Fetterman Secures Nearly $300 Million in Federal Funds for Pennsylvania Projects

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) announced $289,366,974 in Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) funding was included in the eleven FY26 Appropriations bills signed into law, supporting 121 projects focusing on affordable housing development, water infrastructure upgrades, equipment for police departments, and other critical initiatives across Pennsylvania. Projects supported by Senator Fetterman included a $183,829,000 award for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ project to modernize the Montgomery Locks and Dam in Beaver County.

“Bringing money back to PA is one of my core responsibilities as the senior senator. I’m proud of the work our community is doing and believe this funding will continue to show why Pennsylvania is a leader on all fronts,” said Senator Fetterman.

These projects are crucial for Pennsylvania’s economic development, our communities, and future generations. A breakdown by county and statements of support can be found below.

ADAMS — $500,000

Center For Youth and Community Development Community Education Center ($500,000) to build a learning and community center to provide multi-lingual education and career services for residents and workers in Adams County of all backgrounds.

ALLEGHENY — $21,635,000

Tree of Life Antisemitism and Anti-Hate Educational Initiatives ($1,200,000) to support educational programming for students and teachers on how to recognize antisemitism and all forms of identity based hate.

“We are deeply grateful for Senator Fetterman’s ongoing support of our community in Pennsylvania and in Washington. The $1.2 million community project funding request he secured will play a pivotal role in helping take the story of The Tree of Life and the inspiring communal response to our tragedy to new communities across the country. Amid the historic levels of antisemitism in our country, we are truly thankful for this meaningful and concrete commitment to building compassionate communities rooted in our shared humanity,” said Carole Zawatsky, CEO of The Tree of Life.

Digitizing the Battle of Homestead Foundation Labor History Archives ($174,000) to digitize donated historical artifacts documenting grassroots groups and labor activists confronting the 1970s-1980s mass industrial layoffs across the Steel Valley region of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for public access via the PA POWER Library.

Catalyst Connection Pennsylvania AI Data Centers & Energy Future ($600,000) to identify, assess and develop a manufacturing supply chain in Southwestern Pennsylvania for AI Data Centers and identify growth opportunities for small businesses across the region.

“A robust local manufacturing supply chain for AI Data Centers has the potential for significant job growth and economic impacts, leading to community benefits well beyond the construction and operation of data centers. Catalyst Connection looks forward to working with Senators Fetterman and McCormick and their teams to engage local suppliers for the benefit of businesses, workers, families and communities,” said Petra Bracko Mitchell, President and CEO of Catalyst Connection.

Trying Together ($500,000) to expand workforce training and accreditation opportunities for childcare providers in Southwest Pennsylvania.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh Youth Mentoring and Violence Intervention in Pittsburgh-Area ($500,000) to provide youth mentorship to select elementary, middle, and high school students across Pittsburgh.

Western Pennsylvania Shared Quantum Information Core ($400,000) to purchase quantum computing equipment, enabling collaborative research at the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, and Duquesne University.

University of Pittsburgh Police Department Communications Equipment ($300,000) to upgrade communications infrastructure for the University of Pittsburgh Police Department.

Monroeville Municipal Authority Transit Waterline Replacement ($1,092,000) to replace aging water distribution lines. This request was also supported by Rep. Summer Lee (D-PA-12).

Site Engineering and Phase 1 Construction for the AC Power House at the Carrie Blast Furnaces ($500,000) for repairs to the Carrie Blast Furnaces, improving safe access to a historic landmark.

Borough of Forest Hills Storm Sewer Replacement and Sanitary Sewer Access Improvements Project ($500,000) for improving water quality in Forest Hills.

Literacy Pittsburgh Workforce Training and Career Development ($250,000) for connecting job seekers, including but not limited to those without high school diplomas, with employment opportunities in Western Pennsylvania.

City of Pittsburgh, Thaddeus Stevens Recreation Center ($250,000) to repurpose a decommissioned public school into a recreation center in Pittsburgh’s West End neighborhood. This request was also supported by Rep. Summer Lee (D-PA-12).

Allegheny County – Mon Valley Strategic Blight Removal ($1,200,000) to facilitate removal of blighted, hazardous properties throughout Allegheny County. This request was also supported by Rep. Summer Lee (D-PA-12).

Sewickley Road Safety Improvement Plan ($250,000) to reduce the threat of potential landslides impeding roadways and damaging infrastructure in the Borough of Sewickley. This request was also supported by Rep. Deluzio (D-PA-17).

Steel Rivers CoG Blight Remediation in the Mon Valley ($750,000) to demolish blighted structures, provide technical support to municipal officials across the Mon Valley.

ACTION-Housing, Inc. Affordable Housing Conversion in downtown Pittsburgh ($500,000) to convert the former J&L Steel Company headquarters into affordable housing units and office space.

Amani Christian Community Development Corporation, Blight Remediation and Site Preparation in Carrick ($954,000) to convert a vacant site in Carrick into affordable housing for seniors.

Rehabilitation of the Carnegie Library of Homestead’s Historic Music Hall ($1,015,000) to renovate space in the oldest continuously operating Andrew Carnegie Library in the country. This request was also supported by Rep. Summer Lee (D-PA-12)

Panhandle Trail Extension Acquisition ($850,000) to purchase inactive railroad property for conversion into a trail connecting Walker’s Mill in Collier Township to downtown Carnegie, PA. This request was also supported by Rep. Deluzio (D-PA-17).

Office to Housing Conversion in downtown Pittsburgh, Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh ($1,000,000) to fund the conversion of vacant or underutilized office buildings into affordable housing. This request was also supported by Rep. Summer Lee (D-PA-12).

Increasing Affordable Housing Options for People Exiting Homelessness in Allegheny County ($3,000,000) to acquire and build 50 new affordable housing units across Allegheny County. The request was also supported by Rep. Summer Lee (D-PA-12).

SR 422, Business 422 to Butler County Line ($3,000,000) to repair and resurface S.R. 422.

Verona Road Bridge Replacement ($850,000) to improve public safety and improve traffic flow. This request was also supported by Rep. Deluzio (D-PA-17).

SR 18, Wilmington Road Betterment ($2,000,000) to repair and resurface S.R. 18.

BEAVER — $183,829,000

Montgomery Locks and Dam ($183,829,000) to modernize the Montgomery Locks and Dam, a critical piece of infrastructure for the regional economy that is 90 years old. This request was also supported by Rep. Deluzio (D-PA-17) and Rep. Reschenthaler (R-PA-14).

BEDFORD — $350,000

Bedford County Development Association Rural Entrepreneurial Technical Assistance Project ($350,000) to provide resources and guidance to help new entrepreneurs and small businesses.

BERKS – $1,610,000

Habitat for Humanity of Berks County, Blight Remediation in Reading ($1,610,000) to help revitalize the 9th & Douglass Neighborhood via acquisition of property, construction of new affordable housing, and extensive efforts to eliminate blight.

BLAIR — $60,145

Allegheny Township Police Car ($60,145) will acquire funding for the cost of a new vehicle to better serve the community in a safe and efficient manner. This request was also supported by Rep. Joyce (R-PA-13).

BUCKS — $735,000

Warminster Township Police Department Technology Upgrades ($735,000) to replace body cameras, dash cameras, radios, and mobile computer terminals.

“We are deeply grateful to Senator John Fetterman and his office for securing FY26 Congressionally Directed Spending through the COPS Technology program to fund our Integrated Technology Enhancement Program. This vital investment will directly support our officers by upgrading communications equipment for seamless coordination, body-worn and in-car cameras for accurate evidence capture and accountability, and IT hardware and software for streamlined data management. Furthermore, these enhancements will benefit our agency by boosting operational efficiency and real-time decision-making, while significantly improving community safety through faster incident responses, greater transparency, and stronger trust between our department and the residents we serve.” said Chief James C. Donnelly III, Warminister Township Police Department.

BUTLER — $8,000,000

Route 19 Waterline Replacement Project ($1,000,000) to replace an aging waterline in Cranberry Township.

Ekastown West 3R Rehabilitation ($7,000,000) for roadway safety improvements.

CAMBRIA — $1,100,000

Alternative Community Resource Program, PA, for facilities and equipment to renovate a behavioral health clinic ($1,000,000) to make critical repairs to an outpatient psychiatric clinic and children’s therapy center in downtown Johnstown.

The Learning Lamp, Inc., PA, to improve early childhood education programs ($100,000)

“Our region’s child care workforce is in crisis. There are simply not enough child care teachers and programs to meet the needs of working families. This funding will allow The Learning Lamp to build up the region’s child care workforce through access to free training and other support, ensuring those caring for children can get the education they need to provide high quality care, gain credentials, increase wages, and remain on the job serving Pennsylvania’s families. This is a win for all of us!” said Leah Spangler, President and CEO of The Learning Lamp & Ignite Education Solutions.

