed a version of the bill a year ago but must now also approve the amended senate version.

The Southern Shrimp Alliance supports the bill, stating it adds transparency for consumers and supports local restaurants and fishing families. The group thanked the bill's sponsors, Senator Ben Watson and Representative Jesse Petrea.

Georgia is the latest southern state to pursue such measures to protect its domestic shrimp sector. Efforts have been supported by a campaign involving sampling shrimp sold at restaurants to test its origin, which has shown high levels of foreign shrimp being sold instead of domestic shrimp. The campaign asserts that testing drives awareness about the high percentage of imported seafood.

Other southern states already have seafood labeling laws, including Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. Florida and South Carolina are pursuing similar legislation.


Walkinshaw, Warner, Kaine Introduce Legislation to Keep Federal Wages Competitive

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative James R. Walkinshaw (D-VA-11) and U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) joined colleagues to introduce the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act, bicameral legislation that would provide federal employees with a 4.1 percent pay increase in 2027.

“Federal workers are the backbone of America, delivering the essential services and benefits that families have earned in every corner of our country,” said Walkinshaw. “They serve communities nationwide and have done so honorably even as the Trump administration has launched unprecedented attacks on the civil service. The FAIR Act delivers a much-needed 4.1 percent pay raise in 2027 so federal pay can keep pace with the cost of living and public service careers remain competitive.”

“Federal workers across the nation dedicate their lives to serving their fellow citizens and keep our government running,” said Warner and Kaine. “It’s critical that we are recruiting and retaining individuals with the best experience and expertise. We’re proud to introduce this bill to ensure fair and competitive pay for these critical jobs.”

Despite recent pay increases for federal employees under the Biden Administration – including increases of 4.6 percent in 2024, 5.2 percent in 2024, and 2 percent in 2025 – wages continue to lag behind the rising cost of living. In 2023, federal employees earned roughly 27 percent less on average than employees in the private sector, according to the Federal Salary Council. This legislation will ensure federal employees, who serve in all 50 states on behalf of constituents in every congressional district, earn an average pay increase of 4.1 percent.

“Federal employees have long faced a significant gap in salaries as compared to their private-sector counterparts — nearly 27%lower on average nationwide—making it hard to recruit and retain the dedicated public servants our nation deserves. That’s why American Federation of Government Employees supports Senator Schatz’s reintroduction of the FAIR Act, which would provide a meaningful pay adjustment and help close this pay gap by delivering a 4.1 % raise in January 2027. Fair pay isn’t just good for federal workers — it’s also good for the quality of government services and the people we all serve,” said Everett Kelley, National President of American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE).

“Federal employees live and work in every state and congressional district across the country providing critical services for our nation and the American people. However, their pay falls far below that of individuals in comparable jobs in the private sector. NTEU applauds Senator Schatz and Representative Walkinshaw and the many Members of Congress who cosponsored this bill for supporting federal workers receiving a fair pay increase in 2027 to ensure that employees can keep up with the costs of living and that the federal government can recruit and retain talented workers,” said Doreen Greenwald, National President of the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU).

The Senate legislation is led by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI). In addition to Warner and Kaine, the bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

Full text of the bill is available here.

###


Kelly, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Modernize Federal Permitting Process

ePermit Act to digitize the permitting process across federal agencies

Today, Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), John Curtis (R-UT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Dave McCormick (R-PA), Steve Daines (R-MT), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Ted Budd (R-NC) introduced the ePermit Act, bipartisan legislation to modernize and streamline federal environmental reviews and permitting by leveraging standardized, digital, and cloud-based technologies. This bipartisan permitting reform will help Arizonans by reducing delays and cutting red tape for projects that fix roads, build homes, and expand clean energy.

Companion legislation introduced by Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-SD) and Scott Peters (D-CA) passed the House of Representatives in December 2025.

“From water infrastructure to transportation, Arizona has real needs, and we shouldn’t be waiting years for things to get built because the process gets stuck,” said Kelly. “By modernizing permitting with the latest technology and tools, projects can move forward faster and more efficiently. That means less bureaucracy and fewer delays, without cutting corners on environmental protections or public input.”

“Outdated, paper-based permitting systems slow down projects, frustrate communities, and make it harder for agencies to do their jobs,” said Curtis. “Our bipartisan legislation brings federal environmental reviews into the twenty-first century by improving transparency, coordination, and public engagement without weakening critical environmental standards.”

“In the 21st century, it should be a no-brainer to use modern digital technology instead of pencils and paper to streamline and centralize our permitting process,” said Booker. “This is a commonsense solution that will cut unnecessary delays in bureaucracy and save money without compromising environmental standards, all while promoting accessibility and public engagement. Making the government run more effectively and efficiently to deliver for communities is something both parties can get behind, and I’m proud that Democrats and Republicans are coming together to make our government work better for all Americans.”

“Our permitting system is outdated and still shaped by paper files and unnecessary bureaucracy,” said McCormick. “A digital permitting framework would help federal agencies review permits more efficiently and transparently, leading to faster approvals, stronger coordination, and more predictable timelines for all involved. I am pleased to support this legislation and help transform our permitting process into one that can work effectively for the 21st century.”

“Far too often, critical infrastructure projects in Montana are held up because of burdensome permitting processes,” said Daines. “The ePermit Act will help cut through red tape and increase efficiency, and I’ll work with my colleagues to get it across the finish line.”

“Our outdated permitting processes take too long and leave people in the dark the entire time,” said Hickenlooper. “Our bipartisan ePermit Actcreates a one-stop-shop to streamline the process, reduce costs, and make it easier for everyone to track.”

“There is no reason critical permitting reviews should be delayed by outdated, bureaucratic systems,” said Padilla. “Modernizing our systems through digital tools and standardizing permitting data collection across agencies will save money and time while preserving strong environmental standards and public input. E-permitting is a commonsense solution with bipartisan support, and I will keep working across the aisle to get it done.”

Background:

The federal permitting process too often falls behind schedule due to outdated, paper-based systems. Lengthy documents, limited transparency, and poor interagency coordination create confusion, delays projects, and invites unnecessary litigation.

The ePermit Act directs federal agencies to adopt standardized data systems and modern project-management tools to tackle these problems head-on, helping agencies work more efficiently while improving public access and accountability by:

Modernizing the environmental review process.

Creating a cloud-based permit authorization portal to improve submission, tracking, transparency, and interagency coordination during permitting.

Preserving existing environmental protection requirements.

Digitizing NEPA environmental reviews so permitting information is handled through modern, digital systems rather than fragmented, paper-heavy processes.

Directing the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) to develop and publish common data standards for collecting and curating key environmental review data.

See what leaders are saying in support of the legislation here.


Kelly, Gallego Demand Answers from DHS on Surprise, AZ Warehouse Purchase for ICE Facility

“Cities like Surprise, and the American public at large, are being left in the dark about the major impacts these facilities will inevitably have on their communities.”

Read news coverage here

Today, Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) pressed Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Immigration and Customs Enforcement Acting Director Todd Lyons for immediate answers about DHS’s acquisition of a commercial warehouse facility in Surprise, Arizona, that is reportedly going to be converted into an ICE processing facility.

In the letter, Kelly and Gallego noted that the Department is carrying out this project “without so much as notifying the City of Surprise or Maricopa County officials” and DHS and ICE have not answered requests for details from their offices.

Thesenatorsunderscored that DHS moved forward without meaningful coordination with local leaders, writing: “Given the scale of this project, the total lack of community involvement, the concerns we have heard from local leaders, and the potential implications for the community and region, we urge the Department to immediately provide answers about this project before it moves forward.”

The senatorsfurther highlighted potentialcommunityissues, noting that: “Surprise is one of the fastest-growing cities in Arizona, with a population that has increased by more than 17 percent since 2020. The pace of this growth has placed ongoing pressure on local infrastructure, water resources, public safety, and economic development planning. Given the potential for significant impacts related to the Department’s acquisition and conversion of a warehouse into a detention facility, an environmental assessment is appropriate to ensure the City of Surprise has a full understanding of these impacts, particularly with regard to the city’s water usage, utilities, and traffic.”

The senators also warned the acquisition appears to be part of a broader effort by DHS to rapidly expand detention capacity through the purchase and conversion of large commercial warehouses, raising concerns about transparency, planning, and environmental review.

