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Thune: Tax Relief Is on the Way

Clickhereto watch the video.

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor:

Thune’s remarks below (as delivered):

“Mr. President, tax filing season is no one’s favorite season.

“But thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts, things are looking up this year.

“Americans filing their taxes are looking at a host of new tax relief – and taxpayers can take advantage of this relief for the 2025 tax year, which means that a lot of Americans are going to be seeing bigger refunds this spring.

“That starts with the newly enhanced child tax credit.

“Back in 2017, Republicans doubled the child tax credit – from $1,000 to $2,000 per child.

“And with the Working Families Tax Cuts, we made that relief permanent.

“And not just permanent.

“We boosted the tax credit again, by hundreds of dollars, and we linked it to inflation, so that its value will never go down.

“And parents filing their taxes this year can take advantage of this additional relief.

“Then there’s the new tax relief for older Americans – a $6,000 bonus deduction for low- and middle-income seniors.

“Seniors will be able to save hundreds – in some cases even more – on their taxes.

“And again, that applies to the 2025 tax year as well, which means seniors will start seeing that relief this spring.

“And tax filers of all ages will be taking advantage of the enhanced standard deduction this year.

“Back in 2017, Republicans nearly doubled the standard deduction, which is claimed by 90 percent of taxpayers in this country.

“And with the Working Families Tax Cuts, we boosted that deduction still further.

“And once again, the effects of that will be showing up in Americans’ tax refunds this spring.

“And the good news doesn’t end there.

“I said that parents will be able to take advantage of the enhanced child tax credit this season.

“They’ll also have the opportunity to open up new investment accounts for their children – and to opt in to an initial free $1,000 contribution from the federal government for newborn accounts.

“These accounts will provide another tax-advantaged option for parents to invest in their children’s futures.

“And again, these accounts can be opened during this tax filing season.

“The money can be used after their child turns 18 for their education, to start a business, to buy their first home – in short, to give them a head start on their American Dream.

“And then there’s no tax on tips or overtime.

“That’s right.

“Starting when they file their taxes this season, Americans who receive tips – from waitresses and bartenders to Uber and Lyft drivers – will be able to deduct those tips on their taxes.

“The same goes for overtime.

“Americans who spend long hours working overtime – like nurses, firefighters, and paramedics – will be able to deduct their overtime when they file their tax return.

“And that means lower tax bills and more money in their pockets.

“We call it the Working Families Tax Cuts for a reason, Mr. President.

“We set out to make life better for hardworking Americans.

“For the moms and the dads struggling to fit dentist visits and car repairs and Little League and ballet lessons into the budget.

“For the Americans relying on tips to make ends meet – and the dedicated health care and emergency workers who work overtime to help their fellow Americans.

“For the lower- and middle-income seniors pursuing a hard-earned retirement.

“For every American, Mr. President, who has struggled thanks to the inflation crisis that President Biden and Democrats helped create.

“To all of those Americans, I would just like to say: relief is on the way.

“And it starts this tax season.”


Thune: Funding DHS Is Critical to Americans’ Safety

Clickhereto watch the video.

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke at a press conference with Senate Republican leadership:

Thune’s remarks below (as delivered):

“Good afternoon.

“I’m sure you’ve already heard from the Democrats.

“So, we might have a slightly different view of where things are, but I think everybody agrees that we need to fund the 2026 Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill.

“It’s the only one left; we’ve got 96 percent of the government funded.

“But the DHS bill, as you know, represents not only … ICE, but also FEMA, and the Coast Guard, and TSA, cybersecurity – a whole bunch of things that are really important to the American people.

“And so our view is we need to try and get this last bill across the finish line.

“And I think there have been some really productive conversations around that between Republicans and Democrats, between the White House and Democrats here in the Senate.

“One thing Republicans are not interested in, obviously, is making it harder, not easier, for dangerous illegal aliens in this country to be detained and deported.

“We do believe in making it easier, not harder, for law enforcement officials to do their jobs.

“So those are things that we are focused on in these conversations.

“But I think it’s fair to say that there have been good-faith efforts.

“The Democrats, you know, they didn’t finally get text available until just this weekend.

“The White House is now responding to that, and I think it’s important that we allow those conversations to go forward and see if there might be a path toward getting an outcome that would fund the Department of Homeland Security until the end of the fiscal year, which is September 30.

“So it’s a, I would say again, it’s a work in progress, but I would hope that the Democrats here in the Senate, if it takes more time, which I believe it will, would be amenable to allowing us to get an extension of the continuing resolution to allow more time for those negotiations to continue.

“As you all will recall, we made it very clear at the outset that we thought the amount of time they allocated toward this wasn’t nearly going to be sufficient, and clearly it’s not.

“But I do think that, based upon the progress that’s being made toward getting to a result and a conclusion, we ought to allow some additional time in order to make that happen.

“So again, these are important agencies, important agencies to the American people, all of which need to be funded, and these federal employees at TSA and other agencies shouldn’t be held hostage by the Democrats in potentially another government shutdown.

“So the best way to avoid that is to strike a deal, and I think that means we’ve got to keep people at the table.”


Van Hollen, Alsobrooks, McClain Delaney Press Washington County Commissioners for Transparency on ICE Warehouse Purchase

Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Representative April McClain Delaney (all D-Md.) wrote to the members of the Washington County Board of County Commissioners to express their concerns over the Trump Administration’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) reported plans to convert a warehouse located in the County into a 1,500-person immigration detention facility.

In their letter, they stressed that this warehouse will further fuel the Trump Administration’s cruel and inhumane immigration agenda – which has been marked by arrests of scores of people who pose no threat to public safety, violations of individuals’ due process rights, and reports of unsafe conditions in detention facilities, among other harms. Regarding the local impact, the lawmakers added that using a building not designed or zoned for residential confinement risks overburdening County infrastructure, public health systems, and first response capabilities. Given that the Commissioners have not provided answers to County residents on these matters, the lawmakers pressed them to provide what measures, if any, that they have taken to prevent abuses from taking place in the facility as have occurred elsewhere, to study or prepare for the impact of this facility on County resources, and to ensure compliance with laws and regulations requiring community input and transparency around development decisions.

“We write to express our serious concern regarding today’s vote to declare unwavering support for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Further, we want to voice our strong opposition to ICE’s plans to convert a large warehouse near Hagerstown into an immigration detention facility. We recognize that immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility. However, land use, zoning, and the protection of public health, safety, and general welfare are squarely within the authority and responsibility of Washington County.” the lawmakers began. “Those responsibilities are not preempted by the Supremacy Clause, nor waived by federal interest in a particular site, particularly when the proposed use represents a dramatic departure from the facility’s original design and intended purpose.”

“The proposed conversion of a warehouse into a detention facility capable of holding up to 1,500 people raises serious risks to public health and order. Immigration detention is a civil system, yet it has been increasingly used to detain individuals indiscriminately. ICE’s own data shows that nearly three-quarters of detainees pose no risk to public safety,” they added. “In addition to these humanitarian concerns, establishing such a facility in a warehouse not designed for residential confinement would pose substantial public health and safety risks and place added strain on local hospitals, emergency responders, and already stressed infrastructure, including roads, utilities, and water systems. Expanding detention capacity risks entrenching a system that undermines due process, destabilizes communities, and normalizes conditions that Maryland has repeatedly found unacceptable.”

The lawmakers went on to request answers to the following questions for the Commissioners, noting that they do not permit public comments at their meetings and pointing out that similar questions from local residents have gone unanswered:

Does the BOCC hold concerns that the same inhumane practices being brought to light around the country – i.e., lack of potable water, access to medical care and medication, sanitary conditions, legal counsel – will occur at a Washington County facility?

In supporting this effort, what plans does the BOCC have to ensure that human rights violations are not occurring in your jurisdiction?

Has the BOCC studied the impacts of the facility on the surrounding area? What additional resources will this demand from utilities, water, road traffic, sanitation, etc.?

