Rep. Vasquez Introduces Bill to Cut Red Tape and Feed  Our Veterans

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On February 4, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) introduced the Feed Our Veterans Act to cut red tape imposed under the Republican tax law and ensure no veteran is forced to go hungry after serving their country.

For decades, federal law recognized the value of military service by exempting veterans from SNAP work requirements. This allowed our veterans — many of whom live with service-related health conditions which limit their ability to work — to use food assistance to feed themselves or their families after they worked hard to protect our American freedoms.

However, under the Republican tax law, the 8% of veterans nationwide who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) face new work requirements in order to keep their benefits beyond three months.

“Our veterans have worked hard to protect our freedoms, and when they come back home, we have a responsibility to take care of them, especially if their service has led to health conditions that limit their ability to work,” said Vasquez. “Requiring veterans to prove they are hard workers is insulting, and cutting off access to a critical program like SNAP for our heroes is a mistake. I’m proud to be leading the push to fix it.”

During negotiations on the Republican tax law, Representative Vasquez and House Democrats urged Speaker Johnson and Agriculture Committee leaders to reject harmful SNAP cuts that would strain families, hurt local food economies, and undermine a bipartisan Farm Bill. Rep. Vasquez also introduced the Farm and Family Relief Act to protect family farmers and delay SNAP cost-shifts that would push new costs onto states and put food assistance at risk.

This bill is co-led by Representatives Josh Riley (NY-19) and Adam Gray (CA-13) and endorsed by more than a dozen national New Mexico organization including the American Ex-Prisoners of War, American Latino Veterans Association, Food Research and Action Center, Feeding New York State, Hispanic Veterans Leadership Alliance, League of United Latin American Citizens, Minority Veterans of America, National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, Roadrunner Food Bank, Service Women’s Action Network, Student Veterans of America, Vet Voice Foundation, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Women Veterans ROCK!.

“Our veterans have put everything on the line for this country. The least we can do is make sure they never have to wonder where their next meal is coming from,” said Rep. Riley. “But the Big Ugly Bill would rip away food from veterans over paperwork technicalities, mistakes, and missed forms. That’s wrong. The bipartisan Feed Our Veterans Act cuts the red tape so our veterans can keep food on the table.”

"No veteran should have to go through a needlessly bureaucratic process challenging their work ethic just to access SNAP benefits,” said Rep. Gray. “By restoring a commonsense exemption for Veterans seeking SNAP benefits we are fulfilling our promise to care for those who served our country."

"Hunger and housing insecurity are deeply connected. Veterans struggling with unstable housing face added challenges meeting basic needs, and SNAP work requirements only make that harder,” said Kathryn Monet, CEO, National Coalition for Homeless Veterans. “By removing these barriers, the Feed Our Veterans Act helps protect both food security and housing stability for those who served."

“The Feed Our Veterans Act rightly restores the veteran SNAP exemption that honored service for decades,” said James Saenz, Colonel, U.S. Army (retired), President and CEO, Hispanic Veterans Leadership Alliance. “HVLA supports this bill to ensure veterans are not denied food assistance due to rigid work requirements that ignore the realities of military service.”

“New Mexico has a very high percentage of veterans per capita. Many families have a proud tradition of military service. Sadly, in our state, too many veterans find themselves needing food assistance. Up until recently, veterans who participated in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program were exempt from having to complete monthly work requirements. Now, the rules have been changed. Hundreds of thousands of veterans in every state will face additional hurdles preventing them from accessing SNAP,” said Dana Yost, CEO, Roadrunner Food Bank. “SNAP can provide nine times more meals than the nation’s entire charitable food bank network. When SNAP work requirements are increased, our food bank lines get longer. Roadrunner Food Bank supports reinstating the work requirement exemption for veterans. As a nation, we ask so much of our military members. We should not ask our veterans for any further service just because they need help with food.”

“At LULAC, we believe veterans have already done the hardest work this country can ask of anyone,” said Roman Palomares, National President, League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). “The Feed Our Veterans Act says they should not have to prove it again just to eat.”

“Our veterans have already proven their commitment to their country by putting on the uniform and serving,” said Cheryl Cerbone, President, American Ex-Prisoners of War. “Making them jump through hoops to feed their families is beneath us as a caring people.”

"Those who served our country in uniform and put their lives on the line should never have to overcome mental or physical disabilities or other barriers to working in order to eat. Especially when we're seeing soaring costs at the grocery store, it's downright cruel to subject these veterans to work requirements for SNAP benefits,” said Mary Kaszynski, Director of Government Relations, Vet Voice Foundation. "We're proud to support the Feed Our Veterans Act to ensure that veterans always have a means to get food for themselves and their families, like was always the case before last year. We applaud Representative Vasquez's leadership and urge Congress to pass this important bill expeditiously."

“Too many veterans are fighting a second battle at home, one against hunger. With nearly 1.2 million veterans who are low-income relying on SNAP, we have a responsibility to remove barriers that make it harder for them to access basic nutrition,” said Lindsay Church, Executive Director of Minority Veterans of America. “Veterans deserve a system that reflects the realities of service-connected disabilities, recovery, and reintegration. Restoring the SNAP exemption for veterans is a simple and urgently needed fix to ensure those who served are not pushed deeper into crisis by red tape.”