“Given the sheer size of the planned facilities, the aggressive schedule for opening them, and the complete lack of transparency associated with the planning process, the Department’s approach raises serious concerns about whether these projects have had sufficient planning and environmental review to proceed. As a result, cities like Surprise, and the American public at large, are being left in the dark about the major impacts these facilities will inevitably have on their communities,” the senatorsconcluded.

To better understand DHS’s plans and address concerns raised by constituents, the senators requested detailed responses to a series of questions, including the intended use of the warehouse, anticipated impacts on local systems and emergency services, NEPA compliance, applicable detention standards, total and annual operating costs and funding sources, and how DHS will engage with local officials moving forward.


King Leads Bipartisan Delegation to Greenland to Show Respect and Support for Long-Time Arctic Ally

To find b-roll from the delegation trip, click here

WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Co-Chairs of the U.S. Senate Arctic Caucus, led a bipartisan Congressional Delegation mission to Greenland this past weekend to reinforce relations and respect with the people of the Arctic nation. The trip comes as the American administration has threatened to annex, buy or otherwise take over the island nation.

Together with Arctic Caucus and national security committee members Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH), the lawmakers spent the weekend in Nuuk meeting with the Prime Minister and members of his cabinet, members of Parliament, Inuit leaders, Danish military leaders from Joint Arctic Command, and other Arctic officials.

Prior to their arrival in Greenland’s capital, the Senators also traveled 750 miles north of the Arctic Circle to visit troops and meet with military leaders stationed at Pituffik Space Force Base in Northern Greenland, the United States’ northern-most military base in the world.

“Our message to the Greenlandic people is respect for their territorial rights and self-determination,” said Senator King. “My colleagues and I traveled to Greenland to reaffirm our commitment and support for their interest in managing their own affairs in tandem with the Kingdom of Denmark while continuing the longstanding partnership with the United States to ensure the safety and security of our homeland and our NATO allies. Our national security is dependent on maintaining friendly relationships with our allies, not the acquisition, annexation, or invasion of their territory.”

“Since World War II, Greenland, Denmark, and the United States have stood alongside each other as true allies amid an ever-changing global landscape,” Senator Murkowski said. “Greenland has made it clear that it welcomes further partnership with the United States, whether through strengthening economic, military, or diplomatic ties. However, deepening that relationship will rely heavily on rebuilding trust, and recognizing Greenland’s autonomy and the sovereignty of Denmark. We must remember that genuine progress is not achieved through coercion, but rather through mutual respect. My colleagues and I are grateful for the warm reception we received from Greenlanders and look forward to opportunities to continue this important dialogue.”

“I joined this bipartisan visit to Greenland to help show the world that the freedom-loving majority of Americans know that the NATO alliance is critical to keeping our country safe, secure, and free,” said Senator Hassan. “As President Trump appeases adversaries like Putin, it’s particularly important to make clear that real strength means standing by one’s friends and against one’s foes, not the other way around.”

"To me, there are three core elements to protecting our national security. We need a strong economy, a strong military, and strong allies,” said Senator Peters, Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and member of the Armed Services Committee. “Greenland and Denmark have been essential allies in advancing our shared economic and security goals, but unfortunately President Trump’s recent actions have broken that trust. During this visit, our congressional delegation reaffirmed the United States’ respect for Greenland’s right to self-determination and commitment to maintaining our invaluable partnership as NATO allies."

Last month, the Senators’ hosted a delegation from the Kingdom of Denmark to emphasize the importance of deescalating tensions following recent comments from the executive administration about acquiring Greenland.

As Co-Chair of the U.S. Senate Arctic Caucus, Senator King is an advocate for Maine and America’s interests in the North Atlantic and Arctic region — as Maine is the first port in the contiguous 48 states that will see increased traffic via activity in northern waters. Along with Caucus co-chair Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), King introduced the Arctic Commitment Act in 2022 to improve America’s posture and opportunities in the Arctic. He has been calling for the appointment of an Arctic Ambassador since 2015, and pushed for the confirmation of the first Arctic Ambassador last year. King also laid out the challenges and opportunities of a warming arctic in an article in the Wilson Quarterly, and in last year’s National Defense Authorization Act, he successfully secured the inclusion of provisions including funding authorizations for University of Maine to increase America’s activity and opportunities in the Far North.

###


Senate Blocks King, Wyden Resolution Closing Tax Loopholes for Large Corporations

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today the U.S. Senate blocked a resolution from Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) to close loopholes in the tax code for large corporations and private equity companies. The Senators’ Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution would have reversed a recent regulatory change that has resulted in $10 billion tax break primarily benefiting some of America’s most profitable companies. The CRA comes on the heels of numerous calculated decisions by the Administration to erode the implementation of the Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax (CAMT), a tax law passed by Congress in 2022 that requires companies reporting over $1 billion in profits to their shareholders to pay their fair share in taxes. Under the CAMT, these companies must pay at least 15 percent of those profits in taxes, applying to approximately 150 of America’s wealthiest corporations.

From 2018 to 2020, 39 Fortune 500 companies generating $122 billion in profit paid $0 in federal income tax. One of the most profitable companies in the United States secured a 4.3 percent effective tax rate on its $43.4 billion income during the same period, less than one-third of the rate paid by the average American taxpayer. The CAMT, which was included as a provision in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), imposed a 15 percent minimum tax based on financial income reported to investors and creditors for corporations earning over $1 billion beginning in tax year 2023. However, as of recent under the Trump Administration, Treasury and the IRS have started to loosen certain requirements to help fewer corporations become subject to taxes.

“It’s downright unfair to give billions in tax relief to America’s most successful corporations when Maine people are struggling to afford their prescription drugs, childcare, and groceries,” said Senator King. “This Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution would block the administration’s harmful tax policy that provides a loophole for corporations looking to skirt paying their taxes. This is a commonsense step toward a fairer tax policy that prioritizes people over profits and levels the playing field.”

“The ink is barely dry on the megabill Trump and Republicans passed to give $1 trillion in new tax breaks to giant corporations, and now his Treasury Department is throwing another $10 billion handout to the most profitable corporations in America,” said Senator Wyden. “The pattern we’re seeing is that the Trump administration gives big corporations and ultra-wealthy donors whatever tax benefits they want the second they walk through the door at the Treasury Department, but that doesn’t mean the Senate has to allow this giveaway to happen. Stuffing $10 billion into the coffers of corporations that are already raking in enormous profits is indefensible at a time when so many Americans are getting battered by inflation and barely staying afloat.”

According to the Joint Committee on Taxation, this loophole, hidden inside a new set of regulations, IRS Notice 2025-28, will cost taxpayers over $10 billion. The notice makes changes to the rules governing how large and wealthy corporate and private equity firms can count income from partnerships they own, essentially giving those corporations a “choose-your-own-tax-rate” advantage. Under the new system, a multi-billion-dollar corporation or private equity firm can now choose one of six different ways to count how much money it made in a partnership. These companies can make a different choice for each of the dozens or hundreds of partnerships they own to maximize their tax break. This notice adds complexity to the tax code and encourages the abuse of partnerships that exist solely for tax-dodging gamesmanship, not for any constructive business purpose.

###


Merkley, Salinas, Colleagues Champion Strong Federal Support for Regenerative Agriculture

Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and U.S. Representative Andrea Salinas (OR-06) led their colleagues—including Senator Ron Wyden, Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), and Val Hoyle (OR-04)—in reintroducing the Soil Conservation And Regeneration Education (Soil CARE) Act. Their bicameral bill would create a training program and curriculum to ensure that farmers and ranchers have access to information and tools to improve long-term soil health management, navigate degraded lands, promote profitability, and increase resilience to climate chaos-fueled extreme weather events like floods and droughts.

“Oregon’s world-class agriculture industry deserves strong federal support to continue thriving, and that includes supporting the health of our lands and ecosystems, which have defined our state for generations,” said Merkley. “As climate chaos continues to make the West hotter and drier, we must ensure our farmers, ranchers, and land stewards have the resources and tools they need to keep their lands adaptable and resilient, leading to healthy and regenerative soils.”

“From our Christmas trees to our hazelnuts, Oregonians produce some of the best crops in the world. However, with the growing threat of climate change and extreme weather, access to new technologies like regenerative agriculture and soil health management are essential to maintaining our world-class products,” said Salinas. “Our bill would guarantee USDA personnel and third-party service providers are trained to help producers restore degraded lands, increase profitability, and build generational resilience.”