CAMERON — $758,000

Cameron County Ambulance Service, Inc, PA, for equipment to provide ambulance services ($250,000) to acquire a new ambulance and improve response capabilities across the region.

“This $250,000 investment will significantly strengthen Cameron County Ambulance’s ability to serve residents across Cameron County by allowing us to acquire a much needed vehicle and improve our capacity to deliver essential emergency services. We are deeply grateful to Senator Fetterman and his office for recognizing this need and for their continued commitment to supporting our community. Thank you!” said Jamie Gillen, Director of Cameron County Ambulance Service.

Emporium Borough Town Hall Improvement Project ($508,000) to improve energy efficiency, and make ADA compliance upgrades, improving accessibility for residents and reducing energy costs.

CENTRE — $7,773,716

Moshannon Valley EMS and Training Facility ($2,074,716) to construct a new EMS facility and training center for EMS personnel. Rep. GT Thompson (R-PA-15) also supported this request.

Emergency Radio Equipment for Centre County First Responders ($1,000,000) to replace portable radios for first responders.

The Pennsylvania State University, PA, for establishing the Pennsylvania Addiction Action Network, including a statewide system of substance use interventions and data coordination ($750,000) to establish a statewide network convening local Pennsylvania stakeholders to share data, knowledge, and effective practices for informed decision making in allocating the $1.7B opioid settlement being directed to Pennsylvania over the next two decades.

“Penn State is grateful to Senator Fetterman for his support of this investment and the trust it shows in Penn State’s ability to support communities across the Commonwealth. The Pennsylvania Addiction Network will bring together stakeholders across the Commonwealth to ensure that the opioid settlement funding can be guided by data, evidence, and community expertise. As Pennsylvania’s sole land-grant institution, we are uniquely qualified to meet this moment,” said Dr. Andrew Read, SVP for Research at The Pennsylvania State University

State College Community Land Trust, Inc. Expansion of Forever Affordable Homes in State College ($1,500,000) to support affordable housing for low to moderate income residents, half of which would be available for ownership.

“We are deeply grateful to Senator Fetterman for securing $1.5 million to build new housing. This investment recognizes the severity of the housing crisis and Pennsylvania’s urgent need for affordable housing. With Senator Fetterman’s support, the State College Community Land Trust will create four permanently affordable homes for sale to income-qualified buyers and four permanently affordable rental units, in collaboration with The Home Foundation, expanding long-term housing stability in State College,” said Colleen Ritter, Executive Director, State College Community Land Trust

Calder Way Transportation Improvements ($2,449,000) to enable construction of a curb-less, multi-modal corridor that prioritizes accessibility and safety in the heart of downtown State College. Rep. GT Thompson (R-PA-15) also supported this request.

CHESTER — $1,500,000

Ludwigs Corner Fire Company No. 1 ($1,000,000) to construct additional bay space, bunk rooms, and other improvements to a rural firehouse. Rep. Houlahan (D-PA-6) also supported this request.

Mt. Zion Historical, Cultural and Educational Community Center and Sepulcher ($500,000) to help restore a historic African-American church listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

CLARION — $488,248

Renovation of the East Brady Community Center and Emergency Shelter ($488,248) to repair the roof, install emergency generators, replace windows, and other upgrades to a vital community facility in East Brady Borough. Rep. GT Thompson (R-PA-15) also supported this request.

CLINTON — $2,174,000

The Bucktail Medical Center, PA, for equipment to improve diagnostic services ($949,000) to purchase new patient beds and upgraded radiological equipment, to improve diagnostic capabilities and help ensure equitable access to quality care in the surrounding area.

“The Administration, Staff and Board Members at Bucktail Medical Center are filled with gratitude to receive this funding. This grant will allow us to implement a key service line for the community that many people did not think would ever be possible and allow us to continue building on our recent successes. With this investment, BMC will be equipped to address the diverse healthcare needs of our community and ensure rural access to quality healthcare services. We are proud of what we have accomplished so far and grateful that Senator Fetterman and his Federal partners recognize the importance of sustaining and improving essential healthcare services for rural Pennsylvania and its Communities,” said Laura Murnyack, CEO, Bucktail Medical Center

Working toward Drinkable and Fishable Pennsylvania Streams While Supporting Pennsylvania Farmers ($400,000) to support efforts of local family farmers in adopting best practices to reduce pollution in Pennsylvania streams across the commonwealth.

City of Lock Haven Water Line Replacement ($825,000) to improve water quality and infrastructure reliability by replacing a deteriorated water line in the City of Lock Haven.

CRAWFORD — $1,500,000

Common Roots Revitalizing Upper Water Street in Meadville ($750,000) to support affordable housing construction on a vacant lot in downtown Meadville.

“Meadville desperately needs affordable homes. Lower income households have few, if any, good options in this market. Employers are struggling to recruit and retain the workers they need. Our downtown needs density to thrive. These funds will be used to transform vacant land on a central corridor into six new, energy-efficient, affordable homes for working families,” said Julie Wilson, Ph.D., Executive Director of Common Roots.

French Creek Force Main Replacement ($750,000) to replace an outdated force main which the Meadville Area Sewer Authority operates under French Creek.

CUMBERLAND — $2,241,127

Shippensburg Police Department Vehicle and Camera Equipment Upgrades ($298,127) to purchase a new police car, body-worn cameras, vehicle-mounted cameras, and an interview room camera system. Rep. Joyce (R-PA-13) also supported this request.

Carlisle Borough PFAS Reduction Infrastructure Project ($1,943,000) to support installation of PFAS removal infrastructure at the water treatment plant in Carlisle.

“Protecting public health through safe drinking water is one of the Borough’s most important responsibilities. This funding enables Carlisle to advance critical PFAS reduction efforts that benefit the Borough as well as parts of North Middleton and Middlesex townships, while helping limit the burden on local ratepayers. In addition to improving water quality locally, the project strengthens protection of our shared watershed and underscores the importance of continued cooperation between local communities and our federal partners. We greatly appreciate Senator Fetterman’s partnership and leadership on this issue,” said Sean Shultz, Mayor of Carlisle, PA.

DAUPHIN — $1,150,000

Wildwood Lake Restoration Project ($500,000) to begin the initial phase of a comprehensive environmental restoration effort, addressing a century of sediment accumulation in Wildwood Lake, improve water quality in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, and help prevent future flooding in communities along Paxton Creek.

Low Income Housing Development Initiative ($650,000) to assist the Dauphin County Redevelopment Authority in developing permanent affordable, supportive, and transitional housing options for homeless individuals, low-income youth, and families with children.

DELAWARE — $4,125,500

Sharon Hill Library and Recreation Center ($1,200,000) to renovate a library and construct a new recreation center in Sharon Hill. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-5) also supported this request.

Delaware County Community College Workforce Success Center ($2,000,000) to support establishment of a comprehensive training facility at Delaware County Community College’s new Southeast campus in Upper Darby Township. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-5) also supported this request.

SR420 Advance Warning Safety Improvements ($425,500) to install advance warning devices leading up to the overpass along Lincoln Avenue SR 420, including poles, height detection, rapid fire flashing beacons and signage in advance of the bridge to alert drivers of the low clearance and avoid further collisions. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-5) also supported this request.

Chester Township Fire Company Health and Safety Upgrades ($500,000) to replace the roof, renovate living quarters, install an exhaust system in the engine room, and other upgrades to the Chester Township Fire Company’s firehouse. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-5) also supported this request.

ERIE — $3,100,000

Erie County Cornerstone Community Land Trust Affordable Housing Program ($1,100,000) to support Erie County Community Land Bank in acquiring property, removing blighted properties, and constructing affordable housing across Erie County.

“The Cornerstone Community Land Trust is excited to utilize the awarded appropriation funds from Senator Fetterman’s office to grow our inventory of affordable homes. We are using a multifaceted approach to increase the possibilities of homeownership throughout Erie County with new residential construction, the strengthening of neighborhoods, and the creation of a county-wide land trust for permanently affordable housing. These homes will allow for low-income homebuyers to achieve their dreams and bring housing stability to their families for generations,” said Jeremy Bloeser, Executive Director of Erie County Land Bank.

Erie Coke Demolition Project ($2,000,000) to cover first-phase demolition costs of the smokestack and surrounding structures at the eastern side/main entrance of the former Erie Coke site adjacent to downtown Erie and Lake Erie.

“We appreciate Senator Fetterman’s advocacy and continued support on this crucial project in our community, as this grant enables us to begin demolition work on the former Erie Coke site. This is an important first step on a cleanup project that addresses a critical need in our community, here on the East side of Erie,” said Julie Slomski, Executive Director of the Erie-Western PA Port Authority.

FAYETTE — $500,000

Pedestrian Bridges for the Connellsville Urban Passage ($500,000) to install and rehabilitate two bridges/connectors in the north end of the city of Connellsville.