What steps, if any, did the BOCC take to oppose or challenge the federal government’s decision to use an industrially zoned warehouse to detain hundreds of individuals—and if no such steps were taken, how does the BOCC reconcile your lack of opposition with its stated commitment to public safety, environmental management, and human conditions?

What steps, if any, did the BOCC take to ensure that the federal government complied with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and any other applicable historical preservation measures, requiring that federal agencies solicit community input and operate transparently when planning projects that affect historic properties?

“As mutual representatives of the residents of Washington County, we urge the Washington County Board of County Commissioners to carefully and rigorously apply its existing zoning laws, land-use regulations, and comprehensive planning standards to any proposal to convert this warehouse into a detention facility. Doing so is essential to protecting public health and safety, ensuring orderly development, and upholding the County’s responsibility to its residents,” the lawmakers concluded.

Text of the letter can be viewed here and below.

Dear Washington County Board of County Commissioners:

We write to express our serious concern regarding today’s vote to declare unwavering support for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Further, we want to voice our strong opposition to ICE’s plans to convert a large warehouse near Hagerstown into an immigration detention facility.

We recognize that immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility. However, land use, zoning, and the protection of public health, safety, and general welfare are squarely within the authority and responsibility of Washington County. As the County’s governing body, the Board of County Commissioners is charged with applying existing zoning regulations to promote orderly development, prevent incompatible land uses, manage density, protect surrounding property values, and guide growth in accordance with the County’s comprehensive plan. Those responsibilities are not preempted by the Supremacy Clause, nor waived by federal interest in a particular site, particularly when the proposed use represents a dramatic departure from the facility’s original design and intended purpose.

The proposed conversion of a warehouse into a detention facility capable of holding up to 1,500 people raises serious risks to public health and order. Immigration detention is a civil system, yet it has been increasingly used to detain individuals indiscriminately. ICE’s own data shows that nearly three-quarters of detainees pose no risk to public safety. Indeed, many being detained are longtime Maryland residents with deep community ties. We and other members of the Maryland Congressional Delegation have personally sought to conduct oversight of existing ICE facilities in Maryland and have encountered significant barriers to transparency, while receiving credible reports of deplorable and inhumane conditions.

In addition to these humanitarian concerns, establishing such a facility in a warehouse not designed for residential confinement would pose substantial public health and safety risks and place added strain on local hospitals, emergency responders, and already stressed infrastructure, including roads, utilities, and water systems. Expanding detention capacity risks entrenching a system that undermines due process, destabilizes communities, and normalizes conditions that Maryland has repeatedly found unacceptable.

We have also remained directly engaged with residents of Washington County on this issue. As you know, two of us – Senator Van Hollen and Congresswoman McClain Delaney – recently took part in a demonstration in downtown Hagerstown where hundreds of local residents made their opposition to this facility loud and clear. We are aware that, while public comments are not permitted at your meetings, some of these residents have submitted written statements and personally delivered a series of questions to the Commissioners. It is our understanding that the following questions have remained unanswered by the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). We agree that these questions deserve answers.

Does the BOCC hold concerns that the same inhumane practices being brought to light around the country – i.e., lack of potable water, access to medical care and medication, sanitary conditions, legal counsel – will occur at a Washington County facility?

In supporting this effort, what plans does the BOCC have to ensure that human rights violations are not occurring in your jurisdiction?

Has the BOCC studied the impacts of the facility on the surrounding area? What additional resources will this demand from utilities, water, road traffic, sanitation, etc.?

What steps, if any, did the BOCC take to oppose or challenge the federal government’s decision to use an industrially zoned warehouse to detain hundreds of individuals—and if no such steps were taken, how does the BOCC reconcile your lack of opposition with its stated commitment to public safety, environmental management, and human conditions?

What steps, if any, did the BOCC take to ensure that the federal government complied with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and any other applicable historical preservation measures, requiring that federal agencies solicit community input and operate transparently when planning projects that affect historic properties?

As mutual representatives of the residents of Washington County, we urge the Washington County Board of County Commissioners to carefully and rigorously apply its existing zoning laws, land-use regulations, and comprehensive planning standards to any proposal to convert this warehouse into a detention facility. Doing so is essential to protecting public health and safety, ensuring orderly development, and upholding the County’s responsibility to its residents.

We look forward to receiving your responses to the questions above and we stand ready to engage further as you evaluate the significant local, legal, and humanitarian implications of this proposal.


Van Hollen Joins Ossoff, Colleagues Launch Inquiry into Department of Defense’s Use of AI Software Known for Antisemitic Content

Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senator Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) in demanding answers as the Department of Defense plans to use AI software known for antisemitic content. Senators Van Hollen, Ossoff and their Senate colleagues launched an inquiry with Department of Defense (DoD) Secretary Pete Hegseth demanding answers over reports that the Agency plans to let the xAI chatbot, Grok, operate inside of DoD networks, despite reports that the chatbot has promoted antisemitic and other dangerous content.

Last year, there were numerous, publicly reported examples of Grok wrongfully spreading antisemitic posts and Holocaust denialism through its prompted engagement with neo-Nazi accounts.

Senators Van Hollen and Ossoff are joined by Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), and Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.).

“We write with concern regarding your recent announcement at SpaceX that Grok, xAI’s chatbot, will join Google’s generative AI engine in operating inside the Department of Defense (DoD)’s network,” the group wrote to Secretary Hegseth. “We are particularly concerned by this development, given Grok’s reported recent track record promoting Holocaust denial, spreading racist ideologies, and generating deepfake pornography of children.”

“In the summer of 2025, Grok issued several antisemitic comments and threads, including stating that it was skeptical that six million Jews were killed in the Holocaust. More recently, the chatbot produced fake pornographic images of real people. Grok’s generation of such content has triggered various investigations of the platform and the potential use of this model by a federal agency is troubling,” the Senators continued.

The full text of the letter can be found here and below:

Dear Secretary Hegseth,

We write with concern regarding your recent announcement at SpaceX that Grok, xAI’s chatbot, will join Google’s generative AI engine in operating inside the Department of Defense (DoD)’s network. We are particularly concerned by this development, given Grok’s reported recent track record promoting Holocaust denial, spreading racist ideologies, and generating deepfake pornography of children.

In the summer of 2025, Grok issued several antisemitic comments and threads, including stating that it was skeptical that six million Jews were killed in the Holocaust. More recently, the chatbot produced fake pornographic images of real people. Grok’s generation of such content has triggered various investigations of the platform and the potential use of this model by a federal agency is troubling.

We therefore ask you to respond to the following questions by no later than March 2nd, 2026.

1. What guidance, processes, and restrictions have DoD placed on the use of AI within the Department? Does the Department plan to review or revise guidance with the introduction of additional AI technologies into the Pentagon network?

2. Please explain steps the Department will take to mitigate against the risk of Grok promoting antisemitic or racist conspiracy theories and tropes and sexual content?

a. Did DoD review any of these previous incidents prior to your announcement at SpaceX? Did DoD conduct a comprehensive review and comparison of Grok to other generative AI platforms? If so, what discussions and subsequent determinations did DoD have around ensuring that such incidents will not occur with DoD’s use of Grok?

3. In your speech you also stated that DoD will “make all appropriate data available across federated IT systems for AI exploitation.” How will DoD maintain the privacy and protect the data of servicemembers when employing Grok?

a. Are there currently any guardrails in place in regard to handling servicemember data and the use of AI technologies?

4. Will X or any third party have access to DoD prompts, outputs, logs, or corpus generated inputs used by Grok?

a. With the announcement that SpaceX has acquired xAI, how will DoD contend with SpaceX, a current defense contractor with the Department, potentially gaining access to DoD prompts, outputs, logs, or corpus generated inputs?

While AI technology can facilitate innovation, it must be deployed, used, and regulated in a manner consistent with the national interest and standards of decency. We look forward to your response and ensuring the wellbeing of the men and women in uniform who serve our nation.

