Warner & Kaine Introduce Legislation to Require Refunds of Trump's Illegal Tariffs

WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) introduced legislation to require full refunds of Trump’s illegal tariffs, after they were struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court on Friday by a 6-3 vote. To date, the Trump administration has collected an estimated $175 billion in illegal tariff revenue, raising taxes on products from nearly every country on earth, and jacking up prices for American families. The Tariff Refund Act of 2026 would require the full refund, with interest, of those funds.

“Trump’s reckless tariffs have driven up costs for families, consumers, and small businesses, and the money that Americans have lost as a result of these illegal taxes needs to be returned to them. I’m proud to introduce this legislation that will prioritize providing relief to local businesses and working families,” said Sen. Warner. “As prices rise to new heights under the Trump administration, I will continue fighting to make the cost of living affordable for Virginians.”

“I am glad the Supreme Court ruled against President Trump’s ridiculous abuse of emergency power to impose broad-based, cost-raising taxes on American consumers and businesses,” said Sen. Kaine. “These tariffs were a mistake from the start, which is why I led the charge to challenge them in the Senate. Now, I’m glad to team up with my colleagues to press the Administration to fully refund Americans for the costs President Trump forced on them.”

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

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

In addition to Warner and Kaine, this bill was led by Sens. Ron Wyden (D-OR), Edward Markey (D-MA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Chris Coons (D-DE), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Angus King (I-ME), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Michael Bennet (D-CO).

A copy of the bill text is here.

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* High-quality photographs of Sen. Mark R. Warner are available for download here *


Warner & Kaine Announce Federal Funding to Improve Buses Across Virginia

WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced nearly $35 million in federal funding to modernize bus fleets and facilities across Virginia, including replacing and rehabilitating buses, purchasing new vehicles, and upgrading transit infrastructure. This funding is awarded through the Department of Transportation’s Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program, which was significantly expanded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that the senators helped negotiate and pass.

“We are thrilled to announce this funding which will bring state-of-the-art buses to the Petersburg and Hampton Roads areas,” said the senators. “Modern and accessible public transportation systems are critical in helping Virginians get where they need to go in a reliable and cost-efficient manner.”

The program grants will be distributed as follows:

Petersburg Area Transit will receive $23,820,750 to purchase replacement buses and construct operations and maintenance facilities.

The Transportation District Commission of Hampton Roads will receive $10,620,000 to purchase replacement buses.

Sens. Warner and Kaine have long supported efforts to modernize Virginia’s infrastructure and aging public transportation systems and to fund lower emission vehicles. In November, the senators announced $70 million in federal grant funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Low- or No-Emission Program to improve Virginia’s bus systems and reduce their emissions. Additionally, the senators announced over $50 million in federal funding in 2024 to purchase new low-emission hybrid buses under Fairfax County’s fleet replacement plan. In 2023, they secured more than $171 million in funding to invest in American-built, low-emission buses and bus facilities.

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High-quality photographs of Sen. Mark R. Warner are available for download here *


Warner Calls on House to Deliver on Aviation Safety

WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) released the following statement after the House failed to advance the bipartisan ROTOR Act:

“I am deeply disappointed that the House today voted not to advance the ROTOR Act – legislation that passed the Senate unanimously and includes serious aviation safety reforms in response to the tragic midair collision that cost 67 lives. This commonsense, bipartisan bill reflects critical recommendations of the National Transportation Safety Board and has earned the strong support of crash victims’ families and pilot unions alike. It reflects a shared commitment to learning from tragedy and taking meaningful steps to prevent future accidents.

“At a time when aviation safety must remain a top priority, it is especially frustrating that this measure fell short. I urge my House colleagues on both sides of the aisle to engage with the Senate and stakeholders to swiftly find a path forward for these critical air safety reforms. The safety of the flying public depends on it.”

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* High-quality photographs of Sen. Mark R. Warner are available for download here *


At Hearing, Trump’s Department of Defense Agrees with Warren That Holding Defense Contractors Accountable Is Vital for National Security

Trump Assistant Secretary of Defense Calls DoD Paying Billions to Get Weapons Delayed and at Higher Costs “Brutal”

Warren: “Congress needs to ensure that contractors prioritize delivering on time and on budget, not just lining their own pockets.”

Video of Exchange (YouTube)

Washington, D.C. — At a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) secured an agreement from Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy, Michael Cadenazzi, on working together towards cracking down on defense contractors' purchase of stock buybacks to prevent taxpayer dollars from going to waste.

The Government Accountability Office recently found that in 2024, the Department of Defense’s (DoD) major weapons programs were on average 18 months behind schedule over the previous year and on track to cost $50 billion more than the year before.

“When you sign a contract, you expect to get what you paid for, at the price, and on the date that was spelled out in the contract. But not for DoD,” said Senator Warren.

Despite delays and cost overruns in weapons systems, defense contractors such as Raytheon, General Dynamics, and Northrop Grumman have spent billions on stock buybacks and CEO payouts.

Last month, the Trump administration issued an Executive Order aimed at holding defense contractors accountable for their underperformance by restricting their use of buybacks and requiring the DOD to establish a review process. However, the EO has yet to have an impact. Major defense contractors have told their investors that they plan to continue paying dividends to shareholders.

Senator Warren questioned Mr. Cadenazzi about whether investing in stock buybacks while also failing to deliver weapons on time hurts U.S. national security. Mr. Cadenazzi testified that defense contractors’ performance is unsatisfactory. “We think that the misalignment of capital and the unwillingness to invest first in warfighter performance, system performance, and delivery rates readiness is a more important thing relative to these other financial incentives,” he affirmed.

“I don't say this often, but I think the Trump administration has hit the nail on the head on the problem here,” said Senator Warren.

Senator Warren concluded the hearing by urging Congress to implement legislation to improve defense contractors' performance and ensure that delivering on their contracts remains a top priority rather than payouts to company CEOs and their shareholders.

“Congress needs to codify these tools to ensure that contractors prioritize delivering on time and on budget, not just lining their own pockets,” said Senator Warren.

Senator Warren has fought to limit stock buybacks by giant companies that received taxpayer money. Last December, Senator Warren and Representative Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.) pressured Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent to follow through on his public statements by pushing defense companies to limit stock buybacks and increase research and development spending.

Transcript: Hearings to examine rebuilding American critical minerals supply chains.Senate Armed Services CommitteeFebruary 24, 2026

Senator Elizabeth Warren: So, when you sign a contract, you expect to get what you paid for, at the price, and on the date that was spelled out in the contract. But not for DOD. When DoD signs contracts to buy equipment for hundreds of billions of dollars, giant defense contractors often deliver late, years late, and billions of dollars over budget. So, recently, the GAO found that in FY2024, DOD's major weapons programs were 18 months behind schedule and would cost $50 billion more than budgeted just the year before. $50 billion in one year. That is not an oops. That is two times what the federal government spent on child care that year. Now, General Dynamics Oiler Ship program, an extra billion dollars. Raytheon's Air and Missile Defense radar, another $6 billion. Northrop Grumman Sentinel Program, $36 billion over budget. And all are at least three years behind schedule. And now, DoD is ramping up investments in critical minerals, and you've got to worry, are we just going to see the same thing again?

So, Mr. Cadenazzi, you are the principal DoD advisor on industrial base policy. Does it help or hurt our national security when DoD signs a contract for the equipment it needs, and it actually gets it years later and for billions of dollars more?

Honorable Michael Cadenazzi: Senator, it's absolutely brutal when that happens, and I think everyone in the department agrees that the performance of the industrial base and our contractors that are delivering weapon systems has been unsatisfactory overall for an extended period of time, hence the aggressive effort we've been making to go ahead and focus on manufacturing and the DIB to make sure that we start to go ahead and get the outcomes which are expected for us to meet the requirements of the warfighter.

Senator Warren: Yeah, well, I got to say, "unsatisfactory" might be the understatement of the day. Look, if you bought something and then the company said, 'Pay us more, and we'll give it to you a year later,' you'd report them to the authorities. But defense contractors are a year late and over budget, and what happens? They rake in taxpayer dollars, and then they shell out billions of dollars to their shareholders and to their executives. So, in 2024, Raytheon General Dynamics and Northrop Grumman each spent $3 billion on stock buybacks and dividends. Their executives, you'll be happy to know, did just fine too. Raytheon's CEO earned $18 million, General Dynamics' CEO made $23 million, and Northrop Grumman's made $24 million.

So, Mr. Cadenazzi, does it help or hurt our national security when giant contractors spend billions of dollars on stock buybacks and CEO payouts at the same time that they are failing to deliver weapons on time and on budget?

Mr. Cadenazzi: Senator Warren, we agree that companies investing in share buybacks, dividends, and oversized executive compensation relative to their poor performance is a concern. We are not happy with it. Hence, the EO that came out regarding warfighter outcomes, hence our incredible focus on trying to drive improved outcomes from these companies going forward, and making it clear that we think that the misalignment of capital and the unwillingness to invest first in warfighter performance, system performance, and delivery rates readiness is a more important thing relative to these other financial incentives. We recognize that there are market expectations to meet, their first expectation needs to be delivering for the warfighter.

