Capito Secures CDS Allocations for Rural Health Care Projects

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), chairman of the Senate Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor-HHS) Appropriations Subcommittee, announced Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) allocations from the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS), Transportation (DOT), Education (DOE), the Rural Housing Service, and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

These allocations, which were secured through CDS requests made by Senator Capito in Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26), will support rural health care projects throughout the state.

“These CDS allocations represent a significant investment in the health and well-being of all West Virginians,” Senator Capito said. “By securing these funds, we are delivering critical resources to strengthen rural health care infrastructure, expand access to essential services, and support the dedicated providers who serve our communities every day.”

“Thank you to Senator Capito for your continuous support and the Congressionally Directed Spending projects,” Tamara Fuller, Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer of Vandalia Health Systems, said. “We are grateful for the significant contributions towards strengthening Vandalia Health’s ability to modernize our infrastructure, enhance cybersecurity and ultimately better serve our communities. Your dedication and involvement in these critical projects are truly appreciated.”

“We are incredibly thankful for this appropriations support championed by Senators Shelley Moore Capito and Jim Justice— funding that will allow us to expand healthcare education at Concord University,” Bethany Meighen, President of Concord University, said. “We lead by our motto, ‘Come to Learn; Go to Serve,’ and this generous funding reflects their dedication to serving our state, our students, and rural health care needs in West Virginia.”

“Minnie Hamilton would like to thank Senator Capito and her colleagues for her continued and unwavering support of rural health initiatives in our region of West Virginia. The financial support of our facilities upgrade project will ensure the stability of healthcare to our patients for decades to come,” Eric Ritchie, COO of Minnie Hamilton Health System, said.

“Memorial Health System is deeply grateful for the $3.58 million in Congressionally Directed Spending secured through the FY26 appropriations bill, and for the steadfast leadership and support of Senator Capito and Senator Justice that made this transformative investment possible,” Scott Cantley, CEO and President of Memorial Health System, said. “The expansion of Sistersville General Hospital marks a new era for health care in Sistersville, throughout Tyler County and the surrounding communities. This new modern facility will bring specialty care, advanced procedures, dedicated lab and diagnostic services, and expanded community space closer to home. By creating space for rotating specialists in top-tier service lines and enhancing access to essential services all under one roof, we are strengthening the health of the entire region. We will provide Sistersville and the surrounding area with the finest facility and the best care possible, ensuring that high-quality, comprehensive care is accessible for generations to come.”

“These funds will support Coplin Health Systems’ construction of a new facility in Parkersburg, including a health clinic and an adjacent community wellness building. The project will expand access to integrated healthcare services in a Health Professional Shortage Area, helping address clinical needs and barriers to good health in our community, and we thank Senator Capito for her support of this community investment,” Rob Dudley, President and CEO of Coplin Health Systems, said.

“This investment will help Bethany build state-of-the-art learning environments that prepare students for high-demand careers in nursing, allied health, biology, and chemistry—right here in our rural community,” Dr. Jamie Caridi, President of Bethany College, said. “It strengthens our ability to educate the next generation of health and STEM professionals while supporting workforce needs.”

Individual allocation details listed below:

$15,000,000 CDS allocation to Charleston Area Medical Center (Charleston, W.Va.) to upgrade the technical infrastructure and cybersecurity technology across CAMC’s South Region to healthcare standards that will allow safe delivery of patient care and protection of patient’s data.

$8,100,000 CDS allocation to Mon Health Medical Center (Morgantown, W.Va.) to upgrade the technical infrastructure and cybersecurity technology across the Vandalia Health North Region to healthcare standards that will allow safe delivery of patient care and protection of patient’s data.

$7,600,000 CDS allocation to Montgomery General; Healthcare Systems Inc. (Montgomery, W.Va.) to renovate and reconfigure Montgomery General Hospitals interior layout to improve accessibility and patient care by relocating its primary care clinic and outpatient therapy departments to the first floor.

$7,500,000 CDS allocation to Concord University (Athens, W.Va) to support renovation and equipment for expansion of the Center for Rural Healthcare Workforce Solutions to house nursing, physician assistant, and other health care programs.

$5,485,000 CDS allocation to Mon Health Medical Center (Morgantown, W.Va.) to fund critical infrastructure upgrades.

$3,250,000 CDS allocation to Minnie Hamilton Health Care Center, Inc. (Grantsville, W.Va.)to fund necessary renovations to the 1960’s era hospital that will allow for patient centered care to be provided to central West Virginia.

$3,580,000 CDS allocation to Sistersville General Hospital (Sistersville, W.Va.) to support expansion efforts, significantly enhancing the ability to serve the communities’ growing health care needs.

$2,450,000 CDS allocation to the WVU Medicine-Weirton Medical Center (Weirton, W.Va.)to support renovation and expansion efforts to the existing emergency room.

$2,105,000 CDS allocation to Kanawha County Emergency Ambulance Authority (Charleston, W.Va.) to fund the purchase of six advanced life support (ALS) ambulances and one critical care (CCT) ambulance to replace or supplement similar vehicles now testing the limits of their useful lives.

$1,500,000 CDS allocation to Wirt County Health Services Association and Coplin Health Systems (Parkersburg, W.Va.) to construct a new facility to house clinical space, administrative offices, and a separate multi-purpose building to facilitate training, community meetings, group behavioral health therapies, and wellness events.

$1,200,000 CDS allocation to the City of Logan (Logan, W.Va.) to create a planned historic tax credit mixed use redevelopment project to establish a White Coat Housing Community consisting of short-term rental units for resident physicians, pharmacy residents, medical students, locum tenens and health care professionals and creating ground floor commercial space to enhance downtown economic development opportunities.

$1,150,000 CDS allocation to Bethany College (Bethany, W.Va.) to expand the STEM and health labs as well as the nursing program.


VIDEO: Capito Joins Fox News’ “America Reports”

To watch Senator Capito’s interview, click here or on the image above.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a member of Senate Republican leadership and a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined Fox News’ “America Reports” with Sandra Smith and John Roberts to discuss escalating tensions with Iran and the DHS shutdown.

HIGHLIGHTS:

ON ESCALATING TENSIONS WITH IRAN: “I think the President has been very consistent here. He wants a diplomatic solution. That's the number one choice. But as he's added, we need to see progress. And so, by pre-positioning so much of our American military and our naval forces in that region, it shows you that he means business in terms of not letting Iran be able to develop that nuclear weapon or to develop even more missile sites. And so, I would heed the warning if I was there, I think you could see, you know, reading between the lines that the tension is growing. Iran is basically saying, oh, we're making progress in the talks. But those who know the Iranians know, and we all know that they don't tell the truth and that they'll stall it out as much as they can so they can develop what they want to do the terrorist activities that they're so well known for.”

ON WHERE NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE IRANIANS ARE HEADED: “Well, I think it's sensible to think that the assets that have been moved into that region can't stay there forever. And so, I would, I would say, as time is moving forward and the President is signaling that get to the table, seriously, stop stringing us along and get into the land of believability. I mean, apparently, they're not willing to deal with their support for terrorist groups. They're not willing to deal with their missile buildup, and we know that they don't tell the truth about their nuclear buildups either. Because this has been a pattern over the last several years. I would just think the President is putting us on high alert. And, you know, maybe something will happen. I don't know that, but I do know enough to know that it's becoming much more intense."


Cassidy Announces Over $70.5 Million for Louisiana Disaster Recovery, Emergency Preparedness

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced Louisiana will receive $70,508,828.60 in federal funding from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to support disaster recovery and emergency preparedness efforts following Hurricanes Laura, Ida, and Francine, as well as response efforts to saltwater intrusion in Plaquemines Parish. The funding will support emergency protective measures, infrastructure repairs, and rebuilding efforts for communities, schools, and ports across the state.

“Louisiana families count on good roads, clean drinking water, and help they can trust when disasters hit,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This funding helps communities recover, rebuild stronger, and prepare for future storms.”

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LOCAL SPOTLIGHT: Cassidy Highlights Isle de Jean Charles Marina Owner for Lifelong Commitment to the Bayou

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), for his monthly Local Spotlight, recognized Theo Chaisson of the United Houma Nation in Southeast Louisiana. Theo did not return to school after the third grade. He worked to help his family make a living and later began operating the Isle de Jean Charles Marina, which he still visits every day. Theo’s hard work, love for family, and dedication to the bayou help make Louisiana special. Each month, Cassidy highlights a local story that truly reflects Louisiana values of humility, respect, and resiliency.

Read his full February 2026 Local Spotlight below:

This month’s Local Spotlight is about a man who represents the heart of coastal Louisiana—Theo Chaisson.

Theo, a member of the United Houma Nation in Southeast Louisiana, was born and raised on Isle de Jean Charles, where the bayou is a way of life.

Think of families fishing and trapping together, growing their own food, and speaking French at the kitchen table. That was life in Isle de Jean Charles, Louisiana.

If you wanted shrimp for supper, you went out and caught them. If there was a wedding, the whole community showed up, often by boat, with music, laughter, and enough food to feed everyone twice.