Sincerely,


Van Hollen, Whitehouse, Markey, Dingell Lead Colleagues in Filing Amicus Brief Challenging Trump Administration’s Unconstitutional Clawback of Climate Funds

Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, and Ed Markey (D-Mass.), and U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.-06) led 36 Members of Congress in submitting an amicus brief to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia sitting en banc in the case of Climate United Fund, et al. v. Citibank, N.A. et al. The brief urges the Court to block the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) illegal efforts to eliminate the National Clean Investment Fund and the Clean Communities Investment Accelerator programs, both of which are part of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF).

The lawmakers pressed the Court to uphold a temporary injunction against the Trump Administration’s efforts to nullify two congressionally appropriated grant programs by clawing back funds that had been fully awarded and disbursed into private bank accounts. Congress created these programs to capitalize clean energy funds intended to spur economic development, lower energy costs, and reduce pollution. The GGRF, a $27 billion national climate financing fund passed into law as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, has been a frequent target of the Trump Administration’s war on climate safety and low-cost clean energy.

“At every turn, EPA has sought to thwart Congressional intent concerning the GGRF. From day one, the Trump Administration declared war on programs established and funded by the IRA, with a particular venom reserved for two of the GGRF’s catalytic capitalization grant programs, the National Clean Investment Fund and the Clean Communities Investment Accelerator. In their efforts to eliminate Congressionally mandated grant programs, Administration officials have harassed the award recipients with baseless threats of prosecution and sought to claw back disbursed grant money out of private hands,” the lawmakers explained.

The case centers on the Legislative Branch’s constitutional authority to pass laws that the Executive Branch must faithfully execute. The Trump Administration’s freezing of appropriated funding and attempted clawbacks from private bank accounts violate congressional mandate, as the lawmakers made clear, “At its heart, this is a case about whether the Executive Branch can freeze and confiscate lawfully made funding awards held in private bank accounts without due process because of an Administration’s disagreements with [Congressional] policy decisions… If so, then perhaps no one in the United States is safe from such unchecked arbitrary action.”

As the lawmakers pointed out, a lower court ruled that EPA aimed to fully dismantle the GGRF and never planned to re-issue the grants, despite the Trump Administration’s claims to the contrary: “The district court concluded as the finder of fact that ‘the record does indicate that EPA seeks to dismantle these grant programs in their entirety as a policy matter,’” and “[a]mong other support, the district court found that EPA: initially claimed fraud and conflicts of interest in the grant process but later abandoned those claims and admitted the terminations were ‘based on reasons of policy’; served Plaintiffs with identical information requests on the GGRF program’s oversight controls, then terminated all the grants prior to receiving responses; and refused to provide any rationale for ‘why it needed to cancel every single grant to review some aspects of the GGRF program…’”

The Trump Administration has failed to meaningfully engage with or provide grounds for reversing the district court’s ruling, laying bare its ongoing efforts to usurp congressional authority, the lawmakers wrote, “EPA’s actions to dismantle a Congressionally mandated program are a brazen and impermissible attempt to usurp the Legislative Branch’s power. The Constitution granted the power of the purse to Congress, not the President or his agents. Congress may employ that power ‘to further broad policy objectives,’ and neither the President nor Executive agencies may decline to follow a statutory mandate or prohibit spending based on policy differences.”

Despite the One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s (OBBBA) unambiguous terms rescinding only “unobligated balances,” EPA has falsely claimed that rescissions also apply to obligated funding. But, as the lawmakers argued, EPA's claims are inconsistent with the OBBBA’s text and Congressional intent: “Aside from the plain text of the OBBBA, confirmation that the OBBBA did not authorize rescission of already-obligated funds comes from the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office’s budget ‘score’ of the provision. Lawmakers relied on CBO’s ‘score,’ or the estimated cost or savings of each provision, to ensure the reconciliation bill met each Committee’s savings or spending instructions as set by the Budget Committees.”

Senators Van Hollen, Whitehouse, and Markey, and Representative Dingellpreviously led colleagues in submitting an amicus brief in the case, in which they pressed the Court to grant rehearing en banc and to overturn the poorly reasoned earlier ruling by a three-judge panel of the Court that would have allowed EPA to proceed with its illegal clawbacks.

Joining Senators Van Hollen, Whitehouse, Markey, and Representative Dingell in signing the amicus brief were Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), and Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), and Representatives Frank Pallone Jr. (D-N.J.-06), Jim McGovern (D-Mass.-02), Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.-09), Betty McCollum (D-Minn.-04), Kathy Castor (D-Fla.-14), Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.-09), Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.-20), Mike Quigley (D-Ill.-05), Julia Brownley (D-Calif.-26), Jared Huffman (D-Calif.-02), Mark Takano (D-Calif.-39), Don Beyer Jr. (D-Va.-08), Ted Lieu (D-Calif.-36), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.-12), Nanette Barragán (D-Calif.-44), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.-08), Darren Soto (D-Fla.-09), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Pa.-05), Sean Casten (D-Ill.-06), Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.-04), Lizzie Fletcher (D-Texas-07), Mike Levin (D-Calif.-49), Troy Carter (D-La.-02), Kevin Mullin (D-Calif.-15), Brittany Pettersen (D-Colo.-07), Shri Thanedar (D-Mich.-13), Jennifer McClellan (D-Va.-04), Maxine Dexter (D-Ore.-03), Sarah Elfreth (D-Md.-03), Emily Randall (D-Wash.-06), and Adelita Grijalva (D-Ariz.-07).


Warner Statement on Tulsi Gabbard's Unexplained Presence in Fulton County

WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, issued the following statement after an FBI search warrant affidavit regarding the 2020 election results in Fulton County, GA, was unsealed:

“The newly unsealed affidavit shows this search originated from the frivolous claims of Kurt Olsen, an attorney who traffics in debunked falsehoods about the 2020 election. It also makes clear there was no foreign intelligence nexus.

“So why was the Director of National Intelligence there?

“When the nation’s top intelligence official inserts herself into a matter with no connection to a foreign threat, it’s hard to escape the conclusion that the objective was political – namely, getting back into Donald Trump’s good graces – and that her presence was meant to lay the groundwork for baseless claims of foreign interference. Americans should be deeply concerned about what someone with sweeping authority over the country’s intelligence apparatus might do to achieve that.”

Earlier today, Warner and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA) called on Director Gabbard to immediately schedule an Intelligence Community (IC) briefing for senators on election security ahead of the 2026 midterms. The request comes in light of Gabbard’s unprecedented involvement in the Fulton County raid and the seizure of voting machines and election data in Puerto Rico, actions tied to unsubstantiated claims about the 2020 election. Warner and Padilla emphasized that Gabbard’s conduct – acting without a clear foreign threat, providing inconsistent explanations, and undermining state election officials – makes urgent transparency and a full briefing essential to keep the IC focused on genuine threats, not partisan politics.

###


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

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

The senators pressed Gabbard for an explanation of her chilling actions late last month when she joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in raiding Fulton County, Georgia’s elections office to further perpetuate the repeatedly disproven lie that the 2020 election was stolen. They emphasized that Gabbard, President Trump, and others have given numerous inconsistent explanations of who tasked Gabbard with seizing these 2020 election materials and why she was involved. As the Trump Administration continues to spread baseless election conspiracy theories, Warner and Padilla also pushed Gabbard to clarify why ODNI tested voting machines and seized other election data in Puerto Rico.

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

ODNI has failed to respond to the senators’ previous letter demanding an IC briefing on foreign election threats — including cyber-driven threats to alter American election outcomes — last fall. The senators requested Gabbard also clarify her unsubstantiated public statements regarding voting systems and provide a plan for defensive cybersecurity measures ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, as well as details on the security of the 2025 federal elections. Additionally, they urged Gabbard to share all intelligence products concerning these election threats and underlying ODNI’s recent actions with the appropriate Congressional committees and lawmakers, as required by law. In addition to failing to release a declassified assessment on the 2024 election, as in prior elections, ODNI and the U.S. Department of Justice have refused to provide Congressional leaders with intelligence products on alleged foreign threats to 2026 elections.