Senator Warren: Well, I appreciate this, but you know, we're just really reaching a point where enough is enough. A recent Trump administration Executive Order announced a plan to prohibit buybacks, dividends, and excessive compensation for companies that fail to deliver to our warfighters. It's a good start, but defense contractors are already bragging to their shareholders that they're not going to change. So, obviously, they're not very afraid of you at this point. When asked if Northrop Grumman would continue paying dividends, the CEO said, quote, "Yes, yes, 100% yes." Raytheon, which the President called out as a problem, said they, quote, "Remain committed to the dividend." So, let me just ask. I'm out of time here, so I can do this for the record.

Mr. Cadenazzi, would DoD benefit from changes in the law to give this executive order more teeth and show companies that we're actually serious?

Mr. Cadenazzi: Yes, Senator, we'd appreciate the opportunity to work with you and the committee on that issue.

Senator Warren: You know, I don't say this often, but I think the Trump administration has hit the nail on the head on the problem here. But Congress needs to codify these tools to ensure that contractors prioritize delivering on time and on budget, not just lining their own pockets.

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Warren Announces Immigrants’ Rights Community Leader as State of the Union Guest

Dr. Geralde Gabeau leads Immigrant Family Services Institute Inc., a leading Boston-based organization to support and protect immigrants

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) announced that Dr. Geralde Gabeau will be her guest at the 2026 State of the Union. Dr. Gabeau leads the Boston-based Immigrant Family Services Institute Inc. (IFSI), which works to support immigrant communities and protect immigrants’ rights.

“Dr. Gabeau’s leadership shows us what it means to wake up every day and stand up for what’s right. Immigrants are our neighbors, friends, and community members — and Donald Trump’s cruel immigration agenda and ICE’s violence are making all of us less safe,” said Senator Warren. “Dr. Gabeau’s work makes our communities stronger, and I’m proud to have her by my side.”

“It is an honor to join Senator Elizabeth Warren in Washington, D.C. at this critical time for immigrant communities,” said Dr. Geralde Gabeau, Founder and Chief Executive Office of IFSI-USA. “We are deeply grateful for her leadership, and for the leadership of others, to protect Massachusetts’ thriving Haitian immigrant community by defending Temporary Protected Status. TPS is a lifeline that allows Haitian families to remain stable, contribute to key industries, and strengthen communities across our nation. Preserving TPS is not optional; it is essential.”

After a federal judge stayed the Trump administration’s attempt to revoke Temporary Protected Status (TPS) from hundreds of thousands of Haitians across the country, Senator Warren responded, saying: “families shouldn’t be separated, our neighbors shouldn’t be ripped from their homes, and businesses shouldn’t lose their staff at Trump’s whim.” Days prior, Senator Warren led over 50 colleagues in investigating some of the harmful consequences of the Trump administration's efforts to end TPS for Haitians.

Senator Warren has also led the charge to stop ICE’s violence across the country, including recently introducing legislation to establish the strongest federal watchdog to enforce ICE reforms and rein in the rogue agency.

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Warren, Booker, Welch Slam Trump on Illegal Tariff “Theft from the Middle Class,” Demand Plan for Refunds Directly to Consumers and Small Businesses

Trump’s chaotic tariffs are estimated to have cost American families roughly $1,700, given corporations cover to price-gouge consumers

“Any refunds from the federal government should be returned to the millions of Americans and small businesses that were illegally cheated out of their hard-earned money.”

Text of Letter (PDF)

Washington, D.C. – Following the Supreme Court’s ruling last week that President Donald Trump’s chaotic tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act are illegal, U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) pressed Trump on his failure to plan to deliver refunds to the American people.

“Any refunds from the federal government should be returned to the millions of Americans and small businesses that were illegally cheated out of their hard-earned money. But it appears that you have no plans to refund these costs, and no idea how to do so,” wrote the lawmakers.

On Friday, the Supreme Court struck down most of the costly tariffs that Donald Trump imposed last year, ruling that $175 billion in tariffs were collected illegally. Roughly 95% of the tariff cost has been passed down to American families and small businesses in the form of higher prices, estimated to have cost families an average of $1,700 each.

Beyond imposing significant costs on American families directly, Trump’s chaotic tariffs have also given cover to giant corporations that have price-gouged consumers by passing on price increases that are unconnected to tariffs.

In a press conference immediately following Friday’s Supreme Court ruling, Trump deferred on refunds and instead announced he would impose new tariffs to take even more money from the American people. Trump’s Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent smirked at the idea, saying he has “a feeling the American people won’t see it.”

“Your inability or unwillingness to provide tariff refunds to American families would represent an egregious abdication of your responsibility as President — a giveaway to giant corporations that amounts to theft from the middle class,” wrote the lawmakers.

The lawmakers pressed for more information by March 5, 2026 on the tariff refund windfall Trump owes the American people.

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Welch Statement Ahead of Trump’s State of the Union

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) released the following statement in advance of President Trump’s State of the Union address this evening:

“President Trump has a real opportunity in his State of the Union address to focus on the affordability crisis and put forward concrete plans to lower costs—for housing, food, energy, and so much more. I want to hear the plan to help our small businesses succeed. I want to hear how he’s planning to undo the damage he’s done to our health care system, and how we can work together to improve it. I’d like to hear how this administration will work with Congress to support America’s veterans. But I’m not counting on it.

“The president will lie tonight—he cannot help himself. President Trump will refuse to take ownership of the mess he’s made: a failing and fragile economy; reckless and unconstitutional tariffs and recissions; a cruel and illegal mass deportation campaign. He won’t acknowledge the long-lasting and far-reaching damage of Elon Musk’s DOGE cuts. He won’t address the harm he’s caused to our diplomatic efforts abroad. And he won’t admit he has turned against working families to give handouts to his billionaire friends. But hardworking Vermonters know the truth.

“I am thankful to be joined tonight by Vermont Representative Alyssa Black who, like thousands of Vermonters, has been personally impacted by President Trump’s health care policies. President Trump let the ACA’s enhanced premium tax credits expire, and so far he’s been unwilling to work with Democrats to restore them. As a result, millions are paying double, even triple, on their premiums, or foregoing coverage altogether. Alyssa is working nonstop in the State Legislature to lower costs and protect access to care for all Vermonters—she’s a great partner to her federal representatives in that fight.

“Despite the president’s wishes, the United States Congress is an independent branch of government. I won’t back down from our constitutional obligation to check the president’s executive overreach, I hope my colleagues across the aisle do the same.”

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Welch Statement on the Fourth Anniversary of Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today released the following statement in observance of the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine:

“On the fourth anniversary of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, the people of America must recommit to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and democracy. We stand side-by-side with the people of Ukraine who, under the leadership of Volodymyr Zelenskyy, have shown remarkable resilience and courage in their fight against Russia.

“As the Trump Administration’s isolationist and chaotic foreign policies fray our longstanding diplomatic relationships in Europe, it has never been more important to reaffirm our strong and steady commitment to Ukraine’s freedom and sovereignty. President Trump’s disparaging remarks against Ukraine and our NATO allies, and his praise of Vladimir Putin, should be condemned and do not represent the will of the American people who overwhelmingly back Ukraine’s defense against Russia.

“The American people cannot, and should not, accept anything but the strongest rebuke of Putin’s brutal crimes. Russia’s unprovoked attack is patterned and longstanding behavior: Russia has kidnapped hundreds—potentially thousands—of Ukrainian children; Putin’s army has starved, tortured, and killed prisoners and opponents; Russia has attacked NATO members’ hospitals and critical communications infrastructure; Putin has provided refuge to Bashar al Assad, who should be tried for crimes against humanity at The Hague. Putin is no friend to the United States nor to the cause of peace in Europe.

“In the absence of action by this administration, Congress must punish Russia for its crimes and impose consequences for any country that supports or enables Putin’s invasion. I urge quick action on bipartisan legislation to further sanction Russia.

“We must work with our allies to protect Ukraine and support the Ukrainian people’s fight for survival. Our own security is linked to the security of Ukraine, and to the security of Europe. We are in this together.”

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Welch Statement on Trump Threatening U.S. Military Action in Iran

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today released the following statement on President Trump’s threats to take military action in Iran:

“President Trump has amassed military assets for what appears to be an imminent military action against Iran. This would be reckless, dangerous and would spell the end of diplomatic efforts in this fragile region. He has stated conflicting objectives, has been silent on the duration, failed to define a clear justification, and has not explained what would constitute a ‘successful’ outcome. He is threatening to put the safety of our troops at risk and could spark a rapid escalation of conflict in the Middle East. The American people are entitled to forthright clarity from President Trump before our servicemembers are put in harm’s way,” said Senator Welch. “I adamantly oppose a unilateral decision by President Trump to authorize an attack without debate and authorization by the U.S. Congress, as required by the Constitution.”

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Welch, Warren, Booker Slam Trump on Illegal Tariff “Theft from the Middle Class,” Demand Plan for Refunds Directly to Consumers and Small Businesses

Trump’s chaotic tariffs are estimated to have cost American families roughly $1,700 each, giving large corporations cover to price-gouge consumers

Senators: “Any refunds from the federal government should be returned to the millions of Americans and small businesses that were illegally cheated out of their hard-earned money.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following the Supreme Court’s ruling last Friday that President Trump’s chaotic tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) are illegal, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, joined U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) in pressing President Trump on his failure to plan to deliver refunds to the American people.

On Friday, the Supreme Court struck down most of the costly tariffs that President Trump imposed last year, ruling that $175 billion in tariffs were collected illegally. Roughly 95% of tariff costs have been passed down to American families and small businesses in the form of higher prices, estimated to have cost families an average of $1,700 each. Following Friday’s Supreme Court decision, President Trump announced a new Executive Order imposing a 10% global tariff.