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Michigan Republican Delegation Demands Answers from Secretary Benson on Election Integrity

Today, the Michigan Republican Congressional Delegation sent a letter to Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, demanding answers on ongoing concerns about election integrity in Michigan.

Recently, Macomb County Clerk Anthony Forlini identified 14 non-citizens who were registered to vote, some of whom had a voting history. This comes in addition to earlier reporting that at least 15 non-citizens were found to have cast ballots in the 2024 election.

"While you admit you are aware of instances of non-citizen voting you continued to erode public confidence by refusing to comply with a lawful request by the Department of Justice to provide them Michigan’s voter registration data to ensure that Michigan’s voter rolls are being properly maintained," the lawmakers write. "Your refusal to comply with the DOJ’s request and assist in building the public’s confidence in Michigan elections invalidates your statement to the Committee on House Administration that you believe your responsibility is to 'ensure our elections are accessible, safe, secure and that the results are accurate' because under your watch you have allowed an environment to persist where at least 15 non-citizens cast ballots in the 2024 election."

"These continued reports of non-citizens both registering to vote and casting a ballot in elections is unacceptable and as Secretary of State you should be taking every action to ensure the integrity of Michigan elections and build public confidence in them," the lawmakers continue.

The lawmakers' letter to Benson can be found in full here.

The letter was signed by every member of the Michigan Republican Delegation: Reps. Jack Bergman (MI-01), John Moolenaar (MI-02), Bill Huizenga (MI-04), Tim Walberg (MI-05), Tom Barrett (MI-07), Lisa McClain (MI-09), and John James (MI-10).


Walkinshaw, Van Hollen, Hoyer Launch the Federal Workforce Caucus

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives James Walkinshaw (D-Va.), Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), and U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) announced the launch of the Federal Workforce Caucus. The members are launching this Caucus to bolster efforts to protect federal workers and strengthen our merit-based federal civil service so these dedicated public servants can continue to deliver for the American people without political interference. The lawmakers were joined by Caucus member Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and federal employee union leaders and members at the announcement.

Additional members of the Caucus include U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), and Mark Warner (D-Va.) and U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-Va.), Sarah Elfreth (D-Md.), Glenn Ivey (D-Md.), Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), April McClain Delaney (D-Md.), Jennifer McClellan (D-Va.), Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Johnny Olszewski (D-Md.), Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), Bobby Scott (D-Va.), Suhas Subramanyam (D-Va.), and Eugene Vindman (D-Va.).

“As Co-Chair and Founder of the Federal Workforce Caucus, I’m proud to lead this effort to advocate for our dedicated federal workers and the good government values they uphold,” said Congressman Walkinshaw. “Virginia is home to nearly 150,000 federal workers, including more than 60,000 in Fairfax, who care for veterans, protect our food supply, respond to disasters, and keep essential programs running. Too often, they are treated as political targets instead of the backbone of an effective, nonpartisan civil service. This Caucus will be on the front lines defending merit-based public service and advancing policies to strengthen recruitment and retention, boost morale, and modernize pay and professional development. We will work every day to ensure government delivers world-class services for all Americans.”

“Federal workers deliver essential public services on behalf of the American people every day – they are the patriotic civil servants who care for our veterans, conduct food safety inspections, provide aid to communities struck by disaster, and so much more. But from day one, the Trump Administration has relentlessly attacked them and jeopardized the services they provide – as they pursue their ultimate goal of replacing qualified civil servants with political cronies who will do Trump’s bidding without regard for the law. We’re launching the Federal Workforce Caucus to stand united against this Administration’s attacks, to support our federal workers, and to protect the integrity of our merit-based civil service,” said Senator Van Hollen.

"Donald Trump and Russell Vought claim that our federal workers are 'villains' who ought to be 'put in trauma.' That's dead wrong. Federal employees are patriotic professionals who provide vital services to the American people every day. I have fought to protect them from DOGE's crusade, and Congress must do the same. That's why I'm pleased to help found the Federal Workforce Caucus," said Congressman Hoyer.

“Virginia is home to hundreds of thousands of hardworking public servants who keep our country safe and provide critical services to their fellow Americans,” said Senator Kaine. “As the Trump Administration attacks and vilifies this dedicated workforce, we must push back. I’m glad to join my colleagues in launching the Federal Workforce Caucus to protect and strengthen the federal workforce.”

"When federal workers take their oath, they don’t pledge allegiance to whoever is in the Oval Office, they pledge an oath to this nation and our constitution. They deserve our gratitude and respect, yet instead, this Administration has unleashed a witch hunt against our civil servants. The Federal Workforce Caucus is focused – through legislation, advocacy, and dialogue – on protecting our civil servants and allowing them to continue to serve the American people," said Senator Alsobrooks.

“Federal workers in Virginia and across the country are the backbone of services Americans depend on,” said Senator Warner. “As the Trump administration continues to target federal workers and use them as political bargaining chips, it is critical for lawmakers to come together and defend the job security, pay, and benefits of our dedicated civil service.”