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

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

Full text of the letter is available here and below:

Director Gabbard:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Full text of the bill is available here.


Warnock Statement on New Reporting Finding Trump Tariffs Cost Americans $1,000 Last Year

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), the top Democrat on the Senate Finance subcommittee that oversees tariffs, released the following statement after the non-partisan Tax Foundation found President Trump’s tariffs cost the average American household $1,000 last year. Average American households are on track to lose $1,300 from the President’s tariffs in 2026. These tariff taxes represent the largest tax increase for working families in over 30 years. Read more HERE.

“President Trump’s tariffs are a tax that cost working Americans $1,000 last year. Despite the President’s promise that these tariff taxes would lead to a manufacturing boom, our country lost over 72,000 manufacturing jobs last year. While American families tightened their budgets, President Trump gave tariff waivers to his wealthy friends who could afford to party at Mar-a-Lago.

“Let me make it plain: The President isn’t looking out for you or your family.”

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Warren, Hawley Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Break Up Big Medicine

The Break Up Big Medicine Act tackles vertical integration in the health care system to lower prices and promote competition.

Text of Bill (PDF) | One-Pager (PDF)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) introduced the Break Up Big Medicine Act to address rampant consolidation in the health care industry that drives up prices, squashes competition, and fuels corporate greed.

“There’s no question that massive health care companies have created layers of complexity to jack up the price of everything from prescription drugs to a visit to the doctor. The only way to make health care more affordable is to break up these health care conglomerates,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren. “Our bill would be a monumental step towards ending the stranglehold that corporate giants have on our broken health care system.”

“Americans are paying more and more for healthcare while the quality of care gets worse and worse. In their quest to put profits over people, Big Pharma and the insurance companies continue to gobble up every independent healthcare provider and pharmacy they can find,” said Senator Josh Hawley. “Working Americans deserve better. This bipartisan legislation is a massive step towards making healthcare affordable for every American.”

Giant health care conglomerates dominate the American health care system. The three largest pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) manage 80% of prescription drug claims, while just three prescription drug wholesalers control 98% of U.S. drug distribution. These corporate entities are vertically integrated, meaning one company can own or control every part of the health care supply chain—from health insurance companies and PBMs to pharmacists and physicians. By controlling both the company that pays for health care services (e.g., a health insurer) and also the entity that sets the prices for those health care services (e.g., a health care provider), these conglomerates may be steering business to their own affiliates, evading laws intended to rein in corporate profiteering, or using providers they employ to boost government payments and pad their bottom lines.

This not only harms patients and taxpayers but has also left independent doctors and pharmacists unable to compete—nearly 4,000 independent pharmacies have closed since 2019, and almost 80 percent of physicians now work for a corporate parent.

The Break Up Big Medicine Act addresses these structural conflicts of interest, which allow corporate giants to put profits over the interests of patients, taxpayers, employers, and independent providers. The legislation will:

Prohibit a parent company from owning a medical provider or management services organization and a PBM or an insurer;

Prohibit a parent company of a prescription drug or medical device wholesaler from owning a medical provider or management services organization;

Require that a company violating these conflicts of interest come into compliance within one year of the bill’s enactment;

Create automatic penalties if a company fails to comply in a timely manner, including disgorgement of profits and forced sales of assets;

Enable the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Justice (DOJ), state attorneys general, and private parties to bring lawsuits against violators; and

Allow the FTC and DOJ to review and block future actions that would recreate the conflicts of interest prevented by the bill.

There is clear precedent for government prohibitions on joint ownership to protect consumers and promote competition, including in the railroad and banking industries. This bill extends the structural separation provisions of Senator Warren and Senator Hawley’s Patients Before Monopolies Act to additional lines of business.

“For decades, policymakers in both parties have incentivized healthcare consolidation, resulting in Big Medicine behemoths that exploit conflicts of interest to drive costs up, quality down, and independent providers out of business,” said Emma Freer, Senior Policy Analyst for Healthcare at the American Economic Liberties Project. “This is why we launched the Break Up Big Medicine initiative last year and are proud to support the Break Up Big Medicine Act, which will eliminate these conflicts of interest while restoring power over our healthcare system to patients and the providers who care for them.”

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Welch Delivers for Rural Vermont; Celebrates Massive Rural Broadband Milestone

Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Approves Vermont’s Broadband Build Out Plan

Welch: “This is a huge moment for Vermont.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today celebrated the NTIA’s final approval of Vermont’s ‘Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) plan, which will support the deployment of rural broadband to communities in Vermont.

“This is a huge moment for Vermont. I’m elated that Vermonters across the state will soon be connected to the broadband they need to thrive in today’s digital economy. By working together, federal and state leaders secured tens of millions of dollars to support the build-out of high-speed, affordable broadband for Vermont families, workers, and communities. I applaud the NTIA’s final approval of this plan, and I extend my thanks and congratulations to Executive Director Christine Hallquist and the Vermont Community Broadband Board, as well as Governor Scott, for working side-by-side with broadband leaders across our state to accomplish this momentous goal,” said Senator Welch.

“I want to thank the congressional delegation, the Governor, the legislature and the VCBB Board for their collective efforts to make this happen. We are in the final chapter of decades of work to get Vermonters connected to reliable Broadband. The funding from this program will enable the last 5% and the hardest to serve locations to be finally connected. We look forward to leveraging this infrastructure to improve the communities and lives of rural Vermonters,” said VCBB Executive Director Christine Hallquist.

Senator Welch championed the BEAD program, which was created through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and signed into law by President Biden in 2021. In 2024, he announced the Biden-Harris Administration’s investment of nearly $230 million in high-speed, affordable broadband, in Vermont.

As Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, and as a former member of the Senate Commerce Committee, which oversees NTIA, Senator Welch worked with Vermont leaders to secure this federal funding. Funding will now be distributed to BEAD applicants in the state, who will soon connect households and businesses with fiber, fixed-wireless, and satellite internet.

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Chairman Wicker Applauds U.S. Marine Corps Passing Third Consecutive Audit

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today issued a statement applauding the U.S. Marine Corps for its strong audit progress.

“I applaud the Marine Corps for achieving a clean audit for the third year in a row,” Senator Wicker said. “This feat is a testament to strong leadership from Commandant Eric Smith and an exemplary culture of accountability. The FY24 NDAA set a deadline of 2028 for completion of a clean audit for the entire department. The Pentagon must accelerate its efforts in the Army, Air Force, and Navy by rapidly deploying the $350 million from the defense reconciliation bill for the application of artificial intelligence and advanced automation to the audit.”


Wicker Celebrates BEAD Deployment Plan Approval

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today celebrated the final approval of a landmark Mississippi broadband initiative. On February 9th, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) approved the state’s plan to deploy funds from the Broadband, Equity, Access, and Development (BEAD) program.

The final BEAD proposal for Mississippi allocates a total of $1,203,561,563. Of that amount, $508 million will service 93,283 residences. The BEAD funding was established in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which Senator Wicker helped negotiate as a senior member of the Senate Commerce Committee. An additional $321 million of funding will be privately contributed to ensure the buildout is complete. The Office of Broadband Expansion and Accessibility of Mississippi (BEAM) will oversee the implementation of the funding.

“This important step will bring high-speed internet to more than 93,000 residences in Mississippi. I want to thank Secretary Lutnick and NTIA Administrator Roth for their partnership. Together, we removed burdensome red tape imposed by the Biden administration. That bureaucracy halted progress, but we are finally bringing the BEAD program to rural communities – improving telehealth services, benefitting job creators, and boosting economic growth. Let’s get to work!” said Senator Wicker.