“Drought and all the radically unseasonable weather impacts of the climate crisis have landed hard on farmers in Oregon and nationwide,” said Wyden. “That’s why federal support for tools like those in this legislation is so urgently needed to support U.S. agriculture continuing to grow crops that are renowned around the globe.”

“Healthy soil is key to growing a healthy agricultural economy,” said Bonamici. “Climate change, runoff pollution, and extreme weather threaten this foundation, risking farmers’ livelihoods and their ability to put food on the table for people in NW Oregon and across the country. Managing soil health will help to mitigate these effects by absorbing carbon in soil, producing more resilient crops, safer food, and cleaner air.”

“Oregon’s farmers and producers are on the front lines of climate change, facing more intense storms, flooding, drought and unpredictable growing seasons—especially in our coastal and rural communities,” said Hoyle. “The Soil CARE Act invests in the education, training, and soil health tools farmers need to build resilience, protect their land and maintain a thriving business. We’re supporting the backbone of our local economy and helping ensure Oregonian farmers and their families can thrive for generations to come.”

As farmers, ranchers, and federal land personnel continue to deal with the impacts of climate chaos, training and education are crucial components to support these stewards of the land and conservation efforts across the nation. The Soil CARE Act would invest in expanded technical assistance and provide U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) staff and personnel with the latest knowledge, tools, and innovations to help producers produce and boost healthy soil.

The Soil CARE Act would:

Develop and deliver curriculum on soil health management systems within one year of passage;

Develop a nationally-available online training curriculum;

Encourage all relevant personnel—such as a USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) staff and third-party technical service providers (TSPs)—to complete online training every two years to learn about the latest soil health innovations and scientific and technological advancements.

Hold annual soil health workshops and training sessions;

Dedicate resources to providing required continuing education for all NRCS and TSPs; and

Require NRCS to use the training curriculum to develop soil health education materials for producers.

In addition to Merkley, Salinas, Wyden, Bonamici, and Hoyle, the Soil CARE Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-VT).

The bicameral bill is endorsed by Oregon Climate and Agriculture Network (OrCAN), Oregon Association of Conservation Districts (OACD), Bob’s Red Mill, Earthjustice Action, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Green America / Soil & Climate Alliance, American Sustainable Business Network, United We Eat, Climate Reality Project Regenerative Agriculture Coalition, US Composting Council, Compost Manufacturing Alliance, InCommon Group, Green Mountain Technologies, Inc., New Mexico Healthy Soil Working Group, CA Association of Compost Producers, Terra Regenerative Capital, World Centric, Eco-Cycle, and Naturepedic Organic Mattresses.

“Healthy soil is essential for resilient farms, strong local economies, and thriving businesses. The Soil CARE Act provides practical support for farmers adopting regenerative practices, helping build productive, resilient working lands that benefit farmers, communities, and the broader economy,” said Liza LaManna, Manager of Ag & Water Policy, American Sustainable Business Network.

“Healthy soil is a top priority for the many American farmers that Bob’s Red Mill sources from, but they need the right support to implement effective practices. The Soil CARE Act would provide essential education needed to help more farmers improve soil health, providing critical tools for farmer prosperity and resilience. We applaud Senator Merkley, Senator Wyden, and Congresswoman Salinas for their efforts in championing this important bill,” said Julia Person, Sustainability Manager, Bob’s Red Mill.

“Farmers and ranchers can regenerate our working lands but only with targeted support. The Soil CARE Act would educate NRCS staff and third party technical service providers about biological soil health and regenerative agriculture principles, and in turn, provide American producers with the tools they need to steward ecosystems and become more prosperous,” said Jessica Hulse Dillon, Senior Director Soil & Climate Alliance and Regen Policy Initiative.

A summary of the Soil CARE Act can be found by clicking here.

Full text of the Soil CARE Act can be found by clicking here.

###


Merkley, Watson Coleman, Murkowski, Rutherford Team Up for Bipartisan Effort to Combat Opioid Overdoses in the Workplace

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12), U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Congressman John Rutherford (R-FL-05) partnered together on bipartisan legislation to help tackle rising rates of opioid overdoses with increased access to overdose reversal medications like naloxone.

The Workplace Overdose Reversal Kits (WORK) to Save Lives Act would require the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to issue guidance to employers and federal agencies regarding opioid overdose reversal medication attainment, usage, and training.

“Naloxone saves lives, and ensuring workplaces have access to it is an important part of what needs to be a multi-pronged effort to tackle opioid overdoses,” said Senator Merkley. “With bipartisan support in both chambers, now is the time to deliver a common-sense solution to the opioid crisis and give our communities the tools to fight this epidemic.”

“COVID-19 shone a light on an opioid epidemic that has been developing for decades. Workplaces across the country are dealing with the fallout from our failure to adequately address this crisis,” said Congresswoman Watson Coleman. “The WORK to Save Lives Act will finally give workplaces the tools to save workers who are struggling with opioid addiction. Getting these overdose reversal medications – and training in their use – to as many employers as possible has the potential to save countless lives.”

“Opioid overdoses are increasingly claiming lives in the workplace, underscoring how deeply this crisis has embedded itself in everyday life,” said Senator Murkowski. “This legislation will give workplaces the opportunity to equip employees with access to the training and resources they need to respond to an emergency overdose in the workplace. Ensuring these medications are readily available, and that individuals are trained to administer them, will save lives.”

“I am proud to join my bipartisan colleagues to introduce the WORK to Save Lives Act. Our bill would help equip workplaces with the skills and tools needed to administer lifesaving opioid overdose reversal medication in real time,” said Congressman Rutherford, member of the Bipartisan Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Task Force. “While I am also focused on stopping the illicit fentanyl from coming into our country, our commonsense bill would truly save lives.”

The National Safety Council found that while 75 percent of employers reported seeing opioid use impact their workplace, only 17 percent reported being well-prepared to address it. The bipartisan WORK to Save Lives Act would ensure workplaces have better tools and training to address the opioid epidemic.

In addition to Merkley, Watson Coleman, Murkowski, and Rutherford, the WORK to Save Lives Act is also cosponsored by U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR), and U.S. Representatives Gabe Amo (RI-01), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Andre Carson (IN-07), Angie Craig (MN-02), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), and Rashida Tlaib (MI-12).

The bipartisan, bicameral bill is endorsed by the National Safety Council and Global Health Advocacy Incubator.

“Workplace overdose deaths are occurring at devastating rates, largely fueled by opioids, but the good news is we have more tools available today to save these lives. The National Safety Council commends the sponsors of the WORK to Save Lives Act for championing expanded access to the life-saving opioid overdose reversal medication naloxone in workplaces. We urge support for making naloxone a critical component of workplace emergency preparedness to help save a life,” said Lorraine Martin, CEO of the National Safety Council.

“The WORK to Save Lives Act is smart, bipartisan leadership. It directs OSHA to provide non-mandatory workplace guidance on overdose reversal medication and annual training, and it strengthens readiness across federal workplaces. This is a practical step Congress can advance quickly to help keep workers safe,” said Libby Jones, Associate Vice President of the Global Health Advocacy Incubator, Overdose Prevention Initiative.

Merkley has consistently fought to address the national opioid overdose epidemic and put resources in the hands of key personnel in both schools and workplaces who can step in during known or suspected cases of opioid overdose. Previously, he introduced the bipartisan School Access to Naloxone Act with Florida’s U.S. Senator Rick Scott to fight opioid overdoses in schools across the country.

Full text of the WORK to Save Lives Act can be found by clicking here.

###


Murkowski, King Lead Bipartisan Delegation to Greenland to Show Respect and Support for Long-time Arctic Ally

Washington, DC— U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Angus King (I-ME), Co-Chairs of the U.S. Senate Arctic Caucus, led a bipartisan Congressional Delegation mission to Greenland this past weekend to reinforce relations and respect with the people of the Arctic nation. The trip comes as the American administration has threatened to annex, buy or otherwise take over the island nation.

Together with Arctic Caucus and national security committee members Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH), the lawmakers spent the weekend in Nuuk meeting with the Prime Minister and members of his cabinet, members of Parliament, Inuit leaders, Danish military leaders from Joint Arctic Command, and other Arctic officials.

Prior to their arrival in Greenland’s capital, the Senators also traveled 750 miles north of the Arctic Circle to visit troops and meet with military leaders stationed at Pituffik Space Force Base in Northern Greenland, the United States’ northern-most military base in the world.