“The City is grateful for these funds. I would like to thank Senator Fetterman and his staff for their continued support throughout the appropriations process. The funds will help the City of Connellsville continue to move forward as one of premier locations on the GAP trail. The increase in tourism will make a huge difference to local businesses, now on both sides of the river,” said Greg Lincoln, Mayor of Connellsville, PA.

GREENE — $591,000

Dry Tavern Sewer Authority Sewage Treatment Plant Improvements ($591,000) to upgrade a sludge holding tank, improving water quality for Dry Tavern residents, and reducing operational costs for the Dry Tavern Sewer Authority.

HUNTINGDON — $400,000

Juniata College Advanced Chemistry Instrumentation ($400,000) to purchase new chemistry lab equipment for college and high school students.

JEFFERSON — $1,612,416

Jefferson County 911 Center ($462,416) to cover engineering costs for a new 911 center in Jefferson County. Rep. GT Thompson (R-PA-15) also supported this request.

Improvements of Falls Creek Streets and Sidewalks ($1,150,000) will replace damaged, unsafe sidewalks in downtown Falls Creek with ADA compliant crosswalks, cut away parking spots with curbing to prevent vehicles parking on sidewalks.

LACKAWANNA — $1,310,000

Scranton Police Department Public Safety Equipment Upgrades ($500,000) to support installation of HD public safety cameras and communications upgrades for the Scranton Police Department.

NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania Whole Home Repair Initiative for Seniors ($522,000) to assist 45 elderly homeowners of modest means across Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, Pike, and Monroe counties with critical home repairs to make their homes safer, more accessible, and more energy efficient, in order to keep them in stable housing.

Dunmore Police Department Upgrades ($288,000) to replace aging patrol vehicles and reduce vehicle maintenance costs for the Borough of Dunmore.

“On behalf of Dunmore, I want to sincerely thank Senator Fetterman and his team for their tremendous support. This $288,000 federal grant for new police vehicles and equipment will help keep our officers well-equipped and our community safer. We’re truly grateful for this investment and the Senator’s support in our borough’s future,” said Max Conway, Mayor of Dunmore, PA.

LANCASTER — $750,000

Lancaster Area Habitat for Humanity Affordable Housing Construction ($750,000) to transform a blighted West End parking lot into safe and affordable housing for eight families.

LAWRENCE — $6,500,000

Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs ($6,500,000) to fund the design of a new readiness center for the Pennsylvania National Guard.

LEBANON — $1,000,000

The Caring Cupboard, Inc. Community Center Construction ($1,000,000) to construct 12 affordable housing units on the top floor of a two-story building, with a community food pantry, health and dental clinic spaces, a mobile library center, and a community center on the first floor.

LEHIGH — $1,690,000

Fullerton/MacArthur Stormwater Pipe Replacement ($1,000,000) to mitigate flood risk by replacing a 50-year old stormwater pipe in Whitehall, PA.

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, PA, to develop data infrastructure among community schools in the Greater Lehigh Valley ($190,000) to establish shared data infrastructure across 34 Lehigh, Northampton, and Carbon County community schools, enabling data collection and analysis to help identify effective practices, provide technical assistance to partners, and ensure sustained academic growth, attendance, as well as family engagement.

Lehigh County Public Safety Communications Network Project ($500,000) will fund mobile, portable, and related communications equipment required by County law enforcement to operate with other local and state law enforcement.

LUZERNE — $1,098,000

King’s College Cybersecurity Lab ($300,000) to fund technology procurement for the King’s College Cybersecurity Lab, supporting a newly offered undergraduate minor in cybersecurity.

City of Nanticoke Police SUV’s and Body and Car Cameras ($298,000) to purchase two police vehicles with upfitting and body cameras for the Nanticoke Police Department.

“Keeping the City of Nanticoke safe is my top priority. This funding delivers real resources to our police department so they can do their jobs effectively. It puts more tools in the hands of our police officers and reinforces our commitment to enforcing the law and protecting our citizens. I would like to thank Senator Fetterman for this funding,” said Kevin Coughlin, Mayor of Nanticoke City, PA.

Wilkes University, PA, for facilities and equipment to improve nursing education ($500,000) to expand and enhance Wilkes University’s Clinical Nursing Simulation Center, addressing the pressing need for an increased number of registered and qualified nurses across Pennsylvania, particularly within rural healthcare settings.

LYCOMING — $2,720,000

Enhancement of the Old Lycoming Township Volunteer Fire Company Regional Emergency Services Hub ($1,345,000) will allow volunteer, paid staff, and college live-in first responders the ability to live and train on-site, thereby enhancing recruitment and retention efforts and working to address a critical first responder shortage in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This request was also supported by Rep. GT Thompson (R-PA-15).

Williamsport Municipal Water Authority Transmission Water Main Replacement ($1,000,000) to replace critical water distribution components in Williamsport. This request was also supported by Rep. Dan Meuser (R-PA-9).

AIDS Resource Alliance, Inc., PA, for equipment to purchase a mobile clinic ($375,000) to improve healthcare delivery in North Central Pennsylvania by providing critical primary care services to underserved areas, with a particular focus on marginalized populations such as individuals living with HIV, the LGBTQ+ community, low-income individuals, and the uninsured.

“A mobile medical unit isn’t just transportation. For rural communities, this means preventive care, early diagnoses, and the reassurance that help can meet you where you are. This medical van will bring care, dignity, and peace of mind to LGBTQ and rural communities that have been left behind for too long. Senator John Fetterman’s leadership in shepherding this federal grant proposal to success is a powerful show of support for AIDS Resource and the LGBTQ & rural communities we serve. His advocacy was instrumental in securing critical resources that will strengthen care and support for those we serve, and we are so grateful for his partnership in advancing accessible, compassionate care,” said Kirsten Burkhart, Executive Director of AIDS Resource Alliance, Inc..

MERCER — $913,600

Hermitage Municipal Authority Sewer Upgrades ($913,600) install monitoring alarms and other upgrades to sewers in the Wheatland neighborhood of Hermitage.

MONROE — $1,677,379

Monroe County DA Opioid Crimes Section ($1,020,379) to hire additional staff and purchase equipment for the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office aimed at fighting the root causes of the opioid/synthetic drug overdose epidemic in Monroe, Pike and Carbon County.

East Stroudsburg University, PA, for expanding education programs, including the purchase of equipment ($657,000) to purchase equipment for East Stroudsburg University’s Smart Technology Teaching Kitchen in ESU’s new Hospitality Center. The Teaching Kitchen will prepare students for high demand careers in the hospitality industry.

“We are deeply grateful to Senator Fetterman for his strong support of East Stroudsburg University and for investing in the future of our students while helping the University meet the workforce needs of the Pocono Mountains region and strengthen tourism across the Commonwealth. This appropriation will significantly support our efforts to establish a dedicated Center for Hospitality, preparing students for high‑demand careers in the hospitality industry, an economic engine critical to our region,” said Dr. Kenneth Long, President of East Stroudsburg University.

MONTGOMERY — $2,791,000

The Challenger Learning Center at Montgomery County Community College, Pottstown campus ($500,000) for installation of a Voyage Mark II Solar System Exhibit, allowing MCCC to expand its Discovery Programs to include hands-on challenges in coding & AI; and provide multiple classes from regional schools to participate simultaneously in full-academic day STEM-immersion activities. This request was also supported by Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-PA-4).

Hatfield Township Municipal Authority Floodwall Construction ($241,000) to construct a flood wall, protecting operations of a wastewater treatment plant located along Neshaminy Creek.

The Arc Alliance Workforce Training Activities ($200,000) to provide workforce training for new and existing caretakers of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mitzvah Circle Foundation Period Poverty Project ($500,000) to expand distribution of menstrual products, which are not covered by federal programs such as SNAP or WIC, to underserved communities via schools, libraries, and community centers.

“We are thrilled and thankful for Senator Fetterman’s support in receiving this grant. Mitzvah Circle’s Period Poverty Project will synchronize the distribution of menstrual products with an innovative data collection process. This project will allow people to attend work and school without shame and embarrassment.”said Fran Held, Executive Director of Mitzvah Circle.

Resilience Resource Center Mental Health Services ($250,000) to expand free mental health services, including but not limited to individual therapy sessions and peer support groups for underserved individuals across Montgomery County.

Garden of Health’s Hatfield Farm ($350,000) to make improvements to the Hatfield Farm, a volunteer based community garden aimed at tackling food insecurity.

Borough of Collegeville Roadway and Sidewalk Improvements ($750,000) to improve pedestrian safety and ADA accessibility along Main St. and 9th Avenue, including additional lighting and installation of traffic calming infrastructure. This request was also supported by Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-PA-4).

