Rep. Watson Coleman to Attend the "People's State of the Union" focused on Americans Left Behind by the Trump Agenda

Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) will attend the “People’s State of the Union” on the National Mall this evening, joining constituents, advocates, and her colleagues to elevate the voices of Americans directly impacted by the Trump Administration and their disastrous policies.

The event, organized by MoveOn and coalition partners, will focus on the real challenges families are facing - from rising costs, threats to healthcare access, attacks on immigrant communities, to the erosion of basic human rights.

“The President can deliver whatever version of events he chooses tonight,” said Rep. Watson Coleman. “My responsibility is to the people I represent. In New Jersey, families are worried about affording their groceries, about rising prescription drug costs and whether they will lose access to healthcare coverage that has become even more expensive after Republicans allowed the ACA subsidies to expire. While Americans are worried about putting food on the table, they also must worry whether their government is focused on their well-being or on harassing their Black and brown neighbors.

“What we are seeing from this administration is a pattern of distraction and distortion while working families continue to absorb the consequences. Americans are focused on affordability, access to care, and the safety of their communities and families. These are the issues that determine the real state of our union, and those of us who care deeply about our country will be standing together in solidarity to make sure everyone’s voices are heard.”

The Congresswoman will be joined by Nedia Morsy, Executive Director of Make the Road New Jersey, an organization that builds on the power of immigrant and working-class communities in New Jersey to achieve dignity and justice through community organizing, legal and support services, and policy innovation.

“Trump’s billionaire first agenda is fooling no one,” said Nedia Morsy. “Trump is making cuts to healthcare to funnel billions to ICE and surveillance contracts for companies like Palantir. In the face of such blatant greed and hatred, the American people couldn't be clearer - we stand united for an economy that delivers for all of us and a country where we protect our neighbors.”

The People’s State of the Union can be viewed on MoveOn’s website at MoveOn.org/Live or on the Congresswoman’s Facebook page at facebook.com/repbonnie.


Rep. Weber Introduces Resolution Recognizing 10th Anniversary of First Lower 48 LNG Export

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14), Vice Chair of the Republican Study Committee’s House Energy Action Team (HEAT), introduced a House Resolution recognizing the 10th anniversary of the first export shipment of liquefied natural gas (LNG) produced in the lower 48 United States.

On February 24, 2016, the tanker Asia Vision departed Cheniere’s Sabine Pass facility on the Texas Gulf Coast bound for Brazil. That historic shipment marked the first time LNG produced by American workers, using American technology, was exported from the continental United States to global markets. It signaled the beginning of a new era of American energy leadership.

The resolution:

Recognizes and celebrates the 10th anniversary of the first LNG export shipment from the lower 48 states;

Honors the workers, innovators, and communities who made this milestone possible;

Acknowledges the role LNG exports play in strengthening U.S. economic growth, energy security, and international partnerships;

And reaffirms the importance of continued innovation and responsible development of American energy resources.

Over the past decade, LNG exports from the lower 48 have supported an annual average of 273,000 American jobs and contributed more than $400 billion in economic growth. U.S. LNG terminals have shipped more than 8,500 cargoes to over 40 countries and regions around the world, strengthening alliances and reducing dependence on hostile energy suppliers.

“Ten years ago, the first LNG shipment from the Lower 48 left right here in Texas’ 14th Congressional District,” said Rep. Weber. “That moment proved what we’ve always known on the Texas Gulf Coast: when America produces, builds, and leads, we win. Today, the United States is the largest LNG exporter in the world because we didn’t sideline American energy, we unleashed it. Now it’s Congress’ job to protect that success and keep America energy dominant.”

“We applaud the work led by the House Energy Action Team (HEAT) to draw attention to the many economic, geopolitical, and environmental benefits of growing U.S. LNG exports,” said Charlie Riedl, Executive Director for the Center for LNG (CLNG). “As a coalition of companies representing the LNG supply chain, CLNG stands ready to support your efforts and continue to advocate for policies that will create American jobs and strengthen our national security. We look forward to working with you to advance this critical resolution and build awareness of the industry in Congress.”

Read CLNG’s full Letter of Support here.

“Over the past decade, U.S. LNG has strengthened our economy, supported hundreds of thousands of American jobs, and enhanced the energy security of our allies around the world,” said Dustin Meyer, Senior Vice President of Policy, Economics and Regulatory Affairs, American Petroleum Institute. “We applaud Congressman Weber’s leadership in recognizing the workers, innovators, and communities who made the United States the world’s leading LNG exporter, and who will continue to drive American energy innovation and leadership for decades to come.”

“America’s leading independent producers are proud to power a decade of U.S. LNG export leadership, and we applaud Representative Weber for recognizing this historic turning point that helped transform the United States into a global energy superpower," said Parker Kasmer, Vice President of Government Affairs, of the American Exploration & Production Council. "Thanks to the ingenuity and investment of American natural gas producers, U.S. LNG has become a cornerstone of global energy security, powering homes and economies across Europe, Asia, and beyond. As we mark this milestone, we look forward to working with Congress to advance policies that expand the role of American-made natural gas in meeting the world’s growing demand for ever cleaner, reliable energy,"

The resolution is cosponsored by Representatives Rick Allen (GA-12), Brian Babin (TX-36), Troy Balderson (OH-12), Aaron Bean (FL-04), Stephanie Bice (OK-05), Mike Carey (OH-15), Buddy Carter (GA-01), Michael Cloud (TX-27), Mike Collins (GA-10), Dan Crenshaw (TX-02), Jake Ellzey (TX-06), Julie Fedorchak (ND-AL), Randy Fine (FL-06), Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03), Craig Goldman (TX-12), Vincent Gonzalez (TX-34), Pat Harrigan (NC-10), Clay Higgins (LA-03), Wesley Hunt (TX-38), Jeff Hurd (CO-03), Julia Letlow (LA-05), Barry Loudermilk (GA-11), Rich McCormick (GA-07), Addison McDowell (NC-06), Mark Messmer (IN-08), Carol Miller (WV-01), Nathaniel Moran (TX-01), Troy Nehls (TX-22), August Pfluger (TX-11), Michael Rulli (OH-6), Pete Stauber (MN-08), Beth Van Duyne (TX-24), and Roger Williams (TX-25).

Congressman Weber serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, where he is Vice Chairman of the Energy Subcommittee and serves on the Environment and Oversight & Investigations Subcommittees.

Rep. Weber’s district on the Texas Gulf Coast is home to critical LNG infrastructure that powers American energy production and strengthens national security.


Webster: The Great American Comeback is Underway

Washington, D.C. — Ahead of President Donald J. Trump’s State of the Union address, Florida Congressman Daniel Webster, R-Clermont, released the following statement highlighting the historic progress made.

“As our nation prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, President Trump will deliver a State of the Union address that meets this historic moment. Under President Trump’s leadership, the state of our union is strong and only getting stronger.

“Just a short time ago, under the failed policies of the Biden-Harris administration, our country faced a historic crisis at our southern border, inflation that surged to 9%, skyrocketing interest rates that put the dream of homeownership out of reach for countless Americans, and a foreign policy that projected weakness.

“Today. The contrast could not be clearer.

“Under President Trump’s leadership, our country is safer, stronger, and prosperous again. The border is secure and the rule of law has been restored. Inflation has fallen to 2.4 percent. Mortgage rates have dropped to a three-year low. American energy production has been unleashed, driving down gas prices. On the world stage, the President has restored Peace through Strength, ending eight wars around the world while putting American interests first.

“In Congress, I have worked to support the President’s America First agenda. Last summer, I voted to pass the Working Families Tax Cuts – delivering historic tax relief to middle- and working-class Americans. These reforms put more money back in the pockets of seniors, families, hardworking Americans and small businesses.

“Our country has come a long way, but our work is not done. I will continue fighting in Congress to advance commonsense policies that lower costs, make health care more affordable, reform burdensome regulations so American can build again, and protect American elections.”

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Wittman Opposes ROTOR Act, Supports Comprehensive Aviation Legislation

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) released a statement following his vote against the Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act and expressed his support for more comprehensive aviation safety legislation:

“The horrific crash over the Potomac River on January 29, 2025, was a tragedy that claimed 67 lives. It should never have happened, and Congress has a responsibility to ensure it never happens again in American airspace. Following a thorough investigation, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) identified multiple contributing factors and issued fifty recommendations to strengthen aviation safety and prevent future incidents.

I voted against the ROTOR Act because, while it addresses certain elements of the crash, it fails to implement the full scope of the NTSB’s recommendations. Piecemeal reforms are not enough when lives are at stake. Additionally, provisions in the bill raise serious national security concerns by potentially exposing sensitive military capabilities and operations.

I am proud to cosponsor the bipartisan Airspace Location and Enhanced Risk Transparency (ALERT) Act, which takes a comprehensive approach by addressing all fifty NTSB recommendations while safeguarding sensitive military systems. The ALERT Act strengthens aviation safety by advancing collision mitigation technologies for military helicopters, modernizing air traffic control procedures, improving coordination between the Department of Defense and the Federal Aviation Administration, and reinforcing safety standards across military aviation operations.

We owe it to the victims and their families to enact meaningful reforms that fully address the causes of this tragedy. I remain committed to working with my colleagues to deliver responsible, comprehensive aviation safety legislation.”


Wittman Releases Statement Following State of the Union Address

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) released a statement following President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address:

“Tonight’s address comes at a pivotal moment for our nation. Families across Virginia’s First District and around the country continue to feel the strain of rising healthcare costs, housing prices, and everyday expenses. Americans are looking for leadership that delivers results — strengthening our economy at home while keeping our nation secure abroad.