Theo left school in the third grade to help his family make a living. By fourteen, he was already working long days, learning a trade, and building the kind of work ethic you can’t teach in a classroom.

Over time, he turned that determination into a successful career and eventually began operating the Isle de Jean Charles Marina, a place that’s become a gathering point for fishermen, neighbors, and visitors from around the world.

Today, Theo is 89. But he still goes back to the island every single day – not out of habit, but out of love. Love for his parents and grandparents, who raised him there. Love for the traditions, the cooking, the cast nets made by hand, the stories told in French, the deep respect for the bayou and the land.

In Louisiana, our strength is our people, the ones who work hard, take care of their families, and keep our traditions alive.

Theo Chaisson does all of that and more.

Theo, thank you for being an example of what makes our state so special. And thank you for reminding us that while places may change, the values we’re raised with: faith, family, and community, will keep us grounded.

Background

In January, Cassidy highlighted Lilly Harvey of Jonesville, Louisiana, who founded the nonprofit “Millie Mattered” after losing her daughter to a fentanyl overdose. Lilly has dedicated her life to educating young people on the dangers of illegal opioids and helping families navigate the tragedy of addiction, turning this tragedy into hope for families across the country. Each month, Cassidy highlights a local story that truly reflects Louisiana values of humility, respect, and resiliency.

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Senator Collins Attends Caribou Veterans of Foreign Wars Award Ceremony for Students and Educators

Click HERE, HERE, and HERE for individual photos

CARIBOU, ME – Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins attended a Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Award Ceremony hosted by the Caribou VFW Post 9389. Senator Collins helped present awards to students and educators, spoke at the event, and was herself presented with the National Job Corps Association Champion Award for her continued advocacy of the Job Corps program and work to prevent the closure of all Job Corps Centers and resume enrollment at Maine’s Loring and Penobscot Job Corps Centers last year.

“It was wonderful participating in today’s award ceremony at the Caribou VFW and shaking the hands of so many veterans, students and educators who are making a positive impact on their communities,” said Senator Collins. “I was also honored to receive the National Job Corps Association Champion Award. I’ve always been a strong supporter of Job Corps because I have seen firsthand the critical work they do to improve the lives of vulnerable young people in Maine and across the country. I was glad to protect Maine Job Corps last year from closures and fund this program as Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. I’ll continue working to ensure the future is bright for Job Corps and the students it serves.”

Last year, Senator Collins announced that the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) reversed its decision to halt enrollment of new students at the Loring and Penobscot Job Corps Centers. This announcement came after Senator Collins repeatedly urged Labor Secretary Lori Chavez DeRemer to resume enrollment at Maine’s Job Corps Centers, citing examples of success stories of Job Corps students like Adais Viruet-Torres, a graduate of Loring Job Corps Center and Husson University who overcame homelessness and now works as a nurse practitioner. Senator Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, secured $1.8 billion in funding for the national Job Corps program in the recently enacted funding bills.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353

February 27, 2026

Cotton Statement on HELP Committee Passage of Living Donor Protection Act

Washington, D.C. —Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released the following statement after Senate HELP Committee’s passage of the Living Donor Protection Act:

“I’m grateful for the overwhelming bipartisan support for my Living Donor Protection Act in yesterday’s HELP Committee markup. Organ donation is an extraordinary sacrifice that gives someone else a new life and donors should be protected from adverse consequences. My bill encourages donation by prohibiting insurance companies from denying or limiting coverage solely based on their status as a living organ donor. I’m thankful for Senator Gillibrand, HELP Committee Chairman Cassidy, and the entire Senate HELP Committee for passing this legislation by a large margin. I look forward to supporting this important legislation on the Senate floor.”

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Cramer, King Introduce Legislation to Streamline VA Benefits Assistance Before Separation

***Click here to download video. Click here for audio.***

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Service members leaving the military are often told to prepare for civilian life long before their final day in uniform. But when it comes to filing for the benefits they earned, they must navigate a complicated system, which too often leads to delayed compensation and health care. For transitioning service members, timing matters. Delays in filing can mean months without disability payments, postponed medical appointments and access to mental health professionals, and added financial stress during an already significant life transition.

Under existing law, instructors in the military’s Transition Assistance Program (TAP), the mandatory program to prepare service members for civilian life, are not permitted to help participants fill out benefits paperwork. As a result, troops nearing separation often receive information about their U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits but cannot get hands-on assistance completing the forms required to access them.

U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Angus King (I-ME) introduced the TAP Promotion Act to eliminate this hurdle by streamlining the benefits process for service members before they leave active duty. The bill would allow accredited members of Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs), and similar entities to participate in TAP classes, help service members file Benefits Delivery at Discharge claims, and complete medical evaluations before leaving service.

“The Transition Assistance Program, otherwise known as TAP, is one of the most important tools we have to help service members prepare for life after the military,” said Cramer. “But, of course, information alone isn’t enough. It takes people. State and county Veterans Service Officers are often the first ones to help veterans access benefits that veterans themselves have earned. I think it’s important to always remember that—they’ve earned these benefits. What our bill does is it makes sure they are part of the process from the start and not brought in after a veteran is already out the door.”

“Every year approximately 200,000 servicemembers transition out of military service into civilian life, whether the servicemember is finishing their first deployment, or retiring,” said King. “The TAP Promotion Act would allow these servicemembers to connect with an informed, VA accredited representative who can mentor them in the process of applying for and receiving the benefits they earned. Thanks to my colleagues for understanding the importance of serving our veterans—just as they have served us throughout their careers.”

“No service member should walk out the gate on their final day in uniform without a clear path to the care and benefits they earned,” said VFW National Legislative Service Associate Director Joy Craig. “The TAP Promotion Act ensures that VA-accredited representatives can participate in TAP briefings and assist with Benefits Delivery at Discharge claims, helping prevent unnecessary delays in compensation, mental health care, and other critical services. This is a practical, bipartisan fix that improves oversight, strengthens transition outcomes, and honors our nation’s commitment to those who served. The VFW is proud to support Senators King and Cramer in advancing this important legislation.”

Members who cosponsored the TAP Promotion Act include U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Chris Coons (D-DE), John Curtis (R-UT), Deb Fischer (R-NE), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Rick Scott (R-FL), Jeff Merkley (D-MA), Ashley Moody (R-FL), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Jim Risch (R-ID), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Dave McCormick (R-PA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Tim Scott (R-SC), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).


Crapo Joins ‘GRIP Act’ to Block State Gun Registries

Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) has teamed up with U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi) and U.S. Representative Paul Gosar (R-Arizona) to continue a bicameral fight to prohibit states, localities or any other organization from using federal funding and background check information to maintain gun registries.

“Federal dollars should never be used to establish or maintain gun owner registries,” said Crapo. “This bill would protect the privacy and Second Amendment rights of lawful gun owners by strengthening existing federal law to make clear that no state or federal agency collecting federal tax dollars can use federal funds to compile and store sensitive personal information about legal firearm purchases.”

“The Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens remain imperiled as Democrats and anti-gun activists lean into government overreach,” said Hyde-Smith. “The GRIP Act is needed to clarify that states and localities cannot use federal funds or data to keep gun registries that can lead to infringing on a constitutional right.”

“The Second Amendment is not a second-class right,” said Gosar. “The GRIP Act safeguards constitutional freedoms and protects the privacy of millions of law-abiding Americans.”

The GRIP Act would ensure the federal government does not support, either intentionally or otherwise, state or local efforts to collect and store personally identifiable information related to legal firearm purchases and ownership. Current law already prevents the federal government from storing information acquired during the firearms background check process.

The bill also clarifies that states and local entities cannot use federal grant funds from programs, such as the National Criminal History Improvement Program, NICS Amendment Records Improvement Program or the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program, to create or maintain full or partial gun registries. It would not limit states’ recordkeeping for permitting, law enforcement-issued firearms, or lost or stolen firearms.

Original Senate co-sponsors of the measure include U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-Louisiana), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), Jim Justice (R-West Virginia), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), John Cornyn (R-Texas), John Hoeven (R-North Dakota), Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), Steve Daines (R-Montana), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee).

The National Rifle Association and the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) endorse the GRIP Act.

A one-page summary of the GRIP Act is available here.

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Support Grows for Crapo’s Bill to Expedite Recovery of Missing Servicemembers

Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo’s legislation to help eliminate red tape to expedite the recovery of America’s prisoners of war (POWs) and missing in action (MIA) is garnering support from veterans advocacy organizations. U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-New Hampshire) is the lead Democrat on the Senate bill.

The Bring Our Heroes Home Act would help ensure timely transmission and public disclosure of missing military and civilian personnel records to families and caseworkers.

“We have a duty to missing servicemembers and their loved ones to ensure transparency wherever possible,” said Crapo. “Access to personnel records must be made readily available for recovery efforts, and the support of these organizations is instrumental in advancing this important legislation.”

According to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, approximately 80,930 Americans--including 359 Idahoans--remain unaccounted for from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Cold War, the Gulf Wars and other conflicts.