“Congratulations to Mississippi on the approval of its BEAD Final Proposal,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communication and Information and NTIA Administrator Arielle Roth. “This plan reflects a strong commitment to cost discipline, meeting the state’s unique needs, and delivering measurable results. We’re excited to see shovels in the ground and satellites in the sky as Mississippi accelerates toward universal connectivity for its citizens.”


Young, Fetterman Introduce Bill to Preserve Ohio River Basin

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

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

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

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

If enacted, the Ohio River Restoration Program Act, through the EPA, will enable the following efforts:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

U.S. Representatives Erin Houchin (R-IN-09) and Morgan McGarvey (D-KY-03) led companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

The Ohio River Restoration Program Act is endorsed by the National Wildlife Federation, Ohio River Basin Alliance, Ohio River Way, American Rivers, Kentucky Waterways Alliance, Appalachian Voices, Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center, West Virginia Rivers Coalition Inc., Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, Kentucky Resources Council, Inc, River Fields, River City Paddle Sports, Indiana Wildlife Federation, Upstream Pittsburgh, Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund, Virginia Conservation Network, Three Rivers Waterkeeper, PennFuture, Groundwork Ohio River Valley, Ohio Conservation Federation, Livelihoods Knowledge Exchange Network (LiKEN), Kentucky Riverkeeper, Friends of Bell Smith Springs, Prairie Rivers Network, Ohio River Foundation, and Kentucky Conservation Committee.


Rep. Young Kim Urges Department of Justice to Crack Down on Power of Attorney Elder Abuse

Washington, D.C. — Today, Representative Young Kim (CA-40) sent a letter to Attorney General Pamela Bondi, urging the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate and address the growing misuse of Powers of Attorney (POAs) to financially exploit seniors in California and across the nation.

The letter raises serious concerns about bad actors, including individuals in positions of trust, who manipulate cognitively impaired seniors into signing over control of their finances, homes, and medical decisions.

“My elderly constituents in Riverside, Orange, and San Bernadino Counties have fallen victim to this kind of fraud time and time again,” said Rep. Kim. “By the time families discover what has happened, it’s often too late—life savings are drained, homes are sold, and independence is stripped away. We cannot allow predators to hide behind paperwork to exploit vulnerable seniors.”

The letter highlights how law enforcement and courts may dismiss or deprioritize cases when victims technically “consented” to a POA, even when that consent was obtained through manipulation or exploitation of cognitive decline. It also emphasizes that access to private medical information should never be weaponized to secure fraudulent control over a senior’s assets.

The letter requests answers from the DOJ on:

Gaps in current federal law that obstruct the investigation or prosecution of POA-related elder financial exploitation;

Whether the Department tracks these cases and considers them an emerging national trend;

Potential new guidance, rulemaking, or investigative priorities targeting POA-related abuse;

The feasibility of establishing a federal standard or model framework to better assess the validity of POAs obtained from cognitively impaired adults; and

Additional authorities or resources Congress could provide to strengthen enforcement.


Congressman Aderholt Announces 2026 Service Academy Nominations from Alabama’s Fourth District

This office is located on the backside of the Cullman Dental Arts building up the handicap ramp. It serves Cullman and Winston Counties.

We encourage you to make an appointment before coming into the office so that our constituent services representatives can pull up relevant information beforehand to help with your request of a federal agency.

This office serves Marshall, DeKalb, and Blount Counties.

We encourage you to make an appointment before coming into the office so that our constituent services representatives can pull up relevant information beforehand to help with your request of a federal agency.

This office serves Fayette, Lamar, Marion and Walker Counties. It also serves the portion of Tuscaloosa County north of the Black Warrior River, but also down the western side of the county to include the Ralph, Fosters areas.

We encourage you to make an appointment before coming into the office so that our constituent services representatives can pull up relevant information beforehand to help with your request of a federal agency.

This office serves Colbert and Franklin Counties. It also serves residents of Lauderdale County from roughly Center Star, west to the Mississippi line.

We encourage you to make an appointment before coming into the office so that our constituent services representatives can pull up relevant information beforehand to help with your request of a federal agency.

This office is located on the backside of the Cullman Dental Arts building up the handicap ramp. It serves Cullman and Winston Counties.

We encourage you to make an appointment before coming into the office so that our constituent services representatives can pull up relevant information beforehand to help with your request of a federal agency.

This office serves Marshall, DeKalb, and Blount Counties.

We encourage you to make an appointment before coming into the office so that our constituent services representatives can pull up relevant information beforehand to help with your request of a federal agency.

This office serves Fayette, Lamar, Marion and Walker Counties. It also serves the portion of Tuscaloosa County north of the Black Warrior River, but also down the western side of the county to include the Ralph, Fosters areas.

We encourage you to make an appointment before coming into the office so that our constituent services representatives can pull up relevant information beforehand to help with your request of a federal agency.

This office serves Colbert and Franklin Counties. It also serves residents of Lauderdale County from roughly Center Star, west to the Mississippi line.

We encourage you to make an appointment before coming into the office so that our constituent services representatives can pull up relevant information beforehand to help with your request of a federal agency.


Smith Celebrates House Passage of SAVE America Act to Strengthen Election Integrity

Today, Congressman Adrian Smith (NE-03) released the following statement celebrating the House passage of the SAVE America Act.

“Free, fair, and secure elections are the foundation of our democracy. Americans deserve to trust that when election results are announced, they reflect the lawful will of the people. Today’s passage of the SAVE America Act marks an important first step toward strengthening safeguards, improving accountability, and reinforcing public trust in our democratic process. I am proud to support this measure and look forward to working with my Senate colleagues to advance it to the President’s desk.”

Background on the SAVE America Act:

The SAVE America Act strengthens election integrity by:

Requiring individuals to present an eligible photo identification document when voting to verify identity.

Requiring in-person proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote.

Directing states to implement procedures to identify and remove non-citizens from existing voter rolls, consistent with federal law and due process protections.


Reps. Alford, Mann, Correa, Barrett Empower First-Time Homebuyers

Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04), alongside Reps. Tracey Mann (KS-01), Lou Correa (CA-46), and Tom Barrett (MI-07) introduced the First-Time Homebuyer Empowerment Act. This bill would allow first-time homebuyers to use leftover 529 plan funds tax-free to buy or build their first home, giving buyers more options to use their tax-advantaged savings. This legislation aims to remove barriers first-time homebuyers face in putting up a down payment and increase access to the housing market for future homeowners.

“Every American deserves a fair shot at owning a home," said Rep. Alford. "Too many first-time buyers are working hard and saving yet still can’t reach the down payment. This commonsense bill gives families more flexibility to use their existing savings in tax advantaged accounts, opening the door to the American Dream.”

“Homeownership is the heart of the American Dream," said Rep. Mann. "The ability to provide a safe, stable place to raise a family is so important for the future of our country. Today, too many young Americans feel that owning a home continues to become more and more out of reach. Our legislation gives people more flexibility on how to use their savings, opening up pathways for more Americans to own equity in their homes."

“This bill would give hard-working American taxpayers on Main Street greater flexibility to put the money they’ve earnestly saved toward one of the largest investments they can make—buying a home,” said Rep. Correa. “In Orange County and across our state, housing has only become more unaffordable. This would mark an important step toward giving aspiring home-owners across the country the tools they need to build and sustain financial stability—for themselves and their children.”

“Too many families can’t afford homes that work for them, plain and simple,” said Rep. Barrett. “An easy first step towards changing that reality is to let homebuyers tap into unused college savings in their 529 accounts and put them towards purchasing their first home. I’m proud to join my colleagues on this legislation to incentivize saving for the future and help the next generation achieve homeownership.”

The First-Time Homebuyer Empowerment Act is supported by the National Association of Realtors, National Association of Homebuilders, Mortgage Bankers Association, Institute of Real Estate Management, Kansas Association of Realtors, Missouri Realtors, Iowa Association of Realtors, Michigan Association of Realtors, and California Association of Realtors.