Over the past year, Congress has worked to advance policies that support hardworking families, strengthen our national defense, and restore fiscal discipline. I have consistently supported efforts to put more money back in the pockets of Virginians. As a result, families in Virginia’s First District will see an average tax cut of over $3,000 this tax season.

I have also worked with colleagues to address rising healthcare costs while protecting critical programs that seniors, veterans, and working families rely on. While we have made meaningful progress on the kitchen-table issues facing American families, our work is not done. We must continue pursuing long-term solutions that expand access to affordable healthcare, invest in American energy production, strengthen supply chains, and promote sustained economic growth.

At the same time, we face an increasingly complex global security environment. As vice chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, I remain focused on ensuring our service members have the resources, training, and modern capabilities necessary to deter adversaries and protect our interests. Peace through strength is more than a principle — it is a strategy that requires sustained investment in readiness and modernization.

My focus remains clear: advancing pro-growth policies, promoting peace through strength, protecting our communities, and ensuring every taxpayer dollar is spent responsibly. Virginians deserve steady, results-driven leadership, and I will continue fighting to deliver it.”


Womack Statement on President Trump’s State of the Union Address

WASHINGTON, D.C.— February 24, 2026…Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) released the following statement in response to President Donald J. Trump's State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress and the American people.

Congressman Womack said, “In the past year, President Trump has achieved measurable progress in securing the border, reducing the flow of lethal drugs into our communities, expanding American energy production, strengthening national security and global leadership, growing our economy and labor market, and easing inflation. There is still work to be done to address years of weak leadership and misguided policy, but if the past year is any indication, we can expect continued transformational efforts aimed at improving the lives of all Americans now and in the years ahead.”

Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) has represented Arkansas’s Third Congressional District since 2011. He is a member of the House Appropriations Committee.

womack.house.gov


Senator Banks Statement on President Trump’s 2026 State of the Union Address

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) released a statement following President Trump’s delivery of the 2026 State of the Union.

Senator Jim Banks: “Great way to kick off America 250 with a strong State of the Union Address by President Trump. And it was made even better by having the USA Men’s Hockey Gold Medal Champions in the audience.

In just over a year, President Trump has secured the border, enacted the largest tax cut in history for working families, fixed the military recruitment crisis, deported over 600,000 illegal immigrants, and restored law and order to our streets.

The United States is once again respected on the world stage. We are strong, focused, and putting America First.

At 250 years old, America isn’t slowing down. We’re gearing up. And President Trump is just getting started.”

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Barrasso Highlights a More Prosperous America Ahead of 2026 State of the Union

“Americans rejected that failed agenda of high prices and high taxes. They chose safety and prosperity. Today, America is moving in the right direction. This is an all-American economic comeback.”

WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Senate Majority Whip, today spoke on the Senate Floor ahead of President Donald J. Trump’s State of the Union Address. Senator Barrasso highlighted how policies Republicans signed into law as part of the Working Families Tax Cuts are making Americans more prosperous.

Click HERE to watch Senator Barrasso’s remarks.

Sen. Barrasso remarks as prepared:

“Tonight, President Trump will report on the State of the Union. Americans will hear two things from the President. A record of progress that puts America back on track. And a plan to build on that progress.

“In the 2024 elections, Americans demanded safety and prosperity. Republicans delivered. Republicans cut Americans’ taxes. We eliminated wasteful Washington spending. We rolled back regulations that strangled businesses. And we restored American energy dominance.

“America is safer, more secure, and more prosperous today than it was the day Joe Biden left the White House. For the four years of his presidency, painfully high prices punished American families. Republican policies are changing that. Our focus is affordability. The proof is in the pockets of the American people.

“Last year, Republicans passed the Working Families Tax Cuts law. Every Democrat voted against it. The law benefits nearly every American taxpayer.

“Every working American receives a permanent lower tax rate. Every working American receives a permanent increase in the standard deduction.

“Farmers, ranchers, and Main Street small businesses receive permanent relief from the dreaded Death Tax.

“All parents receive a permanent increase in the Child Tax Credit – $2,200 for each child, each year.

“Waiters, barbers, and bartenders will keep more money because of No Taxes on Tips.

“Nurses, firefighters, police officers, and coal miners will keep more money because of No Taxes on Overtime.

“Millions of seniors living on Social Security will receive higher payments.

“New parents can save and invest in their children’s future through the historic new Trump Accounts.

“Republicans didn’t stop with cutting taxes. We also removed burdensome government regulations that strangled our economy.

“Just this month, in a historic decision, the Trump administration ended the so-called Endangerment Finding. That Obama-era regulation raised car prices and limited consumer choice. This is the single largest action to cut a burdensome regulation by any administration ever. It will make life more affordable.

“It follows a year of rolling back red tape. Last year, President Trump eliminated 646 regulations. His actions saved hardworking taxpayers over $200 billion.

“This is just the beginning.

“So what are the results so far? Inflation is at its lowest level in five years. More Americans are working – millions more. And wages are going up. The economy continues to see robust growth. Productivity grew twice as fast last year as it has over the past decade.

“Those are the facts and figures. Let me put this in personal terms.

“Because of the economic policies enacted in the past year, workers in America now have $1,400 more in their pockets than they did before President Trump took office. From the gas station to the grocery store to the pharmacy, paychecks are going farther, and families are feeling financial relief. More relief is on the way.

“Now consider what these Democrats – the people on the other side of the aisle – want instead. Joe Biden and Democrats’ reckless tax-and-spend agenda caused the worst inflation in forty years. Today, these Democrats are determined to bring it back.

“These Democrats tried to raise taxes on working families by $4 trillion. Every single Democrat in this Senate voted in favor of the largest tax increase in American history. Had these Democrats gotten their way, Americans would be paying more taxes today – not less.

“Even now, Democrats are still trying to raise your taxes. These Democrats are trying to undo the very policies that are putting more money back in the pockets of the American people.

“Americans rejected that failed agenda of high prices and high taxes. They chose safety and prosperity. Today, America is moving in the right direction. This is an all-American economic comeback. And we are going to continue to build on it.

“Tonight, President Trump will lay out his vision for continuing to make America safer and more prosperous. Senate Republicans will work closely with him to do precisely that.”

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Barrasso Responds to President Trump’s State of the Union Address

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Senate Majority Whip, delivered the following remarks in response to President Donald J. Trump’s State of the Union address.

Click HERE to watch Senator Barrasso’s remarks.

“What a difference a year makes. The President was able to report tonight that America is back on track.

“Republicans promised safety and prosperity for our nation, and we’ve delivered. The border is now secure. Gasoline prices are at a five-year low. Jobs are coming back to America. Wages are up. Things are more affordable.

“This past weekend, I was on a Navy Destroyer within firing distance of Iran. This is nine time zones away from Wyoming. Two of the sailors on board were from Wyoming. One from Gillette, and his father works in a coal mine. The other from Wheatland. His father works at the power plant. Both of them said that President Trump and Republicans saved their fathers’ jobs. That’s what we’re doing for America.

“And it’s going to get even better. Tax returns are going to be even higher for this year than they were last year as a result of the Working Families Tax Cuts law. That’s what it means to make America safer and more prosperous.”

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Bennet, Colleagues Release Legislation Requiring Refunds of Trump’s Illegal Tariffs

Bill Instructs the Trump Administration to Prioritize Small Businesses; Requires Full Refund With Interest of Illegal Trump Tariffs Within 180 Days

Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee with jurisdiction over trade and tariffs, joined Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Senate Small Business Committee Ranking Member Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), and Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), to release legislation requiring full refunds of President Trump’s illegal tariffs after the U.S. Supreme Court struck them down by a 6-3 vote on Friday.

“President Trump’s trade war has needlessly undercut small businesses, increased costs for Coloradans, and alienated key allies and partners,” said Bennet. “Coloradans deserve a transparent, efficient, and timely process for returning funds spent on tariffs that should never have been collected in the first place. The Tariff Refund Act will reduce uncertainty, support small businesses, and strengthen Colorado’s economy.”

To date, the Trump Administration has collected an estimated $175 billion in illegal tariff revenue, raising costs on products from nearly every country on earth, and jacking up prices for American families. The Tariff Refund Act of 2026 would require the full refund, with interest, of those funds.

The Trump Administration previously recognized that it must refund, with interest, any duties determined to have been unlawfully collected. It is unclear, however, what timeline, process, or other guidelines the administration would follow to provide refunds. The lack of a clear, accessible process would necessarily advantage large importers with resources to dedicate to outside counsel and consultants, further imposing costs on small businesses.

The Tariff Refund Act of 2026 would ensure that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) completes the payment of refunds quickly and prioritizes the interests of small businesses in that process. Importantly, the bill would ensure that importers are not required to take costly administrative steps to receive a refund of the tariffs unlawfully collected by the administration. The bill would also direct CBP to coordinate with the Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide information and technical support. Finally, the bill’s reporting requirements would provide Congress, which has constitutional authority over trade and tariffs, with proper oversight over the refund payment process.

Specifically, this bill:

Requires CBP to pay refunds of all tariffs that were unlawfully imposed by the President under IEEPA and paid by importers – even if the importation has already been finalized and closed (“liquidated”) by CBP.

Sets a deadline of 180 days after enactment for CBP to process all refunds.

Requires CBP to pay interest on the refunded amount.

Directs CBP to prioritize small businesses when paying refunds and to coordinate with the SBA to provide key information on the refund process to small businesses.