What They Are Saying:

“The Coalition of Families of Korean and Cold War POW/MIAs is in strong support of the Bring Our Heroes Home Act. Families of still missing American servicemen have waited decades to learn the fate of their missing loved ones. The BOHHA will allow access to documents, long overdue for release, which may hold clues to the fate of missing American servicemen. We will only know by viewing the content. We thank and applaud Senators Crapo and Shaheen for their dedicated commitment to the men and women who serve in the United States Armed Forces and the families who await their safe return.” - Richard L. Downes, President, Coalition of Families of Korean & Cold War POW/MIAs

“The Bring Our Heroes Home Act removes long-standing barriers that have prevented families from learning what happened to their loved ones. By ensuring these records are preserved, declassified when appropriate, and made accessible, this bill strengthens our national commitment to bring every service member home. The VFW is proud to support this important effort.” - Joy Craig, Associate Director for Service Member Affairs, VFW National Legislative Service

“My father went missing during the Korean War just before I was born, and I spent my entire childhood hoping he would show up at the door. I needed closure. Without it, the wound of having lost him would never heal. Decades later, I am still searching for answers. All too often, information I've requested from the government has been denied because it was classified. Many such files, if released, could contribute to the effort to account for American POW/MIAs…men, like my father, who answered the call of duty and gave their lives in defense of freedom for others.” - Donna D. Knox, Esq, Vice President/Legislative Liaison, Coalition of Families of Korean & Cold War POW/MIAs

“The American Legion strongly supports the Bring Our Heroes Home Act. With more than 81,000 servicemembers still unaccounted for, this legislation strengthens transparency and accountability by ensuring POW/MIA records are properly identified, preserved, and accessible. It honors our nation’s promise to those who served and the families who continue to seek answers, and it advances our enduring commitment to achieve the fullest possible accounting of America’s missing servicemembers.”- Sean Counihan, Director of the National Security Division at The American Legion

“Our members play a crucial role in helping families find answers. POW/MIA families deserve to know the story of their loved one, and the healing and peace that comes with those answers. Transferring POW/MIA records to the National Archives will help our members support the families searching for answers. BOHHA is necessary to make these records accessible and provide the closure each POW/MIA family deserves.” - Patricia Senguine, President, Association of Professional Genealogists

The Bring Our Heroes Home Act would:

Create a collection of missing Armed Forces and civilian personnel records at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) for families and caseworkers to easily access;

Require executive agencies to identify, locate and transmit any missing Armed Forces personnel records to the National Archives for placement in the collection; and

Establish an independent Missing Armed Forces and Civilian Personnel Records Review Board to identify missing personnel records, facilitate the transmission and disclosure of these records, and review any decisions by federal agencies to postpone declassification for purposes of protecting sensitive classified material.

Idaho recently welcomed home 2nd Lieutenant Charles Atteberry, a World War II servicemember from Parma who had been missing and unidentified for 80 years. Through the U.S. military’s use of DNA testing, Lt. Atteberry was able to be identified from a mass grave in Taiwan. He was buried in Parma with military honors in October. Lt. Atteberry’s brother, Lloyd, also served in the military as a pilot during World War II. Lloyd is still considered missing in action, and his remains have not been recovered since he was reportedly shot down in 1943.

U.S. Representatives Russ Fulcher (R-Idaho) and Chris Pappas (D-New Hampshire) are leading companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

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Curtis, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Streamline VA Benefits Assistance

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Curtis (R-UT) cosponsored the TAP Promotion Act, bipartisan legislation to streamline the benefits process for service members before they leave active duty. The bill would allow accredited members of Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) and similar entities to participate in Transition Assistance Program (TAP) classes, file Benefits Delivery at Discharge claims, and complete medical evaluations before leaving service.

“The brave men and women who serve our nation deserve a smooth passage from active duty to civilian life,” said Senator Curtis. “By allowing accredited Veterans Service Organizations to assist with benefit claims, this bill helps prevent gaps in care and ensures veterans receive the benefits they’ve earned without unnecessary delays.”

The bill was introduced by U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Angus King (I-ME), and was also cosponsored by Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Chris Coons (D-DE), Deb Fischer (R-NE), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Rick Scott (R-FL), Jeff Merkley (D-MA), Ashley Moody (R-FL), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Jim Risch (R-ID), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Dave McCormick (R-PA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Tim Scott (R-SC), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).

“The Transition Assistance Program, otherwise known as TAP, is one of the most important tools we have to help service members prepare for life after the military,” said Senator Cramer. “But, of course, information alone isn’t enough. It takes people. State and county Veterans Service Officers are often the first ones to help veterans access benefits that veterans themselves have earned. I think it’s important to always remember that—they’ve earned these benefits. What our bill does is it makes sure they are part of the process from the start and not brought in after a veteran is already out the door.”

“Every year approximately 200,000 servicemembers transition out of military service into civilian life, whether the servicemember is finishing their first deployment, or retiring,” said Senator King. “The TAP Promotion Act would allow these servicemembers to connect with an informed, VA accredited representative who can mentor them in the process of applying for and receiving the benefits they earned. Thanks to my colleagues for understanding the importance of serving our veterans—just as they have served us throughout their careers.”

“No service member should walk out the gate on their final day in uniform without a clear path to the care and benefits they earned,” said VFW National Legislative Service Associate Director Joy Craig. “The TAP Promotion Act ensures that VA-accredited representatives can participate in TAP briefings and assist with Benefits Delivery at Discharge claims, helping prevent unnecessary delays in compensation, mental health care, and other critical services. This is a practical, bipartisan fix that improves oversight, strengthens transition outcomes, and honors our nation’s commitment to those who served. The VFW is proud to support Senators King and Cramer in advancing this important legislation.”

Background:

When filing for benefits upon leaving the military, service members must navigate a complicated system, which too often leads to delayed compensation and health care. For transitioning service members, timing matters. Delays in filing can mean months without disability payments, postponed medical appointments, access to mental health professionals, and added financial stress during an already significant life transition.

Under existing law, instructors in TAP, the mandatory program to prepare service members for civilian life, are not permitted to help participants fill out benefits paperwork. As a result, troops nearing separation often receive information about their U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs benefits but cannot get hands-on assistance completing the forms required to access them.


Daines Visits Stillwater Mine: “Thanks to President Trump, Montana Mining is Back”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today visited Sibanye-Stillwater’s Columbus metallurgical complex, where he met with miners and toured the operations. Daines touted President Trump’s recent anti-dumping duty to counter the flood of Russian palladium into American markets, which will help protect Montana mining jobs.

“Montana mining is back. The Stillwater Mine is absolutely critical for Montana’s economy and for America’s national security, and I’m thrilled that President Trump has recognized its importance and is fighting to protect Montana jobs. Thank you to all the miners and employees at Stillwater- we can’t commend you enough for your hard work,” said Daines.

“We at Sibanye-Stillwater are proud to mine and recycle critical minerals in Montana for the USA. We believe the US can and must continue to responsibly produce domestic critical minerals, like our platinum and palladium, under US standards and not be captive to foreign adversaries from unregulated regions, like Russia, who are competing in our global markets. The Trump Administration’s enforcement of US trade law in its preliminary imposition of 132% tariffs on Russian palladium imports will help level this playing field. We are especially grateful to Senator Daines for his unwavering commitment to our people and operations. Keeping Russian palladium out of the US market has contributed to the prices we needed to ensure that we can keep producing critical minerals for generations to come,” said Heather McDowell, Senior Vice President and General Counsel.

Background:

Countering Russia’s adversarial and unfair trade practices regarding critical minerals has been a Daines priority. The Sibanye-Stillwater mine laid off 700 workers in November 2024 as a result of Biden administration inaction over Russia’s anti-market behavior. In response Daines introduced legislation to address the situation in Sept 2024 and again in Feb 2025.

Senator Daines sent several letters to the Trump Administration urging corrective action to counter Russia’s behavior and protect Montana mining- read more HERE. Read his statement applauding the administration for issuing a Russian anti-dumping duty rate HERE.

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ICYMI: Daines Joins Fox Business for Exclusive Interview at the Stillwater Mine

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today joined Fox Business at a Sibayne-Stillwater’s Columbus metallurgical complex,, where he met with miners and toured the operations. Daines touted President Trump’s recent anti-dumping duty to counter the flood of Russian palladium into American markets, which will help protect Montana mining jobs.

Excerpt

Grady Trimble: The Department of Commerce just implemented a preliminary tariff of around 133 percent on palladium from Russia. Russia’s imports [exports] to the U.S. have effectively stopped because of that and now the price of the precious metal has since recovered to levels that are sustainable for the company. Senator Steve Daines is here on the ground here at this facility where they process the palladium and he says that this is all a result of the Trump administration stepping in and stopping Russia from dumping palladium on the market.

Senator Daines: We were pursuing this case with the Biden Administration. They were not receptive, they were stalling it. And once the election happened President Trump becomes out president and he puts people in place like Doug Bergum, Chris Wright, and Howard Lutnick. Folks who are going to be on the side of American jobs and American mining. It is absolutely night and day.

Watch the full interview HERE.