“NAHB commends Reps. Mann, Alford and Correa for introducing the First Time Home Buyer Enhancement Act, legislation that would allow first-time home buyers to use funds from their 529 savings accounts to buy their first home," said Buddy Hughes, Chairman of National Association of Home Builders. "Saving for a downpayment is a major barrier for first-time home buyers and this bill would help hard-working families to get a toe hold on the homeownership ladder.”

"Downpayment hurdles continue to block many families from owning a home," said Bill Killmer, Senior Vice President of Legislative & Political Affairs at Mortgage Bankers Association. "The First-Time Home Buyer Empowerment Act provides a common-sense solution that empowers first-time buyers to use their own savings—at no cost to taxpayers. MBA looks forward to supporting this and other efforts in Congress to expand sustainable homeownership.”

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Rep. Al Green Questions SEC Chairman About Investigating Trump’s Market Manipulation

(Washington, DC) — On Wednesday, February 11, 2026, Congressman Al Green, Ranking Member of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, shared remarks in a Financial Services Hearing entitled, “Oversight of the Securities and Exchange Commission."

You can access and listen to Congressman Al Green's remarks by clicking here. The hearing remarks highlighted are also accessible on various social media platforms, including Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter).


Reps. Allen, Carter, and Bishop Introduce Bipartisan Fix to Hurricane Insurance Program for Farmers

Yesterday, Representative Rick W. Allen (R-GA-12), alongside Reps. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA-01) and Sanford Bishop (D-GA-02), introduced the Farmers’ AID Relief Act, amending the Hurricane Insurance Protection - Wind Index (HIP-WI) program to better serve farmers affected by hurricane damage.

The HIP-WI program is a wind-based insurance option managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and designed to protect farmers impacted by hurricanes. The program relies on storm-tracking data systems to determine eligibility for the program; however, those systems are vulnerable to inaccuracies, leaving many farmers who experienced significant crop losses without federal protection.

For example, during Hurricane Helene, the data used for HIP-WI showed the storm traveling through the middle of Georgia. In reality, Helene shifted east, causing widespread damage to farms in the southeast and eastern parts of Georgia. Unfortunately, USDA is required to use the inaccurate data set when determining HIP-WI eligibility, causing unnecessary financial hardship for Georgia’s farmers.

The Farmers’ AID Relief Act updates HIP-WI so the program better reflects real-world storm paths and protects farmers affected by damage.

"After the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene, many of Georgia’s farmers were unfairly denied the relief they needed and deserved. The Farmers' AID Relief Act directs the USDA Secretary to expand the data considered and identify alternative methods for determining eligibility for indemnity payments under the Hurricane Insurance Protection–Wind Index endorsement. I am proud to co-lead this bill and will continue working diligently to deliver real solutions for our farmers," said Rep. Allen.

"By enacting this common-sense fix to the HIP-WI program, farmers will be adequately insured and protected against hurricanes that ravage crop yields. We must learn from the failures of Hurricane Helene and protect our farmers from future losses," said Rep. Carter. "Agriculture is Georgia’s number one industry, and amending this program will strengthen food security and protect our farmers who feed the nation."

"I am glad to work with Congressman Carter and Congressman Allen to introduce today's bill which will apply the lessons we learned from Hurricane Helene so that when the next storm hits us, we are better prepared to help farmers in need," said Rep. Bishop. "When an area is hit by a storm, the Hurricane Insurance Protection - Wind Index, or HIP-WI, is used to determine if agricultural producers can get a portion of the deductible for underlying crop insurance covered as part of disaster relief. When storms knock out the weather monitoring equipment used to measure HIP-WI, we want to make sure our producers are not left behind because these crucial data systems may be down."

"This legislation ensures that when hurricanes strike and official weather data falters, reliable numbers from trusted sources step in to guarantee that insured farmers aren’t left stranded. It strengthens the promise of the program by providing a commonsense safeguard so Georgia farmers can count on fair assistance when storms hit hardest. We appreciate Congressman Carter's continued focus on this issue and wholeheartedly encourage its expedited progress towards becoming law," said Tom McCall, President, Georgia Farm Bureau.

This bill will:

Direct the Secretary of Agriculture to create an alternate dataset for HIP-WI determinations to be used in the event of an incomplete data set.

Set uniform standards for the collection and use of the alternate data set.

Read full bill text here.


Allen Votes to Bolster Election Integrity in America

Today, the House of Representatives passed the SAVE America Act, a revised and improved version of the widely supported SAVE Act. The SAVE America Act adds a voter ID requirement for voting in federal elections while maintaining the original bill’s proof-of-citizenship requirement for voter registration. After offering his support for the bill on the House floor, Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) issued the following statement:

"The American people are overwhelmingly supportive of requiring a photo ID to vote in federal elections. While Georgia law already requires a photo ID to vote, and federal law states that it is illegal for foreign nationals and noncitizens to vote, we continue to see noncitizens unlawfully register in some states. This is unacceptable and threatens the integrity of our elections.

"The SAVE America Act is a commonsense effort to ensure American citizens decide American elections by requiring a valid ID to vote. It's that simple. While Democrats continue to fearmonger and spread outright falsehoods about this bill—I will continue to fight for hardworking Americans who want free, fair, and secure elections," said Congressman Allen.

Polling has consistently shown strong majorities support voter ID requirements:

Pew Research Center: 83% of Americans favor requiring all voters to show government-issued photo ID to vote, including 95% of Republicans and 71% of Democrats. Just 16% of Americans are in opposition.

Gallup: 84% of Americans support requiring photo ID to vote, including 98% of Republicans, 84% of independents, and 67% of Democrats. Separately, 83% support requiring proof of citizenship when registering to vote for the first time.

Additional surveys, including from Napolitan News Service and The Center Square, consistently show extraordinary support for voter ID.


Amo, Fitzpatrick Launch Bipartisan Caucus to Support Community Foundations

WASHINGTON, DC – TODAY, Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) launched the bipartisan Community Foundation Caucus to support the vital work of community foundations across the United States. Community foundations are locally governed grantmaking organizations that help address local problems with local solutions and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans.

“In Rhode Island and across our country, community foundations are uniquely positioned to strengthen our neighborhoods, support local nonprofits, and make a real difference,” said Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI). “The Rhode Island Community Foundation, led by my predecessor in Congress, David Cicilline, supports phenomenal work in Rhode Island to help ensure our neighbors are housed, fed, educated, and have access to health care. I’m proud to launch the Community Foundation Caucus with Congressman Fitzpatrick to expand federal collaboration and better support our communities.”

“Throughout my time in Congress, the most effective solutions I’ve worked on didn’t begin in Washington — they began in our communities. They began with neighbors coming together to solve problems, rolling up their sleeves, and investing in one another. That is exactly what community foundations do every single day,” said Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA). “This bipartisan Caucus formalizes what I have long believed: when we empower local voices and shape policy alongside our communities, we produce solutions that drive measurable progress and enduring impact. I’m proud to launch the Community Foundation Caucus with Congressman Amo and our colleagues to strengthen that partnership and ensure community-driven solutions remain at the heart of how we govern.”

“Community foundations are uniquely positioned to drive meaningful change through our deep roots and trusted relationships in the communities we serve. From supporting local nonprofits and responding to natural disasters to convening diverse perspectives around complex challenges, we create a lasting impact by understanding and collaborating with our neighbors,” said former Congressman David Cicilline, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Rhode Island Foundation. “The Congressional Community Foundation Caucus will help ensure federal policymakers recognize the power of place-based philanthropy and our potential as partners in addressing the most pressing needs of our shared communities. We're grateful to Representatives Amo and Fitzpatrick for their leadership in establishing this bipartisan caucus and for valuing the vital role community foundations play in strengthening communities nationwide.”