Requires CBP to report every 30 days to relevant congressional committees on the status of refunds until CBP has completed the payment of all refunds.

Directs CBP to issue guidance on how to address duty drawback claims.

Expresses the Sense of Congress that importers, wholesalers, and large corporations should pass on those refunds to their customers.

In addition to Bennet, Wyden, Markey, and Shaheen, U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Chris Coons (D-Del.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Angus King (I-Maine), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) cosponsored the bill.

The text of the bill is available HERE.

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Bennet, Ricketts, Coons, Colleagues Call on Taiwan to “Meet the Moment,” Boost Defense Spending to Deter China

Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, joined U.S. Senators Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.), members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, along with other Senate and House colleagues, on a bipartisan, bicameral letter to the leadership of Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan. The letter expresses serious concerns over reports that a Taiwanese supplementary defense budget request may only be partially funded. The letter also stresses that a robust, multi-year defense budget is critical to deter increasing aggression from the People’s Republic of China (PRC), which continues to escalate military, economic, and diplomatic pressure on Taiwan.

“Both the United States and Taiwan must do more to deter PRC aggression. For our part, the U.S. must address the massive backlog in weapons deliveries to Taiwan. You have our commitment to continue to work together to ensure Taiwan gets the capabilities it needs, faster. Likewise, we need Taiwan to step up with us. We commend Taiwan for making important progress in strengthening its military readiness, reserve forces, and asymmetric defense capabilities. Nevertheless, we fear that without significant increases in Taiwan’s defense spending at levels reflected in President Lai’s proposed special budget, this progress will be insufficient,” wrote the lawmakers.

“We hope you will support a robust, multi-year special defense budget, as well as annual funding at levels that adequately meet the moment and send a clear signal of Taiwan’s will to defend itself,” concluded the lawmakers.

In addition to Bennet, Ricketts, Coons, U.S. Senators James Risch (R-Idaho), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dan Sullivan (R-Ala.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), John Cornyn (D-Texas), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), and Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) as well as U.S. Representatives Young Kim (R-Calif), Ami Bera (D-Calif), Aumua Amata Radewagen (R-American Samoa), Barry Loudermilk (R-Ga.), Jim Costa (D-Calif.), Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.), Brad Sherman (D-Calif.), Ted Lieu (D-Calif.), Charles Fleischmann (R-Tenn.), Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.), James Walkinshaw (D-Va.), Michael McCaul (R-Texas), Scott Peters (D-Calif.), Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.), Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas), Addison McDowell (R-N.C.), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), Mark Alford (R-Mo.), Thomas Suozzi (D-N.Y.), John Rose (R-Tenn.), and Don Bacon (R-Neb.) signed the letter.

The text of the letter is available HERE and below.

Dear Speaker Han Kuo-yu, Chair Cheng Li-wun, Chair Huang Kuo-chang, and Caucus Whip Ker Chien-ming:

As friends of Taiwan, we write to express our concerns with ongoing deliberations in the Legislative Yuan to only partially fund a supplementary budget request to enhance Taiwan’s defensive capabilities.

The United States shares a strong and enduring partnership with the people of Taiwan. It is built upon shared democratic values, close economic ties, and a mutual dedication to Indo-Pacific peace and stability. Since passage of the Taiwan Relations Act, the United States has remained committed to Taiwan’s security and ability to defend itself against coercion. This has been demonstrated through sustained security cooperation, including expanded training, enhanced interoperability, and arms sales.

However, the threat posed by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) against Taiwan has never been greater. Xi Jinping is focusing every element of the PRC’s national power to control Taiwan. Xi hopes to achieve this through illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive actions that undermine Taiwan’s will to resist. These measures include regularly operating inside Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone, increasing incursions across the median line, harassing fishing vessels, and cutting undersea cables. At the same time, Xi remains willing to use military force to achieve his goal. As evidence of this, large-scale People’s Liberation Army exercises in October 2024, April 2025, and December 2025 demonstrated its growing preparations for a blockade or invasion.

In response to this worsening threat environment, both the United States and Taiwan must do more to deter PRC aggression. For our part, the U.S. must address the massive backlog in weapons deliveries to Taiwan. You have our commitment to continue to work together to ensure Taiwan gets the capabilities it needs, faster. Likewise, we need Taiwan to step up with us. We commend Taiwan for making important progress in strengthening its military readiness, reserve forces, and asymmetric defense capabilities. Nevertheless, we fear that without significant increases in Taiwan’s defense spending at levels reflected in President Lai’s proposed special budget, this progress will be insufficient.

We understand the complexities that surround government funding debates.Legislators must represent the will of our constituents and ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent effectively. However, we also have the responsibility to fund our militaries at levels that address the critical threats we face. As such, we hope you will support a robust, multi-year special defense budget, as well as annual funding at levels that adequately meet the moment and send a clear signal of Taiwan’s will to defend itself.

Thank you for your leadership and your continued commitment to Taiwan’s democratic system and long-term security. We look forward to continued cooperation between our legislatures and our peoples.

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Blumenthal Announces CT Business Owner as Guest for Joint Address to Congress

[Hartford, CT] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal today announced that Nicole Russo, Owner, President, and Chief Executive Office of Microboard Processing, Inc. as his guest at President Donald Trump’s Joint Address to Congress on Tuesday evening.

Russo has led Microboard, an industry-leading electronics manufacturer in the defense, medical, telecommunications, and industrial sectors, since 2005. Russo was recognized as a Connecticut Women of Innovation in 2015 and was inducted into The American Manufacturing Hall of Fame as a Woman of Distinction in 2024.

Trump’s tariffs have increased costs for printed circuit board assemblies, like those produced by Microboard and disrupted the electronics supply chain.

“Trump’s tariffs were a disaster for business owners like Nicole, who faced strong headwinds and deep uncertainty over the last year. My colleagues need to hear her company’s story — one of American innovation and ingenuity. I am thrilled Nicole will accompany me to Tuesday’s address, and I hope her perspective inspires my colleagues to prioritize American manufacturing and invest in the programs and training needed to support local manufacturers,” Blumenthal said.

“Microboard is proud of the lifesaving and life changing electronics we have manufactured for over 40 years. Senator Blumenthal’s dedication to robust national defense capabilities and global diplomatic efforts are long standing pillars of his hard work in Connecticut, throughout the U.S. and Internationally. I am honored to attend the State of the Union as his guest and to represent the important work the Microboard employees accomplish every day,” Russo said.

In addition to leading Microboard, Russo serves on the advisory boards of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York Second District Advisory Council, Connecticut Business & Industry & Association (CBIA), Carter Morse & Goodrich, Ultra Pure, and the State of Connecticut’s Workforce Strategy Southwest Regional Sector Partnership (RSP) consisting of over 300 manufacturers. She is proud to serve as Executive Chairwoman of The WorkPlace, one of the USA's largest non-profit workforce firms. Nicole exemplifies the philosophy of "live your legacy now" as evidenced by her leadership of nine life-changing global humanitarian projects, coupled with speaking engagements on the impactful intersection of business, philanthropy, and faith.

Russo holds a MBA in management from D'Amore-McKim School of Business Northeastern University, and a BS from Salve Regina University.

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Blumenthal Demands Answers About FCC's Weaponization of "Equal Time" Rule to Chill Free Speech

[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), yesterday wrote to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Enforcement Bureau Chiefs Patrick Webre and Erin Boone demanding answers about the FCC’s weaponization of the “equal time” rule to suppress critical coverage of President Trump and to favor partisan Republican politics. Blumenthal is seeking FCC records and information from the Enforcement Bureau after the FCC threatened broadcasters and suppressed news interviews such as Stephen Colbert’s segment with Texas U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico.

“FCC Chair Carr’s attempt to ground his partisan censorship scheme under legal pretense willfully misinterprets and disregards decades of settled precedent and ignores Americans’ fundamental freedom of speech guaranteed by the First Amendment,” Blumenthal wrote in a letter to Webre and Boone. “Congress provided statutory exemptions to the equal time rule in 1959 for bona fide news interviews and newscasts, fearing that the onerous application of the rule ‘would tend to dry up meaningful radio and television coverage of political campaigns’ and impose a ‘virtual blackout in the presentation of candidates on the news-type programs.’”

Blumenthal also wrote to Paramount Chairman and CEO David Ellison after the corporation acquiesced to political pressure from the FCC, raising the alarming prospect that Paramount is willing to silence free speech to elicit political favors from the Trump Administration.

“While CBS claimed Mr. Colbert could host all other candidates, in practice that would require providing airtime for up to 14 other candidates, which would create exactly the ‘virtual blackout’ that Congress sought to prevent by enacting an exception to the equal time rule in 1959,” Blumenthal wrote in a letter to Ellison.

Blumenthal continued, “Additionally, the Subcommittee is engaged in an inquiry into political favoritism and the apparent corruption of antitrust review under the Trump Administration, including the FCC’s review of Skydance’s acquisition of Paramount and Paramount’s attempts to acquire Warner Bros. Paramount’s decision to comply, while it is attempting to enlist the Department of Justice and White House to intervene in the Warner Bros.’ transaction, calls into question its motivations for silencing Mr. Colbert.”

As Ranking Member of PSI, Blumenthal is conducting a preliminary inquiry into the FCC’s abuse of power, including dubious investigations and misrepresentations for the law to silence free speech. In September, Blumenthal hosted a public forum with U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) on the Trump Administration’s unprecedented efforts to use the FCC and government authority to chill First Amendment-protected speech and independent, fact-based news reporting.