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Durbin, Duckworth Announce $6.7 Million In Federal Funding For Springfield Mass Transit

CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today announced $6,733,300 in federal funding awarded to the Sangamon Mass Transit District by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). This grant for Buses and Bus Facilities will go towards building bus fueling stations throughout Springfield.

“Robust public transit makes all of our lives easier,” said Durbin. “These federal funds provide Springfield’s transit systems with the resources they need to deploy the latest technology and maintain reliable, safe, and affordable services for Illinoisans.”

“Investing in our infrastructure is about more than just improving our roads, bridges and railroads—it’s about making it faster, more efficient and safer to get to work, school and move throughout our communities,” Duckworth said. “I’m proud to see this investment to help build new bus fueling stations in Illinois and support overall bus operations. I will continue working alongside Senator Durbin and our local officials to ensure our communities receive the much-needed federal resources they deserve.”

Durbin and Duckworth previously secured $17,807,630 in DOT funding for Sangamon Mass Transit District to replace its fleet of older buses with diesel-hybrid and compressed natural gas buses that reduce harmful emissions.

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Durbin Hosts IDOT Secretary Biagi In Washington

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) yesterday hosted Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Secretary Gia Biagi to discuss Illinois transportation projects, including a status update on Bipartisan Infrastructure Law grant awards to the state and Illinois localities that remain unobligated under the Trump Administration. During their meeting, Durbin and Secretary Gia Biagi spoke about their shared priorities, particularly completing the Chicago Hub Improvement Project (CHIP), which would revitalize Chicago Union Station and revolutionize Midwest passenger rail. Over the years, Durbin has secured nearly $93.6 million in federal appropriations funding for the project. Durbin and Biagi also discussed Illinois’ state-supported Amtrak service and the Chicago-Quad Cities Rail Project.

“Our government is at its best when local, state, and federal leaders come together to provide resources and services to their shared constituents. As the Trump Administration continues to threaten Illinois’ infrastructure projects with claims the federal government will withhold grant dollars, Secretary Biagi and I will fight to secure our state’s rightful funding,” Durbin said.

A photo of yesterday’s meeting is available here.

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Durbin Leads Senators In Raising Alarm About Gutting Of CFTC’s Chicago Division Of Enforcement

While the Trump family rakes in billions from their cryptocurrency, the Trump Administration has removed all attorneys from CFTC’s Chicago Division of Enforcement, which was renowned as the gold standard of financial fraud investigation

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), along with U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), and Adam Schiff (D-CA), all members of the Senate Agriculture Committee which has oversight of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), sent a letter to Chairman of the CFTC Michael Selig about the Trump Administration’s move to gut the CFTC’s Division of Enforcement, including the Chicago office, just as cryptocurrency and prediction markets surge in popularity. In their letter, the Senators emphasize that, without enforcement attorneys investigating potential fraud, Americans are vulnerable to scammers and nefarious actors in the financial industry.

Before President Trump took office again in January 2025, the Chicago Enforcement Division had 20 enforcement attorneys, who earned the division a reputation as the gold standard of fraud investigation. The Chicago Enforcement Division has led high-profile investigations, including securing a $2.7 billion penalty against Binance and a $150 million civil penalty against its CEO after the company engaged in money laundering. In 2024, the agency delivered $12.7 billion in relief to victims of the fraudulent scheme run by FTX, the now-defunct cryptocurrency exchange.

“We write to express our deep concern regarding reports that the Central Regional Office of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) in Chicago has gone from 20 enforcement attorneys to none. If accurate, this represents a significant weakening of one of the agency’s most important enforcement hubs,” the Senators began their letter.

“Recent reporting indicates that staffing reductions, retirements, and transfers have left the Chicago enforcement office without any trial attorneys. And staffing in the Division of Enforcement overall has declined by at least 25 percent, perhaps more. These declines come amid broader declines in enforcement activity. It is no surprise that, under the Trump Administration, the CFTC has brought fewer enforcement actions, resulting in fewer penalties. For example, in Fiscal Year (FY) 2025, the CFTC brought 13 enforcement actions, obtaining less than $10 million in relief, compared to 58 actions yielding $17.1 billion in FY2024 and 96 actions yielding $4.3 billion in FY2023,” the Senators wrote.

As the Senators noted, the Chicago Division of Enforcement has been hollowed out while cryptocurrency and prediction markets become more accessible to the American public.

“These developments are particularly troubling given the rapid growth of digital asset derivative markets and prediction markets—both of which fall within the CFTC’s jurisdiction—and the possibility that Congress may expand the agency’s authority over digital asset spot markets. As a former CFTC attorney recently stated, ‘If I was a different person, I would launch a crypto scam right now, because there’s no cops on the beat,’” the Senators wrote.

The Senators concluded their letter by emphasizing that CFTC has a responsibility to protect the American public from potential financial fraud—a mission that cannot be completed without proper staffing levels at the agency’s Chicago Division of Enforcement. They requested answers about Chair Selig’s plans to restaff the division and underscored that any attorney hired should be experienced, qualified, and dedicated to protecting the integrity of financial markets.

“As Chairman of the CFTC, and the only current CFTC Commissioner, you are uniquely positioned to put the CFTC back on track. We urge you to ensure the Division of Enforcement—including the Central Regional Office in Chicago—is fully staffed with experienced, qualified, and capable enforcement attorneys who will protect investors, safeguard the integrity of markets from fraud and manipulation, and hold bad actors accountable,” the Senators concluded IN their letter.

Today, Durbin penned an op-ed on the weakening of CFTC’s Chicago Division of Enforcement. In his writing, Durbin criticized the Trump family for leveraging the presidency to rake in more than $1.4 billion through their cryptocurrency SCHEMES, while removing critical government watchdogs. A copy of Durbin’s op-ed is available here.

A copy of the letter is available here and below:

February 26, 2026

Dear Chairman Selig,

We write to express our deep concern regarding reports that the Central Regional Office of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) in Chicago has gone from 20 enforcement attorneys to none. If accurate, this represents a significant weakening of one of the agency’s most important enforcement hubs.

Established in 1974, the CFTC is critical to promoting the integrity and resilience of U.S. derivatives markets. Through its Division of Enforcement, the agency investigates and prosecutes fraud, insider trading, market manipulation, false reporting, and other violations of the Commodity Exchange Act. The Chicago office historically has been central to that work.

Attorneys in Chicago have led some of the agency’s most significant cases. In 2023, the CFTC secured a $2.7 billion penalty against Binance and a $150 million civil penalty against its CEO. In 2024, the agency ordered FTX, the now-defunct cryptocurrency exchange, to pay $12.7 billion in relief to victims of fraud. These actions demonstrate the importance of experienced enforcement staff in safeguarding markets and protecting customers.

Recent reporting indicates that staffing reductions, retirements, and transfers have left the Chicago enforcement office without any trial attorneys.[1] And staffing in the Division of Enforcement overall has declined by at least 25 percent, perhaps more. These declines come amid broader declines in enforcement activity. It is no surprise that, under the Trump Administration, the CFTC has brought fewer enforcement actions, resulting in fewer penalties. For example, in Fiscal Year (FY) 2025, the CFTC brought 13 enforcement actions, obtaining less than $10 million in relief, compared to 58 actions yielding $17.1 billion in FY2024 and 96 actions yielding $4.3 billion in FY2023.

These developments are particularly troubling given the rapid growth of digital asset derivative markets and prediction markets—both of which fall within the CFTC’s jurisdiction—and the possibility that Congress may expand the agency’s authority over digital asset spot markets. As a former CFTC attorney recently stated, “If I was a different person, I would launch a crypto scam right now, because there’s no cops on the beat.” Whether or not one agrees with that characterization, it underscores concerns about diminished enforcement presence.

At your confirmation hearing before the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, you testified that it is “vitally important” that the CFTC has “a cop on the beat” and that you would work to ensure the agency has the resources to fulfill its mission.[2] We appreciate your commitment. To better understand the agency’s current posture, we request responses to the following questions by March 12, 2026:

How many enforcement attorneys currently are assigned to each CFTC regional office?

Does the CFTC intend to fill vacant enforcement positions in the Chicago office? If so, on what timeline?

What is the current total staffing level of the Division of Enforcement compared to FY2024?

Has the agency requested additional appropriations or taken steps to reallocate resources to ensure adequate enforcement capacity?

As Chairman of the CFTC, and the only current CFTC Commissioner, you are uniquely positioned to put the CFTC back on track. We urge you to ensure the Division of Enforcement—including the Central Regional Office in Chicago—is fully staffed with experienced, qualified, and capable enforcement attorneys who will protect investors, safeguard the integrity of markets from fraud and manipulation, and hold bad actors accountable.

We look forward to your response and working with you on this matter.

Sincerely,

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Ernst Bipartisan STEM Bill Passes Senate Unanimously

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst’s (R-Iowa) bipartisan National STEM Week Act passed the Senate unanimously.

Ernst’s bill promotes science, technology, engineering, and math skills to increase the United States’ competitiveness in innovation and technology. By connecting students with real-world industry career pathways, this effort will strengthen the pipeline between schools and employment.