“Since World War II, Greenland, Denmark, and the United States have stood alongside each other as true allies amid an ever-changing global landscape,” said Senator Murkowski. “Greenland has made it clear that it welcomes further partnership with the United States, whether through strengthening economic, military, or diplomatic ties. However, deepening that relationship will rely heavily on rebuilding trust, and recognizing Greenland’s autonomy and the sovereignty of Denmark. We must remember that genuine progress is not achieved through coercion, but rather through mutual respect. My colleagues and I are grateful for the warm reception we received from Greenlanders and look forward to opportunities to continue this important dialogue.

“Our message to the Greenlandic people is respect for their territorial rights and self-determination,” said Senator King. “My colleagues and I traveled to Greenland to reaffirm our commitment and support for their interest in managing their own affairs in tandem with the Kingdom of Denmark while continuing the longstanding partnership with the United States to ensure the safety and security of our homeland and our NATO allies. Our national security is dependent on maintaining friendly relationships with our allies, not the acquisition, annexation, or invasion of their territory.”

“To me, there are three core elements to protecting our national security. We need a strong economy, a strong military, and strong allies,” said Senator Peters. “Greenland and Denmark have been essential allies in advancing our shared economic and security goals, but unfortunately President Trump’s recent actions have broken that trust. During this visit, our congressional delegation reaffirmed the United States’ respect for Greenland’s right to self-determination and commitment to maintaining our invaluable partnership as NATO allies.”

“I joined this bipartisan visit to Greenland to help show the world that the freedom-loving majority of Americans know that the NATO alliance is critical to keeping our country safe, secure, and free,” said Senator Hassan. “As President Trump appeases adversaries like Putin, it’s particularly important to make clear that real strength means standing by one’s friends and against one’s foes, not the other way around.”

Last month, the Senators hosted a delegation from the Kingdom of Denmark to emphasize the importance of deescalating tensions following recent comments from the executive administration about acquiring Greenland.

For b-roll of the trip, please click here.

For photos of the trip, please click here.

###


Murphy, Blumenthal, Bicameral Colleagues Urge Extension Of Library Passport Acceptance Program

WASHINGTON–In response to the Trump administration banning local libraries as passport acceptance facilities, U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) joined their colleagues in a bipartisan and bicameral letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging the secretary to extend the existing program while Congress works to enact a permanent solution. The letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), and U.S. Representatives John Joyce, M.D. (R-Pa.-13), Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.-4), Lloyd Smucker (R-Pa.-11), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.-1), and Rob Bresnahan (R-Pa.-8).

“In a time when demand for passports is surging, libraries are among the most accessible passport acceptance facilities, particularly for working families and rural residents,” wrote the members of Congress. “This abrupt determination, issued with little notice or explanation, has placed libraries, their employees, and the communities they serve in an untenable position through no fault of their own.”

In November, 501(c)(3) nonprofit libraries were notified by the State Department that the libraries’ status rendered them ineligible to operate as passport acceptance facilities under federal law, despite Americans using these locations for many years. For many Americans, especially in rural communities, these libraries are often the most accessible—and sometimes the only—passport acceptance facilities. Additionally, across states such as Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York, Georgia, and New Jersey, many public libraries are structured as nonprofit entities due to historical precedent, making this action especially disruptive.

“At some libraries, the February 13 deadline all but guarantees immediate staff reductions, putting dedicated public servants and their families at risk of losing their jobs, income, and healthcare overnight. Without an extension, libraries will be forced to lay off employees, cut essential programs for children and families, or close their doors entirely. Granting this extension would not resolve the issue permanently, but it would prevent irreversible harm while Congress and the State Department work toward a responsible, durable solution,” concluded the members.

Read the full text of the letter below and here.

Dear Secretary Rubio:

We write to urge immediate action regarding the status of dozens of nonprofit libraries across the United States that were recently informed they must cease accepting passport applications on behalf of the U.S. Department of State, effective February 13, 2026. In a time when demand for passports is surging, libraries are among the most accessible passport acceptance facilities, particularly for working families and rural residents. This abrupt determination, issued with little notice or explanation, has placed libraries, their employees, and the communities they serve in an untenable position through no fault of their own. We respectfully request an extension of the February 13 deadline through the remainder of the calendar year to prevent imminent harm and to allow libraries and communities the time needed to adapt.

In November 2025, libraries that have operated as passport acceptance facilities for years—often decades—were informed that, due to an oversight in the State Department mechanism, their 501(c)(3) nonprofit status rendered them ineligible under federal law. This revelation was devastating to institutions that had been repeatedly reviewed, certified, and reauthorized by the State Department in good standing. Across states such as Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York, Connecticut, Georgia, and New Jersey, many public libraries are structured as nonprofit entities due to historical precedent, making this action especially disruptive.

The State Department has cited 22 U.S.C. 214(a)(1) and 22 C.F.R. 51.51(b) as the basis for this decision, yet it remains unclear how this interpretation of the provision went unenforced for decades or why the February 13 deadline cannot be adjusted given the gravity of the consequences. While we appreciate the prior extension from December 2025 to February 13, 2026, such a short window is insufficient for libraries to replace lost revenue, for staff to plan for their livelihoods, or for communities to establish alternative passport services. We thank the State Department for their assistance with and endorsement of pending legislation in the House (H.R. 6997) and Senate (S. 3733) to address this issue. But, as Congress moves forward on a legislative solution to this challenge, it is extremely unlikely such legislation will be passed in time to avert immediate damage.

For many communities across the country, libraries are the most accessible—and sometimes the only—passport acceptance facilities. Their loss will force residents to travel long distances, take unpaid time off work, or forgo access altogether, particularly as demand for passports surges due to Real ID requirements. In Perry County, Pennsylvania, for example, Marysville-Rye Library is one of only two passport acceptance facilities serving the entire county. It is also one of 18 libraries in PA so far that have been directed to cease all passport acceptance services effective February 13. This decision eliminates more than 80 percent of local passport appointment availability in Perry County, leaving the courthouse as the sole remaining option, with limited hours and accessibility. In New York, Brooklyn Public Library has issued over 300,000 passports through its services alone over the last years; failure to extend this deadline will leave massive gaps in passport services.

Equally urgent is the human toll. Passport execution fees represent a substantial portion (up to 67%) of operating budgets for many libraries and directly support full-time staff salaries and health insurance. At some libraries, the February 13 deadline all but guarantees immediate staff reductions, putting dedicated public servants and their families at risk of losing their jobs, income, and healthcare overnight. Without an extension, libraries will be forced to lay off employees, cut essential programs for children and families, or close their doors entirely. Granting this extension would not resolve the issue permanently, but it would prevent irreversible harm while Congress and the State Department work toward a responsible, durable solution. We respectfully request a response to our request for an extension by February 10th, and a written justification for any rejection, given the circumstances at hand. Thank you for your leadership and your attention to this urgent matter.


Padilla, Bipartisan Senate Colleagues Push to Modernize Federal Permitting Process

ePermit Act would digitize the permitting process across federal agencies

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), John Curtis (R-Utah), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), and Ted Budd (R-N.C.) introduced the ePermit Act, bipartisan legislation to modernize and streamline federal environmental reviews and permitting by utilizing interactive, digital, and cloud-based technologies. Companion legislation, led by Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.-AL) and Scott Peters (D-Calif.-50), previously passed in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The federal permitting process too often falls behind schedule due to outdated systems. Lengthy documentation requirements, limited transparency, and poor interagency coordination frequently create confusion, delay projects, and invite unnecessary litigation. The ePermit Act directs federal agencies to adopt standardized data systems and modern project management tools to tackle these problems head on, helping agencies work more efficiently while improving public access and accountability.

“There is no reason critical permitting reviews should be delayed by outdated, bureaucratic systems,” said Senator Padilla. “Modernizing our systems through digital tools and standardizing permitting data collection across agencies will save money and time while preserving strong environmental standards and public input. E-permitting is a commonsense solution with bipartisan support, and I will keep working across the aisle to get it done.”

“Outdated, paper-based permitting systems slow down projects, frustrate communities, and make it harder for agencies to do their jobs,” said Senator Curtis. “Our bipartisan legislation brings federal environmental reviews into the twenty-first century by improving transparency, coordination, and public engagement without weakening critical environmental standards.”