Blumenthal Opens Inquiry After New Reporting Reveals Binance Allowed $1.7 Billion in Money Laundering to Iran Proxies & Russia's Shadow Fleet

[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), today wrote to Richard Teng, chief executive officer of Binance, raising concerns about recent reporting that the company appears to have helped prop up Iranian-linked terrorist organizations and illicit Russian oil sales. As part of a preliminary inquiry into the illicit use of cryptocurrencies by sanction entities, Blumenthal is seeking information and records from Binance, including details on why the exchange chose to suspend, and in some cases, terminate compliance personnel who discovered illicit Iranian and Russian use of the platform.

“According to stunning reports from the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, and Fortune, late last year, Binance compliance staff found that two Binance partners, Hexa Whale and Blessed Trust, acted as intermediaries for laundering money and enabling trade with Iranian government entities,” Blumenthal wrote in a letter to Teng. “According to documents obtained by the Times and the Journal, Binance was even warned that Hexa Whale was financing terrorist organizations such as the Yemeni Houthis, and internal investigators found cryptocurrency transfers to wallets associated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps and payments to crew members of Russia’s sanctions-evading shadow fleet of oil tankers.”

Blumenthal pointed to Binance’s efforts to dodge accountability after its repeated failure to prevent use of its cryptocurrency platform by sanctioned entities, terrorist organizations, and other criminal actors, “Instead of actually preventing illicit use, Binance has sought to evade accountability and influence the White House through lobbying and a financial partnership with World Liberty Financial (WLFI), the cryptocurrency firm owned by the sons of President Trump and his special envoy Steve Witkoff… This influence campaign has worked: in May 2025, the Securities and Exchange Commission announced that it was dismissing a lawsuit against Binance for lying to regulators and mishandling funds, followed in October by the stunning Presidential pardon of founder Changpeng Zhao.”

“The scale of the newly-revealed illicit transfers — uncaught until nearly two billion dollars flowed to sanctioned entities — and the unexplained firing of internal investigators call into question Binance’s compliance with American sanctions and banking laws, and its 2023 agreement to resolve the previous federal investigation,” Blumenthal concluded.

The full text of Blumenthal’s letter to Teng is available here and below.

Dear Mr. Teng:

I write regarding reports that Binance has facilitated the large-scale violation of American and international sanctions against the government of Iran. Binance appears to have ignored warnings and recommendations to prevent Iranian money laundering schemes on its cryptocurrency exchange, allowing $1.7 billion in transfers to Iran.[1] These transactions have helped prop up Iranian-linked terrorist organizations and illicit Russian oil sales. I therefore demand that you provide the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (“PSI” or “the Subcommittee”) records and information related to Binance’s role in Iranian money laundering and its repeated failure to prevent illicit use by sanctioned entities, terrorist organizations, and other criminal actors.

According to stunning reports from the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, and Fortune, late last year, Binance compliance staff found that two Binance partners, Hexa Whale and Blessed Trust, acted as intermediaries for laundering money and enabling trade with Iranian government entities.[2] Additionally, Binance compliance found 2,000 accounts associated with Iranian entities on its cryptocurrency exchange,[3] despite restrictions on Iranian banking and Binance’s claim that it bans Iranian users.[4] According to documents obtained by the Times and the Journal, Binance was even warned that Hexa Whale was financing terrorist organizations such as the Yemeni Houthis, and internal investigators found cryptocurrency transfers to wallets associated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps and payments to crew members of Russia’s sanctions-evading shadow fleet of oil tankers.[5]

Binance appears to have ignored clear warning signs, knowingly allowed illicit accounts to operate, and even provided hands-on support to entities engaged in money laundering. While investigators recommended improvements to ‘know your customer’ practices and to ban sailors on the Russian shadow fleet, you reportedly rejected those attempts to detect and stop evasion of American and international sanctions.[6] Binance reportedly even provided Hexa Whale with VIP status despite knowing that it was suspected of using false documents and that its staff were directly involved in Blessed Trust’s illicit trading on the platform.[7] Alarmingly, the investigators that raised concerns about these prohibited Iran-linked transactions were subsequently suspended or fired,[8] creating the appearance of retaliation by Binance executives.

Binance is a repeat offender: it has long been aware that the Iranian regime and its terrorist proxies use its cryptocurrency platform as a convenient and reliable means to bypass international sanctions, anti-money laundering controls, and other banking restrictions. In November, 2023, the U.S. Departments of Justice and Treasury announced that Binance and its founder, Changpeng Zhao (“CZ”), had pleaded guilty to federal charges that the exchange had willfully transferred nearly a billion dollars to Iranian entities, as well as to terrorist organizations, narcotics cartels, and cybercrime groups.[9] As a part of that plea agreement, Binance committed to retaining a compliance monitor to improve its compliance programs, and CZ was sentenced to four months in prison.[10]

Instead of actually preventing illicit use, Binance has sought to evade accountability and influence the White House through lobbying and a financial partnership with World Liberty Financial (WLFI), the cryptocurrency firm owned by the sons of President Trump and his special envoy Steve Witkoff.[11] After an initial partnership in a deal between WLFI and Emirati Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan,[12] Binance became a “vital engine” and a promotion agent for WLFI.[13] Currently about 85 percent of WLFI’s stablecoins (USD1) are held in Binance accounts, making the Trump family cryptocurrency ventures tightly bound to Binance.[14] This influence campaign has worked: in May 2025, the Securities and Exchange Commission announced that it was dismissing a lawsuit against Binance for lying to regulators and mishandling funds,[15] followed in October by the stunning Presidential pardon of founder Changpeng Zhao.[16]

Binance and other cryptocurrency exchanges have fostered and fueled a chilling escalation in terrorist money laundering that causes grave harm to American national security. According to TRM Labs, after years of decline, illicit cryptocurrency use skyrocketed in 2025 with a 147 percent increase in transfers to wallets associated with sanction evasion, criminal activities, and terrorist organizations.[17] Tether, the cryptocurrency used in the Binance-facilitated scheme, has become a key money laundering tool for the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps,[18] sanctioned Iranian banks,[19] and Iranian weapons manufacturers.[20] Binance and other cryptocurrency ventures’ failures to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing — backed by pardons and leniency from the White House — have newly enabled and emboldened foreign adversaries and crime.

The scale of the newly-revealed illicit transfers — uncaught until nearly two billion dollars flowed to sanctioned entities — and the unexplained firing of internal investigators call into question Binance’s compliance with American sanctions and banking laws, and its 2023 agreement to resolve the previous federal investigation. The Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations is conducting a preliminary inquiry into the illicit use of cryptocurrencies, including by Iranian and Russian entities, to bypass U.S. sanctions. Pursuant to Senate Resolution 94 (119th Cong.) and PSI Rule 1, please provide information and records responsive to the following requests by March 6, 2026.

Please produce all records related to the use of Binance by the Iran-connected entities Hexa Whale and Blessed Trust, including the internal report authored by compliance investigators, decisions to provide VIP status or assistance to such accounts, registration information, and any communications related to the entities and investigations.

Please produce all records related to the use of Binance by individuals in Iran or that have engaged in transactions with Iranian entities, whether directly or indirectly, including any internal investigations, recommendations for policy changes, warnings provided about transfers, and communications regarding such users.

Please produce all records related to the use of Binance by individuals involved in the Russian shadow fleet and other illicit oil sales, whether directly or indirectly, including any internal investigations, recommendations for policy changes, warnings provided about transfers, and communications regarding such users.

Please produce all records related to the use of Tether and USD1 by Binance users in connection to sanction evasion, criminal activities, money laundering, and the provision of support to terrorist organizations.

Please produce all records related to the suspension and dismissal of compliance staff and investigators involved in investigations into illicit Iranian and Russian use of Binance services.

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

Sincerely,

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[1] David Yaffe-Bellany & Michael Forsythe, Binance Employees Find $1.7 Billion in Crypto Was Sent to Iranian Entities, N.Y. Times (Feb. 23, 2026), https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/23/technology/binance-employees-iran-firings.html.

[2] Id.

[3] Patricia Kowsmann, Angus Berwick, & Ben Foldy, Binance Fired Staff Who Flagged $1 Billion Moving to Sanctioned Iran Entities, Wall St. J. (Feb. 23, 2026), https://www.wsj.com/finance/currencies/binance-iran-sanctions-financing-staff-b1648133.

[4] Chagri Poyraz, Binance Global Head of Sanctions, On Binance, Iran and Why We Need to Do Better as an Industry (Nov, 4, 2022), https://www.binance.com/en/blog/leadership/7764694498135290896.

[5] Patricia Kowsmann et al., supra note 3.

[6] Id.

[7] Id.

[8] Leo Schwartz & Ben Weiss, Exclusive: Binance fires top investigators who claim to have uncovered evidence of Iranian sanctions violations, Fortune (Feb. 13, 2026), https://fortune.com/2026/02/13/binance-investigators-fired-iran-sanctions-potential-violations/.

[9] Press Release, U.S. Dept. of Justice, Binance and CEO Plead Guilty to Federal Charges in $4B Resolution (Nov. 21, 2023), https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/pr/binance-and-ceo-plead-guilty-federal-charges-4b-resolution.

[10] Id.; MacKenzie Sigalos & Ryan Browne, Binance founder Changpeng Zhao sentenced to 4 months in prison after plea deal, CNBC (Apr. 30, 2024), https://www.cnbc.com/2024/04/30/binance-founder-changpeng-zhao-cz-sentenced-to-four-months-in-prison-.html.