Last year, Ernst hosted a roundtable with partners from the Center of Science and Industry (COSI), Kemin Industries, and Iowa 4-H to discuss the critical role STEM education plays in shaping our workforce.

“STEM skills are key to fostering a growing and innovative economy, and I’m excited that my National STEM Week Act has passed the Senate to increase opportunities and experiences for students across our nation,” said Ernst. “Through this effort, I am proud to equip our students for successful careers and fostering the workforce of tomorrow. I look forward to seeing it signed into law.”

The National STEM Week Act will:

Increase STEM engagement by involving students in hands-on STEM activities to increase interest and proficiency in STEM fields;

Enhance collaboration with industry partners to provide real-world experience and mentorship;

Encourage family and community involvement to enhance student understanding and retention; and

Align, aggregate, and support individual state efforts and enable the nation to celebrate STEM efforts.

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Fetterman, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect SNAP Benefits Against Theft

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and U.S. Representatives Dan Goldman (D-NY-10) and Mike Lawler (R-NY-17) introduced their bipartisan, bicameral Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act to boost security of electronic Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit cards amid a sharp rise in theft by hackers and scammers.

Tens of millions of dollars in SNAP benefits have been stolen by criminals exploiting lax cybersecurity of electronic SNAP benefit cards. Congress has spent years pressing the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to require states to issue cards with secure chips rather than magnetic strips that criminals can easily clone. Despite those requests, and a growing trend of SNAP card theft, USDA has failed to update security regulations for benefit cards. In January, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Inspector General issued a report projecting that $555 million in SNAP funds are vulnerable to theft in the coming years if action is not taken to boost cybersecurity.

“SNAP is a critical lifeline for nearly 2 million Pennsylvanians. We should be delivering help to those who need it, and that includes protecting them from criminals,” said Senator Fetterman. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing this bill to protect our most vulnerable and the food assistance they depend on.”

“Cybersecurity shouldn’t depend on income or zip code. It’s time to overhaul this two-tier system that leaves families in need even more vulnerable with outdated technology. I’m all in to get this legislation across the finish line and ensure no hungry family has to lose sleep over their food assistance being stolen,” said Senator Wyden.

“Each year, tens of millions of dollars in essential food benefits are stolen from New Yorkers—benefits that families rely on to put food on the table,” said Rep. Goldman. “That’s why I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan, bicameral legislation to update SNAP’s long-outdated cybersecurity regulations and require chip-enabled cards for SNAP benefits. This bill will ensure federal support for New York as it begins to upgrade its EBT cards and prevent SNAP theft. We must act now to ensure our working families, children, and seniors do not go hungry.”

“SNAP benefits are a lifeline for thousands of families across the Hudson Valley, and we have a responsibility to ensure those benefits are protected from fraud and theft. By modernizing EBT cards with secure chip technology, the SNAP system will be brought up to the same security standards Americans expect from their banks. Protecting these benefits means protecting working families, seniors, and small businesses who rely on them every day,” said Rep. Lawler.

The Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act effectively addresses fraud by directing USDA to update its cybersecurity regulations to ensure criminals cannot easily steal SNAP benefits. Specifically, this bill will require:

USDA to issue updated regulations requiring SNAP cards to feature anti-fraud technology capable of resisting cloning, as well as securing online SNAP transactions. These regulations will be updated every five years and must keep pace with the security of credit and debit cards.

With USDA funding, states will begin issuing chip-enabled SNAP cards within two years of the adoption of the new regulations. Within four years, states will no longer be able to issue new SNAP cards containing a magnetic stripe. Within five years, states will have to reissue all existing SNAP cards containing a magnetic stripe as chip-only cards.

USDA to operate a grant program providing funds for upgraded chip-capable payment machines to small grocery stores in food deserts, farmers markets, and farm-to-consumer programs.

States to provide families with no-fee replacements of SNAP cards in three days or less, if their card is stolen, cloned by fraudsters, or malfunctioning.

States to offer multiple accessible and reliable user interfaces, such as a smartphone app or voice telephone service, for families to manage their EBT account.

The bill is endorsed by: Feeding PA, the National Grocers Association, Food Marketing Institute, National Association of Convenience Stores, SNAC International, Food Research and Action Center, Hunger Free America, R Street, American Heart Association, Bread for the World, Share Our Strength, Today’s Students Coalition, California Welfare Fraud Investigators Association, City Harvest, Rethink Food, and National Taxpayers Union.

“Independent grocers have served as trusted stewards of this successful public-private partnership for decades, and we remain committed to rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse wherever it appears. This legislation takes important steps to strengthen program integrity by directly addressing EBT skimming and enhancing safeguards that protect both SNAP recipients and taxpayer dollars. Securing our food assistance programs is not a partisan issue, and we commend Senators Wyden, Cassidy, and Fetterman for their close collaboration with NGA while working across party lines to fortify SNAP and modernize EBT payments for the long term,” said Stephanie Johnson, RDN, Vice President of the National Grocers Association.

“As private sector partners with the federal government serving as critical access points for SNAP participants, FMI and its grocery members are committed to strengthening the integrity of SNAP for millions of customers in every community. FMI applauds Senators Wyden, Fetterman and Cassidy, and Representatives Lawler and Goldman for their leadership in establishing a framework for migration to SNAP EBT chip cards in all states that is safe and operationally viable for SNAP participants and retailers. Ensuring secure EBT shopping experiences for SNAP participants is of the utmost importance to grocers and the communities they serve and FMI is pleased to support this bipartisan legislation,” said Jennifer Hatcher, Chief Public Policy Officer for The Food Industry Association.

“SNAP skimming is the ultimate lose-lose: taking groceries away from the most vulnerable Americans while losing tax funds to criminal syndicates. We thank Senator Wyden for introducing a bill that would significantly reduce such fraud and make sure SNAP funds go to the low-income Americans who need them,” said Joel Berg, CEO of Hunger Free America.

“SNAP makes the difference for millions of families across the country who are trying to put food on the table, but due to outdated technology and inadequate security standards for EBT cards, many households have had their grocery benefits stolen by bad actors through no fault of their own. The legislation introduced today by Senators Wyden and Fetterman includes crucial common-sense improvements to modernize EBT card security and provide states the resources needed to prevent SNAP skimming, ensure program integrity, and make sure SNAP is supporting families as intended,” said Claire Borzner, Director of Federal Government Relations for Share Our Strength and its No Kid Hungry Campaign.

Read a one-pager on the bill here.


Gallego, Banking Committee Democrats Press Bondi and Bessent to Investigate Binance Following Reports of Flouting Sanctions, US Law

WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ),a member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, joined Democratic colleagues on the Committee in pressing the U.S. Treasury and Justice Departments to investigate reports that Binance is facilitating illicit finance activities, including transactions linked to Iran and its proxies. Doing so would fail to comply with the settlement agreement that Binance reached in 2023 following its guilty plea of serious federal charges that included money laundering and violations of U.S. sanctions laws.

In their letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Attorney General Pam Bondi, the Senators stressed that our national security is at risk if Binance is supporting the financial activities of terrorist groups or other adversaries of the United States that seek to do our nation harm. Highlighting the added concern that Binance has deepened its ties to President Donald Trump and his family in recent months, they called on Bondi and Bessent to carry out a thorough, impartial investigation for the safety and security of the American people.

“We write to express our concern with illicit finance risks presented by the digital asset firm Binance Holdings Ltd. (Binance). Recent reports raise serious concerns about the strength of illicit finance guardrails at Binance’s digital asset exchange, as well as its adherence to 2023 settlements for apparent violations of sanctions rules and breaches of anti-money laundering laws. We urge you to conduct a prompt, comprehensive review of sanctions compliance on the platform to ensure that it is not once again violating the law and threatening U.S. national security,” the Senators began.

“According to reporting, last year, Binance compliance personnel obtained evidence that $1.7 billion in digital assets had been funneled through Binance to Iranian entities tied to terrorism, including both the Iran-backed Houthis and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. In one instance, evidence suggested that one of Binance’s own vendors routed $1.2 billion in funds to Iran-linked entities,” they continued. “In addition, the reports describe a broader deterioration in Binance’s compliance functions. Compliance officials at Binance have departed or been dismissed beyond those who uncovered the links to Iranian entities. According to law enforcement, Binance has grown markedly less cooperative with requests for information about customers as well.”

“These allegations raise grave concerns that poor illicit finance controls at Binance remain a significant threat to national security. Our illicit finance controls are dangerously compromised if enormous sums can flow through Binance to terrorist groups or sanctions evaders,” the Senators stressed.

Highlighting concerns with the President and his family’s business ties to Binance, the Senators wrote, “We recognize, of course, that Binance has made numerous business decisions that have helped President Trump and his family profit from their crypto ventures. The exchange has repeatedly pushed users to purchase USD1, the stablecoin issued by the Trump family’s World Liberty Financial, including through interest payments on USD1 holdings on the exchange. It also assisted with technology for USD1 and accepted a $2 billion investment made in the token. Last fall, despite claiming he had ‘no idea who he is,’ President Trump pardoned Changpeng Zhao, Binance’s billionaire founder and former chief executive who had pleaded guilty to failing to establish an effective anti-money laundering program for the platform and was sentenced to four months in prison.”