“In the 21st century, it should be a no-brainer to use modern digital technology instead of pencils and paper to streamline and centralize our permitting process,” said Senator Booker. “This is a commonsense solution that will cut unnecessary delays in bureaucracy and save money without compromising environmental standards, all while promoting accessibility and public engagement. Making the government run more effectively and efficiently to deliver for communities is something both parties can get behind, and I’m proud that Democrats and Republicans are coming together to make our government work better for all Americans.”

“BPC Action applauds the bipartisan introduction of the ePermit Act in the Senate. The bill would optimize technology to modernize federal environmental review and permitting processes for infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, mines, factories, energy facilities, and more. It would provide greater transparency, efficiency, and predictability on environmental reviews and associated timelines for sponsors and stakeholders,” said Michele Stockwell, President, Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) Action.

Specifically, the ePermit Act:

Modernizes the environmental review process;

Creates a cloud-based permit authorization portal; and

Preserves existing environmental protection requirements.

During a Senate Environment and Public Works hearing last month, Senator Padilla pushed for bipartisan reforms to reduce permitting delays.

Full text of the bill is available here.

###


Padilla, Warner Demand Gabbard, Intel Officials Brief Senate on Election Security After Fulton County Raid

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, and Mark Warner (D-Va.), Vice Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, called on Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard to immediately schedule an Intelligence Community (IC) briefing for Senators on election security concerns ahead of the 2026 federal midterm elections. The request comes amid unprecedented investigations by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), purportedly to address “evidence” of election vulnerabilities and manipulation of election results, which have not been substantiated.

The Senators pressed Gabbard for an explanation of her chilling actions late last month when she joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in raiding Fulton County, Georgia’s elections office to further perpetuate the repeatedly disproven lie that the 2020 election was stolen. They emphasized that Gabbard, President Trump, and others have given numerous inconsistent explanations of who tasked Gabbard with seizing these 2020 election materials and why she was involved. As the Trump Administration continues to spread baseless election conspiracy theories, Padilla and Warner also pushed Gabbard to clarify why ODNI tested voting machines and seized other election data in Puerto Rico. In addition to failing to release a declassified assessment on the 2024 election, as in prior elections, ODNI and the U.S. Department of Justice have refused to provide Congressional leaders with intelligence products on alleged foreign threats to 2026 elections.

“You should come prepared to clarify your public statements regarding voting system security and the status of ODNI’s highly unusual investigations regarding purported election integrity,” wrote the Senators. “You, the President, and others have offered conflicting explanations of your participation in the FBI’s raid of the Fulton County, Georgia election offices and seizure of materials related to the 2020 election, and your response to date has raised additional questions.”

ODNI has failed to respond to the Senators’ previous letter demanding an IC briefing on foreign election threats — including cyber-driven threats to alter American election outcomes — last fall. The Senators requested Gabbard also clarify her unsubstantiated public statements regarding voting systems and provide a plan for defensive cybersecurity measures ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, as well as details on the security of the 2025 federal elections. Additionally, they urged Gabbard to share all intelligence products concerning these election threats and underlying ODNI’s recent actions with the appropriate Congressional committees and lawmakers, as required by law.

“While the lack of response to our September 15 letter is unacceptable, we are also gravely concerned about your failure to provide relevant explanations or information to the election officials you are undermining, including failing to appear at a scheduled appearance with bipartisan Secretaries of State last month,” continued the Senators. “In the midst of the 2026 election cycle, we urge ODNI to ensure transparency and support for state and local election administration rather than sowing chaos and doubt in American elections.”

The Senators underscored that an intelligence briefing is particularly important after the Trump Administration dismantled election security efforts at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and curtailed the Congressionally authorized Foreign Malign Influence Center at ODNI.

Senator Padilla has strongly opposed efforts by the Trump Administration to undermine federal agencies’ election security work. Shortly after the Fulton County raid, Padilla spoke to the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) Elections Committee, warning the Secretaries about the Trump Administration’s serious threats to election administration and security, while pushing states’ chief election officials to protect the fundamental right to vote. After the November 2025 elections, Padilla led a floor block sounding the alarm on the Trump Administration’s ongoing efforts to rig election rules one year out from the 2026 midterms. Additionally, Padilla and Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration Joe Morelle (N.Y.-25) have sent four letters to CISA leadership regarding CISA’s pause on all election security-focused activities, the termination of funding for the Election Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Center, the agency’s refusal to share its review of its election security work, and the firings of CISA employees who previously worked on election security, including misinformation and disinformation issues. The Ranking Members also expressed serious concerns about the dangerous implications for elections following President Trump’s executive order purporting to bring independent regulatory agencies under total control of the White House.

Full text of the letter is available here and below:

Director Gabbard:

On September 15, 2025, we wrote to request an Intelligence Community (IC) briefing for Senators on election security to occur no later than October 10th. To date, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) has failed to take any steps to accommodate this request or respond to that letter.

In light of recent unprecedented and deeply concerning election-related actions taken by ODNI under your leadership, we write to reiterate this request for your office to immediately coordinate an IC briefing for all Senators on foreign election threats, including efforts to influence election outcomes through influence or cyber-enabled means. As part of that briefing, ODNI and the IC should also update the Senate on the status of planned defensive steps to ensure the cybersecurity of the mid-term elections in 2026, and any information regarding the security of the most-recent elections held in November 2025. Prior to that briefing, we ask that you make all intelligence products concerning such threats, and informing your recent actions, available to appropriate Congressional committees and Members of Congress, as required by law.

In addition to that intelligence briefing, you should come prepared to clarify your public statements regarding voting system security and the status of ODNI’s highly unusual investigations regarding purported election integrity. You, the President, and others have offered conflicting explanations of your participation in the FBI’s raid of the Fulton County, Georgia election offices and seizure of materials related to the 2020 election, and your response to date has raised additional questions. Similarly, recent confirmation that ODNI seized voting machines and other election data in Puerto Rico as part of an investigation also require urgent explanation in light of the Administration’s continued amplification of baseless election conspiracy theories. Against the backdrop of the memorandum of understanding that the Department of Justice has circulated to states that have provided sensitive voter information, which contemplates unprecedented federal interference with state and local election administration, these actions to seize voting systems and files are especially concerning.

While the lack of response to our September 15 letter is unacceptable, we are also gravely concerned about your failure to provide relevant explanations or information to the election officials you are undermining, including failing to appear at a scheduled appearance with bipartisan Secretaries of State last month. In the midst of the 2026 election cycle, we urge ODNI to ensure transparency and support for state and local election administration rather than sowing chaos and doubt in American elections. This is essential given this Administration’s shortsighted decisions to eliminate much of the election security work at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Attorney General Bondi’s elimination of the FBI’s Foreign Influence Task Force, and curtailed the work of the Congressionally mandated Foreign Malign Influence Center.

Voting in the first Congressional primary election begins imminently. We request that you work to schedule this briefing no later than February 27, 2026.

###


WATCH: Padilla Slams Republicans’ False Narratives to Demonize Immigrants

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, blasted Senate Republicans for holding a hearing entitled “Somali Fraud in Minnesota — The Tip of the Iceberg” to spew sweeping generalizations about crime and demonize immigrant communities. Padilla condemned Republicans’ attempts to recycle the tired, anti-immigrant playbook of utilizing isolated criminal cases to paint false narratives, scapegoat entire immigrant communities, and advance Donald Trump’s harmful rhetoric.

“What is this hearing really about? It’s about something far too familiar — and far more troubling. It’s about choosing to point to a few isolated incidents and using them to cast suspicion on entire communities. We’ve seen this far too often throughout American history: using isolated criminal cases as a pretext to paint entire immigrant communities with the broadest and most damaging brush possible. It’s an old playbook. And it’s a shameful one.”

Today’s hearing on alleged Somali fraud took place after many cases had been thoroughly investigated by the Department of Justice, dating back to 2022 during the Biden Administration, resulting in 90 arrests and ongoing prosecutions. Padilla underscored that the Immigration and Nationality Act already includes strict penalties for fraud, along with criminal enforcement mechanisms that are being utilized. He emphasized that fraud of any kind — under both Republican and Democratic administrations — is wrong and should be investigated in accordance with the law.

“Republicans want to take specific, well-documented cases — and again, cases that are already being investigated and prosecuted — and stretch them into a narrative of widespread abuse by immigrant communities more broadly. And we know where this leads. It becomes justification for targeting and expelling entire communities, something that I’m not speculating about — it’s happening in real time.”