[11] Molly White, Issue 95 – The pardon was the payoff, [citation needed] (Oct. 28, 2025), https://www.citationneeded.news/issue-95/.

[12] Sam Kessler, Rebecca Ballhaus, Eliot Brown, & Angus Berwick, Spy Sheikh’ Bought Secret Stake in Trump Company, Wall St. J. (Jan. 31, 2026), https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/spy-sheikh-secret-stake-trump-crypto-tahnoon-ea4d97e8.

[13] David Yaffe-Bellany, Binance Gives Trump Family’s Crypto Firm a Leg Up, N.Y. Times (Feb. 7, 2026), https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/07/business/binance-trump-crypto.html.

[14] Id.

[15] Matthew Goldstein, S.E.C. Drops Lawsuit Against Binance, a Crypto Exchange, N.Y. Times (May 29, 2025), https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/29/business/sec-binance-lawsuit-dropped.html.

[16] David Yaffe-Bellany & Kenneth P. Vogel, Trump Pardons Founder of the Crypto Exchange Binance, N.Y. Times (Oct. 23, 2025), https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/23/technology/trump-pardons-cz-binance.html.

[17] TRM Labs, 2026 Crypto Crime Report, (Jan. 28, 2026), https://www.trmlabs.com/reports-and-whitepapers/2026-crypto-crime-report.

[18] Oliver Knight, Israel Links Wallets That Received $1.5B in Stablecoins to Iran's Revolutionary Guard, CoinDesk (Sept. 17, 2025), https://www.coindesk.com/business/2025/09/16/israel-claims-iran-s-revolutionary-guard-holds-usd1-5b-in-stablecoins.

[19] Tim Robinson, The Central Bank of Iran has acquired US dollar stablecoins worth at least half a billion dollars, Elliptic (Jan. 21, 2026), https://www.elliptic.co/blog/iran-has-acquired-us-dollar-stablecoins-worth-at-least-half-a-billion-dollars.

[20] Jamie Crawley, Iran accepts cryptocurrency as payment for advanced weapons, CoinDesk (Jan. 2, 2026), https://www.coindesk.com/policy/2026/01/02/iran-accepts-cryptocurrency-as-payment-for-advanced-weapons.


Blumenthal Statement on President Trump's State of the Union

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) released the following statement in response to President Trump’s State of the Union:

“The Trump speech tonight was heavy on distortion, disinformation, and downright dishonesty and light on facts and truth. Sadly, it was also short on solutions for the rising cost of living, job losses, and other urgent economic threats to the state of our union.”

“His bullying and boasting are no substitute for real action that betters our well-being. His priorities are not America's priorities: illegal tariffs, ICE cruelty, vanity projects, possible forever wars, Epstein file concealment, corrupt self-enrichment, and more.”

“I was deeply disappointed by his vacuous avoidance of substance on topics that I have championed such as veterans’ programs, Ukraine aid, social media safety, and others where presidential leadership is indispensable. Even more than a missed opportunity, this speech was another misstep by a misguided would-be autocrat.”

“I am more convinced than ever that our democracy is in danger, and that we must use every tool available to protect the integrity and fairness of our elections.”

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Blumenthal, Takano, & Colleagues Demand Trump Administration to Immediately Rescind New Rule that Would Slash Disability Ratings for Thousands of Veterans

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Mark Takano (D-CA) today led a group of their Committee colleagues in demanding Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins immediately rescind the Trump Administration’s new interim final rule that would change how veteran disability ratings are evaluated. This rule would lower disability ratings and compensation awards for disabled veterans who rely on medications to manage their health conditions by not taking into account the true severity of their disabilities.

“We write to request the immediate rescission of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) interim final rule entitled “Evaluative Rating: Impact of Medication” (RIN: 2900-AS49),” wrote the lawmakers in a letter to VA Secretary Collins. “Though halting enforcement of the rule was a necessary acknowledgment of the widespread concern about its implications, the change made by the interim final rule is current law and remains in the Code of Federal Regulations. Without a complete and permanent recission, veterans across the country will have to confront the unnecessary dilemma of continuing life-improving treatment for their conditions even though it could lead to a reduction in the benefits they have earned and desperately need.”

While VA Secretary Collins temporarily halted implementation of the rule last week following backlash from veterans and Veterans Service Organizations, he has not outright rescinded the rule—leaving veterans’ benefits at risk of being lowered. More than 18,000 public comments have been made opposing the rule, which was made without providing advance notice to or consulting with veterans or Congress. The lawmakers stressed the harm the rule could cause by forcing veterans to make an “impossible choice” of following their prescribed treatment plan or risk losing their benefits.

The lawmakers continued raising alarm over this rule and the Administration’s secret process publishing it: “This rule is a short-sighted and ill-timed reaction to the Ingram v. Collins decision. The appeal of that case is still ongoing, and VA’s attempt to circumvent the judicial process by publishing this rule is troubling…We agree with the court’s precedential holding in Ingram and believe VA must discount the beneficial impact of medication when rating disability compensation claims. Veterans and Veteran Service Organizations have also made it clear that veterans should not be penalized for complying with treatment. Veteran Service Organizations have made their voices heard in the wake of this rule, but have repeatedly not been included in the conversations leading up to VA policy changes. This is a troubling trend, as it signals a desire to cut veteran voices out of the system designed to provide for them.”

The lawmakers demanded urgent answers, including a description of the steps VA has taken to suspend implementation of the rule; a timeline for the rule’s rescission or replacement; action VA is planning regarding its appeal of the Ingram v. Collins decision; and information regarding what conditions and diagnoses are meant to be targeted by this rule and the estimated number of veterans who will be impacted. They also formally requested VA and the National Archives and Records Administration preserve all stored communication regarding matters related to the development and issuance of this rule.

Blumenthal and Takano’s letter was joined by U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Bernard Sanders (I-VT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Angus King Jr. (I-ME), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), and U.S. Representatives Mark Takano (D-CA), Julia Brownley (D-CA), Chris Pappas (D-NH), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL), Morgan McGarvey (D-KY), Delia Ramirez (D-IL), Timothy Kennedy (D-NY), Maxine Dexter (D-OR), Herbert Conaway (D-NJ), Kelly Morrison (D-MN), Christopher Deluzio (D-PA), and Nikki Budzinski (D-IL).

Last week, VA published an interim final rule to change how veteran disability ratings are evaluated without an appropriate public comment period. This new rule reverses the previous standard established in 2025 by the Ingram v. Collins court case, which required VA to discount the impact of medication when evaluating the severity of claims for certain disabilities. Instead, the rule directs examiners to rate veterans’ disabilities as they present and to disregard the impact of medication. This would require VA to issue a lower disability ratings, despite evidence showing veterans meet the requirements for higher ratings.

The full text of the lawmakers’ letter is available HERE and copied below.

Dear Secretary Collins,

We write to request the immediate rescission of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) interim final rule entitled “Evaluative Rating: Impact of Medication” (RIN: 2900-AS49). Though halting enforcement of the rule was a necessary acknowledgment of the widespread concern about its implications, the change made by the interim final rule is current law and remains in the Code of Federal Regulations. Without a complete and permanent recission, veterans across the country will have to confront the unnecessary dilemma of continuing life-improving treatment for their conditions even though it could lead to a reduction in the benefits they have earned and desperately need.

This rule is a short-sighted and ill-timed reaction to the Ingram v. Collins decision. The appeal of that case is still ongoing, and VA’s attempt to circumvent the judicial process by publishing this rule is troubling, as is the fact that there is little evidence to support a claim that there was some kind of regulatory emergency that required an interim final rule, rather than pursuing formal rulemaking. We agree with the court’s holding in Ingram and believe VA must discount the beneficial impact of medication when rating disability compensation claims. Veterans and Veteran Service Organizations have also made it clear that veterans should not be penalized for complying with treatment. Veteran Service Organizations have made their voices heard in the wake of this rule, but have repeatedly not been included in the conversations leading up to VA policy changes. This is a troubling trend, as it signals a desire to cut veteran voices out of the system designed to provide for them.

Medications help improve function and mask symptoms, but they do not eliminate the impacts of living with musculoskeletal disability, mental health conditions, spinal cord injuries, and other health conditions.

This rule forces veterans into an impossible choice: follow their prescribed treatment plan or risk losing their benefits. As one of the more than 18,000 comments opposing this rule indicates: “I am a currently serving active duty soldier and my wife is a disabled veteran. Without medication, she cannot survive. This policy change essentially will pay disabled veterans less for taking medication, and creates a situation where disabled veterans have to choose between forgoing necessary medications or forgoing desperately needed compensation. My wife will never be in that situation because she cannot make that choice; without medication, she cannot survive. She sacrificed significant mobility in both arms, damage to her hips, and her sanity (she has severe PTSD), and is in constant pain every day. I myself am still serving, and am still ready to lay down my life in a heartbeat for this country. Sometimes, we question if serving was worth it. Rulings like these make us question that even more.”

We also have serious concerns that VA provided no advance notice to or consultation with veterans, VSOs, or Congress, despite the interim final rule’s significant impact and estimated $23 billion cost savings. The lack of transparency and lack of communication before its roll-out indicates this rule is a political maneuver aimed at cutting costs by abdicating VA’s obligation to service-disabled veterans.

Given the widespread alarm this interim final rule has created and the significant harm it will cause, we request the following information not later than March 2, 2026:

A description of the steps VA has taken to suspend implementation of the interim final rule and a timeline for its rescission or replacement.