“If Binance has begun to ignore its illicit finance obligations, the risks are grave and nonpartisan, and we hope that the Trump Administration will faithfully carry out its obligations to administer our nation’s illicit finance laws,” the Senators concluded.


Gallego Joins Push for Vote on Iran War Powers Resolution

WASHINGTON – Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) joined Senator Tim Kaine’s (D-VA) War Powers Resolution to ensure any U.S. participation in hostilities against Iran is explicitly authorized by Congress. The War Powers Resolution is privileged; it was introduced on January 29 and may be called up for a vote on the Senate floor.

“I lost friends in Iraq. I know what happens when America rushes into a war that doesn’t need to happen. Twenty years later, we are once again at a dangerous crossroads,” said Senator Gallego. “I don’t want another generation of young working-class kids paying the price for the vanity of men who will never carry the cost themselves. The Constitution is clear: no President has the authority to drag this country into open-ended conflict without Congress.

“We should not be rushing into another forever war without a clear explanation of the mission. It’s a mistake that could strengthen hardliners in Tehran and hurt the Iranian people’s fight for freedom.”

Senator Gallego voted to advance a similar War Powers Resolution from Senator Kaine last June. The June resolution gained bipartisan support but did not receive enough votes to advance.


Gillibrand Calls DHS Actions In Buffalo And At Columbia University “Inhumane And Outrageous”

Today, U.S. Senator Gillibrand (D-NY) released the following statement regarding recent reports that Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents misrepresented their purpose to gain entry to a Columbia University-owned apartment to detain a student and, in a separate incident, left a nearly blind refugee outdoors in cold conditions in Buffalo, where he later died:

“Donald Trump promised lower costs and a stronger America. Instead, he has delivered chaos, uncertainty, and unaffordability across our country and New York.

“The actions of the Department of Homeland Security agents at Columbia University, where they allegedly lied about a missing person to gain entry to detain a student without a warrant, and in Buffalo, where they abandoned a nearly blind man in the cold leading to his death, are inhumane and outrageous. These are not isolated incidents; they are symptoms of an agency out of control.

“We cannot ignore that while working class families and small businesses across New York struggle with rising prices caused by Trump’s illegal tariffs, this administration chose to cut $1 trillion from health care programs that help our seniors and children, all to fund tax breaks for billionaires and supercharge DHS’ terrorizing of our communities. This is unacceptable and dangerous. These latest horrifying incidents in New York only underscore that this out-of-control agency cannot be funded until it is reformed.”

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Gillibrand Statement On Secretary Hegseth’s Rejection Of AI Guardrails

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Intelligence Committee, released the following statement after reports that the Pentagon threatened Anthropic over the company’s requests for guardrails in DOD’s use of its AI technology:

“Secretary Hegseth’s attack on AI safety procedures contradicts common sense and undermines our national security.

“It also raises serious questions about why the DOD seeks to deploy autonomous weapons with an AI model neither designed nor ready to be used for such a purpose, as well to conduct mass domestic surveillance of American citizens. The Department must cease these efforts and provide the American people and Congress with full transparency on its plans to surveil Americans and develop fully autonomous weapons. Lawyers at the Justice Department and Department of Defense have been willing to use secret interpretations of law to put us into armed conflict abroad and the door should not be left open for them to do the same here through secret and novel interpretations of ‘any lawful purpose.’

“Punishing AI safety destroys American leadership and will have a chilling effect on responsible AI development around the world. This is a gift to our adversaries and a strike against American innovation. America should be leading the world in developing international norms surrounding these technologies, ensuring outcomes in our national interest. Instead, Pete Hegseth is consigning us to runner-up status.

“Removing guardrails doesn’t produce efficiency; it guarantees a future of catastrophic harm.

“We must have clear AI safety procedures across military and civilian life – with humans in control. The health of our democracy and America’s leadership around the world depend on it not just in the military, but across health care, law enforcement, financial systems, and everything else this technology will touch.

“This event only underscores that Congress’ continued lack of action on AI legislation is creating a future of devastating consequences. We must create clear rules of the road to promote safety, protect civil rights, and ensure America’s AI innovation leads the world.”

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Q&A: Fighting Fraud is Civics 101

Q: What motivates your crusade to root out fraud?

A: As America celebrates the 250th year of our nation’s independence, we’re obligated – as 21st century beneficiaries of our 18th century patriotic predecessors – to protect and uphold the American experiment for future generations. The brave patriots who declared independence from the powerful British empire pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor on a piece of parchment paper to secure the blessings of freedom. By rebuking tyranny, they placed liberty in the hands of the people through our system of self-government. This bold experiment was unique in human history and challenges each successive generation to rise to the test of civic virtue for the public good. That includes fighting fraud that undermines faith in government.

Since Iowans elected me to Congress, I’ve brought a tight-fisted fiscal mindset to the public purse. Every tax dollar deserves robust scrutiny as it makes its way through the spending pipeline. Iowans may have different opinions on how taxpayer dollars are spent, from boosting military readiness to upgrading roads and bridges, strengthening the farm safety net, improving childcare and nutrition programs or bolstering social services for the elderly. No matter which priorities are important to people from across the ideological spectrum – from those wanting more government intervention in the economy to those wanting more tax relief for entrepreneurial innovation – Americans ought to agree that every dollar from the federal treasury merits scrutiny to deter waste, fraud and abuse. After all, every dollar lost to fraud, is one less dollar for their priority.

In the wake of shocking allegations exposing massive public benefits fraud in Minnesota and elsewhere, I welcome the administration declaring “war on fraud” as President Trump announced during his State of the Union address. This effort will amplify efforts in Congress and across federal agencies to unhitch looters from riding Washington’s gravy train. Since the earliest days of our republic, bad actors have sought to enrich themselves at taxpayer expense. President Abraham Lincoln enacted “Lincoln’s Law” to expose contractors defrauding the Union Army. Four decades ago, I updated the Civil War era False Claims Act by beefing up incentives for whistleblowers to report fraud and wasteful spending. As chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I leverage my legislative and oversight authority to strengthen protections for whistleblowers and ensure the courts don’t water down the federal government’s #1 tool to fight fraud. In fact, since my 1986 amendments, the False Claims Act has been used to recover $85 billion. Just last year, the government recovered more than $6.8 billion, the highest single-year recovery in its history. Whistleblowers were responsible for helping recover over $5.3 billion of that amount. What’s more, my amendments are credited with keeping untold billions from the pockets of would-be fraudsters.

Fighting fraud is a civic duty. My bipartisan approach is rooted in Civics 101. I leave no stone unturned to uphold the public interest, protect the integrity of tax dollars and stop scammers from stealing from federal programs.

Q: Why did the Trump administration create a new national fraud enforcement division?

A: Following the revelations of staggering fraud in Minnesota and other states, the Trump administration announced a new fraud enforcement division within the Department of Justice (DOJ). According to the DOJ, the new fraud enforcement division will develop national enforcement priorities to identify, disrupt, and dismantle sophisticated fraud schemes. As chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I led a confirmation hearing for the nominee to lead this division as an Assistant Attorney General. In my opening statement, I made clear that fighting fraud ought to be a nonpartisan issue. We need all hands on deck to root out the rot that fleeces taxpayers and undermines public trust in government. I was glad to hear nominee Colin McDonald agreed with this approach, “I will work with everyone – Congress, the inspectors general community, federal partners and state partners, regardless of political party – to build and lead a national fraud enforcement division that restores faith in our taxpayer funded programs.”


Hickenlooper, Colleagues Sound Alarm on Deaths in Immigration Detention Under Trump

30+ individuals have died in ICE detention since the start of the Trump administration

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper along with 21 of his Senate colleagues sounded the alarm on the dramatic increase in deaths in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention. Since the start of the Trump administration, over 30 individuals have died in ICE custody – including seven in December alone, and another six already in 2026. In a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and ICE senior official Todd Lyons, the senators condemn the increase in deaths and demand immediate accountability.

“This rapidly increasing number of deaths is a clear byproduct of the Trump Administration’s dangerous and poorly executed mass deportation agenda—one focused on detaining as many immigrants as possible, not just the ‘worst of the worst,’ for extended periods of time. We urge you to use the unprecedented resources at your disposal to reinvigorate your agency’s detention oversight efforts, investigate these deaths, and provide those in your custody with adequate medical care,” wrote the senators.

“Though deaths in detention have occurred under every Administration, under your leadership, individuals are dying in shocking numbers. Rather than accepting responsibility for deaths in government custody and providing detailed facts about the circumstances of each death, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has attempted to smear deceased individuals’ reputations by emphasizing details about their immigration status and their alleged wrongdoing in the United States,” continued the senators.

The senators cited incidents of death in detention, including guards choking a man to death, an apparent suicide, and others. They highlighted that ICE has used its unprecedented funding surge from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act to significantly expand its detention capacity. ICE is now holding over 67,000 people across the country and, earlier this year, reached a record high of approximately 73,000— many of whom have no criminal history.