“Any refunds from the federal government should be returned to the millions of Americans and small businesses that were illegally cheated out of their hard-earned money. But it appears that you have no plans to refund these costs, and no idea how to do so,” wrote the lawmakers.

Beyond imposing significant costs on American families directly, President Trump’s chaotic tariffs have also given cover to giant corporations that have price-gouged consumers by passing on price increases that are unconnected to tariffs.

In a press conference immediately following Friday’s Supreme Court ruling, President Trump refused to agree to refund consumers, instead announcing that he would impose new tariffs to take even more money from the American people. Treasury Secretary Bessent smirked at the idea, saying he has “a feeling the American people won’t see it.”

“Your inability or unwillingness to provide tariff refunds to American families would represent an egregious abdication of your responsibility as President — a giveaway to giant corporations that amounts to theft from the middle class,” wrote the lawmakers.

The lawmakers pressed for more information by March 5, 2026, on the tariff refund windfall Trump owes the American people.

Read and download the Senators’ full letter to President Trump.

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Chairman Wicker Issues Statement on Additional Funding for Anduril Solid Rocket Motor Facility

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today issued the following statement:

“Insufficient solid rocket motor production has been one of the key constraints on American missile manufacturing for the past five years. This Defense Production Act funding will match Anduril’s own investments in the McHenry, Mississippi, facility to accelerate qualification of new motors and enable a path to production of 6,000 motors annually,” Wicker said. “I commend the partnership between the Office of the Under Secretary for Acquisition and Sustainment and the Army to drive this project forward. Congress has been clear for years – additional competition across the defense enterprise is necessary to create more cost-effective manufacturing techniques and more capable chemical formulations that increase the range and production quantities of our munitions.”


Chairman Wicker Leads SASC Hearing on Rebuilding American Critical Minerals Supply Chains

Watch Video Here

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today led a hearing to receive testimony on rebuilding American critical minerals supply chains.

The Honorable Michael P. Cadenazzi, Jr., Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy, Department of Defense, and Mr. Jeffrey Frankston, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Resilience, Department of Defense, both appeared before the committee.

In his opening remarks, Chairman Wicker stressed the urgent need to strengthen America’s critical mineral supply chains, warning that China’s dominance poses a serious national security risk. He called for sustained investment, allied cooperation, and clear legal authorities to rebuild a resilient and secure supply chain.

Read Chairman Wicker’s hearing opening statement as delivered.

The committee meets today to discuss the state of our country’s critical mineral supply chains and what can be done to make them stronger and more resilient.

It is no exaggeration to say that America’s resilience on Chinese critical minerals represents one of our greatest strategic vulnerabilities. Twice last year, Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping threatened to cut off exports of Chinese rare earths, this would have brought American defense manufacturing to its knees and deeply damaged the U.S. economy.

Our advanced weapons systems and key parts of our civilian economy rely on critical minerals—materials that are largely imported from China. Specifically, America imports over 70 percent of our rare earths from China. These elements are the backbone of permanent magnets and perhaps the most important component for phones, cars, and military systems. More than 60 percent of American antimony comes from China. Antimony is a necessary ingredient for many explosives, electronics, and batteries.

I could go on with other examples, but the simple point is this: The scale of China’s critical minerals domination is wholly unprecedented.

This situation is untenable for America’s national security and economic prosperity. The good news is that the U.S. government is forming a plan, which will simultaneously re-establish critical minerals as a global free market and significantly increase American mining and production of these key elements. This effort will take more than a decade. It will face setbacks. It cannot be achieved without leaning on our allies and partners. And it will be expensive. But it is a necessary risk.

The Pentagon has been and will be at the center of these efforts, given the centrality of critical minerals to our weapons manufacturing.

And that brings us to the committee’s interest in this matter. Joining us today are two Pentagon officials: Mr. Mike Cadenazzi, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy, and Mr. Jeff Frankston, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Resilience.

Both Mr. Cadenazzi, Mr. Frankston, and the teams they lead have done important work. They performed a deep analysis of both our military’s requirements for critical minerals and the state of industrial production from mining to refining across the globe. That data-driven approach is leading to new investments by the Industrial Base Fund, the Defense Production Act, and the National Defense Stockpile. It’s also driving interagency investments from the Development Finance Corporation, the Department of Commerce, and others. It is imperative that our investment strategy remains closely tied to the areas of greatest military need.

Rebuilding America’s critical mineral supply chains will require additional investments. Last year’s defense reconciliation bill included $5 billion dollars for the Industrial Base Fund, $2 billion for the National Defense Stockpile, and a $100 billion loan limit for the Office of Strategic Capital. Those appropriations have already paid dividends. Last year, the Pentagon signed deals with MP Materials and a consortium of Vulcan, Re-Element, and Corning for magnet production. Another investment went to Element USA, which will make progress on obtaining gallium and scandium from a recycling process. We have brought Australia, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia into deals where mining or refining opportunities do not exist here in the United States.

The good news is that we do not need to outspend Communist China on this effort. We can leverage our private capital markets, one of our few remaining comparative advantages against Beijing. Many of our allies and partners have incredible mining and refining opportunities. Dozens of countries are poised to ditch the predatory debt-trap diplomacy Beijing has foisted upon them in this area.

As to private capital markets, I appreciate the Pentagon’s use of innovative financial tools to power these deals. In some cases, Congress has spoken clearly on these tools. The committee created the Office of Strategic Capital loan program three years ago through the Biden administration. Since then, we have remained intimately involved in amending its legislation. In other cases, such as the use of equity-based investments, little law currently exists.

I believe these equity-based investments make good strategic sense in many cases, particularly where no free market exists and where we have seen aggressive Chinese economic warfare. However, opinions range wildly between and within our two political parties. While not public, Ranking Member Reed and I had a long series of discussions with our House counterparts last year about legislation regarding equity investments. I anticipate that conversation will continue in earnest this year.

This legislation is both important and urgent, because rebuilding America’s critical minerals supply chains will take more than a decade. We must give the free markets confidence that America’s approach will stand the test of time and succeed in unshackling the world from Beijing’s market domination. To do that, we need effective government tools built on a solid foundation of law and bipartisan support.

This year, the committee has much work to do to help in this endeavor. We will discuss equity as an investment tool. We will examine the need for continued multi-billion dollar investments in this area. We will consider further improvements to the National Defense Stockpile authorities. And we will expect improvements in communication from Pentagon leadership on our investment strategy. Congress understands the need to execute quickly, but that cannot excuse a lack of communication and partnership between the Congress and the administration.


Young Pens Essay in American Affairs on “Rebuilding America’s Sea Power”

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) penned an essay in the Spring 2026 edition of American Affairs on “Rebuilding America’s Sea Power.”

In his essay, Young writes: “This is an economic and national security imperative. Making ships in America again is no small project; it will take time and will require successful collaboration between both private industry and government. . . . But the cost of the status quo, surrendering the seas to a global adversary, moving our goods on their ships, and leaving our warfighters without a crucial logistical asset, will be far greater.”

The full essay is available here.


Congressman Robert Aderholt’s Statement on President Trump’s Address: The State of the Union is Strong, and Getting Stronger

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Tonight, Congressman Robert Aderholt issued the following statement in response to President Donald J. Trump’s State of the Union Address to Congress:

“Tonight, President Trump delivered a strong and inspiring State of the Union Address to Congress. As the President said, America is strong, prosperous, and respected as our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary.

Under President Trump’s leadership, we are restoring peace through strength, defending our border, growing American manufacturing, and putting American families first. I stand beside the President in full support and will continue to deliver on his agenda and deliver real results for the American people.

I commend the President for securing the border and making it a top priority to ensure that our American cities and communities are safe. This commitment has led to record low illegal border crossings, with nine straight months of no illegal aliens released into the United States.

By focusing on law and order, thousands of American lives have been saved. We have made historic efforts from defending America’s border to fighting drug trafficking, all delivering peace through strength. The State of the Union is strong, because America is respected on the world stage, and I strongly support the President’s efforts to continue to strengthen America at home and abroad.

This year, the Working Family Tax Cuts are delivering Americans with the largest tax cut for working and middle-class families, including no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, and no tax on Social Security. President Trump has worked to put real money back in our pockets. Our economy is being rebuilt brick by brick, and this is because wages are up, jobs are up, and inflation is cooling under the current Administration. Prospective homeowners have seen the dream of owning a home become more realistic due to higher incomes and lower mortgage rates.

In this new era of growth, rural America is thriving. The Rural Health Transportation Program that was established through the One Big Beautiful Bill, has directed over $203 million dollars to Alabama to ensure our citizens and rural communities benefit for years to come. I have long believed our rural communities deserve the same access to top-notch medical services, and this investment is a real step towards that goal.

Alabama’s Fourth Congressional District believes in a government that puts Americans first and President Trump’s State of the Union Address shows the values of our district – family, freedom, and faith. I am proud to work alongside President Trump and my Republican colleagues to continue advancing an America first agenda that increases economic growth, protects the most vulnerable, upholds our national security, and delivers peace through strength.

The state of our union is strong, and the American people have much to look forward to in the coming years.”


Amo Leads House of Representatives in a Moment of Silence for Victims of Pawtucket Shooting

WASHINGTON, DC – TODAY, Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI) led a moment of silence for the victims, survivors, and those who acted with courage in response to the shooting at the Pawtucket Lynch Arena on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.