“Over the past year, people and communities have protested, lawyers have sued, and courts have issued orders to protect our civil servants. It is an honor today to mark the establishment of a bipartisan, bicameral congressional caucus to support the people who work for all us – our nonpartisan, merit-based civil service. The Congressional Federal Workforce Caucus could not come at a more pivotal time. As the Trump-Vance administration and its allies escalate threats to our nation’s elections, our nation’s communities, and our nation’s civil servants, it is time to use all tools our democracy provides to push back and move forward. We are grateful to these lawmakers for taking an important step to protect and strengthen the civil service not just for today, but for the ability to build the people-centered government we all will need in the future,” Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward in remarks at the event.

“After a traumatic year for the civil service, including a 43-day government shutdown and unprecedented mass firings, this Caucus is very timely. Your members’ expertise and commitment will amplify the voice of the federal civilian workforce when it matters most. AFGE stands ready to support and work with the Caucus. Our country depends on it,” said Eric Bunn, Sr., National Secretary-Treasurer, American Federation of Government Employees, AFL-CIO (AFGE)

"The federal workforce has endured unimaginable harm, with over 300,000 employees separated, agencies wiped out and previously nonpartisan institutions politicized. Congress must stand for federal workers, and I believe the Federal Workforce Caucus will provide the venue to press for oversight and serve as a gathering place for all members who have constituents who rely on well-functioning government services,” said Max Stier, President and CEO, Partnership for Public Service.

“The federal workforce is essential to a legitimate democratic republic, yet our civil service is increasingly under attack – politically, structurally, and rhetorically,” said NFFE National President Randy Erwin. “These attacks weaken public accountability, lawful administration, and the quality of services Americans rely on every single day. The Federal Workforce Caucus will ensure the civil service is protected and strengthened, and critical services are delivered to the public while maintaining a skilled, apolitical workforce. Thank you to the co-chairs of the Caucus – Senator Van Hollen, and Representatives Walkinshaw and Hoyer – for your continued support of federal employees.”

“The federal public service workers who help keep our communities running deserve dignity, respect, and the security of knowing they’ll be paid on time,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. "Unfortunately, anti-worker politicians continue to exploit them to push their extreme agenda. In the last year, federal workers have been fired arbitrarily, stripped of their collective bargaining rights, and furloughed without pay during the shutdown. I applaud the members of the Federal Workforce Caucus for their focus on restoring dignity and respect to these dedicated public servants. It also highlights why we need solutions like Sen. Van Hollen and Rep. Walkinshaw's True Shutdown Fairness Act, which will ensure federal workers don't miss a paycheck or get fired during a shutdown. On behalf of the AFSCME members and the hardworking federal public service workers we represent, we thank the Federal Workforce Caucus for having our backs."

"IFPTE welcomes the launch of the Federal Workforce Caucus. Over the past year, our members who work for the federal government have witnessed unprecedented political interference, mass firings without cause, and unlawful efforts to deny federal workers their union rights and defund federal agency missions. Our democracy depends on a professional, nonpartisan federal civil service that serves the American public with accountability and integrity. We urgently call on Members of Congress in both chambers and both sides of the aisle to join the Caucus and work to uphold and protect merit system principles, due process protections, and a civil service that ensures that science and innovation, public health, safety, economic security, our national defense, and public services are delivered fairly, effectively, and effectively," said Matthew Biggs, President of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE)

“NTEU applauds Senator Van Hollen and Representatives Hoyer and Walkinshaw for launching the Federal Workforce Caucus to highlight the work and challenges facing federal workers across the country. Given the deluge of attacks employees have faced over the past year, from mass firings and illegal attempts to eliminate their union rights to threats against their pay and benefits, we appreciate the dedicated effort that this caucus will make to strengthen the nonpartisan civil service and ensure that federal employees are treated with dignity and respect so they can continue to provide the critical services the American people rely on,” said Doreen Greenwald, National President, NTEU.

The Federal Workforce Caucus will serve as a forum for Members to:

Support and strengthen the federal civilian workforce and the merit-based civil service system so that it can continue to deliver for American families and businesses;

Protect the integrity and nonpartisan character of federal employment;

Advance policies that improve recruitment, retention, and workforce morale across federal agencies;

Highlight stories that show how government programs and workers improve the lives of the American public;

Develop and advance data-informed policies that encourage modernization and innovative practices across the federal workforce in areas such as pay competitiveness, workforce performance optimization, and professional development;

Facilitate dialogue among Members of Congress, former and current federal employees, organizations, and unions representing federal employees, and subject-matter experts to inform efforts to modernize the federal government and attract the workforce needed to deliver for Americans.

“Federal workers help families put food on the table, protect veterans healing from the wounds of war, and empower communities in the face of environmental crisis. Over the past year, they’ve faced unprecedented attacks – mass firings, union busting, and illegal interference with their work – meant to demoralize and deplete the civil service. Federal workers deserve full support from Congress to protect their bargaining rights and their right to do their jobs without political obstruction,” said Senator Markey.