MONTOUR — $1,000,000

Danville Area Community Center Facility Upgrades ($1,000,000) to upgrade the DACC, including a new child care space. This request was also supported by Rep. Dan Meuser (R-PA-9)

PHILADELPHIA — $12,982,593

The Exodus Road Combatting Youth Exploitation Online Initiative ($350,000) to combat online exploitation of youth by providing evidence-based digital safety education to youth, parents, and law enforcement.

Villanova University Legal Support Clinic ($850,000) to hire social workers and legal support staff at the University’s Civil Justice Clinic and the Caritas Clemency Clinic, which advocate for survivors of domestic violence and formerly incarcerated individuals re-entering society, respectively. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-5) also supported this request.

Delaware River Basin Commission – Federal Signatory Funding ($715,000) to fulfill the federal funding share of the Delaware River Basin Commission’s budget, a federal-interstate compact charged with managing the shared water resources in the Basin between Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and eastern Pennsylvania.

University City Science Center’s Pathways to SBIR/STTR ($400,000) to provide training to new entrepreneurs on methods to secure seed capital and receive support to commercialize products via federal, state, or private funding.

Lincoln University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Excellence of Workforce Development ($1,000,000) to expand non-degree workforce training in high demand careers.

Concilio de Organizaciones Hispanas Voices over Violence ($390,000) to provide youth development and violence prevention programs at select middle and high schools in Philadelphia.

“Concilio, the oldest Latino serving organization in Philadelphia, is super excited to be recipient of this funding. Preventing gun violence among our youth is critical to the future growth of our communities. We are so grateful to Senator Fetterman for this opportunity and for our first ever direct federal funding. We are overjoyed.” said Dr. Rashidah Abdul-Khabeer, Program Development Officer.

St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children ($250,000) to hire additional community health and behavioral health staff.

Temple University Hospital Medical Equipment ($240,000) to upgrade x-ray imaging equipment.

JEVS Center for Healthcare Careers ($220,000) to enhance health care workforce training for credentialed medical professional roles such as medical assistants, EKG technicians, and nurses.

Wagner Free Institute of Science ($100,000) to fund expansion of science and arts education programs to schools in North Philadelphia.

Once Upon A Preemie, Inc. ($275,000) to provide mental health education programming for healthcare providers that serve low-income families of premature infants.

Big Picture Philadelphia ($240,000) to expand school-based mental health programming, wellness services, nutrition programs, and emergency resources for students and families in need.

African American Museum in Philadelphia, The Audacious Freedom and Beyond ($415,000) to expand educational programming and exhibitions of Philadelphia’s rich history fighting for freedom, from the Underground Railroad, to the Civil Rights Movement, to the modern day.

The School District of Philadelphia, Anna Blakiston Day School ($717,593) to improve a schoolyard. Rep. Evans (D-PA-3) also supported this request.

Philadelphia Water Department Lead Service Line Replacement ($2,000,000) to replace lead service lines for hundreds of homes in Kensington and surrounding neighborhoods. Rep. Boyle (D-PA-2) also supported this request.

Broad Street Ministry dba Broad Street Love ($970,000) to renovate and expand a community kitchen that provides approximately 80,000 meals to Philadelphians in need.

Linda Lockman-King Apartments in West Philadelphia ($950,000) to fund affordable housing construction on a vacant site in West Philadelphia’s Haddington neighborhood.

Esperanza Stable Affordable Rental Housing Trust Project ($750,000) to construct or renovate ten affordable housing units in the Hunting Park neighborhood of Philadelphia.

James G. Blaine School ($850,000) to improve a schoolyard. Rep. Evans (D-PA-3) also supported this request.

Richard R. Wright School ($850,000) to improve its schoolyard. Rep. Evans (D-PA-3) also supported this request.

Improvements to Launch of Philadelphia Inc. Community Education Facility ($450,000) to mitigate erosion damage surrounding a community education facility in Southwest Philadelphia.

PIKE — $3,000,000

Wayne & Pike County Career and Technical Center ($3,000,000) to construct a dedicated career and technical education facility to serve high school and adult learners in Pike and Wayne Counties, the only two counties in Pennsylvania that do not currently have one.

SNYDER — $870,000

Middleburg Police Department Technology Upgrades ($120,000) to upgrade body-worn cameras and dash-mounted cameras.

Freeburg Borough Sanitary Sewer System Rehabilitation ($750,000) to rehabilitate a sewer system that has repeatedly overflowed during storms and is unable to sustain additional connections. Rep. GT Thompson (R-PA-15) also supported this request.

SOMERSET — $37,000

Laurel Arts Facility Preservation and HVAC Modernization Project ($37,000) to replace failing HVAC systems at the Laurel Arts Education and Dance Center and the Dressler Center for the Arts.

TIOGA — $1,786,250

Fire Station and Training Center for Crary Hose Company ($1,286,250) to construct a new, relocated fire station and training center to replace the current fire station which flooded during Tropical Storm Debby in August 2024. Rep. GT Thompson (R-PA-15) also supported this request.

North Penn Comprehensive Health Services ($500,000) to fund facilities and equipment to construct a dental clinic.

“Access to dental care is an urgent need in many rural communities where demand is quickly outpacing available clinics. Laurel Health has been working hard to help increase dental services throughout northcentral Pennsylvania, and these funds will play a critical role in supporting our mission to bring affordable dental care to more patients. These funds will help us establish a new clinic in Mansfield, PA, where we will provide dental care to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay. As community health centers, we strive to build healthier communities for everyone by providing quality, affordable, and reliable care for rural Pennsylvanians close to home,” said Anne Loudenslager, President of Laurel Health Centers.

UNION — $1,800,000

West Market Street ($1,800,000) to improve pedestrian and traffic safety.

“We were excited to hear that Congress has funded our West Market Street improvement project. This is a critical first step toward improving pedestrian safety, calming traffic, and supporting economic development along our ‘Main Street’. A small township like East Buffalo can only execute a major infrastructure project like this with financial support from the local, state, and federal levels. We are grateful to Senator Fetterman and Representative Thompson for moving the project through the appropriations process and securing the funding for this important community development project. We can’t wait to get started,” said East Buffalo Township Supervisors Jim Knight, Tom Zorn, and Katie Evans.

WARREN — $250,000

City of Warren Community Park Improvement Project ($250,000) to make improvements to Point Park in the City of Warren, including an ADA-accessible restroom.

YORK — $1,458,000

York College of Pennsylvania Tyler Run Restoration Project ($500,000) to restore a neglected stream that runs through York College’s campus and nearby neighborhoods, providing cleaner water, reducing flooding risk, and providing a green space for students and the community.


Fetterman, Young Introduce Bill to Preserve Ohio River Basin

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Todd Young (R-IN) introduced the Ohio River Restoration Program Act to improve water quality, transportation and economy, ecological well-being, and other aspects of watershed health. The restoration program would create an Ohio River National Program Office within the Environmental Protection Agency, bringing together states, local governments, Tribal nations, and nonprofit groups to boost initiatives that directly benefit communities.

“As I’ve always said, access to clean drinking water is a right that everyone deserves – including communities that have long been marginalized and forgotten,” said Senator Fetterman. “Not only will the bill help protect this vital resource, but it will also push the government to carry out other initiatives to help support farm conservation efforts and homeowner support. I’m proud to introduce the Ohio River Restoration Program Act with Senator Young so we do right by the American people.”

“The Ohio River is vital to southern Indiana’s economy, ecosystem, and supply of drinking water,” said Senator Young. “Our legislation would establish a non-regulatory restoration program and provide needed federal support to protect the Ohio River. This bill also would help restore Indiana’s rivers – like the White and Wabash – that flow downstream into the Ohio. Congress should pass this bill to preserve the Ohio River Basin for generations to come.”

The Ohio River Basin is home to 10% of the United States population, covers 204,000 square miles encompassing parts of 15 states, has 7,000 miles of waterfront along the Ohio River, and provides drinking water to several million people. The Ohio River alone is 981 miles long and runs from the confluence of the Allegheny and the Monongahela Rivers in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and ends in Cairo, Illinois.

In 2021, the University of Pittsburgh’s Water Collaboratory and Three Rivers Waterkeeper collected 100 samples from 25 locations in tributaries that feed Pittsburgh’s three rivers. Scientists found ample evidence of coal mining’s thumbprint in the rivers, including consistently “concerning” concentrations of manganese in tributaries of the Mon, and elevated concentrations of iron. They also found high concentrations of nutrients in tributaries that feed into the Monongahela, mostly nitrogen and phosphorus. If concentrations of nutrients are too high, it can trigger algal blooms, and excessive algae growth leads to lower oxygen levels, acidic water, and sometimes the death of aquatic life.

The initiatives the Ohio River Restoration Program Act will carry out through the EPA:

Core restoration actions that can provide a solid foundation for an Ohio River restoration and protection plan, such as habitat restoration, farm conservation, and invasive species control and management.

Pollution prevention and clean water protection that can complement and support restoration actions.