“We rise today to honor two Rhode Islanders, Rhonda and Aidan Dorgan, whose lives tragically ended in the horrific shooting at a high school hockey game last week in Pawtucket. Three other Rhode Islanders were injured and remain in the hospital. We hold in the light the victims, their families, the teams, and broader Rhode Island community as they work to heal from yet another act of senseless gun violence,” said Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI). “I thank Mayor Donald Grebien of Pawtucket, Governor Dan McKee, and local leaders for their response to this senseless tragedy. We’re grateful to the first responders for their prompt action and medical professionals for caring for the wounded. We’re forever indebted to the ordinary Rhode Islanders who stepped up to stop the violence and care for the wounded. We continue to stand together to work towards the safety we all deserve.”

Watch the full video of Congressman Amo’s remarks and the moment of silence honoring the victims here.

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Ansari to Attend Clintons’ Deposition as Member of House Oversight Committee

WASHINGTON – Today, Representative Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), a member of the House Oversight Committee, will travel to Chappaqua, New York to take part in the Clintons’ deposition.

“Republicans are trying to distract the American people from their failures to hold this Epstein Administration accountable for their coverup, the most egregious coverup in American history,” said Rep. Ansari. “Oversight Democrats want to hear from anybody who has information on Epstein and the vast network that enabled his heinous crimes. That includes Steve Bannon, Larry Summers, Donald Trump, the Clintons, and many, many others. We won’t stop fighting until we get the truth and deliver justice for Epstein survivors.”


At the People’s State of the Union, Ansari Shares Story of Yari, Who is Dying in ICE Custody

Ansari’s Guest Was Sonia Almaraz, Yari’s Partner

WASHINGTON – Last night, Rep. Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03) was joined by her guest, Sonia Almaraz, at MeidasTouch and MoveOn’s “People’s State of the Union,” a rally counterprogramming President Donald Trump’s address to Congress. Together, they shared the story of Yari, Sonia’s loved one, who has spent more than a year detained while suffering from leukemia and medical neglect at the Eloy Detention Center in Central Arizona.

“Yari is a lawful permanent resident–a green card holder–who under Donald Trump’s cruel mass deportation agenda was stripped of legal status. While Yari suffers in detention, Donald Trump stands before Congress and continues to lie to the American people,” said Rep. Ansari. “The real state of our union is whether people like Yari are safe. Whether the sick receive care. Whether human dignity still matters.”

“I’m honored to stand with you to expose Trump’s real State of the Union,” said Sonia Almaraz. “Yari is not a criminal. And for a year now I have had to watch her health deteriorate at the hands of ICE. We demand her medical release immediately.”

WATCH

See transcript of Rep. Ansari’s remarks below.

Good evening, America! I’m Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari, and I proudly represent Arizona’s Third District.

Tonight, I’m honored to stand with Sonia Almaraz.

Sonia’s loved one is Yari.

Yari is a lawful permanent resident – a green card holder – who under Donald Trump’s cruel mass deportation agenda was stripped of legal status.

For over a year, Yari has been locked inside the Eloy Detention Center in Arizona.

Yari has leukemia. When I visited her, she was too weak to stand. While I sat with her, I watched her vomit blood.

And tonight, while Yari suffers in detention, Donald Trump stands before Congress and continues to lie to the American people.

He claims he’s going after the “worst of the worst.”

That’s a lie. Yari has no criminal record.

Meanwhile, this administration and their Republican enablers in Congress handed 75 billion dollars to ICE, expanding its power while gutting accountability.

And let’s be clear about who built this machine: Stephen Miller architected this cruel immigration agenda from the ground up, an agenda rooted in fear, division, and the belief that some people simply do not belong.

Masked agents. Violent raids without transparency. Communities living in fear. That is not public safety. That is authoritarianism.

And the Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, oversees it. If a Cabinet official allows this level of abuse and medical neglect under her watch, she should be impeached.

Authoritarianism is when the government cages the sick. It is when cruelty becomes policy. It is when federal power is turned inward against our own people.

My parents fled an authoritarian regime in Iran. They came to this country because America was supposed to be different.

This country welcomed them. It allowed them to work hard and build a better life.

And in one generation, they watched their daughter become the first Iranian-American Democrat elected to Congress. That is the promise of America.

And I refuse to let it be dismantled.

The real state of our union is whether people like Yari are safe. Whether the sick receive care. Whether human dignity still matters.

So tonight, we say together, FREE YARI.

FREE YARI.

Because she belongs here. She deserves care. She deserves dignity. And she deserves freedom.

Sonia, I want to turn it over to you now, to share your and Yari’s story.

See transcript of Sonia’s remarks below.

Thank you, Congresswoman Ansari.

I’m honored to stand with you tonight to expose Trump’s real State of the Union.

Yari is not a criminal. And for a year now I have had to watch her health deteriorate at the hands of ICE.

Yari has lost over 70 pounds. She’s been coughing blood for months on a daily basis. She’s too weak to stand. She has been diagnosed with lymphedema and arthritis on top of her cancer. And now relies on a walker just to move.

Her suffering is preventable. Yet ICE has denied her basic medical care.

Yari es una compañera amorosa, amiga y miembro de la comunidad que merece dignidad humana.

We demand her medical release immediately.

Exigimos su libertad inmediata para su cuidado médico.

Let us get her back to health so she can continue to fight her immigration case.

FREE YARI!


Bacon Issues Statement Following President Trump’s State of the Union Address

Washington – Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) released the following statement after President Trump delivered his State of the Union address:

“The President highlighted several real accomplishments that are strengthening our economy and improving the lives of the American people. The border is secure, violent crime is declining, fentanyl deaths are falling, gas prices are down, and wages are rising faster than inflation for the first time in five years. These are the winning issues that the President should focus on every day.

“He is right that Iran must never be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon. A nuclear-armed Iran is a serious threat to America and our allies. I am glad he acknowledged the regime’s brutality, including the recent massacre of approximately 50,000 of its own people after they stood up against their government.

“I was disappointed to hear the President double down on his approach to tariffs. Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution gives tariff authority to Congress. The Supreme Court’s common-sense and straightforward ruling got it right. Broad-based tariffs are also not smart economic policy, functioning as a tax on American consumers, manufacturers, and farmers, and are unpopular nationwide by roughly two to one.”

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Barrett Bill to Ensure Timely Payment for Disabled Veteran Vehicle Modifications Passes Subcommittee

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) and the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity on Tuesday approved Barrett’s CRUISE Act (H.R. 7083) to ensure the Department of Veterans Affairs efficiently reimburses businesses that modify vehicles to accommodate veterans’ disabilities. The bill now advances to the full House Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

Some VA hospitals have fallen months or even years behind on reimbursing companies that install ramps, lifts, wheelchair tie-downs, and other necessary vehicle modifications for veterans. These delayed payments put a financial burden on small businesses, which may not be able to sustain work for the VA if they’re not compensated in a timely manner. Barrett’s CRUISE Act will centralize and streamline the process to provide prompt payments.

“Disabled veterans need accessible vehicles, but widespread payment backlogs discourage mobility equipment providers from partnering with the VA,” said Barrett. “These unacceptable delays hurt small businesses and our veterans. By standardizing a central reimbursement process within the VA, my bill will make sure providers are paid on time so veterans have access to reliable transportation. I’m grateful to my colleagues for helping advance this urgent legislation.”

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Click here or above to watch Barrett’s remarks in support of his bill.

Background information:

The VA’s Automobile Adaptive Equipment (AAE) program pays for vehicle modifications necessary for veterans with service-connected disabilities to drive or to enter and exit their vehicles. As of May 2025, the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association was aware of nearly $11 million in payments owed to dealers that were more than 90 days overdue.

Barrett’s Centralized Reimbursement for Upgraded Innovative Service Equipment (CRUISE) Act (H.R. 7083) would centralize the AAE reimbursement process at the VA Central Office and remove that responsibility from individual VA hospitals. The bill would also require the department to implement a process to track invoices and issue payments. If the department is unable to process a payment within 30 days, it must publish how many days are necessary to make the payment.

Barrett has been a leader on efforts to help disabled veterans with their transportation needs. Last year, the House unanimously approved Barrett’s Automotive Support Services to Improve Safe Transportation (ASSIST) Act, which would authorize the VA to cover a wider variety of vehicle modifications.


WATCH: Barrett Responds to State of the Union, Touts Economic Wins for Michigan Families

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) released the following video after President Donald Trump delivered his State of the Union address to Congress this evening:

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Click here or above to watch Barrett’s video.

“We heard a bold vision for the future from the president. He talked about what we’ve done, the achievements we’ve had — securing the border, removing violent criminal illegal immigrants. We recognized the American hockey team, the Olympic champion, gold medal winning hockey team. We had two medal of honor recipients recognized tonight, really a stunning and incredible display of patriotism. I was proud to be there tonight.

“I’m looking forward to what we’re going to do this year, in this legislative term, to continue to deliver results for the American people. All of you should be getting bigger tax [refunds], better income earning. Our economy is growing stronger every single day. Our border is secure. Fentanyl deaths are down. But we have a lot more work to go, and I’m excited to dig in and get started on that all over again tomorrow.”