“Our federal civilian workforce is made up of dedicated public servants who keep our government running. While the Trump Administration fails to see the value in these public servants’ work, the Senate Federal Workforce Caucus, which we are launching today, stands with our government’s employees,” said Senator Durbin.

“The federal workforce is integral to our country and our communities, helping American families and businesses thrive. As this regime attacks federal workers and the critical work they do, I am proud to join this caucus, which will advance policies that support federal workers and the communities they serve,” said Senator Hirono. “As part of this caucus, I reaffirm my commitment to ensuring federal workers are recognized, protected, and receive the support they need to confront challenges and provide for the public.”

“Throughout the last year, President Trump and his administration have used dedicated federal public servants as political pawns. It’s unacceptable,” said Senator Blunt Rochester. “I’m proud to join this bicameral coalition in launching the Federal Workforce Caucus. To the nearly thousands of federal workers in Delaware and the millions around the country, we’ve got your back.”

"I am proud to be a part of the Federal Workforce Caucus to fight for the dedicated federal workers in our Commonwealth and across the country. Recent attacks on the federal workforce not only hurt our community, they hurt every single American by making it harder to deliver essential services and earned benefits. I am thrilled to be a part of this Caucus and look forward to continuing to champion federal workers,” said Congressman Subramanyam.

“Federal employees are the backbone of our national security, safe transportation, safe food, and clean water. But as our federal workforce remains under attack by the very people entrusted to lead it with massive purges designed to hollow out or eliminate key federal agencies, and through wanton cruelty targeting dedicated civil servants – I’m joining the Federal Workforce Caucus to stand up for our public servants. Over the years, I have fought to increase federal employees’ pay and expand their paid leave, and I will continue fighting to support the needs of the men and women who keep our country running,” said Congressman Beyer.

"Virginia is home to tens of thousands of federal workers, contractors, and service members who serve with a dedication to country, not political party. As their Representative, a 25-year Army officer, and as the husband of a former federal employee, I know that federal workers are essential to the success, safety, and stability of our nation,” said Congressman Vindman. "I will never back down from a fight to protect and honor those who choose a life of service. I am proud to be an inaugural member of the federal workforce caucus.”

"President Trump promised Americans that he would make their lives better; unfortunately, since taking office, the administration has only upended the lives of workers and their families,” said Congressman Scott. “The Trump administration’s reckless firing of thousands of civil servants – in some cases unlawfully – has left federal workers on edge and weakened public services. I am proud to support the Federal Workforce Caucus to ensure that workers' collective bargaining rights are upheld and Americans can access the earned benefits and services they depend on.”

“Our federal workforce serves as our nation’s backbone, providing services that address the needs and improve the lives of the American people. Yet this past year, the Trump Administration set out to traumatize the very people who show up every day to keep our air and water clean, our roads and travel safe and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “As the state with the second highest number of federal employees, Virginia has felt the devastating effects of this all-out assault in our communities and local economy. The Federal Workforce Caucus will forefront the interests of our civil servants in Congress, and I’m honored to continue this fight to ensure we afford them the rights, opportunities and dignity they deserve.”

“I’m pleased to join the Federal Workforce Caucus to stand with the dedicated public servants who keep our government working for the American people, tens of thousands of whom live in the nation's capital," said Congresswoman Norton. "A strong, merit-based federal civil service — free from political interference — is essential to effective governance and public trust. This caucus will play an important role in protecting federal workers and ensuring they can do their jobs with professionalism, independence, and integrity.”

“President Trump has berated, traumatized and mass-fired federal employees to destroy expertise and science and to remake our government in the image of his imbecilic incompetence,” said Congressman Raskin. “Our institutions were not built by generations of Americans to be broken up and sold for parts; they exist to serve the American people in every age. That’s why I’m proudly standing with my colleagues to establish the Federal Workforce Caucus to defend the professional civil service and the public servants who have helped build our amazing country.”

“The newly established bicameral Federal Workforce Caucus affirms a simple truth: good-paying federal jobs have helped build and sustain the middle class across the country, leveling the playing field while strengthening communities like ours in the Metropolitan Washington, DC area. Public service is the backbone of our country, and these careers should be an opportunity for dedicated Americans to serve the nation with honor while securing economic stability for their families. I’m proud to stand with my colleagues to protect, support, and invest in the federal workforce that keeps America moving forward,” said Congressman Ivey.

“Federal workers are the lifeblood of our democracy, and they perform countless essential duties that our country simply could not go without,” said Congressman Mfume. “They fulfill these duties without fear or favor because they are hard-working, patriotic Americans. I have always been a proud supporter of federal workers, and I am proud to join the Federal Workforce Caucus to work with my colleagues in the Congress on ways to better support the people that make the American government work.”

“Federal workers are not political pawns — they are the dedicated public servants who keep our country running. After Trump’s firings wiped out nearly 25,000 federal jobs in Maryland last year alone, the stakes could not be more clear. I’m proud to serve as a founding member of the Federal Workforce Caucus to defend a strong, nonpartisan civil service, protect merit-based hiring, and invest in recruitment, retention, and modernization so the federal workforce can keep delivering for the American people,” said Congressman Olszewski.