However, Padilla criticized Republicans for conveniently using these cases to unfairly target Somali Americans, sweeping up lawfully admitted refugees and U.S. citizens, in support of President Trump’s mass detention and deportation campaign. Over the weekend, the asylum cases of hundreds of Somali immigrants in Minnesota, Illinois, and Nebraska were suddenly rescheduled or recategorized — accelerated by months, and in some cases years — to be heard by the end of next month in order to seemingly fast track their deportation.

Padilla stressed that Republicans’ targeting of specific ethnic groups and narrative of widespread immigrant crime are out of line with the facts and verifiable data. Despite Republican fearmongering, studies have repeatedly shown that both legal and undocumented immigrants are less likely to commit crimes than people born in the United States. One analysis from the American Immigration Council found that undocumented immigrants are about half as likely as U.S.-born Americans to be arrested for violent crimes and property crimes. Another from the Cato Institute found that immigrants, overall, are 33% less likely to be incarcerated than U.S.-born individuals. Looking specifically at fraud, noncitizens were roughly 8% less likely to be convicted of benefits fraud in 2024, according to data from the U.S. Sentencing Commission. Additionally, less than 14% of the 400,000 immigrants arrested by Trump’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the first year of this Administration had charges or convictions for violent criminal offenses.

“If we’re not engaging honestly with these facts, then this hearing is not honestly about rooting out fraud. It seems to me that this hearing is really about demonizing immigrants, especially immigrants of color, and advancing a narrative that does not hold up to scrutiny.”

Instead of pushing false narratives, Padilla insisted that if Republicans were serious about combating fraud, they would be examining the myriad of ways the Trump Administration has dismantled systems designed to detect and deter it. He also pointed out that President Trump has continually pardoned wealthy individuals who have been convicted of massive fraud while canceling restitution to their victims. Padilla also slammed Trump’s creation of the million-dollar “Gold Card” to offer residency to the highest bidders while smearing hardworking immigrants.

Key Excerpts from Opening Remarks:

Study after study shows that immigrants — both legal and undocumented — are less likely to commit crimes than people born in the United States.

Why is it that at the same time immigrants are being targeted for mass deportation, the President unveiled a million-dollar “Gold Card” — closing the door on doctors, engineers, and teachers while opening it to the highest bidders with little scrutiny?

They’re seeking to perpetuate a tired myth — that all immigrants bring crime with them when they come to this country — despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. So let us be honest about what this hearing is, and what it is not. This hearing is not about facts. It’s not about accountability. And it’s not about protecting taxpayers.

It is about fear. It is about scapegoating. It is about demonizing immigrants for political gain. And that may make for a convenient talking point, but it’s wrong, and it does not make for responsible governance or policymaking. Mr. Chairman, it’s certainly not what the American people expect or deserve from the United States Senate.

Video of Padilla’s opening remarks can be seen here and can be downloaded here. His questioning of witnesses during today’s hearing can be found here and here.

His closing remarks can be viewed here.

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. Last October, Padilla walked out of Senate Republicans’ unserious subcommittee hearing entitled “ICE Under Fire: The Radical Left’s Crusade Against Immigration Enforcement,” as the Trump Administration conducts violent immigration enforcement actions across the country.

###


PHOTOS & VIDEO: Peters Joins Bipartisan Congressional Delegation to Greenland to Reiterate U.S. Support for Critical Arctic Ally

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) recently returned from a bipartisan congressional delegation to Greenland to reinforce support for U.S.-Greenland relations. The trip follows repeated threats from the Trump Administration to annex, purchase, or seize the Arctic nation.

“To me, there are three core elements to protecting our national security. We need a strong economy, a strong military, and strong allies,” said Senator Peters, Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and member of the Armed Services Committee. “Greenland and Denmark have been essential allies in advancing our shared economic and security goals, but unfortunately President Trump’s recent actions have broken that trust. During this visit, our congressional delegation reaffirmed the United States’ respect for Greenland’s right to self-determination and commitment to maintaining our invaluable partnership as NATO allies.”

To download photos and video of Senator Peters on the congressional delegation, click here.

Peters was joined on the trip by U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Maggie Hassan (D-NH). The lawmakers visited Greenland’s capital city of Nuuk, meeting with the Prime Minister and members of his cabinet, members of Parliament, Inuit leaders, Danish military leaders from Joint Arctic Command, and other Arctic officials.

Prior to the delegation’s arrival in Nuuk, the group also visited military personnel and leaders at Pituffik Space Force Base, 750 miles north of the Arctic Circle. The base is the United States’ northern-most military installation, critical to American national security.

Senator Peters recognizes the strategic importance of the Arctic region for U.S. national security. In December, Peters authored and secured language in the national defense bill that recognizes the current geopolitical challenges and opportunities presented by the Arctic region, and supports U.S. efforts to better understand the emerging need to enhance operations in the region. Specifically, Peters’ provision encourages the Secretary of Defense to partner with interagency organizations, including the Center for Arctic Security and Resiliency and the Joint All Domain Weather Operations Center, to coordinate federal agency planning for Arctic operations as well as testing of systems to support Arctic operations. Peters has also long been an advocate for the Michigan National Guard’s “Winter Strike” exercise, a military training simulation that tests units’ operational readiness in arctic conditions.

###


Reed: ICE Reforms & Guardrails Needed to Protect the Rights of All Americans

WASHINGTON, DC – In an effort to uphold our constitutional principles and protect the rights of all Americans, U.S. Senator Jack Reed called on Congressional Republicans to join Democrats in passing a series of commonsense reforms to rein in the Trump Administration’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Americans have seen with their own eyes how excessively aggressive and unaccountable masked ICE agents have been operating under the Trump Administration. Instead of targeting people with criminal records, ICE has wrongfully trampled on due process, targeted and detained legal residents, asylum seekers, children, and in some cases U.S. citizens.

To rein in ICE and keep it in line with the same basic standards of conduct that applies to other law enforcement agencies Senator Reed is urging several key reforms and guardrails, including stronger accountability; a stop to roving, masked agents terrorizing cities; and real oversight that curtails overly aggressive tactics and holds agents accountable if they use excessive force. Reed says the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) also needs a change in leadership and that it undercuts national security and undermines public safety when senior Trump officials blatantly lie to the American people and try to gaslight the public into believing that protestors are ‘domestic terrorists.’

“ICE is supposed to uphold the law, but under the Trump Administration we have seen out of control ICE agents routinely flout the law and brutally break it with no accountability. Americans have witnessed unspeakable acts of violence against innocent people, including peaceful protestors, legal residents, and American citizens who have wrongfully been beaten, intimidated, detained, and even killed. This is a gross overreach of power by the Trump Administration that threatens the rights of all Americans. The chaos and violence must stop and Trump’s masked ICE agents must be reined in with enforceable restraints,” said Reed.

The proposed ICE restrictions and guardrails Senator Reed is backing include:

Requiring ICE agents to wear and use body cameras, just like local police

Removing masks and limiting the concealment of agents’ identities

Ending warrantless, roving patrols

Protecting schools, hospitals, and places of worship from ICE

Preventing racial profiling

Prohibiting the wrongful detainment or deportation of American citizens

Reed noted it is not just Renee Good and Alex Pretti who have been victims of abusive ICE operations in Minnesota. There are many more cases of American citizens being mistreated by ICE, such as Ramon Menera and Scott Thao.

“Those sworn to uphold the law should not be lawless. Unfortunately, the Trump Administration gave out-of-control ICE agents a blank check and a green light to do whatever they want in order to meet the Administration’s arbitrary quotas for deportation. Americans can see for themselves that Secretary Noem and ICE have no accountability. ICE is stopping and interrogating people about their immigration status without a warrant and just trampling on their rights. If ICE can just grab you from your home without a warrant, detain you in the cold without evidence, and force you to produce paperwork to prove your innocence instead of them going through the proper legal steps – then it undercuts every American’s freedom,” said Reed.

Lawmakers from both political parties have until February 13, when federal funding for DHS expires, to find a solution and pass a set of ICE reforms and prevent a federal shutdown of all DHS operations.

“Democrats are at the table. We sent fully drafted, specific legislation, but Trump and the Republicans responded with vague and unwritten commentary. Republicans are the ones who decide if votes will be scheduled and they are the ones who decide whether to pass overdue reforms, or shut down important components of the federal government. I hope Congressional Republicans will listen to the American people and help Democrats enact these overdue reforms,” said Reed.