Carey Applauds American Comeback Championed in President Trump’s State of the Union Address

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Tonight, U.S. Rep. Mike Carey (R-Ohio-15) issued the following statement after the State of the Union, celebrating America’s comeback after a year of Congressional Republicans and the President delivering winning policies for working American families:

“In just over a year, Republicans are delivering a more affordable future with a stronger low-income housing tax credit, a record high Child Tax Credit, and more money in the pockets of Ohio families. The President was clear that Republicans delivered on our promises of lower taxes, safer communities, and a brighter future for our nation,” Rep. Carey said. “As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, families are breathing a new air of optimism. I will continue partnering with the President on our historic successes, and I will work in a bipartisan manner to create a more affordable future.”

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Carey Opens Submissions for Community Project Funding and Appropriations Requests

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Carey (R-Ohio-15) announced that he is now accepting requests for Fiscal Year 2027 (FY 27) general appropriations and Community Project Funding (CPF) awards.

Last year, in Fiscal Year 2026, Rep. Carey directly secured $22,504,000 for 14 projects in Ohio’s 15th Congressional District through the appropriations process, also known as “government funding.”

“I’ve been proud to personally bring tens of millions of Ohio tax dollars back to Ohio’s 15th District through the appropriations process to support critical education, infrastructure, public safety, and historic preservation projects,” Rep. Carey said. “Ohioans work hard, and I am working to make sure the taxes they pay come home to make a difference in their communities. By hearing directly from constituents about the most pressing issues, these funding requests can direct federal support for local community challenges and provide needed relief.”

Further details on submitting funding requests can be found below:

The deadline to submit a request for either a general appropriations request or specific community project is Friday, March 6, 2026, by close of business.

The funding request forms can be found on Rep. Carey’s website. More details on specific requirements for submission consideration can be found on Rep. Carey’s website under the “Services” page.

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Rep. Ciscomani’s Statement on President Trump’s State of the Union Address

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Juan Ciscomani attended this year’s State of the Union in Washington. Ciscomani was joined by Ben Menges, fifth generation cattle rancher from Safford, Arizona.

Following President Trump’s address, Congressman Ciscomani released this statement last night:

"Great message tonight by President Trump. He told the story of the State of our Union through the people of our nation. From honoring heroes who put their lives on the line for others, to highlighting the grieving family members of those we lost to violent crimes.

"The President also talked about the many accomplishments and progress we have made in just one year coming off the last administration’s highest inflation and worst border crisis this century. Our border is secure, hard working Americans are keeping more of what they earned, and our military is stronger than ever. We still have more work to do and he also laid out a clear vision on how to keep advancing.

"The American people are resilient, determined, and full of hope. Because of them, our Union is strong — and only getting stronger and I am committed to keep working and fighting for AZ06."

See statement HERE.


Rep. Cline Introduces Bill to Protect Taxpayers From Eminent Domain Taxes

Today, Rep. Ben Cline (VA-06), introduced the No Tax on Takings Act, a bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code to spare unsuspecting property owners from paying harsh federal taxes on a sale the government compelled them to make.

“Families should never be hit with a federal tax bill after the government forces them to sell their own property,” said Rep. Cline. “When eminent domain is used, property owners are already navigating a difficult process through no fault of their own. The federal government should not increase that burden by taxing a transaction into which they did not voluntarily enter. My bill delivers a simple, commonsense fix to the tax code to ensure Americans are treated fairly and protected from punitive tax consequences when their property is taken.”

"When governments force the sale of private property through eminent domain, taxpayers may be subject to a tax liability through no fault of their own. That’s not fair, and the No Tax on Takings Act rightly corrects this problem by amending the Internal Revenue Code to shield unsuspecting property owners from paying punitive federal taxes on a transaction they did not choose. NTU commends Congressman Cline for protecting taxpayers and we look forward to working to see this commonsense legislation signed into law,” said Thomas Aiello, Senior Director of Government Affairs at National Taxpayers Union.

“The No Tax on Takings Act aligns with Conservatives for Property Rights’ eminent domain principles. Taxing the compensation paid to a landowner reduces the amount of ‘just compensation’ received. The government compels property owners to sell land they may have had no intention of selling. So, Rep. Cline’s legislation is consistent with the Takings Clause, and CPR supports it,” said James Edwards, Founder and Executive Director at Conservatives for Property Rights.

BACKGROUND:

Currently, citizens who are compelled to give up their home, business, or land face a “double whammy” since they are:

Forced to take a dubious and subjective “fair market value” for their property; and

Required to pay capital gains taxes on any proceeds from the mandated sale.


Congressman Cohen Seeks Greater Transparency from xAI on its Power Generation Impact on Public Health

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), a staunch advocate of clean air and corporate transparency, today wrote to xAI following the release of an independent health impact analysis evaluating emissions associated with the Memphis-area facilities. In the letter, he sought specific information regarding the company’s operations as well as its commitment to provide advance public notice of its ongoing power generation plans.

The letter reads in part:

“I write in response to the February 13, 2026, independent health impact analysis evaluating emissions associated with your facility in DeSoto County, Mississippi. The report raises significant concerns about potential increases in fine particulate matter, projected public health impact across Shelby County and the broader Memphis region, and the disproportionate burden on already vulnerable communities.

“In light of these findings, I am requesting greater transparency from xAI regarding the environmental footprint and impact of your data center operations and the specific steps your company is taking and planning to take to mitigate air quality and health and community impacts.

“Communities in South Memphis, Boxtown, Westwood, and surrounding areas have long borne the cumulative effects of significant industrial activity. Understandably, the health impact analysis has heightened existing concerns. These neighborhoods deserve the assurance that any new development prioritizes health, safety, and environmental stewardship.

“I understand the transformative economic potential of data centers. However, any largescale development, especially those involving significant energy consumption and onsite combustion sources, warrant early, transparent, and ongoing engagement with surrounding communities. Public reporting to date suggests that key details regarding facility components and associated power generation have emerged late in the development process, limiting meaningful opportunities for community input.

“Accordingly, I respectfully request that xAI publicly provide details of the following:

A comprehensive inventory of the permitting status of all existing and planned turbine installations and operational components across your Memphis-area sites;

A description of environmental control technologies and best-practice mitigation measures being implemented or planned, including a comparison and rationale of the chosen technologies in comparison to others available;

Emissions data, environmental assessments, and mitigation strategies associated with these facilities;

A commitment to provide advance notice with opportunities for meaningful public engagement and feedback on any additional facilities or power generation plans; and,

The extent, if any, that xAI is working with trusted community leaders to teach Memphis residents about effective and productive use of AI technologies.

“For a variety of reasons, people in the Greater Memphis area are worried about xAI’s impact and presence in our community. Establishing a transparent and ongoing line of communication with residents, civic leaders, and environmental organizations is appropriate for a company with a significant regional footprint and is essential to restoring public trust and ensuring robust community support as these projects move forward.

“Thank you for your attention. I look forward to your prompt response and to your increased engagement with the public moving forward.”

See the entire text of the letter here.

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Congressmen Cohen and Aderholt Condemn Attack on Protesters by Azerbaijani Security in D.C.

WASHINGTON -- Congressmen Steve Cohen (TN-9) and Robert Aderholt (AL-4), co-chairs of the Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus, released the following statement in response to attacks on protesters in Washington, D.C. on Friday:

“We are very concerned with reports and videos we’ve seen of attacks on protesters outside the Waldorf Astoria by Azerbaijani security personnel on Friday. The Constitution of the United States protects peaceful protest, provided it does not interfere with normal activities, and there is no indication that was the case here. As guests of the United States, we expect Azerbaijani officials to respect American democratic principles such as the rights of free speech and free assembly. As this situation develops, we call for a full investigation into the incident and ask Azerbaijani officials to refrain from similar actions in the future.”

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Elfreth Response to President Trump’s State of the Union Address

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03) issued the following statement after President Trump’s Joint Session Address.

“After over a year of the President side-stepping and thwarting the will of Congress, I believe it was important for me to be present at the State of the Union and re-assert Congress’s role as a co-equal branch of government. Simply put, there are parts of any job you may not enjoy, but attending the President’s address to Congress was part of my job.

“There was no doubt that his speech was a windy address filled with culture wars, division, fear-mongering, and misinformation. He attacked our immigrant neighbors, denigrated our hard-working civil servants, and made fun of many of the things that I believe make our country great. There were a handful of President Trump’s promises that I could find a sliver of common ground: supporting our servicemembers and banning members of Congress from trading stocks – although he conveniently left himself out. But promises without real solutions are just that: promises.

“What I didn’t hear was any real solution to the affordability crisis too many Americans are experiencing. The numbers – and the reality on the ground – don’t lie. We are seeing higher prices at the grocery store, at the doctor’s office, and on our energy bills. The President’s erratic and reckless tariffs have cost families hundreds of dollars over the last year. That is the real State of the Union.”

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Congresswoman Escobar Introduces Legislation to Protect Elections from Illegal ICE Interference

On Friday, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16), along with Representatives John Larson (CT-1) and Nikema Williams (GA-5), introduced the Stop ICE Election Militarization Act to protect American elections from illegal ICE interference. This bill follows President Trump’s threats to “nationalize elections” and his adviser, Steve Bannon’s, call to deploy ICE agents to polling places.