“As the proud daughter of two civil servants and the representative to over 45,000 federal employees in Maryland’s Third District, I am excited to join the Federal Workforce Caucus. The sledgehammer of DOGE not only hurt our hardworking civil servants – it impacted the hundreds of critical services that everyday Americans pay for and rely on. Now more than ever, we must strengthen and rebuild our federal workforce to ensure we continue to recruit the best and brightest into the important tradition of public service,” said Congresswoman Elfreth.

"I’m honored to join as an inaugural member of the Federal Workforce Caucus. Our federal employees and institutions are under relentless attack, with their protections, credibility, and character being eroded with each passing day by this Administration. It’s on us as lawmakers to defend a merit-based, nonpartisan civil service and ensure the next generation feels empowered to answer the call to serve, not turned away," said Congresswoman McClain Delaney.

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Tri-Caucus, Joined by Rep. Walkinshaw, Leads 105 Members in Message to Donald Trump: Fire Kristi Noem

Washington, D.C. – Congressman James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11) joined the Congressional Tri-Caucus, composed of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), and the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), condemned the escalating abuse of power evidenced in the actions of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) immigration enforcement agencies and called on President Trump to fire DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.

In a letter to Trump co-signed by 105 members of the House of Representatives, Congressman Walkinshaw and the leaders of the Tri-Caucus -- CHC Chair Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), CAPAC Chair Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06), and CBC Chair Rep. Yvette Clarke (NY-09) -- made six common-sense immigration enforcement demands:

1. Fire DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.

2. An immediate suspension of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) immigration enforcement operations in Minnesota.

3. Suspend abusive ICE and CBP practices nationwide and a full independent investigation into all recent use-of-force incidents.

4. A comprehensive investigation by the DHS Office of Inspector General into ICE and CBP conduct, including use of force, evidence handling, and interference with state and local criminal investigations.

5. Mandatory and timely cooperation with state and local law enforcement in all cases involving injury or death caused by federal agents, including full preservation and disclosure of evidence.

6. Clear, enforceable limits on ICE and CBP operations to prohibit warrantless home entries, indiscriminate street encounters, and enforcement actions lacking probable cause.

Read the letter in full HERE.

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Rep. Weber’s Pipeline Cybersecurity Preparedness Act Clears House Energy & Commerce Energy Subcommittee, Moves One Step Closer to House Floor Consideration

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14) delivered remarks as the Pipeline Cybersecurity Preparedness Act advanced out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Energy Subcommittee and now heads to the full House Energy and Commerce Committee for consideration before moving to the House floor.

Watch Rep. Weber's remarks here.

Read Rep. Weber’s remarks below.

“Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

“My legislation, the Pipeline Cybersecurity Preparedness Act, which I am proud to lead with my friend from Michigan, Representative Dingell, has long-standing support in this Committee. Addressing cyber and physical threats, as well as other hazards to our fuel infrastructure, requires information sharing and coordination among infrastructure owners, states, and the federal government. It also requires visibility across the entire energy sector, from fuels to power, upstream to downstream, including the facilities that secure American energy dominance around the world.

“Mr. Chairman, the Department of Energy serves, by law, as the government’s lead for the energy sector. As such, it has broad visibility and the expertise necessary to ensure security and hazard coordination across the entire energy system. H.R. 7272 would improve how the Department of Energy works with others to ensure the security and resilience of pipelines and LNG facilities that our energy sector depends on for the reliable supply of fuels and electricity.

“This legislation leverages DOE’s vast technical capabilities to develop a program that improves coordination and provides the technical support needed to ensure timely, efficient, and effective efforts to secure our energy systems and respond to disruptions.

“To be extremely clear, H.R. 7272 does not create, nor does it authorize, a regulatory program. Let me repeat: this bill does not create, nor does it authorize, a regulatory program. It is intended to strengthen DOE’s ability to inform, improve coordination, and build capabilities within states and across the energy sector.

“Other agencies, such as the Transportation Security Administration, certainly play a vital role when it comes to pipeline cybersecurity. However, the Department of Energy retains responsibility across the entire energy and power sector and already leads federal coordination in this area.

“This bipartisan effort maximizes the Department of Energy’s capabilities in the public interest and, in turn, strengthens all stakeholders responsible for the secure delivery of fuels and power.

“With that, Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 7272.”

Read more here.


Three Webster Bills Advance to Safeguard American Leadership in Space

Washington, D.C. — Today, the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology advanced three bills introduced by Florida Congressman Daniel Webster R-Clermont, as part of the NASA Reauthorization Act of 2026.

“At a time when our adversaries are racing to challenge U.S. leadership beyond Earth, these bills make it clear that the United States will set the standards, protect our technological advantages, and shape the next generation of American leadership in emerging domains,” said Rep. Webster.

Webster-introduced bills included in the NASA Reauthorization Act of 2026:

H.R. 4360, the Frank Wolf Space Security Act – Reinforces long-standing restrictions on the use of federal funds for certain space and scientific cooperation with the People’s Republic of China, protecting U.S. intellectual property and national security interests.