Recently, the Trump administration partnered with private companies to drastically scale up its detention capacity. Those plans include a new ICE facility in Hudson, Colorado. Another proposed facility near Phoenix would be seven times the size of a football field and cost $70 million. ICE is also reopening centers that were previously shuttered due to chronic staffing shortages and medical issues.

“At a time when record numbers of people are dying in ICE custody, it is unacceptable that the agency continues to restrict congressional oversight of detention facilities, including by unlawfully requiring Members of Congress to alert ICE seven days prior to detention visits, a policy recently blocked by a federal court, and failing to provide mandated reporting with details about the deaths,” the senators concluded.

Hickenlooper has consistently pushed for more oversight and transparency for federal immigration enforcement efforts, and has worked to help families desperately searching for loved ones arrested by ICE. Last month, Hickenlooper spoke on the Senate floor to denounce the horrifying killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, condemned the reports that families in Eagle County found “death cards” left in the cars of family members taken by ICE agents, and demanded that Congress overhaul ICE. He’s shown up at ICE facilities to conduct congressional oversight visits and raise concerns about ICE disregarding due process. He helped launch an investigation into ICE’s unlawful obstruction of congressional oversight and introduced bills to ban ICE from wearing masks, prevent immigration enforcement from targeting schools, hospitals, polling locations, and places of worship, and cut back the excessive funding that MAGA Republicans gave them.

Full text of the letter is available HERE and below:

Dear Secretary Noem and Mr. Lyons:

Even as the country reels from the senseless deaths of Americans killed or grievously injured by federal agents in Minneapolis, Chicago, and Los Angeles, we have also been shocked to see the dramatic increase in deaths in immigration detention on your watch. Seven people died in the month of December 2025 alone, and six have died since the start of the new year. This rapidly increasing number of deaths is a clear byproduct of the Trump Administration’s dangerous and poorly executed mass deportation agenda—one focused on detaining as many immigrants as possible, not just the “worst of the worst,” for extended periods of time. We urge you to use the unprecedented resources at your disposal to reinvigorate your agency’s detention oversight efforts, investigate these deaths, and provide those in your custody with adequate medical care.

According to the autopsy report, a recent death in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention was officially ruled a homicide, and fellow detainees, whom the Department seeks to deport, described witnessing guards choking the man to death. Another person died of an apparent suicide at the same facility only days later. In 2025, ICE reported 32 deaths, the most deaths in ICE detention in any year since 2004. Based on the available evidence, many of the reported deaths appear to have been preventable.

Armed with an unprecedented and unjustified funding increase from the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act, ICE has dramatically expanded its detention capacity and now is holding approximately 73,000 people nationwide—many with no criminal history—while failing to release even the most vulnerable individuals. The Administration recently doubled down on its commitment to scale up detention, soliciting private companies to warehouse staggering numbers of immigrants in massive industrial facilities capable of housing up to 8,000 people at once. By comparison, the largest federal prison has approximately 4,000 inmates. New massive facilities —one near Phoenix cost $70 million and is the size of seven football fields—add to the rapidly expanding number of detention contracts held by private prison companies and local and county jails. ICE is even reopening facilities that previously were closed due to medical neglect and systemic understaffing.

Individuals of all ages and backgrounds have died in ICE custody, some only a short time after entering a detention facility and many after living in the United States for decades. Though deaths in detention have occurred under every Administration, under your leadership, individuals are dying in shocking numbers. Rather than accepting responsibility for deaths in government custody and providing detailed facts about the circumstances of each death, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has attempted to smear deceased individuals’ reputations by emphasizing details about their immigration status and their alleged wrongdoing in the United States.

The Administration also repeatedly has alleged, contrary to all evidence, that ICE detention conditions and medical care are adequate. These false claims have been made despite the fact that ICE has not paid third-party medical providers since October 2025, allegedly leading to the denial of medical care and essential treatment.1Even ICE internal audits have documented significant failures to meet medical care standards. At Camp East Montana— where three detained individuals recently died in just over one month—ICE auditors determined medical care contractors had, in some cases, failed to fill out medical charts and do intake screenings and did not “identify emergent or past chronic medical conditions, mental illness issues such as suicidal/homicidal ideation or intent that could lead to detainee life-safety issue.”

All available evidence debunks any suggestion that current detention conditions and medical care in immigration detention are adequate. According to agency records, individuals who have died had COVID-19, kidney disease, heart disease, and diabetes, among other treatable diseases. An analysis of phone calls to 911, from 10 of the largest detention facilities during the first six months of the Trump Administration, described a system overwhelmed by unmet medical needs and attempts to obtain urgent care. Of the 400 emergency calls, 50 involved possible cardiac events, 26 described seizures, and 17 were for head injuries. Seven involved suicide attempts or self-harm, such as overdoses or hangings, and six alleged sexual abuse, including at least one reported incident of staff-on-detainee abuse.

Doctors also have reported that federal immigration agents are interfering with medical care of detained immigrants who are referred to hospital settings for emergency care. Administrators at a hospital in Los Angeles, for example, reported that federal agents told doctors not to reach out to family members to determine what type of medication a person was on and would not allow private consultations between detained individuals and doctors.

Reports and lawsuits continue to document dangerous detention conditions in detention facilities. Consider the February death of Maksym Chernyak, who was detained at the Krome facility in Miami and died in custody after suffering a stroke in February. Staff waited more than 40 minutes before calling 911. Later that day, it was determined he had irreversible brain damage, and he died two days later. The death was especially heartbreaking in that, according to a medical expert, “[t]here was this neurological emergency—someone who was not responsive after a seizure—and a medical professional did not activate 911 for 45 minutes.” Reports have also emerged of pregnant women who have miscarried or bled for hours without access to care or were shackled while miscarrying. DHS recently acknowledged that the South Louisiana ICE Processing Center alone has been the site of four miscarriages.

It is unacceptable that record numbers of people are dying in ICE custody. The Department must comply with detention standards at every facility detaining immigrants and stop its efforts to restrict congressional oversight of detention facilities, including by unlawfully requiring Members of Congress to alert ICE seven days prior to detention visits, a policy recently blocked by a federal court, and failing to provide mandated reporting with details about the deaths. Each death in ICE custody is a tragedy and, based on the evidence available from agency records, 911 calls, and medical experts, many could have been prevented if not for this Administration’s decisions. To address these urgent concerns, we request that you provide answers to the following questions and information requests by February 27, 2026:

What actions has ICE taken to address the rising deaths of detained individuals in custody, including any changes to medical screening, suicide prevention, emergency response, or mortality review procedures? Please provide copies of any supporting records.

What is the legal rationale for excluding facilities like Alligator Alcatraz, or any other state or local facilities operating pursuant to a similar partnership with ICE, from ICE’s inspection, reporting, or detention-standards compliance structure? Please provide copies of any legal analysis and supporting records.

Are detainees who are held in state or local facilities like Alligator Alcatraz included in ICE’s required detainee-death notification and review procedures? If ICE considers these individuals outside the review process, please provide copies of any legal analysis and supporting records.

What oversight offices are currently responsible for monitoring ICE detention conditions?

For each office, describe its current staffing levels, investigative authorities, role in the detainee-death review process, and jurisdiction, including any limitations on oversight of facilities that are not integrated into ICE’s detention-tracking systems.

For each office, outline current authority, or lack of authority, to inspect, monitor, or evaluate detention facilities operated by state or local governments.

Provide records describing the role of ICE’s Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) with respect to death investigations and the status of investigations regarding each detained individual who has died since January 20, 2025.

Please include any records describing changes to OPR’s Office of Detention Oversight detention facility inspections, including any changes to the number of required inspections and guidance for facility inspections, since January 20, 2025.

Provide all records since January 20, 2025, related to changes or future changes in any of ICE’s detention standards, including communications with contractors regarding changes to detention standards. Please also respond immediately to pending oversight letters related to detention expansion, the dismantling of internal oversight offices, and ICE’s hiring practices.

We look forward to your prompt response and attention to this important request.

Sincerely,

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Hickenlooper, Daines, Warner Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Bolster CDFI Fund, Strengthen Underserved Communities

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper, Mark Warner, and Steve Daines, along with 27 of their Senate colleagues introduced the bipartisan Access to Fair Financing for Opportunity and Resilient Development (AFFORD) Act. The legislation would strengthen capital access and economic development in rural, tribal, and other underserved communities in Colorado and provide more transparency over Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Fund operations.

“CDFI funding opens multiple doors for small businesses and underserved communities,” said Hickenlooper, a member of the Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship and a former small business owner. “We need to make sure communities all across Colorado have access to capital and deliver more small businesses, more jobs, and a stronger economy.”

“CDFIs help hardworking families and small business owners in Montana gain access to the opportunities and capital they need for financial success, especially in Montana’s rural and tribal communities. It’s critical we improve transparency surrounding the operations of the CDFI Fund to ensure its programs continue to serve the vital role of increasing economic development and helping Montana communities thrive. I’m glad to introduce the AFFORD Act, which will do just that,” said Daines.