“Donald Trump and his administration have made clear their intention to interfere with the midterms,” said Congresswoman Escobar. “His effort began when he called the Texas Governor and Attorney General, asking for five more Republican seats which set off Texas’ aggressive gerrymandering. Kristi Noem has announced that she will do everything possible to ensure the ‘right people voting, electing the right leaders.’ And Steve Bannon announced that the administration would be sending ICE agents to polling locations in November. This already occurred in California during the Prop 50 election. It’s a troubling pattern of using government power to suppress voter turnout, diminish certain voices, and threaten our democracy. That is why introducing the Stop ICE Militarization Act is necessary to draw a clear line between immigration enforcement and the electoral process, ensuring that federal agents are never used to intimidate voters or influence election outcomes.”

This legislation follows President Trump’s call to “nationalize elections,” an FBI raid at an election office in Fulton County, Georgia, a lawsuits against states for refusing to turn over confidential voter information to the Trump Administration, and a Department of Justice court filing revealing ‘DOGE’ employees signed an agreement to turn over Social Security data to a MAGA-affiliated group working to overturn election results.

The Stop ICE Election Militarization Act:

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Rep. Estes Statement on POTUS State of the Union Address

Rep. Ron Estes (R-Kansas) released the following statement following President Trump’s State of the Union Address on Tuesday night:

“Throughout the course of the last year, Republicans have united to put America First, leading with results both in the administration and here in Congress. The President is right to be optimistic – we have accomplished a great deal, but there is still more work to be done,” Rep. Estes said. “Because of the Working Families Tax Cuts we passed in July, Americans and Kansans alike aren’t just hearing about tax cuts; they’re seeing them right on their kitchen table. These savings exemplify the hard work being put forth to provide real money for real families nationwide. Additionally, this year marks the United States’ 250th Birthday – which is a huge celebration across our country to see how far we have come as a nation. It was my honor to be here to listen to President Trump talk about our victories and see how much we can accomplish when we are unified to put Americans First. I will always fight for the best interest of Kansans in Congress.”


Rep. Fallon Statement in response to President Trump's 2026 State of the Union Address

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Rep. Pat Fallon (TX-04) responds to President Trump's State of the Union Address last night:

"In his State of the Union Address, President Trump rightly made the case for how his America First agenda is firing on all fronts to better the lives of our nation’s citizens,” commented Rep. Pat Fallon. “In the past year alone under his leadership, rampant inflation is down to 2.4 percent from its Biden era 9 percent peak, crime is at its lowest in 125 years, and zero illegal aliens have been admitted into the US. These are real facts and figures that are driving the economy and keeping America’s streets safe.”

“On the world stage, President Trump’s time-tested modicum of ‘peace through strength’ has restored deterrence towards our adversaries. Our military is strong, and our men and women in uniform once again have a Commander in Chief who has their back. Our hemisphere is secure, and we have demonstrated the supreme capabilities of our armed forces when it comes to advancing US interests and security abroad.”

“Last night was a turning point in history, and we are incredibly fortunate to have a President who truly loves our country and the values it was founded upon. As the United States celebrates its 250th birthday this year, we can rest assured that America’s best days are yet ahead.”

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Fulcher Announces Next Telephone Town Hall

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Russ Fulcher (Idaho-01) announced his next telephone town hall will take place on March 18, 2026, at 6 p.m. MT, 5 p.m. PT.

The event serves as an opportunity for residents of Idaho’s First Congressional District to ask questions, share input, and receive a congressional update from Congressman Fulcher. Constituents can participate by dialing 833-998-1718 on a telephone at the time of the event.

Congressman Fulcher hosted a series of successful telephone town halls throughout 2025, reaching thousands of Idahoans across the First Congressional District.

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Rep. Gillen Invites Floral Park Resident to State of the Union to Highlight Impacts of Rising Health Care Costs Nationwide

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Laura Gillen (NY-04) announced that she invited Floral Park resident, Karen Brandon, to be her guest at the 2026 State of the Union address. Unfortunately, due to severe weather conditions in New York on Tuesday, Karen was unable to travel to Washington for the event.

Karen, a speech therapist, has seen her health insurance premium costs soar by nearly 300% following the expiration of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits, along with many other Long Islanders.

“Karen Brandon’s heartbreaking story is one of thousands for Long Islanders struggling to afford basic health coverage,” said Congresswoman Gillen. “Instead of finding a bipartisan solution to extend ACA premium tax credits, Republicans in Washington allowed them to expire. This has skyrocketed health coverage costs at a time when families can least afford it. This is not just numbers on a page, it’s millions like Karen having to make impossible choices between their health and their budget. I won’t stop fighting to lower health care costs for her or residents across Nassau County.”

“Our health premiums in 2025 were $600 a month with the subsidies, and as of this January, they are now $1,900 a month,” said Karen Brandon, Floral Park resident. “So, they have tripled. It has caused, you know… tremendous hardship. In about five years, I'm looking to retire. This is a time where I should really be putting more money into my retirement, but I can't, because of the astronomical increase in health care. I have to take that money and pay for health care and it's not like you can go without it.”

Since taking office, Congresswoman Gillen has championed efforts to make health care more affordable for thousands of Long Islanders, advocating for the extension of ACA tax credits and other measures to reduce the financial burden of medical care.

Congresswoman Gillen’s decision to bring Karen to the State of the Union underscores the urgent need for Congress to act to lower health care costs and protect families.


Rep. Gillen Statement on President Trump's State of the Union

WASHINGTON, DC — Congresswoman Laura Gillen (NY-04) released the following statement regarding President Trump's State of the Union:

"Since taking office, I have been laser-focused on finding bipartisan solutions to bring down the cost of living, make our communities safer, and address the issues that matter most to Long Islanders.

"Unfortunately, hyperpartisanship and gridlock have paralyzed Congress and Washington and led to skyrocketing costs for groceries, rent, and everyday goods. Health care costs have soared as Republican leadership in Congress refuses to side with the majority of Americans and extend ACA premium tax credits that made health insurance more affordable. Tariffs and unnecessary trade wars have driven up prices even more at a time when families can least afford it.

"It is also critical that we preserve American lives and restore law and order to our streets. That means removing Secretary Noem for her failed leadership at DHS and working in good faith to pass meaningful reforms of ICE.

"The American people needed a message of unity and calls for a nonpartisan path to address these historic challenges. I was disappointed that we didn’t hear that tonight.

"It is not a time for politics as usual; it’s a time for bipartisan solutions to tackle these issues. I remain committed to working with anyone, in Congress or the Administration, to make life safer and more affordable for Nassau County families."


Reps. Gillen, Van Drew Introduce Bill to  Strengthen Coastal Protection Nationwide

WASHINGTON, DC - Congresswoman Laura Gillen (D-NY-04) and Congressman Van Drew (R-NJ-02), members of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, introduced the Coastal Storm Risk Management Trust Fund Act, which would create a reliable, long-term funding source for coastal protection projects nationwide.

"As a lifelong Long Islander, I have witnessed firsthand how hurricanes, severe storms and coastal erosion can devastate our beachfronts," said Rep. Gillen. "Long Island is home to some of the nation's most beloved and iconic beaches, yet these treasured shorelines face growing threats from stronger storms and rising sea levels. That is why it is critical that we act now to strengthen our coastal resilience by investing in proactive, long-term solutions. We must secure dedicated funding for projects that protect our waterfront communities and preserve our shoreline. This will ensure that future generations can continue to live, work and enjoy the natural beauty that defines Long Island."

"My bipartisan Coastal Trust Fund Act sets up a permanent and reliable funding stream for coastal storm risk management projects like beach nourishment," said Rep. Van Drew. "This is a big deal, not just for New Jersey, but for the whole country. The American coastal economy contributes to 46% of national GDP, but too often the government does not deliver coastal protection until after a disaster strikes. This legislation changes the status quo by investing $1 billion a year into the Army Corps of Engineers' coastal storm management projects. By funding the Coastal Trust Fund with existing offshore energy lease revenues, we earned a budget-neutral score from the Congressional Budget Office, meaning no new taxes or fees on anybody. This bill was developed through months of collaboration with the top coastal experts in the country, and it is one of the most serious efforts in history to protect the coastlines of the United States. Thank you to my colleague Representative Gillen and the entire coastal community for supporting this effort."

"ASBPA proudly supports Rep. Van Drew's bold new Coastal Trust Fund Act, which will transform how our nation funds coastal storm risk management. The bill ensures long-term, reliable, federal investment to protect lives, property, and vital infrastructure in America's coastal communities. The bill not only safeguards our environment, but also fuels economic growth by indirectly bolstering tourism, jobs, and local businesses," said Nicole Elko, Executive Director, American Shore and Beach Preservation Association.

"Coastal storms pose increasingly frequent and severe threats to the stability of our infrastructure and the safety of communities, particularly through heavy rainfall, flooding, and erosion. The Coastal Trust Fund Act would establish a fund dedicated to the construction, maintenance, and rehabilitation of coastal storm risk management projects. ASCE thanks Rep. Van Drew for his leadership on this important issue and looks forward to working with him to advance this bill," said American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) President Marsha Anderson Bomar, Ph.D., AICP, ENV SP, H.ITE, F.ASCE.

"The Dredging Contractors of America strongly supports Congressman Van Drew's and Congresswoman Gillen's bipartisan legislation to establish a Coastal Trust Fund. A dedicated funding stream for the Army Corps of Engineers' coastal storm risk management projects strengthens our nation's resilience, protects lives and property, and safeguards the ports and waterways that power the American economy. Reliable funding allows the Corps, coastal communities, and industry to plan strategically, maintain critical infrastructure, and ensure our marine transportation system remains secure and operational. Coastal protection is not just an environmental priority; it is an economic and national security imperative," said William P. Doyle, CEO, Dredging Contractors of America.