H.R. 4906, the USA Act – Directs NASA, in coordination with the National Institute of Standards and Technology, to promote voluntary, consensus-based standards developed through a private sector-led process.

H.R. 6638, the Space Resources Institute Act – Bipartisan legislation that directs NASA to examine how the establishment of an institute focused on space resources, such as surface materials, water, and metals often found on the Moon, Mars, and asteroids, would help the United States lead and set the terms in this domain.

Webster added, “American leadership in space is not guaranteed. By advancing these bills, we are ensuring the America—not China or any other adversary—defines the future of space.”

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Webster Amendment Strengthening Artemis Accords Included in NASA Reauthorization

Washington, D.C. — Florida Congressman Daniel Webster, R-Clermont, voted to advance the NASA Reauthorization Act of 2026 out of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. This legislation includes several priorities championed by Congressman Webster to reaffirm American leadership in space while strengthening oversight and national security safeguards.

“As the United States works with international partners in space, we must ensure that cooperation does not come at the expense of national security,” said Rep. Webster. “My amendments strengthen accountability and helps protect sensitive American technologies while preserving the integrity of the Artemis Accords.”

The Artemis Accords establish principles for peaceful, transparent, and responsible exploration of space. Congressman Webster’s amendment ensures that NASA maintains oversight and reporting mechanisms if a partner nation fails to uphold its commitments, reinforcing U.S. leadership and protecting American interests.

The committee also adopted another Webster amendment requiring NASA to brief Congress on its progress toward establishing a secure, auditable digital infrastructure foundation. This is designed to improve mission assurance and strengthen data integrity across NASA programs by ensuring Congress has greater visibility into the agency’s digital modernization efforts.

Webster added, “I look forward to supporting this bill on the House floor and advancing America-first policies that keep the United States firmly in the lead in space.”

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ICYMI: NumbersUSA Awards Senator Banks a Perfect 100% on Immigration Reduction

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, NumbersUSA ranked Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) with a perfect 100% on its Immigration-Reduction Grade Scale. This score is based on his voting record and sponsorship of legislation designed to reduce illegal immigration in the United States.

Senator Banks was the only Senator awarded a perfect 100% score, and one of only 13 Members of Congress nationwide to achieve that distinction in the 2025 Report Card.

See the 2025 Report Card here.

Senator Banks’ Key Immigration Legislative Items here:

Visa Overstay Penalties Act of 2025

Border Security is National Security Act

Putting American Students First Act

End Unaccountable Amnesty Act

American Tech Workforce Act of 2025

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Senator Banks Calls for Passage of SAVE America Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.), an original cosponsor of the SAVE America Act, released the following statement:

Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) “If the United States cannot have fair and secure elections, then we hardly have a country anymore. President Trump is absolutely right: While states have a constitutional duty to administer elections, Congress has an important role to play in protecting our elections and we must act with urgency.

That is why it is vital that the Senate pass the SAVE America Act, legislation amending the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to require that individuals present proof of citizenship to register to vote and mandate photo-ID at the ballot box.

This is a constitutional and commonsense security measure. Over 80% of Americans agree with Voter-ID laws. If you have to show ID in order to buy alcohol or rent a car, you should have to show ID in order to vote.

All of us want fair and secure elections. That’s why I’m proud to stand with President Trump and why I’m urging my colleagues to do whatever it takes to pass the SAVE America Act!”

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Senator Banks Urges Senate Passage of Tyler’s Law

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) spoke on the Senate floor about fentanyl overdose victim Tyler Shamash and the importance of effective fentanyl testing in hospital emergency rooms. The Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee reported out Tyler’s Law unanimously on January 15th, and Senator Banks urged final passage of Tyler’s Law in the Senate.

See the full speech here.

See remarks below:

Sen. Banks: “I rise today to speak about a very important and potentially life-saving bill that I’ve introduced called Tyler’s Law. But before I talk about what this law and what this bill would do, I want to tell you a little bit about who it’s named after. Tyler Joseph Shamash was a bright, inquisitive, and compassionate boy from California. He was adventurous. He loved computers. He was interested in Bitcoin before most people had even heard of Bitcoin. And he had a knack for building and fixing things.

Tyler’s mother, Julie, said that Tyler was, quote, like a little professor. But in his early teens, Tyler started using marijuana and eventually became addicted to hard drugs. His family did what any family would do. They tried to help him with therapy programs and sober living facilities. But Tyler

continued to struggle with addiction. And at one point, he overdosed.

On top of all of this, Tyler’s family and doctors didn’t know what the drugs that he was taking were or that they were laced with fentanyl. In October of 2018, Tyler was taken to the hospital from his sober living house with a suspected overdose. At the hospital, Tyler was administered a standard drug panel, which came back clean, so he was eventually discharged.

Shortly thereafter, though, Tyler died of a fentanyl overdose. He was just 19 years old.