“Community Foundations serve as the permanent philanthropic hub for local communities, connecting generous donors with pressing needs and building resources that serve our community now and for generations to come,” said Mandy Mundy, Executive Director of Bucks County Foundation. “Just as community foundations foster collaboration in local communities between donors and charitable needs, the launch of the new bipartisan Congressional Community Foundation Caucus will facilitate collaboration between legislators and community foundation leaders to enhance the critical role community foundations play in leading community-focused charitable giving- now and forever.”

Background

Community foundations are public charities that pool contributions from many donors to benefit a broad geographic area. This community-based approach enables them to address a wide range of issues and serve as trusted conveners and partners for local initiatives.

In 2023, community foundations awarded $18.7 billion in grants to support education, health care, affordable housing, and countless other community priorities.

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Ansari Introduces Bill to Address Corruption, Ban Trump Admin Officials from Holding Multiple Federal Roles

WASHINGTON – Today, Representative Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03) introduced her Dual Hatting Act, legislation to address corruption and abuse of office in the Trump Administration by prohibiting certain federal officials and or acting officers from holding multiple roles at once.

“The Trump Administration is the most corrupt in U.S. history. Trump’s handpicked favorites, like Marco Rubio, have exploited “dual hatting” to consolidate power and weaken oversight,” said Rep. Ansari. “My legislation ends this corrupt practice, which undermines trust in our government, and restores accountability to the Executive Branch by banning these Trump loyalists from holding multiple federal roles at once.”

“The Trump Administration has been consolidating power at the expense of independent oversight by letting loyalists in the White House hold two, three, or more jobs at the same time. It creates conflicts of interest, compromises multiple critical roles, and is corrupt. We must crack down on this power grab and restore basic oversight and integrity,” said Rep. Robert Garcia, Ranking Member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

View text of Ansari’s Dual Hatting Act HERE.

Ansari’s legislation is also endorsed by American Oversight, Project On Government Oversight (POGO), and CREW (Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington).

SUPPORT FOR ANSARI’S LEGISLATION

“The Project On Government Oversight (POGO) is pleased to endorse this legislation, which would limit the ability to place the same person in multiple acting roles. It would also ensure that agency heads cannot also lead the offices designed to oversee their agencies, like the Office of Government Ethics,” said Faith Williams, Director of the Effective and Accountable Government Program at Project On Government Oversight (POGO). “The American people deserve leaders devoted to their agency's missions, not people juggling multiple roles at one time.”

ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND

Since the start of his second term, Donald Trump has attempted to “dual hat” at least seven senior federal officials—each at Level I of the Executive Schedule—across 15 federal agencies.

Marco Rubio dual-hatted multiple roles: Appointed Senate-confirmed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to serve simultaneously as Acting Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, Acting Archivist of the United States, and Acting National Security Advisor.

Jamieson Greer dual-hatted multiple roles: Appointed United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer as both Acting Director of the Office of Government Ethics and Acting Special Counsel.

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Arrington Fights for Voter Integrity, Urges Passage of SAVE America Act on House Floor

Washington, D.C. – Today, House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) spoke on the House floor in support of the SAVE America Act (H.R. 7296), legislation that requires individuals to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote and requires photo identification to vote in federal elections.

Click HERE to watch

Remarks as Delivered:

There is not a better example of political expediency than my Democrat colleagues opposing a voter ID law on the grounds of states’ rights.

First, the Constitution is clear: rules for running elections have been delegated to the states, but in that same provision, the Constitution says Congress may at any time alter the process.

Certainly, I think our Founding Fathers would support strengthening the integrity of our elections.

Democrats know this.

They must think the American people, though, have forgotten about their ‘For the Politicians Act’ in the 117th Congress, where they basically codified a COVID-era, fraud-ridden election law that included, ironically, prohibiting voter ID, essentially, also ballot harvesting, promoting mass voting by mail, and to take taxpayer dollars to fund political campaigns.

Let’s be clear, Mr. Speaker, Democrats believe Congress has the power to ban voter ID, but not the power to require it.

This should not be controversial. Requiring proof of citizenship to register and a valid voter ID is as common sense as it gets.

American elections are for American citizens.

I urge a yes vote on the SAVE America Act, and I yield back.

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Related News


Arrington Defends Trump's America First Trade Policy

Washington, D.C. – Today, House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) spoke on the House floor in opposition to H.J.Res.72, a privileged resolution to overturn President Trump’s “national emergency” on fentanyl pouring in from Canada, which allowed IEEPA tariffs to be imposed.

Click HERE to watch

Remarks as Delivered:

The Democrats fought Republicans to require a voter ID to protect the integrity of our elections, the cornerstone of our democratic republic.

Now they stand here today on the floor of the People’s House fighting the President in his effort to protect the lives of the American people against what is the most imminent threat and the number one cause of accidental deaths in drug overdoses.

We know where their drugs are coming, pouring into our country, in our communities, killing our friends, killing our families.

I cannot think of a greater security concern than this.

The President, by the way, has effectively and appropriately promoted and defended America’s economic and security interests by the use of tariffs.

Today, Mr. Speaker, as a result, we have a lower trade deficit than we have had since 2009.

By the way, the top 20 economies in the world that we do business with had twice the tariffs on our products, three times the tariffs when you measure agricultural products and the deficit is going down - quadruple revenue to strengthen America’s balance sheet, pay down the tax on our children, which is the deficit, gone from 6.3% to 5.9%, and exports are at an all-time high.

Now, the issue here is not about 301 unfair trade practices, although there are plenty of grievances against our northern neighbor in that regard.

This is not about USMCA.

The USMCA products flowing from Canada to the United States are exempt - 85% of the products. We are not talking about that. It is not about 232.

This is about one particular authority that this Congress empowered our Commander-in-Chief with to deal with unusual threats outside of the U.S. that would impact our national security, our foreign policy, and our economy.

Now I cannot think of anything more unusual, and I cannot think of a bigger threat than chemical warfare waged against the United States of America.

And any President worth his salt, any Commander-in-Chief, would be derelict in their duty if they did not use every tool at their disposal to stop it.

And for my President to expect our neighbor to the north to have the same vigilance and the same urgency as he has because of the American people’s mandate to stop this madness and protect our children.

God bless him. God bless him.

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Bacon, Fischer, Hickenlooper Reintroduce Bicameral, Bipartisan Foster Care Legislation

Washington – Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) and U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) reintroduced their bipartisan legislation, H.R. 7419, the Foster Care Stabilization Act, to provide children in pre-placement foster care with better access to essential supplies like clothing, food, and other necessities. The bill would authorize grants to foster care stabilization agencies to provide emergency relief and improve pre-placement services.

“Children who enter the foster care system do not get to make their own choice and it’s unfortunate there are so many children who have gone to unstable homes,” said Rep. Bacon. “As a foster to adopt parent, I know the Foster Care Stabilization Act will help to reduce trauma that children experience in the foster care system because it would help them receive daily needs such as clothing, food, and safety, things many of us take for granted but mean so much to a child. I thank Senators Fischer and Hickenlooper for their partnership and leadership in reintroducing this important legislation to support children entering foster care.”

“No child entering foster care should have to worry about basic necessities. I’m proud to partner with Senator Hickenlooper and Rep. Bacon to reintroduce this bill so children transitioning into foster care receive the support and resources they deserve immediately,”said Senator Fischer.

“Children entering foster care are already carrying too heavy a burden,” said Sen. Hickenlooper. “We should do everything we can to ease that transition.”

“We are thankful for our delegations' dedication and leadership to understanding the trends, needs and problems for today's at-risk foster child. Our leaders also understand creative solutions are imperative to help stop the tremendous hurtful cycle that the foster care system can attack on a young life,” said Leigh Esau, Executive Director of Nebraska Foster Care Closet.

Background

At any given time, over 4,000 children are in foster care in Nebraska. The transition into foster care can be a difficult experience for children, who often lack basic supplies such as clothes or other personal necessities. Foster care stabilization agencies address these challenges by providing children with the emergency supplies and assistance they need - restoring dignity to kids entering the foster care system and setting them up for success with their future foster care family. These agencies are nonprofits, including community and faith-based organizations.