"Communities along our coasts are facing increasingly severe storms and growing flood risks that require sustained, long-term infrastructure investment. The Coastal Trust Fund Act is an important step toward strengthening the federal commitment to resilience and emergency preparedness. Public works professionals are on the front lines before, during, and after disasters, and dedicated support for federally authorized coastal storm risk management projects will help protect lives, safeguard critical infrastructure, and ensure communities can recover faster when storms strike. APWA thanks Congressman Jeff Van Drew, co-chair of the House Public Works and Infrastructure Caucus, and Representative Laura Gillen, for their bipartisan leadership in advancing solutions that strengthen coastal resilience nationwide," said Scott D. Grayson, CAE, CEO, American Public Works Association.

"This bill, introduced today by Representative Van Drew and Representative Gillen, creates a much-needed mechanism to ensure that federal funding is available for coastal projects, like beach nourishment. Beaches not only play an important role in the increasing resilience to coastal storms, but are significant drivers of tourism and other economic activity for states and local communities," said Derek Brockbank, Executive Director, Coastal States Organization.

"The American Coastal Coalition strongly supports the Coastal Trust Fund Act, which will establish a dedicated revenue stream to support federal beach nourishment projects. Delays and shortages in federal funding for beaches have severe economic impacts for non-federal sponsors. This legislation fixes that. Thank you, Representative Van Drew, for introducing this legislation," said Dan Ginolfi, Executive Director, American Coastal Coalition.

"This act will ensure that vital projects to protect our coasts from the risks of storms can continue without interruption. By creating a predictable way to pay for these projects, the measure will enable contractors to safeguard the nation's coastal systems for years to come," said Alex Etchen, Vice President of Government Relations, Associated General Contractors of America.


CONGRESSMAN CARLOS A. GIMENEZ DEMANDS URGENT INVESTIGATION INTO REPORTED KILLINGS ABOARD U.S.-REGISTERED VESSEL NEAR CUBA

MIAMI, FL - Today, Congressman Carlos A. Gimenez (R-FL) issued the following statement after alarming reports that agents of the Cuban regime executed four individuals aboard a Florida-registered vessel near Santa Clara Province, Cuba. The incident raises serious concerns about the use of lethal force against individuals on a vessel registered in the United States.

“I am calling for an immediate investigation into this massacre. United States authorities must determine whether any of the victims were U.S. citizens or legal residents and establish exactly what occurred. The regime in Cuba must be relegated to the dustbin of history for its countless crimes against humanity,” said Congressman Gimenez.

Congressman Gimenez is closely monitoring the situation and has requested additional details from the State Department and the United States military, to obtain all relevant facts and ensure this matter receives the urgent attention it demands.


Rep. Jimmy Gomez Statement on Trump's State of the Union Address

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following President Trump’s State of the Union address, Congressman Jimmy Gomez released the following statement:

“I went to the State of the Union tonight because when an administration tries to erase you and your community and tell you that you don’t belong, the most powerful thing you can do is show up.

“Showing up is my form of protest.

“Tonight, the President told a story that does not match what families are living. He cherry-picked economic indicators and statistics that ignore the very real pocketbook pain people are feeling. He claimed costs are down while families are paying more at the grocery store. He claimed his agenda helps working families while billionaires benefit the most.

“Those kind of lies are meant to make people doubt what they see and feel every day. But you can’t gaslight people about their own lives. And you don’t get to erase the communities who keep this country running.

“I’m the son of immigrants who worked hard and contributed to this country. Families like mine built this nation. We’re still here. And we’re not going anywhere.”


Rep. Grijalva Announces FY27 Community Project Funding Request Process for Southern Arizona

Washington, D.C. — Today, Representative Adelita S. Grijalva announced that her office is now accepting applications for Fiscal Year 2027 Community Project Funding (CPF) requests, a process that allows Members of Congress to submit up to 20 community-driven projects for consideration in the federal appropriations process.

Community Project Funding requests help direct federal resources to critical local priorities, including infrastructure improvements, public safety projects, environmental and water initiatives, economic development, and community facilities. Eligible applicants include state, local, and Tribal governments, as well as certain health related non-profits. Funding may not be directed to for-profit recipients.

The application period will remain open until Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at 11:59 PM MST. Potential applicants should carefully review the eligibility requirements within each account before applying. For more information on how to apply, please visit Rep. Grijalva’s website.

Each year, the process is highly competitive, and projects must meet all federal eligibility requirements. Following the submission deadline, Rep. Grijalva’s office will review proposals and select projects to advance for consideration by the House Appropriations Committee. Final funding decisions are subject to congressional approval and enactment of FY27 appropriations legislation.

“Community Project Funding is an important way of bringing federal resources directly to our communities,” said Rep. Grijalva. “I encourage eligible entities to apply so we can work together to secure investments that strengthen our infrastructure, support families, and expand opportunity across the district.”

Project categories include certain accounts within:

Agriculture, Rural Development, Food & Drug Administration and Related Agencies

Commerce, Justice, Science, & Related Agencies

Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies

Homeland Security

Interior, Environment, & Related Agencies

Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, & Related Agencies

Community Development Fund – Economic Development Initiative Projects

Transit Infrastructure Projects

Highway Infrastructure Projects

Highway Infrastructure Projects

Port Infrastructure Development Program Projects

Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Projects


Rep. Grijalva Statement Following State of The Union

***En español abajo***

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva released the below statement following the State of the Union address. You can view a video recording of the statement here.

“Last night’s state of the union address was completely detached from reality. Trump’s speech was nearly two hours of rambling that failed to address the needs of working families. Just over a year into his presidency, America is less safe, more divided, and more expensive than it’s ever been before.

Trump continues to be more preoccupied with playing dictator rather than facing the real issues that the American people care about. Families are struggling with the rising costs of groceries, rent, utilities, and health care – yet we did not even hear a “concept of a plan” to bring relief. Instead, he is doubling down on his illegal, reckless tariffs that are driving up the cost of nearly everything. Meanwhile, Trump’s Justice Department continues to shield him in the Epstein files while survivors’ identities have been exposed – the latest example of an administration defined by lawlessness and abuse of power.

He is escalating an anti-immigrant agenda that is separating families and terrorizing entire communities. Innocent people are being swept up in the process – including my guest, Mubashir Khalif Hussen, who was violently detained by ICE despite being a US citizen. Abuelas like Julia Benitez – a 79-year-old asylum seeker with dementia who has spent nine months in federal detention – have become collateral damage in this administration’s cruel deportation machine.

The State of the Union is bleak, but it does not have to be. A different path exists. Republicans should work with Democrats to invest in our people instead of harming families and our economy. We should extend ACA premium assistance, lower healthcare costs, and reverse the Big Ugly Law’s cuts to Medicaid and SNAP. Congress must confront the corporate greed that is driving up rent, polluting our environment, and profiting off the detention of abuelas. We should be investing in our public schools, students, and educators – not dismantling the Department of Education.

These are the priorities Southern Arizona sent me to Washington to fight for, and that’s exactly what I intend to do. Our communities deserve nothing less.”

Declaración de la Representante Grijalva tras el Discurso

del Estado de la Unión

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Hoy, la congresista Adelita S. Grijalva emitió la siguiente declaración tras el discurso del Estado de la Unión. Puede descargar una grabación en video aquí.

El discurso de anoche estuvo completamente desconectado de la realidad. Durante casi dos horas, Trump habló sin abordar las verdaderas necesidades de las familias trabajadoras. A poco más de un año de su presidencia, nuestro país está más inseguro, más dividido y más caro que nunca.

Trump sigue más preocupado por actuar como un dictador que por enfrentar los verdaderos problemas que preocupan al pueblo. Las familias están luchando con el aumento de los costos de alimentos, la renta, los servicios públicos y la atención médica.

Trump está intensificando una agenda anti inmigrante que separa familias y amenaza a comunidades enteras. Personas inocentes están siendo afectadas, incluyendo a mi invitado, Mubashir Khalif Hussen, quien fue detenido violentamente por ICE. Abuelas como Julia Benítez, una solicitante de asilo de 79 años con demencia que ha pasado nueve meses en detención federal. Ellos se han convertido en daños colaterales en la cruel máquina de deportación de esta administración.

El Estado de la Unión es muy preocupante, pero no tiene por qué serlo. Existe un camino diferente. Los republicanos deberían trabajar con los demócratas para invertir en nuestra comunidad en lugar de dañar a las familias y a nuestra economía.

El Congreso debería de enfocarse en bajar los costos, en invertir en nuestras escuelas públicas y proteger nuestro medio ambiente.

Estas son las prioridades por las cuales los votantes del sur de Arizona me enviaron a Washington a luchar, y eso es exactamente lo que voy a hacer. Es lo que nuestras comunidades merecen.


Grothman Releases Statement on President Trump’s State of the Union Address

Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-WI) released the following statement after President Trump’s State of the Union Address to Congress:

“I was honored to attend President Trump’s sixth State of the Union address, where he laid out a clear vision for America’s future and highlighted the wins his administration has achieved in just one year of his second term on reducing crime, strengthening immigration enforcement and drug interdiction, peace negotiations around the world, and affordability.