When Tyler was still in the hospital, just hours before he passed. His mother, Julie, came to meet him there and asked the doctors if the drug test was really clean. She repeatedly asked if the drug panel tested for fentanyl. She was told yes, the drug panel did test for fentanyl because fentanyl is an opioid, is what she was told.

Tragically, Mr. President, that’s just not true. Many doctors are unaware that the standard drug panels that many emergency rooms administer don’t detect fentanyl because fentanyl is a synthetic opioid.

This is a well-known problem. The College of American Pathologists has highlighted it. The Association for Diagnostics and Laboratory Medicine has warned labs about it. The Emergency Nurses Association has been advocating for a solution. But the problem continues. Sadly, fentanyl overdoses are a common story.

And a lot of families in my state, Mr. President, I know in your state too, know what it’s like to have a loved one who has suffered from a fentanyl overdose. If Tyler’s family and doctors who were treating him had known that Tyler was suffering from a fentanyl overdose, they could have given him a higher level of care. Perhaps things might have turned out a whole lot differently, though we can never know for sure.

But one thing is clear. Tyler deserved to be tested. Thousands of Americans poisoned by fentanyl deserve to be tested so that they can receive the proper level of medical care. Since Tyler’s tragic passing, his mother, Julie, who joins us in the gallery today, has been on a mission to make sure that other parents do not have to suffer the same unimaginable heartbreak that she did. I’ve had the pleasure to meet with Julie and so many other moms and dads who have been affected by this, and I can say that Julie has turned tragedy into action. And she is an inspiring woman.

Mr. President, that’s why I was honored to introduce Tyler’s Law with my colleague Senator Padilla from California, truly a bipartisan effort. And it’s why I was proud when the HELP Committee, of which I’m a member, reported out Tyler’s Law unanimously just a couple of weeks ago.

Tyler’s law directs the Department of Health and Human Services to study whether hospital emergency departments should routinely test overdose patients for fentanyl. Based on the study’s result, HHS will also issue guidance to hospitals about whether and how they should implement fentanyl testing in the emergency room. This is really simple and common sense.

Mr. President, it’s hard to overstate just how badly needed this law is. President Trump is aggressively going after the drug traffickers, flooding our streets with deadly drugs. But the fentanyl epidemic is still taking far too many American lives.

Synthetic opioids like fentanyl killed about 48,000 Americans in 2024, and it continues to kill thousands more each and every month. But we could save many of those lives if emergency rooms were better equipped to detect and treat fentanyl overdoses. That is why it’s so important that HHS help hospitals adopt effective fentanyl testing.

Mr. President, I am pleased to see that Tyler’s law has bipartisan support, and that that support continues to grow. I look forward to bringing Tyler’s law to a vote on this floor, the Senate floor, soon, so that we can begin to potentially save many, many lives.

Tyler’s life was cut short by fentanyl. But if we can pass Tyler’s law, if we can take this important step in making sure that those battling fentanyl or different drug addictions get the care and the testing that they need, then Tyler’s everlasting legacy will be saving lives.

And I’m for that, Mr. President, I know you’re for that. And I hope that my colleagues will join me in supporting this bill when it comes to the Senate floor soon.

With that, Mr. President, I yield the floor.”

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Barrasso: It is Time to End Sanctuary City Policies

“When liberal cities provide sanctuary for criminals, they deny safety for law-abiding citizens. If immigration law is ignored nationwide, almost anyone who enters the United States illegally could remain here for the rest of their life. Preventing cooperation between state and federal officials would make the chaos of Joe Biden’s wide-open borders permanent.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Senate Majority Whip, today spoke on the Senate Floor about Democrats’ radical demands that would turn every American city into a sanctuary city. Senator Barrasso also discussed how enforcing the law on the books, such as the Laken Riley Act, leads to safer communities.

Click HERE to watch Senator Barrasso’s remarks.

Sen. Barrasso’s remarks:

“Yesterday, I was in the Oval Office with the President of the United States. President Trump signed into law five appropriations bills. As a result, 96 percent of our federal government is funded through the rest of the fiscal year. We accomplished all this through the normal appropriations process. This is how Congress is supposed to work. The Appropriations Committee, led by Senator Susan Collins of Maine, made it happen here in the United States Senate. This is a welcome change from how things were done during the previous majority.

“Today, Republicans continue to work to fully fund the last 4 percent of the government. That is the Department of Homeland Security. The Department of Homeland Security is charged with one of the federal government’s most basic duties. That is, to keep Americans safe. The Department of Homeland Security enforces our nation’s immigration laws. It oversees TSA agents. It directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency. It commands the United States Coast Guard. It protects our nation from cyber attacks. Republicans are ready to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security for the remainder of the fiscal year. We have been ready for weeks.

“Democrats are holding that funding hostage. Democrats have an unreasonable – and growing – list of demands. Democrats’ demands would undermine law enforcement. Democrats’ demands would make America less safe. One of Democrats’ most dangerous demands is for local police to ignore federal immigration law. Democrats in Congress and Democrats who run the big cities don’t want the law enforced. For years, the Democrats have been the party of defund the police. Democrats have taken it a step further. Now, they are the party of defund American security. They’ve proven it by their words and actions.