Robust monitoring, data collection, and evaluation that can be used to effectively and efficiently manage a restoration and protection program across 14 states.

Workforce development and job training that can help create strong, local economies based on water protection and restoration.

Strong local public engagement structures to ensure that residents have a seat at the table to weigh in on restoration decisions and hold elected officials accountable.

Investments and policies that help communities prepare for the impacts of extreme storms and flooding.

Investments and policies that help the communities most impacted by pollution.

The Ohio River Restoration Program Act is endorsed by Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, Beaver Creek Hydrology (BCH), Clark-Floyd Counties Convention & Tourism Bureau in Indiana, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, EnviroKinecs, Inc., Friends of Bell Smith Springs, Friends of the Riverfront, Friends of the White River, Greenbrier River Watershed Association, Hoosier Environmental Council, Hoosier Heartland Resource Conservation and Development Council, Inc., Indiana Parks Alliance, Indiana Wildlife Federation , Kentucky Conservation Committee, Kentucky Ecological Restoration Association (KERA), Kentucky Resources Council, Kentucky Riverkeeper, Kentucky Waterways Alliance, Lewis and Clark Trust, Inc., Lower Wabash Partnership, Mill Creek Alliance, Mon Water Project, Mountain Watershed Association, Muncie Indiana Sanitary District’s Bureau of Water Quality, Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District , National Audubon Society, National Wildlife Federation, Ohio Conservation Federation, Ohio Environmental Council, Ohio River Basin Alliance, Ohio River Foundation, Ohio River Way, Ohio Water Partnership, Ohio Wetlands Association, PennFuture, Pennsylvania Environmental Council, Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, Pristine River Initiatives, River Fields, SWCA Environmental Consultants, Tennessee Wildlife Federation, The Nature Conservancy, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, Thomas More University Biology Field Station, Three Rivers Waterkeeper, UpstreamPgh, Wabash River Heritage Corridor Commission, Watersheds of South Pittsburgh, West Virginia Rivers Coalition, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Wilderness Louisville.


VIDEO: Fischer Highlights Wins for Nebraska Communities Through Work on Appropriations Committee

Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, spoke on the Senate floor outlining the federal funding she secured for Nebraska in the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) appropriations bills. The bills have passed Congress and have been signed into law by the president.

Click the image above to watch a video of Fischer’s remarks.

Click here to download audio.

Click here to download video.

Fischer secured the following funding in the FY26 appropriations bills:

Defense: $566 million

$26 million for STRATCOM’s nuclear command, control, and communications (NC3) Enterprise Center’s Rapid Engineering Architecture Collaboration Hub (REACH) program

$11 million to expand and improve STRATCOM’s NC3 Enterprise Center’s network sensor demonstration

$9 million for the Joint Electronic Spectrum Operations Center (JEMSO) to test and evaluate advanced electromagnetic warfare technologies

$11 million for upgrades to the National Airborne Operations Center at Offutt Air Force Base

$24 million to improve the RC-135 fleet, including new alternate position, navigation, and timing (PNT) systems

$1 million to upgrade 557th Weather Wing’s data processing operations

$1 million to improve 557th Weather Wing’s sensing and modeling capabilities to support emerging missions in the stratosphere

$3 million to enable the University of Nebraska Medical Center to work with the Department of Defense and Health and Human Services (HHS) to build contingency plans for extreme health events

$3 million for the University of Nebraska to develop an Automated Resuscitation Catheter (ARCA)

$20 million for the Joint Civilian-Medical Surge Pilot Program

$38 million above the President’s budget request for APEX accelerator programs

$60 million above the President’s budget request to procure additional MH-139 helicopters to monitor and defend Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) missile fields

$47.5 million above the President’s budget request to support U.S.-Israel Emerging Technology Cooperation to meet the challenges of the future battlefield

$4 million above the President’s budget request to support the development and deployment of visualization tools for comprehensive, actionable threat assessment of adversarial activities

$8 million above the President’s budget request to develop high frequency communications relay stations across the globe

$4 million above the President’s budget request to advance research and development of technologies to seek hard and deeply buried targets

Additional funding for the Colombia-class submarine, including $285 million in shipbuilding, advanced procurement, and $11 million in shipbuilding

Transportation, Housing and Urban Development: $61 million

$6 million to the Alliance Airport for electrical improvements

$5 million to extend the runway and parallel taxiway at the Blair Airport

$4 million to improve the lighting system at the Hastings Airport

$3.4 million to complete the parallel taxiway and improve the lighting system at the Nebraska City Airport

$600,000 to relocate the Midfield Connector Taxiway at Brenner Field Airport in Falls City

$2.5 million to replace South Sioux City’s aerial ladder fire truck

$1.8 million to replace Plattsmouth’s aerial ladder fire truck

$1.3 million to upgrade Friend’s fire hall facilities

$1.3 million to upgrade Clatonia’s fire hall facilities

$6 million to add safety enhancements to the Heartland Expressway

$5.2 million to replace the Lisco Bridge in Garden County

$4.7 million to pave a 4-mile stretch of Hickory Road in Gage County

$4 million to road improvements for Fairbury Highway 136

$3.5 million to improve walkability and safety of downtown Omaha

$3.4 million to make improvements to roads in Sheridan and Garden County

$3.2 million to make roadway improvements on Cedar River Road in Garfield County

$2.2 million to reconstruct the 9th street roadway in Stromsburg

$897,000 to replace or repair multiple bridges in Brown County

$880,000 to pave the Adams Bypass

$700,000 to pave the roadway and improve access to the local grain elevator in Exeter

Military Construction, Veterans Affairs: $54 million

$42.3 million to plan and design the new Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) at Offutt

$6 million to plan and design a Consolidated Training Complex/Professional Development Center at Offutt

$6 million to plan and design a new dormitory at Offutt

Commerce, Justice, Science: $14 million

$2.7 million for Otoe County to upgrade its emergency communications

$782,000 to the Southeast Communications 911 Center for emergency communications equipment upgrades

$415,000 to Region 26 Communications Center (Thomas, Blaine, Loup, Garfield, Wheeler, Greeley, Valley, and Sherman Counties) to upgrade equipment to support fire, rescue, and law enforcement emergency communications

$327,000 to Thayer County for equipment upgrades for emergency radio communications

$2 million for the University of Nebraska–Omaha to implement and assess the Missing and Anti-Trafficking Youth Services Program to protect children from exploitation

$176,000 for Nebraska State Patrol task force technology upgrades to support investigations for the arrest of child predators

$1 million to the Omaha Police Department for public safety equipment upgrades

$1.2 million to the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office for critical equipment, including body-worn cameras

$639,000 to Douglas County for equipment and technology upgrades for law enforcement information systems

$1 million for the University of Nebraska–Lincoln to purchase equipment and develop space to design, build, test, model, and validate products that grow Nebraska’s bioeconomy

$3 million for the University of Nebraska–Kearney to modernize and expand comparative biomedical research training

$1 million for the University of Nebraska–Lincoln for equipment upgrades to support water quality research

Interior, Environment: $18 million

$3.2 million to repair and upgrade the water treatment plant in McCook

$2.37 million to construct a retention lagoon, lift station, and sanitary sewer extensions in Greeley

$696,000 to replace an aging well and renovate the sanitary water storage tank in Farwell

$8.25 million to improve the Santee Sioux Tribe’s water source

$1.42 million for watershed and stream improvements in the Middle Niobrara Natural Resources District

$776,000 for reconstruction of water and storm sewer facilities in Gothenburg

$620,000 to construct a new well and transmission line in Genoa

$600,000 to construct an additional lagoon cell in Shelby

$468,000 to line the sewer mains in Valparaiso

$100,000 to renovate an existing lagoon cell and install a depth mark in Ong

Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration: $17.5 million

$16 million for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) facility at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s (UNL) Innovation Campus; and

$1.5 million for the National Drought Mitigation Center at UNL.

Energy and Water: $16 million

$14.6 million to assist in the restoration of two irrigation tunnels on the Gering-Fort Laramie Canal

$1.2 million to construct priority flood control projects in the Papillion Creek Basin in Sarpy County

$350,000 to continue construction of a stormwater pump station to protect Offutt Air Force Base

$50,000 for investigation funds for restoration of Big Elk Park in Thurston County

Labor, Health, and Human Services: $18 million

$12 million for the University of Nebraska Medical Center to construct a training facility for air transport of infectious disease patients

$3.5 million to the City of O’Neill to replace the boiler and water heating systems at Avera St. Anthony’s Hospital

$2.5 million to revitalize the operating room at the Community Healthcare System in Friend


Gallego, Cruz Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Apply Federal Penalties to ATM Crime

WASHINGTON – Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) introduced the Safe Access to Cash Act. The bill ensures that robberies involving off-site automatic teller machines (ATMs) receive federal penalties, equal to those imposed for on-site robberies of financial institutions. The Federal Bank Robbery Act of 1934 currently only protects banks and financial institutions, not standalone ATMs in malls, convenience stores, and public locations.