“President Trump also promised lower costs for prescription drugs and highlighted the success of reducing the taxpayer handouts to insurance companies, who are the primary beneficiary of Obamacare.

“Families across the country are seeing the results of policies that lower costs, create jobs, and restore accountability in Washington. Working families are keeping more of their hard-earned money, with Wisconsin families receiving average tax cuts of $3,177, a permanent $2,200 Child Tax Credit, and historically high refunds this year. Couple that with inflation dropping from 9% to 2.4% and mortgage rates falling to a three-year low, and we can objectively say that affordability is here and the American dream is alive and well.

“Our economy is growing, with 172,000 new private-sector jobs added in January alone, expanded incentives for American-made manufacturing, and strengthened support for small businesses that are the backbone of our communities.

“At the same time, our nation is safer and stronger. Border enforcement has been restored, catch-and-release ended, and federal overreach, including harmful DEI mandates and threats to women’s sports and parental rights, being rolled back. Taxpayer dollars are being focused on Americans who need them most, while wasteful spending on radical programs and international schemes has been cut.

“Also highlighted were some of America’s greatest heroes, from World War II veterans to the gold-medal-winning U.S. men and women’s hockey teams, as well as people who have suffered at the hands of illegal migrants.

“As the President highlighted, the welfare system in our country has become so out-of-control that fraud is rampant, criminals are not being held accountable, and Americans are being trapped in a cycle of dependency. That is why I was glad to see Vice President Vance put in charge of a new task force to tackle welfare and clean up the fraud in our bloated system.

“Two more statistics that I hope the mainstream media will report are the 67% reduction in murders in the District of Columbia and the decrease of 2.4 million people on food stamps.

“Tonight’s speech reinforced the results we are seeing and the direction this administration is taking. I look forward to continuing to work toward President Trump’s welfare agenda, cutting spending, using taxpayer dollars wisely, and delivering for Wisconsin families, and all Americans, in the months and years ahead.”

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RELEASE: REP. HILL LEADS READING OF WASHINGTON’S FAREWELL ADDRESS ON HOUSE FLOOR

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. French Hill (AR-02) today led House colleagues in reading President George Washington’s Farewell Address on the House floor in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary and in recognition of the enduring principles that continue to guide our nation.

Rep. Hill said, “It was a privilege to lead my House colleagues in reading President Washington’s Farewell Address as we approach America’s 250th anniversary. Washington’s words were not simply a reflection on the founding of our republic, but a lasting guide for its future. His message of unity, civic duty, and constitutional government remains as relevant today as it was nearly 230 years ago, reminding us of our responsibility to preserve and strengthen the nation he helped create.”

“I am grateful to Rep. Mike Kennedy (R-UT), Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA), and Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) for joining me in reading this historic address and honoring President Washington’s enduring legacy.”


Jayapal, Lawler Introduce Bipartisan Advance Global Health Act to Streamline State Department Data Reporting

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) introduced the bipartisan Advance Global Health Act, a bill that consolidates many reports from the Department of State’s Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy into one comprehensive, searchable annual report.

Currently, the U.S. Department of State is required to produce multiple overlapping reports from the Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy, often pulling the same data on different timelines throughout the year. That redundancy creates unnecessary administrative burden, slows down delivery, and makes it harder for Congress to fully evaluate the information in a timely way. Consolidating these requirements into one comprehensive, searchable annual report preserves the intent of this reporting and reduces duplication.

“The State Department is pulling the same data over and over again to satisfy multiple reporting requirements and then often needing to submit them at different times to congressional committees. That’s just not an efficient use of time or resources. We have to simplify federal reporting processes so that Congress receives clear information we can actually review and act on. Strengthening oversight and accountability will both make foreign aid work smarter and harder,” said Congressman Lawler (NY-17).

“I am proud to lead this bipartisan bill with my colleague Rep. Lawler to streamline global health reporting requirements. Before coming to Congress, I ran projects to advance global health and development, with an emphasis on programming that strengthened health and economic outcomes for women and girls. Diseases know no borders and consistent reporting from the administration on the status and outcomes of our global health investments, on a predictable basis, is crucial to ensure the success of this important work,” said Congresswoman Jayapal (WA-07).


LEADER JEFFRIES ON MORNING JOE: “THE PRESIDENT’S SPEECH WAS RIDDLED WITH DIRTY, ROTTEN LIES”

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on MS NOW’s Morning Joe, where he highlighted the lies, propaganda and hatred spewed during the State of the Union address and the fact that Donald Trump has no plan to make life better or more affordable for everyday Americans.

MIKA BRZEZINSKI: Joining us now, House Minority Leader, Democratic Congressman Hakeem Jeffries of New York. Thank you very much for coming on this morning. Sir, the President blamed the nation’s challenges on you and other Democrats. How do you respond to the President and also to your fellow Republicans who repeatedly stood up and applauded his words?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, good morning. Great to be with you. The President’s speech was riddled with dirty, rotten lies, including his unwillingness to confront the affordability crisis that Donald Trump has made worse throughout his entire time in office. This is a guy who promised that he was going to lower costs on day one of his presidency. And, of course, costs haven’t gone down. Costs have gone up. Millions of people are working hard, they’re playing by the rules, but they’re struggling to live paycheck to paycheck. Can’t thrive, can barely survive. The American people know it. Donald Trump tried to lie about it, and he will be held accountable.

WILLIE GEIST: Leader Jeffries, good morning. As we’ve been detailing this morning, so much of what the President said in his speech last night simply isn’t true factually. And yet, Republicans leapt to their feet with every line he delivered. Not totally surprising, that’s standard in State of the Union addresses. But how do you explain, other than just fear of President Trump, fear of his supporters, their abdication of power, that you have the Speaker of the House standing and applauding when President Trump says, for example, ‘I don’t need Congress to place tariffs, I can do it on my own,’ and then the leadership of the Congress jumping up to applaud that. How do explain it as someone who sees it up close?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Yeah, the cult-like behavior of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle is a complete and total abdication of their responsibility to conduct themselves like a separate and co-equal branch of government. But what we’ve seen repeatedly from these folks is that they regularly bend the knee to Donald Trump and behave like they are nothing more than reckless rubber stamps for Donald Trump’s extreme agenda. It’s the reason why the American people are rejecting Republicans in election after election after election over the last 14 consecutive months because they’ve broken promises. They’re visiting extremism on the American people. They’ve failed to actually address anything that is designed to make life better for everyday Americans. And then they lie about it regularly. And so we’re going to continue, as Governor Abigail Spanberger did in such a phenomenal way, to contrast their corruption with our commitment to make life better for everyday Americans, to drive down the high cost of living, to fix our broken healthcare system and to make sure that immigration enforcement in this country is fair and just and humane.

JONATHAN LEMIRE: Leader Jeffries, good morning. The name Jeffrey Epstein was never spoken last night, but his presence hovered over the proceedings. A number of his victims, the survivors, were there in the House of Representatives as guests of Democrats. And the speech last night came just hours after a blockbuster NPR report matched by MS NOW that suggests that a lot of documents pertaining perhaps even to interviews with an accuser of Donald Trump were missing. Setting that aside, we don’t know if that’s true, at the very least DOJ has not, it appears, produced all it’s supposed to. Give us your reaction. What can Democrats do about this?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Yeah, there were at least 14 Epstein survivors who were in the chamber last night, and I had an opportunity to talk with several of them in advance of the so-called State of the Union Address to thank them for their strength, their courage, their resilience and their persistence in getting us to this point to try to push for maximum transparency and maximum accountability. And yet, of course, we all understood that the fight needed to continue because the Department of Justice has failed to comply with the law. This is a situation where ‘public sentiment,’ as Abraham Lincoln once said, ‘is everything. With it, nothing can fail. Without it, nothing can [succeed].’ And the American people are going to continue to demand, led by the survivors, that we get full transparency, full accountability, that the files are completely and totally released to the American people. We’ve made a lot of progress. There’s still millions of documents that remain hidden by the Department of Justice. But I am confident, led by these courageous survivors, that we are going to get to the place that we need to get to.

MARA GAY: Leader, President Trump is calling on Congress to pass a bill that would require Americans to show ID in order to vote. What can the Democrats—and in particular Democratic leadership—do right now to ensure that the vote this November is protected and that this President and his enablers do not take it away?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, first of all, we strongly oppose the so-called SAVE Act in the House, and Leader Schumer has made clear that it is dead on arrival in the Senate. Donald Trump is not interested, of course, in a free and fair election and this legislation is about voter suppression because the Republicans know that they are on their way to losing as has been the case for the last 14 months. Now, part of their scheme had to do with trying to gerrymander the national congressional map. And cynics and skeptics suggested that Democrats were just going to allow that to happen and Republicans would be able to steal 10, 12, up to 15 seats. Of course, that effort has been met forcefully and decisively, and that has failed. Successfully, we’ve stopped them in the courts from being able to federalize the National Guard, which certainly was part of his scheme. And now we’re involved in an all-hands-on-deck effort with civil rights groups, civil liberties groups, unions, civil society, Democratic governors, Democratic attorneys general, Members of the House and the Senate, partnering with state and local elected officials to unleash the largest voter protection effort that the country has ever seen, including in presidential elections, though this will be a midterm because we understand the stakes are so high.

MIKA BRZEZINSKI: House Minority Leader, Democratic Congressman Hakeem Jeffries of New York. Thank you very much for coming on this morning.

Full interview can be watched here.

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