A review and accounting of VA’s compliance with federal rulemaking procedures, to include VA’s determination that there was good cause under section 553(b)(B) of title 5, United States Code, that “providing advance notice and prior opportunity for public comment was impractical and contrary to the public interest.”

A description of any action VA is planning regarding its appeal of the

Information regarding any systematic review conducted by VA, or any other entity of service-connected conditions and medication impacts, and which conditions and diagnoses are meant to be targeted by this rule and the number of veterans impacted. If such information exists, please provide it to the Committees. If such information does not exist, please explain how this rulemaking was conducted without evidence to support its need and impact.

Further, be advised that this letter is a formal request to VA and the National Archives and Records Administration to preserve all stored communications, data, records, documents, reports, memoranda, correspondence, audio recordings, call logs, activity logs, audit trails, audit logs, notes from meetings, written agreements or other communication or any portion of any such communication, created, edited, modified, saved, or received by any former or current employee or contractor of VA regarding all matters pertaining to the development and issuance of this interim final rule. This request includes, but is not limited to, all stored communications, data, records, documents, reports, memoranda, correspondence, audio recordings, call logs, activity logs, audit trails, audit logs, notes from meetings, written agreements or other communication or any portion of any such communication, created, edited, modified, saved, or received by any current or former employee or contractor of the Office of the Secretary, Office of the Executive Secretary, Veterans Benefits Administration, Office of General Counsel, Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs, and Office of Regulatory Policy and Management.

Millions of veterans continue to suffer from their service-connected disabilities despite taking medications or other interventions to manage symptoms. To discount that fact in the name of political expediency and cost-cutting on the backs of our nation’s brave veterans is unconscionable. As President Trump said at Arlington National Cemetery just last year on Veterans’ Day, “Because of what every veteran has done today, the flame of liberty shines bright. The people of our nation sleep safe, the American dream surges forward, and our magnificent destiny stands more splendid and glorious than ever before.” In that vein we look forward to working with you to ensure those veterans receive the benefits they need and deserve to cope with the real, long-lasting impacts of their military service, and on repealing this misguided rulemaking.

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ICYMI Video: Whistleblower Confirms Trump ICE Official Lied About Secret Memo Authorizing Federal Agents to Enter Homes Without a Judicial Warrant

[WASHINGTON, DC] – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), yesterday held a public forum to receive public testimony from Ryan Schwank, a whistleblower who spoke publicly for the first time about his experience as an instructor for the incoming “surge” of new Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recruits at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (“FLETC”) in Glynco, Georgia. At the forum, Schwank confirmed to Blumenthal that a policy memo permitting ICE officers to circumvent the privacy protections in the Constitution’s Fourth Amendment and enter Americans’ homes without a judicial warrant was kept secret—contradicting ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons’s testimony that the memo was widely distributed to ICE personnel.

When asked by Blumenthal if he was taught or told to train ICE officers in accordance with the memo, Schwank confirmed, “Yes. On the very first day I arrived at Glynco to teach, I was told that we were to instruct cadets to follow the instructions in this memo, but that we would not write down any of those instructions, that we would not keep a record, that we taught it to them.”

When asked by Blumenthal if he was instructed not to reveal the memo, Schwank confirmed, “Yes, I was told not to discuss this memo. In fact, when it was shown to me, I was told not to take notes on it, that I was not allowed to write down any part of it. And for the record, as an attorney for ICE and someone who routinely receives memos and memoranda issued by the agency, this had never crossed my desk before I arrived at the academy.”

Earlier this month, Blumenthal pressed Lyons about the memo at a hearing in the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.

In response to questions from Blumenthal about why the memo was kept secret, Lyons said, “Sir, I didn’t keep it a secret. If sending an email to a workforce of 30,000 people is keeping something secret, it is a bad secret.”

Lyons also made a commitment to Blumenthal that he would “work with your committee or your staff” to provide Blumenthal a copy of the email. ICE has yet to provide a copy of the email despite Blumenthal’s request.

A video of Blumenthal’s exchange with Schwank at yesterday’s forum is available here. The full transcript is available below.

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT): Thank you, Congressman Garcia. I’m going to hold up two posters. One of them you've just seen is what happened at your home. The other is of a memo. Mr. Schwank, I think you'll recognize this memo. It is a memo written by Acting Director Lyons. We’ve seen it before at this hearing. It says, in effect, ICE officers should violate the Fourth Amendment. Were you taught or told that you should train ICE agents in accordance with this memo?

Ryan Schwank: Thank you, Senator. Yes. On the very first day I arrived at Glynco to teach, I was told that we were to instruct cadets to follow the instructions in this memo, but that we would not write down any of those instructions, that we would not keep a record, that we taught it to them.

Blumenthal: That’s a critical point, because I asked Acting Director Lyons whether this memo was distributed, and he said, in fact, that it was with an email that so far they have failed to produce. What you’re saying is that you were told not to reveal it. Correct?

Schwank: Thank you, Senator. Yes, I was told not to discuss this memo. In fact, when it was shown to me, I was told not to take notes on it, that I was not allowed to write down any part of it. And for the record, as an attorney for ICE and someone who routinely receives memos and memoranda issued by the agency, this had never crossed my desk before I arrived at the academy.

Blumenthal: So in effect, you were told, as an instructor on the law that you were to train ICE agents how to break the law. I think every American should be absolutely horrified by that fact. And you were not alone. This memorandum was the basis for training ICE agents generally—hundreds, thousands of them, during this fiscal year.

Let me ask you about topics that there were practical exams on, and I'm going to show you another chart which, in effect, and you've seen it, It’s difficult to decipher in this form, but it depicts the topics of exams, that were given practical exams and coursework. You’ve testified as to the reduction, is it a fact that there was an elimination, not just a reduction in hours of training by almost half, but also on critical substance matters, topics that should have been trained?

Schwank: Thank you, Senator, that is accurate. What you’re looking at on those two charts, the shorter one is the amount of testing that's given now in practical exams, the longer one are the practical exams that were given by ICE in its training program before the current surge training course. Those exams that you see there, the longer list, every single one of those was designed to test whether or not cadets could apply in the real world the things they were learning in the academy, vital lessons on things like how to use their firearm safely, how to encounter an individual they intended to detain, much like Miss Gibson Brown’s husband. Classes that teach them how to do their job safely and lawfully were removed from testing, and what testing was left was reduced or essentially neutered by the way it was given—tests that were designed and written to be closed book where cadets were tested on what they could remember. Because again, go back to, I said this earlier, officers have a split second to decide something. So everything we do is oriented to giving them that split second to act, and they have to know everything for it. We took away the ability to test whether they could.

Blumenthal: But what those ICE officers did to Miss Gibson Brown, what they did to countless people in Minneapolis, what they are continuing to do across the country was not the result of split-level decisions. It was the result of a conscious, purposeful, deliberate policy, carefully taught and trained. And in fact, the reduction in training, for example, on pistol use, on use of force, on other vital topics was regrettable, but the effects were truly shocking. Let me ask you, because just in the time that we’ve released these documents, DHS has come forth with a statement. I’m going to quote it, “Under these new improvements, candidates still learn the same elements and meet the same high standards ICE has always required. No subject matter has been cut.” Is that statement accurate, Mr. Schwank?

Schwank: Senator, that statement is not accurate. Not even the slightest sense.

Blumenthal: It is untrue. Would you agree?

Schwank: Sir, I would call it a lie.

Blumenthal: Congressman Garcia, if you would call on someone from your side.

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Video: At Hearing, Blumenthal Commends Veterans for Role in Forcing Trump Administration to Walk Back Disastrous New Policy for Disabled Veterans

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – At a joint Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee and House Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing with Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) today, Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) commended Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and Veterans Service Organizations for their role in applying public pressure to halt the Trump Administration’s new policy that would change how veteran disability ratings are evaluated. This policy would lower disability ratings and compensation awards for disabled veterans who rely on medications to manage their health conditions by ignoring the true severity of their disabilities.

“Our VSOs are the lifeblood of our veterans’ health care and other benefits and compensation to the men and women who are our national heroes. You are the ones who stand in watch over the VA and over us. The latest example was your reaction to the cuts that were threatened, cruel, stupid cuts in VA benefits, and you and your voices turned it around. Thank you to the Veterans Service Organizations for correcting what would have been a disastrous slash in benefits for countless veterans who rely on medications to manage their service-connected conditions,” said Blumenthal.

Blumenthal emphasized how VA Secretary Collins temporarily halted implementation of the policy last week following backlash from veterans and VSOs. This morning, Blumenthal, House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Mark Takano (D-CA), and his colleagues sent a letter demanding Collins immediately permanently rescind the policy. More than 18,000 public comments have been made opposing the Administration’s policy, which was made without providing advance notice to or consulting with veterans or Congress. In their letter, the lawmakers stressed the harm it could cause by forcing veterans to make an “impossible choice” of following their prescribed treatment plan or risk losing their benefits.

Blumenthal also highlighted a Military Times op-ed penned by DAV National Adjutant Barry Jeinoski titled “Veterans aren’t campaign props — Congress must start acting like it,” and pressed his colleagues to take bipartisan action to finally pass the Major Richard Star Act—which was blocked by Republican leadership last year from being attached to the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act and from receiving a vote.

In his questioning, Blumenthal underscored the Trump Administration’s unprecedented lack of transparency with Congress and veterans, noting VA Secretary Collins’ most recent failure to fully deliver all the information he promised at a hearing last month: “We have encountered tremendous difficulty on both sides of the aisle…the flow of information from the VA has been highly obscure. And even after the last hearing that we had when Secretary Collins promised to fully answer all our questions, to this moment we have received half or less than what he promised to provide. I hope you'll join in this effort to demand full and complete transparency from the Department of Veterans Affairs so that you can be effective advocates for the veterans of America.”