Senators Reed, Shaheen, Warner, Murray, Durbin, Schumer, Coons, and Schatz Urge President Trump to Oppose Israeli Settlement Expansion in the West Bank

WASHINGTON, DC—Tomorrow, President Trump will host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, days after the Israeli Security Cabinet advanced a policy to dramatically expand Israeli control and settlements in the West Bank.

Ahead of the White House meeting, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Mark Warner (D-VA), Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senate Democratic Leader, Chris Coons (D-DE), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, and Brian Schatz (D-HI), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, issued the following statement:

“We are deeply troubled by the Israeli government’s decision to blatantly consolidate administrative control over and set the conditions to expand settlements into the West Bank. The Israeli government's actions contravene decades of bipartisan United States policy, including that expressed by President Trump, which asserts the United States supports a two-state solution and that it is not in the U.S. national security interest to support annexation of the West Bank.

“We have long expressed our concern that these reckless moves make the possibility of a two-state solution, where Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side in peace and security, further out of reach. We urge Prime Minister Netanyahu to reverse course. When President Trump meets with Prime Minister Netanyahu this week, we also urge the President to clearly reinforce the opposition of the U.S. government to Israeli government actions that set the conditions for irreversible annexation.”


IN CASE YOU MISSED IT… Sen. Rick Scott in Real Clear Markets: Americans Deserve to Have Confidence in Their Medicine

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In case you missed it, Senator Rick Scott published an op-ed in Real Clear Markets on his work as chairman of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging with Ranking Member Kirsten Gillibrand to provide safe, affordable, and reliable drugs for American families. In the piece, Chairman Scott highlights the facts of their investigation into generic drugs and emphasizes the need to develop alternatives to the current system, which is dangerously reliant on international suppliers, including those in Communist China and other underregulated markets that lack transparency and accountability. Chairman Scott and Ranking Member Gillibrand are working to address these concerns by introducing their CLEAR Labels Act to inject transparency into the system and empower Americans to make the best decisions for their families.

In the op-ed, Senator Rick Scott writes, “Generics make cost-effective, lifesaving medicine readily available for every American. Families deserve to know their generic drugs are safe, so they can make a choice about what’s best for them – even one instance that proves otherwise is one too many.

‘…most of our generic drug supply comes from overseas, produced in underregulated markets and in factories with far less oversight than those in the United States, and the danger of our overreliance on foreign-made medicines and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) from India and Communist China cannot be overstated.

…

‘Even now, Communist China – a self-declared enemy of the U.S. – has banned exporting rare earth minerals to the U.S. as retaliation for basic policy decisions. It is not out of the realm of possibility that Xi and his thugs could extend that ban to APIs or specific medicines in an attempt to bring our country to the negotiating table, or to its knees. We can’t wait for them to do so before we ramp up domestic manufacturing of these life-saving drugs.

…

‘When faced with shortages, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been known to allow imports of drugs from foreign factories flagged for quality and safety concerns. Patients and doctors are not told when those exemptions are made – they just have to trust and be grateful to have any drugs at all.

…

‘Several reports also show that relying on foreign-manufactured drugs results in higher rates of serious adverse events – like hospitalization and death - than drugs made in and with ingredients from the U.S.

…

‘Just recently, we saw a recall of Indian-made cholesterol drugs due to manufacturing defects. While this issue was caught, not all of them are. The FDA is still dealing with an inspection backlog from COVID, and when a former FDA inspector testified before our committee, he described significant hurdles that slow overseas inspections. He also testified to horrifyingly unsanitary conditions at some of these factories, including water dripping from pipes and cats roaming the floors, and how factories exploit loopholes to shift production without fixing these issues.

…

‘This issue won’t be solved overnight, but we are working to find bipartisan, commonsense solutions that keep drugs safe, affordable, and accessible. Our CLEAR Labels Act is a first step in the right direction.

...

‘This is just the start. I plan to keep working with experts across the political spectrum and around the country to address this threat and ensure Americans never have to worry about getting affordable, safe medicines when they need them.”

Read the full piece in Real Clear Markets HERE.

###


Risch, Gallego Introduce Bill to Accelerate New Nuclear Investment

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) today introduced the Accelerating Reliable Capacity (ARC) Act to accelerate investment in and encourage completion of new commercial nuclear reactors by minimizing the risk of project cost overruns.

“The U.S. must remain the undisputed global leader when it comes to nuclear energy. To do so, we need advanced reactors that can meet growing energy demand here at home and we can deliver to customers around the world,” said Risch. “The ARC Act will ensure continued U.S. leadership in nuclear energy by incentivizing best practices and mitigating the financial risks to get new nuclear reactors online.”

“With energy demand growing rapidly across the country, nuclear energy is key to increasing baseload energy cleanly and reliably. But getting new nuclear projects off the ground is a financial risk many companies simply can’t take,” said Gallego. “I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation with Senator Risch to reduce financial risk and accelerate investment in advanced nuclear – ensuring America remains a leader in innovation and new energy technology development.”

Building commercial nuclear reactor technologies for the first time creates significant financing uncertainties due to the risk of unforeseen delays and cost increases, deterring potential investors. The ARC Act establishes a risk reduction program for new reactors by establishing safeguards against unforeseen costs through enhanced financing terms and a limited federal cost share. The program would benefit three or more advanced nuclear energy projects to jumpstart commercialization.

Senator Risch is a long-time advocate for nuclear energy. He has spearheaded legislation to increase domestic energy production, enhance national security, and keep the United States at the forefront of nuclear advancement. He is the founder and co-chair of the Senate Advanced Nuclear Caucus, which amplifies the critical role nuclear energy plays in the U.S. and explores emerging nuclear technologies.

The ARC Act is supported by ClearPath Action, the Nuclear Energy Institute, and the Nuclear Innovation Alliance.

“I want to thank Senators Risch and Gallego for their leadership on addressing barriers to advanced reactor deployment,” said John Wagner, Director of Idaho National Laboratory. “Providing targeted cost overrun protection for first-of-a-kind projects will help accelerate commercial deployment, meet the significant growth in demand for reliable power that our industrial sector and economic competitiveness require, and ensure continued U.S. leadership in nuclear energy.”

“The Accelerating Reliable Capacity Act is critical to the establishment of new nuclear assets in the United States and at home in Arizona. APS has a long history of nuclear leadership at the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station which provides 4.0 GW of clean, reliable nuclear energy to over 4 million customers.” said Ted Geisler, President and CEO of Arizona Public Service. “We are thankful for Arizona’s Senator Ruben Gallego and Senator Jim Risch for their bipartisan leadership to help bring new nuclear to the United States.”


Schatz Secures $1.6 Million Earmark To Help Digitize Collections At Bishop Museum

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) secured $1.6 million in congressionally directed spending, also known as an earmark, in this year’s appropriations deal to help digitize collections at Bishop Museum. The funding will support the creation of a program to digitize entire collections for use by the public, academic institutions, and other museums.

“The incredible collections at Bishop Museum have educated generations of locals, scholars, and tourists about our state’s rich history and culture,” said Senator Schatz, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “This funding will help digitize these vital resources, providing greater access and preserving them for generations to come.”

“Bishop Museum holds the world’s foremost collection of Hawai‘i and Pacific materials. These collections are an unparalleled resource for students, teachers, scholars, cultural practitioners, artists, and scientists for knowledge and inspiration. Our holdings include 22 million plant and animal specimens; 1.3 million artifacts of Hawai‘i and the Pacific; more than 1 million historical photographs, films, works of art, audio recordings, and manuscripts; and 125,000 historical publications. These funds will allow us to embark on a large-scale digitization initiative to preserve collection materials and to provide free online access to the knowledge we steward. We are truly grateful to Senators Schatz and Hirono for championing our ability to share this cultural, historical, and environmental knowledge globally,” said Kris Helgen, President and CEO of the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum.

###


Schatz, Walkinshaw Introduce Legislation To Give Federal Workers Pay Raise

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and U.S. Representative James Walkinshaw (D-Va.) introduced the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act, a bill that would provide federal employees with a 4.1 percent pay increase in calendar year 2027.