“ATMs at gas stations and corner stores provide critical access to cash for Americans, but with increasing robbery rates, many small businesses can’t afford the risk of keeping an ATM. No one should have to fear for their safety or their business just to have access to an ATM,” said Senator Gallego. “I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan bill to make much needed updates to our robbery laws – protecting small businesses and their customers.”

“ATM thefts have surged across Texas and across the country, putting our citizens, workers, bystanders, and first responders in danger. Federal penalties will deter criminals and shut down organized networks targeting ATMs. This legislation is a commonsense measure that will enhance the ability to hold criminals accountable,” said Senator Cruz. “I urge my colleagues to pass it expeditiously.”

The bill is supported by the American Bankers Association, National ATM Council, National Armored Car Association, Secured Cash Transit Association, Convenience Store Association, Independent Armored Car Operators Association, Inc. (IACOA), ATM Industry Association (ATMIA), and Retail Industry Leaders Association.

“America’s ATM Operators and The National ATM Council offer our sincerest thanks and appreciation to Senators Cruz and Gallego for their leadership in introducing the Safe Access to Cash Act in the Senate. This bill is crucial in addressing the ongoing vital need for safe and secure access to cash by Americans everywhere. Widespread cash access remains essential to the daily health and wellbeing of our nation’s economy and maintaining a low-cost payment option for consumers. With the recent huge jump in these types of crimes, this commonsense legislation is now more important than ever,” said Patrick Conner, NAC Board Chair and CEO of ATMPartmart.com.

Full text of the legislation is available HERE.

Robbers and thieves are increasingly targeting ATMs, with theft rates rising dramatically each year since 2019. ATMs can be robbed in as little as three minutes and may hold as much as $250,000.


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

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

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

READ MORE: Ariz. senators challenge Surprise ICE center on environmental grounds (Arizona Republic)

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

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

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

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

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

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


Gallego, Risch Introduce Bill to Accelerate New Nuclear Investment

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

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

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

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

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

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

“For decades, nuclear energy has delivered reliable, around‑the‑clock power to SRP customers as part of our diversified resource mix. As Arizona’s energy demand continues to grow, SRP and our utility partners are exploring options to add next‑generation nuclear capacity in the state. Senator Gallego’s Accelerating Reliable Capacity (ARC) Act represents a meaningful step toward reducing costs and mitigating financial risk for new nuclear projects — an action that’s critical to developing the reliable, resilient power we need for Arizona’s future,” said Bobby Olsen, SRP Associate General Manager and Chief Power System Executive.

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

Read the full text of the bill HERE.


Gillibrand, Firefighters Celebrate Big Wins For FDNY And First Responders In FY2026 Funding Package

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, held a media availability to celebrate the $632,000 in federal funding she secured for Friends of Firefighters for its FDNY mental health and wellness programming, along with the full funding of the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP), in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 funding package that passed into law earlier this week.

“The World Trade Center Health Program and Friends of Firefighters are two programs that honor our promise to the brave men and women who protect our communities,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I was proud to work across the aisle to secure funding for these critical programs, which support the physical and emotional well-being of first responders. Ensuring that 9/11 responders and survivors have the resources they need to address the long-term health impacts of toxic exposure has been a top priority throughout my time in Congress. Investments like these reaffirm Congress’s commitment to providing comprehensive physical and mental health care for first responders, not just in moments of crisis, but for life.”

“Friends of Firefighters has been an amazing resource to countless New York City Firefighter’s and their families. In the aftermath of 9/11, when many of our members felt they had no one to turn to, Friends of Firefighters was there to offer their support, and the support has been unwavering all these years. When Senator Gillibrand’s office approached us about the desire to fund community based mental health and support services, we were happy to make the connection. We are overwhelmed with the support that Senator Gillibrand has provided to them as they continue their mission,” said Andy Ansbro, President, Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York.

“We would like to thank Senator Gillibrand for this important funding for Friends of Firefighters. Firefighters face specific challenges in their lives and careers. Friends of Firefighters provides vital services to make sure those challenges can be faced head on. We would also be remiss if we did not also thank Senator Gillibrand for her work in securing funding for 9/11 Health Watch. The UFOA has fought alongside Senator Gillibrand, Minority Leader Schumer, and the entire New York delegation in making sure healthcare can be provided for those suffering from 9/11 related illnesses. Make no mistake: Our members will be healthier and live longer with this funding passed this week with the leadership of Senator Gillibrand,” said James Brosi, President, Uniformed Fire Officers Association Local 854.

“We are deeply grateful to Senator Kirsten Gillibrand for her $632,000 commitment to the mental health and wellbeing of FDNY firefighters and their families, and to UFA President Andy Ansbro for his steadfast partnership in securing this critical support. Firefighter mental health is not optional—it is public safety. For nearly 25 years, Friends of Firefighters has provided free, independent, and confidential care to the FDNY community in a space built by firefighters themselves. As we approach the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and honor the nearly 800 FDNY members lost on 9/11, or to 9/11-related illness, this funding ensures continuity of care at a moment when it is needed most. It also allows us to launch the Aaron Clark Peer Support Team, carrying forward Aaron’s legacy of showing up for one another and ensuring no firefighter or family member ever carries the weight of this job alone,” said Nancy Carbone, Founder and Executive Director, Friends of Firefighters.

The funding for Friends of Firefighters will support mental health counseling for current and retired FDNY firefighters and their immediate family members, general wellness programming, peer support, community building, outreach, and destigmatization of mental health services.

The WTCHP was established in 2011 as part of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act and was originally funded for five years at $1.6 billion. The updated funding secured this year continues that commitment to ensuring 9/11 responders and survivors receive the care they need, now and in the years ahead. Twenty-five years after the September 11th attacks, first responders and survivors continue to be diagnosed with serious and often life-threatening 9/11-related health conditions, underscoring the ongoing need for stable federal support for the program. The WTCHP faces increasing demand as enrollment continues to grow and new illnesses are identified, putting pressure on the program’s resources.

Together, these investments reflect a commitment to the physical and mental health these brave individuals, honoring their service in both moments of crisis and across a lifetime of care.

###


Grassley Demands Answers from Telecom Companies Who Turned Congressional Phone Records Over to Jack Smith

WASHINGTON – The Senate Judiciary Committee is putting Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile in the hot seat after Chairman Chuck Grassley’s (R-Iowa) oversight revealed the three companies secretly provided toll records for accounts associated with members of Congress to Jack Smith and the Arctic Frost investigation.

Grassley, along with Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Chairman of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, has identified 84 Arctic Frost and Jack Smith subpoenas sent to the three companies. Ten of these subpoenas requested tolling records for 20 current or former Republican members of Congress.

Grassley is convening a suite of hearings this year as part of the Judiciary Committee’s ongoing oversight of the weaponized Arctic Frost investigation. He delivered an opening statement at the first hearing, held today by the Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology and the Law and chaired by Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.). Video and transcribed remarks follow.

Prepared Opening Statement by Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa

Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee

“Arctic Frost Accountability: Oversight of Telecommunications Carriers’ Responses to Jack Smith’s Witch Hunt”

Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology and the Law

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

VIDEO

Thank you, Chair Blackburn, for your leadership on this matter.

Today is the first in a series of Arctic Frost hearings that I’ve authorized as Chairman.

I started the Arctic Frost investigation in July 2022 based on credible whistleblower disclosures.

Those whistleblowers disclosed partisan bias in the genesis of the election case against Trump and related allegations.

I’ve always said, if you’re going to open a politically charged investigation, it must be done the right way.

That partisan bias started with then-FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Thibault and others. And it continued through Jack Smith’s case.

As I’ve shown through Thibault’s own social media and emails, he was out to get Trump. And he violated the FBI’s rules along the way. He also violated the Hatch Act for political conduct at the FBI.

Many years of investigation have resulted in thousands of records made public.

Let me emphasize that many of the records I’ve made public this Congress, starting in January of 2025 with Patel’s nomination hearing, have come from brave whistleblowers.

Other whistleblower disclosures to my office have helped this administration identify responsive records for Congress.

The New York Times has shamefully published a series of articles trying to undermine those whistleblowers. The Times has disgracefully accused them of violating the law while defending partisan agents and prosecutors who’ve been exposed for bad conduct.

During this investigation, Senator Johnson and I’ve uncovered how Jack Smith massively expanded the election case.

And that’s been a focus of our investigation – the improper expansion of Jack Smith’s work.

He didn’t just target Trump.

Jack Smith issued hundreds of subpoenas targeting over 400 Republican individuals and organizations.

Some of those subpoenas sought broad and extensive financial data from Republican groups, communications with the media and the legislative branch.