The full text of Blumenthal’s opening is copied below and a video link is available here.

Senator Blumenthal (D-CT): Thank you Chair Mace, and thank you, Senator Moran, our Chairman in the Senate. I'm honored to be with all of you today, and I particularly want to welcome anyone who has managed to make it here from Connecticut, out of the snow. If you're here, Connecticut, thank you. And thank you to all the rest of you. Never doubt, never doubt that you are making a difference. Our VSOs are the lifeblood of our veterans’ health care and other benefits and compensation to the men and women who are our national heroes. You are the ones who stand in watch over the VA and over us. The latest example was your reaction to the cuts that were threatened, cruel, stupid cuts in VA benefits, and you and your voices turned it around. Thank you to the Veterans Service Organizations for correcting what would have been a disastrous slash in benefits for countless veterans who rely on medications to manage their service-connected conditions. Thank you, all of you. There is still work to be done. There is still work to be done on that issue, among others. Representative Takano and I this morning sent a letter to Secretary Collins demanding the immediate rescission of the Department of Veterans Affairs interim final rule. It’s entitled evaluative rating, impact of medication, a benign-sounding rule that in fact will impact, cruelly and dangerously, our veterans. I call on Secretary Collins to resend this rule this morning while you are testifying here. And I thank all my colleagues who have joined in this letter. I'm hoping that this effort will be bipartisan, as so much of our work is and should be, but it has to result in action. I read just this morning an excellent article written by Barry Jesinoski, thank you for this excellent article, Military Times. I asked that it be put into the record Madam Chair. Its headline is, Veterans aren’t campaign props - Congress must start acting like it. I couldn't have said it better. And to quote the article, “recent congresses rank among the least productive in modern history, paralyzed by dysfunction, partisan infighting, and an apparent inability to do the basic job voters send them to Washington to do.” We should overcome- yeah- that deserves your applause for sure. Thank you, Barry. We need to overcome this kind of dysfunction. Not only for our veterans, but for our whole country. And I hope that this hearing will mark a critical step in that effort. And the best example would be passing the Richard Star, Major Richard Star Act. Most of you know I have championed this bill for years. I went most recently to the floor of the United States Senate and asked for unanimous consent. It was blocked by one of my colleagues. I ask all of you, make your views known about the Richard Star Act. Make sure that your member of the Senate or Congress joins in supporting a measure that is about basic fairness so that our combat veterans are not deprived of benefits they have earned. These are not benefits, are not charity, they are not philanthropy. You have earned them. It is not double dipping. It is deserved. The Richard Star Act should pass during this session of the United States Congress. And I will go to the floor and again ask unanimous consent that it be approved. Let me say, finally, I am deeply grateful to all of you for the support that you provided to a range of other measures. I read your testimony. The Guard Act, the kinds of basic architecture that we need to sustain. We have seen a systematic degradation of VA health care and the first-ever net reduction in VA staff, a concerted effort that has forced thousands of physicians, schedulers, registered nurses, and others to leave federal service. Veterans have seen increased mental health care wait times, politically motivated policies that threaten at risk veterans and decrease quality of veteran’s decisions. These Administrative actions also demand scrutiny and reversal. Thank you for all you do for America and for the veterans of The United States. Thank you.

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Booker Joins Shaheen, Tillis, Colleagues in Introducing Bipartisan Resolution Supporting Ukraine on Fourth Anniversary of Russia’s Full-Scale Invasion

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee,joined a group of colleagues led by U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Thom Tillis (R-NC), in introducing a bipartisan resolution recognizing the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The resolution reaffirms the Senate’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, condemns Russia’s continued attacks on Ukrainian civilians and critical infrastructure, and underscores the importance of strong, binding U.S. and transatlantic security guarantees to secure a just and lasting peace.

“As we mark four years since Russia’s unprovoked and illegal invasion of Ukraine, we recognize the resolute courage and determination of the Ukrainian people as they continue to fight for their sovereignty, freedom, and democracy. In the face of Russia’s brutal attacks, Ukraine’s resilience remains a force to be reckoned with,” said Senator Booker. “This bipartisan resolution reaffirms the Senate’s unwavering support for Ukraine, the Ukrainian people, and our allies, as well as our steadfast commitment to hold Putin accountable while seeking a just and lasting end to this conflict.”

“As Russia’s brutal and illegal full-scale invasion enters its fourth year, this bipartisan resolution sends a clear message that the United States stands firmly with the Ukrainian people, but that more must be done to bring the war to a just end,” said Ranking Member Shaheen. “I recently traveled to Ukraine and led the first congressional delegation to Odesa since the start of the invasion, where we saw firsthand the resilience and ingenuity of Ukrainians rebuilding under constant attack. Russia is not winning this war, reflected by Putin’s recent escalations by striking civilian infrastructure, targeting U.S. businesses and prolonging the suffering of the Ukrainian people. That’s why Congress must continue to support Ukraine and place real pressure on the Kremlin. That pressure must include sanctions against Russia’s shadow fleet to cut off Putin's ability to fund the war and must be done in conjunction with our allies. For this war to have a just and lasting peace, we must also put in place comprehensive, ironclad security guarantees.”

“As we mark the fourth anniversary of Russia’s illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, the United States must continue to stand with the Ukrainian people and work with our allies to ensure Russia is held accountable for its aggression,” said Senator Tillis. “This resolution underscores our bipartisan support for Ukraine’s freedom and independence and reaffirms our commitment to helping secure a durable and lasting peace.”

“For four years, the Ukrainian people have shown us what it looks like to fight and die for democracy, for their country, and for the West. Their involuntary war with Putin – and the resolve they have shown – offers the greatest example of how to fight back against authoritarian aggression. They have fulfilled a duty on the front lines that we will struggle to repay,” said Senator Bennet. “The United States must work with our allies to ensure continued military, intelligence, and economic support for Ukraine. Amid Putin’s intransigence and daily attacks on civilians across Ukraine, Congress must also make Russia pay a further price for its aggression and clarify the U.S.’s long-term commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and security. Only by demonstrating our firm resolve can the United States and our allies support Ukraine to negotiate a just and durable end to this unprovoked war and successfully defend the principle of a Europe whole, free, and at peace.”

“Four years ago, Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale military invasion of Ukraine, thinking Russian forces would easily win in a matter of weeks. The Ukrainian people thought otherwise, repelling one of the world’s largest militaries and fearlessly defending their democratic nation. Putin’s tragic blunder only strengthened Ukraine’s resolve, expanded NATO, and further exposed his bankrupt regime and nostalgia for Soviet tyranny. Today, the United States Senate is reaffirming its continued support of Ukraine’s fight for freedom from Russian tyranny,” said Senator Durbin.

“Four years ago, Russia launched an inhumane and unprovoked attack against Ukraine, creating the largest war in Europe since World War II," said Senator Grassley. "I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan resolution to stand with Ukraine in the pursuit of peace, call for the return of abducted children and end the terrible bloodshed.”

“Today marks four years since Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked assault on peaceful Ukraine, and allies and autocrats alike are watching how America will bring a just end to this war,” said Senator Whitehouse. “As Trump betrays our longtime alliances to help the murderous aggressor, I went to Kyiv and Odesa last week to reaffirm our support of the people of Ukraine. If Trump wants peace, he should repurpose frozen Russian funds for Ukraine and disrupt the shadow fleet that fills Putin’s war coffers.”

“The Ukrainian people have shown incredible resilience in the wake of Vladimir Putin’s heinous invasion. I’m disgusted by the Trump Administration’s refusal to hold Putin accountable,” said Senator Kaine. “The United States is safest when we stand with the free peoples of the world against those who would oppress them. As a member of the Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees, I will continue to do all I can to support Ukraine and stand against totalitarian regimes.”

“Four years after Putin’s illegal invasion, Ukraine still stands—and democracies must remain united in standing with them,” said Senator Curtis. “This resolution reaffirms our unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, rejects Russia’s brutal aggression, and underscores that any lasting peace must be backed by strong security guarantees.”

“After four years of Putin’s brutal war of choice, Russia is no closer to breaking the spirit of the Ukrainian people nor their will to fight for their sovereignty and freedom,” said Senator Duckworth. “I’m proud to join this resolution that underscores and reiterates the Senate’s strong bipartisan support for Ukraine and its people as they bravely fight back against Putin’s invasion. We will continue standing with them and condemning Putin’s aggression in Ukraine.”

“As Putin’s unjust war reaches its fifth year, the resolve of the Ukrainian people remains unbroken,” said Senator Moran. “The U.S. and our allies must stand firm in our commitment to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and deterring Russia’s ongoing aggression until a just and lasting peace is achieved.”

“In the four years since Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, the Ukrainian people have been bravely fighting to defend their country,” said Senator Rosen. “The United States must continue to stand with our ally as they defend themselves against Putin’s brutal aggression, and we must ensure that Ukraine has a seat at the table in any negotiations regarding their future.”

The bipartisan resolution:

Affirms that any negotiated settlement must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and include Ukraine as the central party to discussions regarding its future.

Underscores the importance of coordination with NATO, European and other likeminded allies to work together as part of any coalition to defend Ukraine intended to deter future Russian aggression against Ukraine and bolster Ukraine’s long-term defense capabilities.