The Foster Care Stabilization Act would authorize $3 million in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) demonstration grants that could be used to:

Hire personnel

Secure clothing or personal necessities for foster youth

Purchase food and food preparation equipment for foster youth

Offer services to prevent and respond to child abuse

Address any other emergency assistance needed to promote the safety and self-sufficiency of foster youth

Click here to read the text of the Foster Care Stabilization Act.

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Congressman Baird Votes for SAVE America Act, Supports Election Integrity

Today, Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) released the following statement after voting for S. 1383, the SAVE America Act, to require proof of citizenship when registering to vote and to add voter ID requirements when voting in federal elections:

“I voted for the SAVE America Act to secure our elections by ensuring only American citizens vote in our federal elections. Upholding the integrity of our elections is vital to our great republic and preserving the institutions that make our nation the freest, most prosperous country in the world. This bill comes after the Biden Administration let over 10 million illegal immigrants into our country. Many Democrat-run states have created opportunities where illegal immigrants could illegally register to vote. In some cases, non-citizens can vote in local elections. A large majority of Americans support voter ID requirements to vote. This legislation should not be partisan. This is simply a common-sense measure to strengthen our election integrity and protect the will of the American people.”

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Barr Delivers $2 Million to Accelerate Mercer County’s Bluegrass Innovation Gateway

Harrodsburg, KY — Today, U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) announced $2 million in federal funding for the Wilkinson Farm Mega Site Industrial Park Improvements, a transformative investment that will help Mercer County continue developing the Bluegrass Innovation Gateway and position the region to attract major employers and high-quality jobs. This funding was secured through the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations Bill, which President Donald Trump signed into law.

The funding, awarded to the Mercer County Fiscal Court, will support critical infrastructure and site development needed to bring the mega site closer to full market readiness. Local leaders say the investment builds years of work to make the property one of Kentucky’s most competitive locations for large-scale industrial recruitment.

“Central Kentucky is competing on a national stage for the next generation of manufacturing and technology investment, and the Bluegrass Innovation Gateway is a prime example of how preparation meets opportunity,” said Congressman Barr. “I’m proud to work alongside our outstanding local partners to keep this momentum going. I’m also grateful to President Trump and his support for this funding that helps rural America compete and win.”

“Congressman Andy Barr has been a strong supporter of the Bluegrass Innovation Gateway from the start,” said Sarah Steele, Mercer County Judge/Executive. “His continued advocacy is helping us build the infrastructure needed to create jobs and drive economic growth in Mercer County and throughout the region, and I am grateful to him and his team for their leadership.”

“This $2 million in federal funding is exactly the kind of targeted investment our region needs to move the Bluegrass Innovation Gateway from vision to reality,” said State Senator Amanda Mays Bledsoe (R-KY-12). “By supporting essential infrastructure and site readiness, this appropriation strengthens Mercer County’s ability to compete for high-impact employers and quality jobs. I thank Congressman Barr for his leadership in securing these resources and for standing with Central Kentucky as we build a stronger economic future for our communities.”

“The mega site project holds incredible potential for our community, bringing good-paying jobs and economic investment for generations to come. I appreciate Congressman Barr’s efforts to secure this funding and look forward to continuing the work required to make this project a reality,” said State Representative Kim King (R-KY-55).

“Representative Barr continues to deliver when it comes to support of our community. The Bluegrass Innovation Gateway Park is able to move forward more readily with the introduction of this $2 Million award. Thank you, Rep. Barr, for your leadership, service, and above all, friendship with the Harrodsburg/Mercer County community,” said Harrodsburg Mayor Bob Williams.

“HMCIDA is extremely grateful for the advocacy of Congressman Barr and his team,” said Greyson Evans, Executive Director of the Harrodsburg-Mercer County Industrial Development Authority. “The Bluegrass Innovation Gateway is already one of our state’s most prominent development opportunities, and the funding secured only enhances our community’s red-hot momentum. Congressman Barr and his staff have been instrumentally elevating this site and spreading the word even at the federal level that Mercer County is open for business. The proof is in the pudding—Apple/Corning, Earth Breeze, other opportunities on the horizon, and robust funding for what we believe is one of the best and fastest-to-market mega sites in the country. Thank you, Congressman Barr!”

The Wilkinson Farm Mega site is designed to serve as a catalyst for long-term economic growth in Central Kentucky, creating construction opportunities in the near term while laying the groundwork for permanent jobs and expanded industry in the years ahead.

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Barrett Votes To Require Voter ID for Federal Elections

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) today voted for the SAVE America Act (S. 1383), which would require individuals to show proof of citizenship when registering to vote and provide photo ID when casting a ballot. The bill passed the House of Representatives today with bipartisan support by a vote of 218 - 213.

According to Gallup, 84% of Americans across the political spectrum support voter ID requirements. Additionally, 83% of Americans support requiring proof of citizenship when registering to vote.

“It shouldn’t be controversial to demand that only United States citizens be allowed to vote in our federal elections,” said Barrett. “We require a photo ID to drive a car, board an airplane, and open a bank account. Voting in an election – one of the most sacred and fundamental rights we have in this country – shouldn’t be any different. The SAVE America Act is commonsense policy that the vast majority of Americans support to strengthen our election integrity and restore confidence in our process.”

The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE America) Act (H.R. 7296) would require new voters to verify their citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections. The bill would also require voters in federal elections to show photo ID when voting. Additionally, the legislation would require states to regularly cross-check their voter rolls to remove any non-citizens who illegally registered.

This comes after Macomb County Clerk Anthony Forlini recently identified 14 non-citizens who were registered to vote, some of whom had a voting history. This is in addition to earlier reporting that at least 15 non-citizens cast ballots in the 2024 election. Last week, Barrett and the Michigan Republican congressional delegation sent a letter to Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson demanding answers about these ongoing election integrity concerns in Michigan.

Click here to read the SAVE America Act.

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WATCH: Barrett Discusses Electronic Health Record Modernization Rollout With VA Secretary Collins

Click here or the image above to watch.

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) today continued his work to provide oversight of the Electronic Health Record Modernization (EHRM) at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which will be rolled out at Michigan’s VA hospitals this spring. During a House Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing, Barrett, VA Secretary Doug Collins, and Acting COO of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Gregory Goins discussed the impacts that reorganization of the VHA would have on the EHRM rollout.

Below are highlights from the hearing.

Congressman Barrett: “I [have] to bring up the EHRM rollout and how that will interface with this realignment of VISNs [Veterans Integrated Service Networks] and what type of expectation we have there and if we can be satisfied that will go on unencumbered with this change that you’re talking about as well.”

Secretary Collins: “That is one of our most important pieces as we go forward not only for direct care but also community care in the future is getting an EHRM, which again will go live [April 11th] in Michigan. But it’s on track and we’ve aligned it with the VISN structure as we change, and the rollout hopefully is as successful as it looks like we are going to be. These 13 this year will actually help with momentum getting into the other areas as well, possibly quicker.”

VHA Acting COO Gregory Goins: “We have worked with the deputy secretary’s office — the owner for EHRM rollout — and on the operations side we have made an agreement through Undersecretary Bartrum that we will make sure that the schedule that’s already been published is completely considered and unencumbered as we do the reorganization. Again, it is an iterative phased approach and we’re not in a hurry to just blow things up.”

Congressman Barrett: “So even though we’re doing EHRM through the current VISN structure rollout, it will not be impeded or affected by the change that you’re proposing?”

VHA Acting COO Gregory Goins: “Correct, in addition to the continuity of care priority, that is our second highest priority through the reorg.”

Background:

Barrett serves as chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Technology Modernization tasked with oversight of the VA’s EHRM initiative. Barrett has led several oversight hearings to ensure a smooth rollout of the new records system for veterans. This system is scheduled to deploy to VA facilities in Michigan in April 2026.