For more than a decade, federal employees have endured government shutdowns, pay freezes, hiring freezes, and lost pay as a result of sequestration-related furloughs. The FAIR Act’s wage adjustment restores years of lost wage increases for federal employees by ensuring that federal employees, who serve in all 50 states on behalf of constituents in every congressional district, earn an average pay increase of 4.1 percent.

“Whether it’s inspecting our food, conducting medical research, or caring for veterans, federal workers play an important role in our daily lives and deserve pay that reflects that,” said Senator Schatz. “Our bill boosts wages to keep public service jobs competitive with those in the private sector and maintain a strong and talented federal workforce.”

“Federal workers are the backbone of America, delivering the essential services and benefits that families have earned in every corner of our country,” said Congressman Walkinshaw (VA-11). “They serve communities nationwide and have done so honorably even as the Trump administration has launched unprecedented attacks on the civil service. The FAIR Act delivers a much-needed 4.1 percent pay raise in 2027 so federal pay can keep pace with the cost of living and public service careers remain competitive.”

Despite recent pay increases for federal employees under the Biden administration – 4.6 percent in 2024, 5.2 percent in 2024, and 2 percent in 2025 – wages continue to lag behind the rising cost of living. In 2023, federal employees earned roughly 27 percent less on average than employees in the private sector, according to the Federal Salary Council.

“Federal employees have long faced a significant gap in salaries as compared to their private-sector counterparts — nearly 27%lower on average nationwide—making it hard to recruit and retain the dedicated public servants our nation deserves. That’s why American Federation of Government Employees supports Senator Schatz’s reintroduction of the FAIR Act, which would provide a meaningful pay adjustment and help close this pay gap by delivering a 4.1 % raise in January 2027. Fair pay isn’t just good for federal workers — it’s also good for the quality of government services and the people we all serve,” said Everett Kelley, National President of American Federation of Government Employee (AFGE).

“Federal employees live and work in every state and congressional district across the country providing critical services for our nation and the American people. However, their pay falls far below that of individuals in comparable jobs in the private sector. NTEU applauds Senator Schatz and Representative Walkinshaw and the many Members of Congress who cosponsored this bill for supporting federal workers receiving a fair pay increase in 2027 to ensure that employees can keep up with the costs of living and that the federal government can recruit and retain talented workers,” said Doreen Greenwald, National President of the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU).

In addition to Schatz, the FAIR Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Mark Warner (D-Va.).

The text of the bill is available here.

###


SCHUMER ANNOUNCES $800,000 IN FEDERAL FUNDING TO DEVELOP NEW CUTTING-EDGE PRECISION METALS TRAINING CENTER AT MOHAWK VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

New State-of-the-Art Tools & Equipment Will Allow MVCC To Teach Local Students High-Demand Skills Employers Need Without Changing Existing Production Lines Or Taking Up Valuable Manufacturing Floor Time

Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council Is Prioritizing Boosting Precision Metals Sector As Major Sector For Local Exports, Employment, And Source Of Economic Growth

Schumer: Fed $$ On The Way To Boost Precision Metals Training In The Mohawk Valley!

U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today announced $800,000 in federal funding for Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) in the fiscal year 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services Appropriations Bill to help grow their precision metals training program into a cutting-edge, industry-aligned Precision Metals Training Center, which will be located inside the state-of-the-art Applied Technology Center that MVCC broke ground for last fall.

“New high-end tools and equipment will provide a major boost to the Mohawk Valley’s precision metals industry. I’m proud to deliver $800,000 in federal funding to Mohawk Valley Community College to help grow their state-of-the-art precision metals training program,” said U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer. “With Upstate NY’s manufacturing sector surging because of new major investments like Micron, this new funding will help students get the hands-on training and skills they need for high-demand jobs. I will never stop fighting to boost workforce development programs in the Mohawk Valley and across Upstate NY so young people can land good-paying jobs close to home.”

Schumer explained this significant federal investment will fund the purchase of new, top-of-the-line tools and equipment used by leading metals sector employers, allowing MVCC to tailor their metals workforce training programs to help students land good-paying jobs in the Mohawk Valley metals industry and across Upstate New York’s thriving high-tech economy.

“On behalf of MVCC and the community we serve, I would like to thank Senator Schumer for his years-long fight to deliver this strategic investment to upgrade our Precision Metals Center with the state-of-the-art tools and equipment used by industry, and optimize our training programs to meet the specific needs of metals sector employers. In addition to helping solidify our position as a statewide and national leader in industry-aligned workforce development, this investment builds on millions of dollars the Senator has advocated for and successfully secured to support infrastructure and programs from our regional Manufacturing Extension Partnership Center to our new Applied Technology Center that broke ground last fall," said Mohawk Valley Community College President Randall J. VanWagoner. "With metals industry jobs in high demand across the Mohawk Valley, and paying around 18% more than the regional average, our Precision Metals Training Center is a unique resource that is becoming increasingly vital to one of the signature sectors powering our community. I applaud Senator Schemer for recognizing the importance of our work in precision metals, for continuing to prioritize investment in education and workforce development, and for always fighting to promote economic opportunity and growth for all here in the Mohawk Valley and across New York State."

“Senator Schumer’s leadership in securing this $800,000 federal investment is a major win for Oneida County and the region's manufacturing economy,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. “By helping MVCC transform its precision metals programs into a state-of-the-art Precision Metals Training Center, this funding ensures students and workers are trained on the same advanced equipment used by today’s top employers, strengthening our workforce pipeline, supporting good-paying jobs and positioning our region for continued growth in one of our most critical industries.”

MVCC will use this funding to purchase new tools and equipment that mirror the machines leading employers use in the field and on the manufacturing floor, helping MVCC teach more students the skills metals sector employers are looking for. Once complete, the Mohawk Valley Precision Metals Training Center provide the region with a unique workforce development asset, allowing MVCC to create bespoke training solutions tailored to employer and job-seeker requirements, without taking up valuable time on the manufacturing floor or forcing employers to modify existing production lines.

The Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council, in its inaugural year, declared that maintaining and growing the precision metals sector, a major local export sector and a source of local employment and economic growth, was a top regional economic priority. Schumer said that federal investment will help both small and large businesses operating in the metals sector increase and sustain profitability, making it even clearer that the Mohawk Valley is open for business and positioned as a hotbed of manufacturing growth for generations to come.

Schumer has been Mohawk Valley Community College's leading champion in Congress for more than a decade, and his relentless advocacy has secured a series of federal investments that are helping MVCC reshape the region's workforce landscape. In January 2023, Schumer visited MVCC's campus in Utica to celebrate delivering a $2?million federal investment to help fund a state-of-the-art semiconductor-and-advanced-manufacturing lab to help grow the Mohawk Valley's high-tech talent pipeline and feed major employers in Upstate New York's booming microelectronics and semiconductor industry, like Micron, Wolfspeed, and GlobalFoundries. That investment was a key piece of the funding that made it possible for MVCC to break ground on its new, state-of-the-art, 64,000 square foot Applied Technology Center last September.

###


Slotkin, Husted Lead Bipartisan Effort to Ensure Yellow Road Pigment is Made in America

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and Jon Husted (R-OH) introduced the Paving the Way for American Industry Act. This bipartisan legislation extends Buy American preference to the yellow pigment used in road, highway, and airport surface markings.

“From the cars we own, to the yellow pigment that marks the roads we drive, I want it made right here in America,” said Senator Slotkin. “Our bipartisan bill, the Paving the Way for American Industry Act ensures that preference is given to pigments manufactured in Michigan, not China.”

“From the roads we drive on to the materials that make them safe, the Paving the Way for American Industry Act is about bringing American manufacturing back home and making sure the products we rely on every day are proudly Made-in-America,” said Senator Husted. “This bill would keep taxpayer dollars at home, support Ohio businesses and reinforce that you can’t have Made-in-America without Made-in-Ohio.”

“USW members proudly make a wide range of products necessary to sustain our critical infrastructure,” said USW District 1 Director Donnie Blatt. “This includes the yellow paint pigments that go into striping on American roads that our members at Sun Chemical manufacture. Our union applauds Sen. Slotkin’s work to update our procurement laws and ensure that our tax dollars benefit our communities and support good, community-sustaining jobs.”

The manufacturing of this yellow pigment has been largely outsourced to China, though there are manufacturing sites in the United States, including in Muskegon County, Michigan. The Paving the Way for American Industry Act ensures that American made pigments are given preference over Chinese-made pigments.

The full text of the bill is available here.

###