Communications relating to media companies included, CBS, Fox News, Fox Business, Newsmax, Sinclair and others. Why haven’t these media companies condemned these actions?

Financial data relating to Republican groups included the Republican National Committee, Turning Point USA and hundreds of other organizations.

These invasive efforts were spear-headed by partisan agents and prosecutors. Many have now been justifiably fired, despite the Democrats complaining about it.

It’s more than reasonable to question why Smith needed vast financial data, and what his partisan team would ultimately do with it.

It’s worth noting that two of Jack Smith’s partisan prosecutors, J.P. Cooney and Molly Gaston, reportedly filed a complaint with the Department of Justice Inspector General.

That complaint was in response to whistleblowers providing me the 197 subpoenas that targeted over 400 Republican groups and individuals.

Cooney and Gaston reportedly wrongfully asserted my whistleblowers broke the law in blowing the whistle. The dedication my whistleblowers have to transparency far outweighs improper efforts to silence them by these two rogue prosecutors.

In light of Jack Smith and his team’s partisan efforts to chill whistleblowers and aggressively seek sensitive information relating to Republican groups and individuals, their effort to target Republican members’ tolling data is even more questionable.

To that point, on December 10, 2025, I released several emails.

Those emails showed Smith’s team was warned that subpoenaing congressional information could violate the Speech or Debate Clause of the Constitution.

They were warned that legislators may intervene and oppose that subpoena process.

But here, in this case, my colleagues couldn’t intervene because Smith and his team successfully obtained non-disclosure orders, keeping everything top secret.

Smith and his team irresponsibly steam rolled ahead while intentionally hiding their activity from Members of Congress.

Since October 9, 2025, this committee has sought information from phone companies about Jack Smith’s efforts to obtain congressional information.

My and Sen. Johnson’s investigative teams have also provided the companies with additional search terms to get to the bottom of the matter.

To-date, T-Mobile has identified a subpoena for toll records from Senator Lee’s personal phone.

AT&T initially asserted it didn’t provide information to Jack Smith relating to any member of Congress.

Then, in November of last year, AT&T amended its answer because it did respond to a subpoena related to former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy.

Regarding Verizon, two numbers targeted by Jack Smith were associated with Senate Sergeant at Arms phone lines.

Notably, on May 22, 2022, the Senate entered into a contract with Verizon.

That contract created an affirmative notification requirement for Senate devices.

Which means, under the contract, Verizon was required to notify the Senate Sergeant at Arms when a member office was subject to a subpoena.

And according to the Senate Sergeant at Arms, these terms applied to the May 25, 2023, subpoena that included two Senate lines – one for Sen. Cruz, the other for Sen. Graham.

Verizon failed to perform that notification requirement.

Under questioning by my staff, Verizon said they didn’t have the infrastructure in place to know whether a congressional number was subpoenaed until February 2025.

A federal statute also says that a carrier shall not be barred from providing notice to a Senate office about a subpoena.

Today, Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile will have a chance to explain themselves.

To-date, my and Senator Johnson’s oversight of these companies has identified that Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile received at least 84 Arctic Frost or Jack Smith related subpoenas.

At least ten are related to 20 current or former Republican Members of Congress.Smith’s deceitful conduct was a substantial intrusion into the core constitutional activity of constitutional officers.

If this happened to my Democratic colleagues, they’d be as rightly outraged as we are.

My work will continue – transparency brings accountability.


ICYMI: Grassley Joins Dr. Phil to Discuss His Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Kids Online

WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) joined The Dr. Phil Podcast to discuss his three bipartisan bills to combat the rise in online child abuse and hold violent criminals accountable. The legislative package will be considered by the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday, February 12, at 10:15 a.m. ET.

The Sentencing Accountability for Exploitation Act (SAFE Act), Stop Sextortion Act and Ending Coercion of Children and Harm Online Act (ECCHO Act) would revamp outdated federal sentencing laws, crack down on offenders who use child sex abuse material (CSAM) to extort and coerce children and target notorious online criminal networks, like Network 764.

“God bless you for doing this. If there’s anything we can do to help get this word out and rally support behind this, please know that we will beat the drum as loud as we possibly can.” – Dr. Phil.

Listen on Spotify.

Listen on Apple Music.

Watch on YouTube.

Excerpts of the interview follow.

On the ECCHO Act and Network 764:

“[Network 764] is set up specifically to use the internet to encourage people to abuse themselves. The fact we don’t have a criminal penalty on the [books] is one of the reasons that one of these three bills that you want to visit with me about has been introduced in a bipartisan way. We have to protect our children online, and anything that anybody does to encourage people to abuse themselves is entirely wrong...

“One of the penalties is up to life in prison. [That] seems to be appropriate if somebody’s life is taken.”

On the Stop Sextortion Act:

“We had a woman testify before our committee, before Christmas, on [sextortion]. Her son had been encouraged to expose himself on the internet and then was more or less bribed and coerced by threats that [the photos] would be made public. The mother testified that hundreds of messages came to him in a very short period of time, and within 18 hours after that happened to him, he committed suicide.

…

“[Past laws] never took in mind [sextortion] that can happen as a result of social networking, and the impact that it has on people… So, this brings our criminal code up to date to make sure that what we call now, sextortion, is [illegal].

“In this case, where a person lost his life because he was being blackmailed because he indecently put himself on the internet and was encouraged to do it – the people that encouraged it need to be punished to send a strong signal that this sort of abuse of young people is not going to be tolerated.”


Senator Hassan Joins Bipartisan Congressional Delegation to Greenland to Support U.S. National Security and Long-Time Arctic Ally

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) joined a bipartisan Congressional Delegation mission to Greenland this past weekend to reinforce the importance of partnership – not confrontation – with Greenland to the national security of the United States. The trip comes as the Trump Administration has threatened to annex, buy or otherwise take over the island nation. Together with Arctic Caucus members Angus King (I-ME), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), the lawmakers spent the weekend in Nuuk meeting with the Prime Minister and members of his cabinet, members of Parliament, Inuit leaders, Danish military leaders from Joint Arctic Command, and other Arctic officials.

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

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

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

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

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

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Senators Hassan, Murkowski Urge Trump Administration to Expand Access to Gold Standard Opioid Addiction Treatment

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Health Care, and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) are urging the Trump Administration to prioritize expanding access to medication-assisted treatment – the gold standard for treating opioid addiction – as part of its new initiative on addiction recovery.

“Medication is the clinical gold-standard for treating opioid addiction,” wrote the Senators. “We ask that you work with us to make sure that clinicians can readily provide this treatment, to ensure that patients can access and afford these medications, and to do all that we can to reduce the pervasive stigma surrounding addiction treatment.”

Senator Hassan continues to work to combat the fentanyl crisis and expand access to evidence-based addiction treatment. Senator Hassan helped introduce the Modernizing Opioid Treatment Access Act, bipartisan legislation to improve access to medication-assisted treatment by allowing more addiction specialists to prescribe methadone. In 2022, Senator Hassan successfully passed into law her bipartisan Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment (MAT) Act to increase the number of medical professionals authorized to prescribe medication-assisted treatment. Last year, Senator Hassan launched an investigation into whether patients at for-profit methadone clinics encounter unnecessary barriers when seeking lifesaving methadone treatment for opioid addiction.

Read the letter the Senators sent to President Trump here or below.

Dear President Trump,

We appreciate your initiative in issuing an Executive Order on addiction recovery and establishing the “White House Great American Recovery Initiative,” addressing an issue that profoundly affects individuals, families, and communities across the nation. We share your sense of urgency in strengthening addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery services. Over the years, we have worked with you to expand access to these critical services in communities across the country, including through passage of the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025. While we have made important progress in combatting the fentanyl crisis, tens of thousands of Americans continue to die from overdoses each year. As part of your new initiative, we urge you to work with us to expand access to medication-assisted treatment.

Medication is the clinical gold-standard for treating opioid addiction. Medications such as buprenorphine and methadone reduce an individual’s craving for opioids and help them enter long-term recovery. Although access to medication-assisted treatment has improved, some patients still face barriers including high costs, inconsistent coverage, and stigma. Any comprehensive effort to improve addiction treatment must include steps to address these barriers.

Three years ago, we passed a law to enable more than 1 million additional clinicians to prescribe medication-assisted treatment. While we have seen a reduction in overdose deaths in recent years, there is still more work to do. We ask that you work with us to make sure that clinicians can readily provide this treatment, to ensure that patients can access and afford these medications, and to do all that we can to reduce the pervasive stigma surrounding addiction treatment.

We appreciate your attention to the fentanyl crisis and look forward to working together to improve the federal government’s response.

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The Eastern New Mexico News: $4M allocated to restore college's turbine

TUCUMCARI - Mesalands Community College's iconic but idle wind turbine might generate power soon after U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich of New Mexico secured $4 million to repower it.