Calls upon Congress and the President to impose additional financial pressure on Vladimir Putin’s Russia and third-country enablers of Russia’s war to deter further unnecessary aggression against the Ukrainian people and force Putin to meaningfully engage in peace talks for a lasting peace.

Recognizes President Trump’s continued efforts with international partners to achieve a sustainable peace which requires a strong U.S. security guarantee for Ukraine, which is necessary for Ukraine to reach a durable peace deal with a belligerent Russian Federation.

Highlights Russia’s escalatory attacks, including the specific targeting of American companies operating inside Ukraine to try and discourage American investment.

Commends the resilience of the Ukrainian people as they continue to defend their country against Russians aggression.

The resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Steve Daines (R-MT), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), John Barrasso (R-WY), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Dave McCormick (R-PA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), John Curtis (R-UT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Susan Collins (R-ME), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Todd Young (R-IN), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Joni Ernst (R-IA).


Boozman Statement on State of the Union Address

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) issued the following statement regarding the State of the Union address:

“The Republican agenda is helping Arkansans keep more of their hard-earned paychecks while bolstering national security and protecting communities from dangerous threats including crime and drugs. We are working closely with the Trump administration, delivering on these priorities through the Working Families Tax Cuts and other policies that reduce burdensome regulations, unleash domestic energy and support those defending us at home and abroad. Importantly, the president’s leadership secured a once-in-a-generation investment for the families who feed, fuel and clothe the world, and we will continue our efforts to ensure a bright and strong future for rural America. I’m grateful for our partnership and appreciate his firm dedication to Arkansas’s and our nation’s prosperity.”


Capito Statement on President Trump’s State of the Union Address

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) released the below statement following President Donald J. Trump’s State of the Union Address:

“Tonight, President Trump delivered a forward-looking message highlighting the incredible progress achieved during his first year in office, while outlining a determined vision to build on that momentum and continue moving the country forward. Framing his remarks around the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, he emphasized the historic significance of this milestone and called on Americans to seize this milestone as an opportunity to shape the next chapter in our nation’s story. More importantly, families in West Virginia and around our country who felt neglected by the policies of the previous administration are no longer forgotten, and there is a renewed sense of optimism that is evident across our state and our nation.

“During his address, President Trump presented West Virginia National Guard members, U.S. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, with the Purple Heart, recognizing their extraordinary courage and sacrifice. They embody the very best of West Virginia and America — men and women who answer the call to serve and place mission and country above self.

“President Trump also reinforced how the Working Families Tax Cuts Act is delivering real relief to middle-class families and small businesses across the country, and I couldn’t agree more. These policies are putting more money back into the pockets of hardworking Americans, encouraging job growth, and giving local employers the confidence to invest and expand. In West Virginia, we are seeing that impact firsthand. Investments in American-made energy are driving new opportunities for our workers, strengthening our local economies, and reinforcing our role as a leader in domestic energy production. From natural gas development to coal and emerging energy technologies, these investments are supporting good-paying jobs and ensuring that West Virginia families benefit directly from a stronger, more self-reliant America.

“Additionally, the president reinforced the work his administration has taken to reduce the flow of illegal immigration at our southern border. In his first year in office, President Trump has prioritized border security, strengthened enforcement, supported our Border Patrol and ICE agents, and taken meaningful steps to curb the trafficking of fentanyl and other dangerous substances into our communities. These efforts have helped restore accountability to our immigration system and enhanced the safety and security of the American people.

“These and many of the other issues the president addressed tonight represent important national priorities that will help move West Virginia and our country forward. While there is still work to be done, the president highlighted the meaningful progress we have made as a nation, progress that is clearly reflected at home in West Virginia. I look forward to continuing to work with President Trump to deliver real solutions and create a brighter future for West Virginians and all Americans.”

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Cassidy Reacts to President Trump’s Address to Congress, Ready to Deliver More Results

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) issued the following statement after President Trump’s State of the Union Address.

“I’ve worked with President Trump to deliver real results—ending taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security, lowering the price of prescription drugs, expanding school choice, and signing into law my HALT Fentanyl and SUPPORT Acts to make our communities safer,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Even with that progress, many Louisiana families are still struggling to pay the bills. I’ll keep working to lower costs and keep our communities safe.”

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It Is Time to SAVE America

One of the greatest constitutional rights given to us as American citizens is the right to vote. In President Ronald Reagan’s 1986 radio address to the nation, he said, “Voting is a precious right that for two centuries Americans have fought and died to protect. Let’s all honor that sacrifice this election day.” President Reagan’s words underscore the importance of exercising this right to preserve the democracy countless men and women in uniform fought to safeguard.

There is a crisis in our country today that all Americans should find alarming. That epidemic is people sitting on their couch on Election Day instead of showing up to the polls to exercise their right to vote. For example, in a recent special election in Texas, only 15% of registered voters turned out to cast a ballot – fewer than 95,000 out of more than 600,000 eligible voters. Unfortunately, this was not an isolated event. Abysmal voter turnout is happening in elections across the state. In some elections, turnout has been as low as 5.6% of registered voters. Every Texan should ask themselves: How we can expect fair elections when no one is getting out to vote?

When too many voters choose to sit on the sidelines, the consequence is unbalanced election results. Representatives are supposed to be chosen by the people, but if the majority of a constituency is not showing up to vote, the results cannot be truly representative of the community.

The truth is every election matters, from the federal level to the Statehouse to the courthouse. The decisions made by your elected representatives affect every aspect of your daily life – how much of your paycheck you get to take home, what your children are taught in school, and even your ability to live safely and securely. We are blessed to live in a Democratic Republic, where our government gains its powers from the people, but the process by which self-government works is through elections. If Americans do not turn out to vote, including in special and midterm elections, then we are essentially giving up our right to self-government.

This isn’t the only issue that undermines our country’s system of self-governance. Another problem plaguing our nation is voter fraud. When a ballot is cast by someone other than the person whose name is on the ballot, our system of representation is weakened. We’ve seen this repeatedly happen in instances with illegal aliens.

Illegal aliens are technically barred from registering to vote, but in many cases, people are not required to show proof of citizenship at the time of registration. You need identification to buy a car, buy a beer, open a bank account, and even cash a paycheck, but you are not required to provide proof of citizenship to vote in elections.

I have worked hard with my colleague, Senator Mike Lee (R-UT), to introduce the SAVE America Act, which would right this egregious wrong nationwide by requiring proof of citizenship at the time of registration, as well as photo identification at the time of voting as Texas has had for years. This legislation is a long overdue step toward strengthening the integrity of our elections.

Some would have you believe that the SAVE America Act isn’t about preserving the hard-fought right for all U.S. citizens – men and women, black and white, rich and poor – to vote. Rather, they claim the bill is a sinister ploy to undermine, disenfranchise, and dilute the votes of minorities, the poor, or the less educated. Nothing could be further from the truth, and both liberal and conservative polls bear this out. A Pew Research Center poll from last year indicated that 83% of all voters support requiring a government-issued photo ID. Similarly, in a recent national poll, 75% of swing voters, 69% of Hispanics, 56% of Black voters, and even 46% of Democrats supported voter ID.

Voter turnout across our nation is far lower than it should be, and it is our job as Americans to exercise our right to choose who represents us. As we have seen in some recent state elections, low voter turnout resulted in a “bait and switch” with elected representatives being put into office who don’t reflect the true will of the people of their state and, sadly, some folks are just now realizing their mistake in not voting when they had the chance. I urge each and every one of my constituents in Texas and all Americans to realize the great privilege of self-government that we have in the United States. Turn out to vote in all of your elections— federal, state, and local —and have a say in making our country better.


PHOTO: Cornyn Meets with Greater Houston Partnership

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) today met with the Greater Houston Partnership to discuss unleashing American energy and maintaining Houston and Texas’ energy dominance, the pro-business and tax-saving provisions in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, and continuing support for the Texas Coastal Spine Project, also known as Ike Dike. See photo below.


Crapo: President’s Agenda Helps Idahoans Get Ahead

Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) issued the following statement on President Donald Trump’s first State of the Union Address, highlighting a safer, more prosperous America after one year of unified Republican leadership.

“This evening, President Trump underscored the Administration’s success in advancing an agenda that has helped working Americans get ahead. The southern border is secure, inflation is under control, crime rates are falling and the economy is growing.

“Thanks to the landmark Working Families Tax Cuts, virtually every American began the new year with meaningful new tax relief. The law not only prevented the largest tax hike in history but also restored and made permanent critical pro-growth tax provisions that are already increasing domestic investment and powering business expansion.

“Moreover, hundreds of thousands of Idaho families are benefitting from permanent expansions of the standard deduction and the Child Tax Credit and new tax relief on tipped income, overtime and auto loan interest. Real wages are up thousands of dollars. Working parents are benefitting from improvements to child care tax provisions. Senior citizens have a new $6,000 deduction to offset taxes on Social Security benefits, while young Idahoans will benefit from new child savings accounts to help build financial security. Over 150,000 Idaho small business owners will benefit from a variety of permanently enhanced pro-growth provisions to help them hire more workers and invest in new equipment and facilities.

“We have also taken significant steps to make health care more affordable for all Americans. In the last year, we have enacted legislation to bring down the cost of prescription drugs, increase access to care, improve health care quality and support treatment of diseases that affect millions of Americans.

“While there is always more work to do, Idaho families burdened by the historic inflation and economic mismanagement of the previous Administration are already feeling relief. I look forward to another year working closely with President Trump and his team on a pro-growth economic agenda that fuels American prosperity.”

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