“CDFIs are critical in bringing capital and financial services to rural, tribal, and underserved communities, and they can be significant partners for local governments to battle rising costs and affordability. I’m proud to be introducing the AFFORD Act, which will expand the capacity of CDFIs so they can reach more communities across Virginia,” said Warner.

Established in 1994, the CDFI Fund helps CDFIs leverage private capital alongside federal support to build housing, expand access to credit, and drive job growth in underserved areas.

Last year, the Trump administration caused significant delays in awarding and obligating $324 million to the more than 1,400 certified CDFIs that rely on the Fund for program continuity and impact. Hickenlooper called out this delay and urged the Trump administration to release funding.

Hickenlooper also sent a bipartisan letter to the Trump administration voicing strong support for the CDFI Fund and its critical role investing in communities that face barriers accessing traditional capital. The letter followed an executive order President Trump signed directing the federal government to effectively eliminate the CDFI Fund.

Hickenlooper sits on the Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship, where he has led legislation to increase access to capital in underserved communities, including his bipartisan CDFI Bond Guarantee Program Improvement Act, Investing in all of America Act, and Supporting Community Lenders Act.

Specifically, the AFFORD Act would:

Extend and enhance the CDFI Bond Guarantee Program to enable participation by smaller CDFIs.

Reauthorize the CDFI liquidity enhancement program to increase CDFI lending capacity and reach more communities.

Bolster the role of Native CDFIs by expanding a USDA CDFI relending program that partners with Native CDFIs to deploy mortgage loans to eligible Native borrowers.

Read the bill text HERE.

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Hickenlooper, King, Cramer Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Help Service Members Access Earned Benefits

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper, Angus King, and Kevin Cramer introduced the bipartisan TAP Promotion Act to provide support to service members in the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) applying for their benefits as veterans. The legislation would allow accredited representatives from Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs), or other organizations, to participate in TAP classes to help transitioning service members file Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) claims.

“Leaving the service shouldn’t mean leaving health care behind,” said Hickenlooper. “We need to make sure service members avoid any gaps in their health care and services they’ve earned as they transition back to civilian life.”

“Every year approximately 200,000 servicemembers transition out of military service into civilian life, whether the servicemember is finishing their first deployment, or retiring,” said King. “The TAP Promotion Act would allow these servicemembers to connect with an informed, VA accredited representative who can mentor them in the process of applying for and receiving the benefits they earned. Thanks to my colleagues for understanding the importance of serving our veterans – just as they have served us throughout their careers.”

“The Transition Assistance Program, otherwise known as TAP, is one of the most important tools we have to help service members prepare for life after the military,” said Cramer. “But, of course, information alone isn’t enough. It takes people. State and county Veterans Service Officers are often the first ones to help veterans access benefits that veterans themselves have earned. I think it’s important to always remember that—they’ve earned these benefits. What our bill does is it makes sure they are part of the process from the start and not brought in after a veteran is already out the door.”

“No service member should walk out the gate on their final day in uniform without a clear path to the care and benefits they earned. The TAP Promotion Act ensures that VA-accredited representatives can participate in TAP briefings and assist with Benefits Delivery at Discharge claims, helping prevent unnecessary delays in compensation, mental health care, and other critical services. This is a practical, bipartisan fix that improves oversight, strengthens transition outcomes, and honors our nation’s commitment to those who served. The VFW is proud to support Senators King and Cramer in advancing this important legislation,” said VFW National Legislative Service Associate Director Joy Craig.

TAP is offered at over 300 installations around the world and helps prepare service members for civilian life. Since TAP classroom instructors are not legally allowed to help veterans fill out benefits paperwork, having an accredited representative physically present in TAP classrooms during Veterans Affairs (VA) briefings would ease and simplify the process as service members transition to veteran status. Through the VA’s Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD), service members can file expedited claims and complete medical evaluations before leaving service. Accelerating claims decisions would allow transitioning service members to have minimal gaps in essential care like mental health counseling and medication management once they officially leave service.

Full text of the bill available HERE.

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VIDEO: On Senate Floor, Hirono Celebrates Mahina Olelo Hawaii

~Watch Senator Hirono’s Remarks HERE~

WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI,) took to the Senate floor to celebrate Mahina Olelo Hawaii, Hawaiian Language Month. Ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary, Hirono celebrated Native language revitalization, highlighting the importance of Native communities in telling the story of our nation’s history.

"Celebrating the survival and revitalization of these indigenous languages helps to preserve and strengthen the cultural diversity of our communities,” Senator Hirono said.

February marks Mahina Olelo Hawaii, Hawaiian Language month, and celebrates the cultural importance of Hawaiian language revitalization both in Hawaii and across the mainland. As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, Hirono stressed the critical role diverse communities, including Native Hawaiians, have played in shaping America. In her speech, Senator Hirono outlined the history of Olelo Hawaii following the colonization of the Hawaiian Islands by English-speaking westerners:

“After the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1893, a law was enacted effectively banning the teaching of Olelo Hawaii across the islands. As a result, the use of Olelo Hawaii sharply declined, and the language came close to extinction. Thankfully, cultural practitioners, educators, and community members like Mary Kawena Pukui, author of the Hawaiian dictionary, kept the language alive until interest in learning Hawaiian increased during the Hawaiian cultural renaissance in the 1970s.”

Oleo Hawaii was recognized as the official language of the State of Hawaii in 1978. Since then, Olelo Hawaii has been reintroduced to the public education system and Hawaiian language schools have been established across the state. In 2023, the State of Hawaii officially designated February as Mahina Olelo Hawaii.

“The designation of February as Mahina Olelo Hawaii serves as a testament to the resilience of the Native Hawaiian community and the importance of Hawaiian history and culture,” said Senator Hirono.

Protecting Olelo Hawaii does not simply preserve a critical part of Native Hawaiian culture, it preserves a part of U.S. history. Hirono urged Americans to consider the nation’s complete story, not a cherry-picked version, when telling the history of the United States:

“As we celebrate our country’s 250th anniversary, we reaffirm our commitment to upholding and fostering that diversity, to protecting the culture of communities that were here before us, and to ensuring the stories of our country, and the Americans who make it so great, are told in full.”

The full transcript of Senator Hirono’s speech is available below. Video of Senator Hirono’s floor speech is available here.

M. President, this year marks the 250th anniversary of America’s founding. This year should be a celebration of our nation and all those who have helped make it what it is. The story of our nation is a story of diversity, of people of different races, religions, and national origins coming together to build something bigger than any one of us. That story should be told in its totality.

But we have a regime that fears diversity and is trying to erase it from our history.

From directing the National Park Service to remove aspects of American history from exhibits, such as slavery, to targeting immigrant communities across the country, to its all-out war on diversity and inclusion, Trump’s regime is attempting to rewrite history and create a white America that never existed in the first place. The native peoples were here first.

This country would not be what it is today, without the social, economic, and cultural contributions, and many sacrifices of historically marginalized, but important, communities.

As we celebrate 250 years of America, it’s critical that we tell their stories, stories that are central to this country and truly define our communities. One such story is the revitalization of Native languages, including the Hawaiian language.

Since 2023, February has been recognized by the State of Hawaii as Mahina Olelo Hawaii, or Hawaiian Language Month. Following the colonization of the Hawaiian Islands by English-speaking westerners, the Hawaiian language, also known as Olelo Hawaii, was nearly driven to extinction.

After the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1893, a law was enacted effectively banning the teaching of Olelo Hawaii across the islands. As a result, the use of Olelo Hawaii sharply declined, and the language came close to extinction.

Thankfully, cultural practitioners, educators, and community members like Mary Kawena Pukui, author of the Hawaiian dictionary, kept the language alive until interest in learning Hawaiian increased during the Hawaiian cultural renaissance in the 1970s.

In 1978, Olelo Hawaii was finally recognized as an official language of the State of Hawaii. Since then, Olelo Hawaii has been reintroduced to the public education system and Hawaiian language immersion schools have been established across the state, to continue to revitalize and protect this important aspect of Hawaiian culture.

The designation of February as Mahina Olelo Hawaii serves as a testament to the resilience of the Native Hawaiian community and the importance of Hawaiian history and culture. Indigenous languages are an important part of our country’s history and fabric.

A curriculum similar to what is used at our Hawaiian immersion schools has also been used by other indigenous groups to foster and revive their own languages. In 2016, a group of Hawaiian educators from Aha Punana Leo immersion school in Hawaii traveled to the Midwest and mentored a language institute of the Ojibwe (OW-JEEB-WAY) tribe. There, the group shared their methodology and curricula to support the institute’s program and help preserve the Ojibwe language.

Celebrating the survival and revitalization of these indigenous languages helps to preserve and strengthen the cultural diversity of our communities. Because while much has changed since the founding of our nation, the throughline of America has always been our diversity.

Trump and Republicans can continue to tell their cherry-picked version of American history. But they can’t erase the truth of our diversity.

As we celebrate our country’s 250th anniversary, we reaffirm our commitment to upholding and fostering that diversity, to protecting the culture of communities that were here before us, and to ensuring the stories of our country, and the Americans who make it so great, are told in full.

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