The college received the funds as part of fiscal-year 2026 federal appropriations recently signed into law, a news release from the college stated last week.

The college's turbine went idle about 2 1/2 years ago, vexing in-house efforts - including by certified wind technicians - to repair it. An image of the turbine appears in many of Mesalands' logos and advertisements.

Mesalands President Allen Moss stated in an email the total cost to repower the turbine was estimated at between $5 million and $5.5 million last summer.

"This is a huge step to accomplishing this project," he wrote. "We placed this on our capital outlay request with (Higher Education Department) this past summer for $6 million. Now that we have the federal funding, we will again make the request for remaining funds from HED. We believe there is strong support from the state, HED and our local legislator to see this project through."

Full funding would allow Mesalands to modernize and repower its wind turbine - a training asset for students in its wind energy technology program - while expanding hands-on learning opportunities aligned with industry standards.

The repowered turbine would function as a real-world training laboratory, ensuring that students gain experience on modernized systems comparable to those used in active wind farms.

"We are grateful to Sen. Heinrich and his office for recognizing the importance of rural colleges in preparing the next generation of skilled energy technicians," Moss stated in a news release.

One of Mesalands' partners, Impact Wind, would also use the turbine for training.

"Our industry partners benefit directly from graduates who are trained on up-to-date equipment and prepared to step into the field with confidence," said Joel Kiser, the college's vice president of academic affairs.

"The turbine repower allows us to better align instruction with employer needs, reduce onboarding time, and provide a consistent pipeline of skilled technicians ready to support New Mexico's growing wind energy sector."

Moss stated that the repowered turbine would generate 2.5 megawatts of power, compared to 1.5 megawatts previously.

"That would be sufficient to power the campus and then some," he wrote. "However, more likely it will feed into the Xcel grid and then follow the lines (meters) currently set up on campus. But it could potentially produce almost twice what the current turbine was capable of producing."


Heinrich, Kaine, Cassidy, Curtis Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Combat Illegal, Unreported, Unregulated Fishing by Foreign Countries

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), John Curtis (R-Utah.) introduced the Protecting Global Fisheries Act, bipartisan legislation to combat illegal, unreported, unregulated (IUU) fishing. Predatory IUU fishing, particularly by China, disrupts international trade, undermines maritime security, marine biodiversity, and food security. It often involves forced labor, human trafficking, unsafe working conditions, and other human rights abuses. IUU fishing directly harms the United States — a major harvester, importer, and consumer of seafood — by creating unfair competition for fishermen who abide by international fishing laws.

IUU fishing includes a range of activities that violate national and international fishing laws, including fishing without a license, fishing for endangered species, not reporting catches or making false reports, using prohibited fishing gear, or conducting unauthorized transfers of fish to cargo vessels.

IUU fishing in the Western Hemisphere costs nearly $2.7 billion in lost revenue annually. Illegally caught fish makes up more than 20 percent of all catches in Latin America. The increasing presence of illegal Chinese government-backed fishing vessels has significantly contributed to the rise in IUU fishing around the world.

Specifically, the bipartisan Protecting Global Fisheries Act will:


Heinrich Reiterates Demand for Secretary Noem to Resign Following DHS’ Lawlessness

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M) joined U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and three Democratic senators in a letter demanding that U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem immediately resign as head of the DHS, citing her deplorable leadership and DHS’ lawlessness. In a letter to Secretary Noem, the senators specifically emphasize how the horrifying conduct of immigration agents in Minnesota led to a complete loss of confidence in Secretary Noem’s ability to serve as DHS Secretary.

Heinrich initially called for Noem’s resignation post in a statement posted on his social media platforms on January 28, 2026, directly after the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ICU nurse.: “Kristi Noem lied about what we all saw with our own eyes. She needs to go. Immediately.”

“Immigration enforcement plays a central role in securing our border and ensuring non-citizens convicted of violent offenses are removed from our country. At your direction, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have become entirely unmoored from this mission,” the senators wrote to Secretary Noem. “The Department’s violent immigration enforcement in Minnesota underscores just how far the agency has strayed. This month, immigration agents fatally shot Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The shootings of these two U.S. citizens were made possible by the culture — devoid of leadership or training — that you have created at DHS.”

The senators continued, “Under your management, immigration agents’ behavior has been consistently brutal and overzealous. Since September 2025, ICE agents have shot 12 people, resulting in four deaths. You have presided over the highest number of in-custody deaths in two decades. In 2025, 32 people died in ICE custody. During that time, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported 17 deaths. This month alone, six people have died in detention centers.”

The senators stressed the abhorrent conduct at the DHS is rooted in Secretary Noem’s insufficient training and policy changes, which have created a culture of impunity, “You directed a recruitment effort that has led to thousands of hastily trained immigration officers being placed into our communities. Since January 2025, DHS has hired over 12,000 new ICE officers. To accommodate this hiring spree, officer training has been reduced from 16 weeks to approximately 6.5 weeks. These trainings are essential to ensure safe, lawful interactions for agents and community members alike.”

“You also approved new guidance at DHS that violates federal law and the Constitution. In May 2025, but only publicly reported recently, ICE issued a memo directing agents to enter residences — without a judicial warrant — to arrest unauthorized immigrants. The Fourth Amendment prohibits searches and seizures without judicial warrants,” the senators continued. “DHS has also ignored federal court orders. In Minnesota, the Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court recently accused ICE of having ‘dozens of court orders with which [they] have failed to comply’ during Operation Metro Surge.”

The senators slammed Secretary Noem’s statements condemning the victims of officers’ misconduct undermining accountability, “After agents shot Ms. Good and Mr. Pretti, you immediately downplayed these killings and sought to blame the victims for their deaths. You falsely described Ms. Good, a wife and mother of three, a domestic terrorist. You claimed that Mr. Pretti brandished a firearm before his death, which is directly contradicted by video evidence. Your statements — made prior to the completion of an investigation and contrary to evidence — have resulted in a massive loss of confidence in your ability to lead DHS.”

“Taken together, your tenure represents a profound failure to uphold the responsibilities of your position. You have displayed a complete disregard for public safety, due process, civil liberties, and constitutional safeguards. A mission important protecting our homeland cannot be placed under your leadership. We call on you to resign immediately,” the senators demanded.

The letter is led by U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.). In addition to Heinrich, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.).

Read the full letter here and below.

Dear Secretary Noem,

Under your leadership, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has become a paramilitary force that operates with impunity and a disregard for public safety and the rule of law. The horrifying conduct of immigration agents in Minnesota has led to a complete loss of confidence in your ability to serve in your position. We urge you to resign from your position immediately.

Immigration enforcement plays a central role in securing our border and ensuring non-citizens convicted of violent offenses are removed from our country. At your direction, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) have become entirely unmoored from this mission.

The Department’s violent immigration enforcement in Minnesota underscores just how far the agency has strayed. This month, immigration agents fatally shot Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The shootings of these two U.S. citizens were made possible by the culture that you have created at DHS.

Under your management, immigration agents’ behavior has been consistently brutal and overzealous. Since September 2025, ICE agents have shot 12 people, resulting in four deaths. You have presided over the highest number of in-custody deaths in two decades. In 2025, 32 people died in ICE custody. During that time, CBP reported 17 deaths. This month alone, six people have died in detention centers.

The abhorrent conduct at your Department is rooted in insufficient training and policy changes that have created a culture of impunity. You directed a recruitment effort that has led to thousands of hastily trained immigration officers being placed into our communities. Since January 2025, DHS has hired over 12,000 new ICE officers. To accommodate this hiring spree, officer training has been reduced from 16 weeks to approximately 6.5 weeks. These trainings are essential to ensure safe, lawful interactions for agents and community members alike.

You also approved new guidance at DHS that violates federal law and the Constitution. In May 2025, but only publicly reported recently, ICE issued a memo directing agents to enter residences —without a judicial warrant—to arrest unauthorized immigrants. The Fourth Amendment prohibits searches and seizures without judicial warrants. DHS has also ignored federal court orders. In Minnesota, the Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court recently accused ICE of having “dozens of court orders with which [they] have failed to comply” during Operation Metro Surge.

Furthermore, your statements condemning the victims of officers’ misconduct have undermined accountability. After agents shot Ms. Good and Mr. Pretti, you immediately downplayed these killings and sought to blame the victims for their deaths. You falsely described Ms. Good, a wife and mother of three, as a domestic terrorist. You claimed that Mr. Pretti brandished a firearm before his death, which is directly contradicted by video evidence. Your statements—made prior to the completion of an investigation and contrary to evidence—have resulted in a massive loss of confidence in your ability to lead DHS.

Taken together, your tenure represents a profound failure to uphold the responsibilities of your position. You have displayed a complete disregard for public safety, due process, civil liberties, and constitutional safeguards.

A mission as important as protecting our homeland cannot be placed under your leadership. We call on you to resign immediately.

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