“This debate is about much more than federal funding. It is about whether federal law is enforced or ignored. It is about whether our communities are safe or not. 78 percent of Americans want to deport illegal immigrant criminals. Americans support more cooperation between local and federal officials. This applies specifically to deporting illegal immigrant criminals. Americans also say that local jails should transfer criminal illegal immigrants to federal officials.

“Let me point out that in today’s Washington Post… this morning, February 4, 2026, ‘Congress has its work cut out on DHS funding.’ They start a paragraph that says, ‘Something else Schumer says he wants is to put an end to roving patrols.’ Senator Schumer just spoke here on the Floor of the United States Senate. The Editorial said Democrat run cities should ‘hand over dangerous illegal immigrants in their jails instead of hiding behind sanctuary policies.’ Washington Post this morning advising the Democrats, and specifically Senator Schumer by name, that we need more cooperation, not less – which is what we’re getting from Democrat-run cities, in big Democrat bastions, and promoted by each and every one of the Democrats on the Floor of the United State Senate.

“We need more cooperation. We’ve gotten it in places because of the law, and specifically the Laken Riley Act. Because of that law, DHS has detained an additional 20,000 illegal immigrants who otherwise would have been released back onto the streets of our communities. Clearly, when local officials cooperate with federal officers, the American people are safer.

By contrast, Senate Democrats want to enact sanctuary city policies on a national level. People in my home state hate the idea of sanctuary cities. Already, cities in dozens of Democrat-run states embrace sanctuary policies.

“Let me tell you what the liberal Governor of New York wants to do. She wants to make cooperating and coordinating with ICE illegal for the state of New York. We’ve seen who got elected Mayor of New York City. Now, the Governor is following right behind him. In Minnesota, the liberal Governor, the liberal Mayor of Minneapolis, and the liberal Attorney General openly encourage citizens to obstruct federal law. If Democrats had their way, every city in America would be a sanctuary city, and every city in America would be less safe.

“Here is why sanctuary cities are so dangerous for law enforcement and the entire public. In sanctuary cities, local officials refuse to transfer illegal immigrants – even convicted criminals – to federal law enforcement. These convicted criminals are often released from custody and back onto American streets. That means federal agents are forced to find these convicted criminals in the community instead of a secure pick up at local jails.

“Look at what is happening in New York City. Since last year, New York has released 7,000 illegal immigrant criminals instead of cooperating with federal officials. Last month, New York knowingly released a convicted sex offender. They did this instead of transferring him into federal custody, where he belongs. This criminal had already been deported before. Federal officials were prepared to arrest him. Local Democrats released him. That is what sanctuary policies do. They put criminals back on the streets of our cities. Not a single American is safer because of the sanctuary city polices Democrats are promoting.

“When liberal cities provide sanctuary for criminals, they deny safety for law-abiding citizens. If immigration law is ignored nationwide, almost anyone who enters the United States illegally could remain here for the rest of their life. Preventing cooperation between state and federal officials would make the chaos of Joe Biden’s wide-open borders permanent.

“Let me tell you how this applies to the debate over the funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security. Democrats’ list of demands is a liberal wish list. Republicans will not accept any changes that make our communities less safe.

“Personally, I want to end sanctuary cities and sanctuary city policies completely. And so do many of my Republican colleagues. Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina has introduced a bill to stop state and local officials from interfering with federal immigration enforcement. It’s a simple, common-sense concept: cops should help cops keep our communities safe. The safest cities in America are those that cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. There is a clear cause-and-effect. Congress should encourage more cooperation nationwide, not less – which is what the Democrat want.

“Republicans welcome a debate about immigration enforcement. Republicans are for cooperation. Democrats are for chaos. Republicans are for enforcing the law. Democrats are for sanctuary cities, and once again side with illegal immigrant, while Republicans stand on the side of making America safe.”

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Bennet, Hickenlooper, DeGette, Neguse, Crow, Pettersen Condemn Reports of Racist “Death Cards,” Request Independent Investigation, Full Briefing

Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet joined Colorado Senator John Hickenlooper, and Representatives Diana DeGette, Joe Neguse, Jason Crow, and Brittany Pettersen to condemn reports that families in Eagle County, Colorado, found “death cards” left in the cars of family members taken by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The lawmakers called on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General to open an investigation and requested a full DHS briefing on the incidents and steps taken to prevent further intimidation of Latino communities.

“It is unacceptable and dangerous for federal law enforcement to use this symbol to intimidate Latino communities,” wrote Bennet, Hickenlooper, and the Representatives. “This behavior undermines public trust in law enforcement, raises serious civil rights concerns, and falls far short of the professional standards expected of federal agents.”

“Death cards” have a history of being used by white supremacist groups to intimidate people of color. These specific cards found in Colorado had the address and phone number of the Aurora ICE detention facility printed on them.

Last week, Bennet took to the Senate floor to condemn ICE’s violence and lawlessness and denounce the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. He also voted against the continuing resolution to extend DHS funding because it failed to overhaul ICE or place enforceable limits on its use of force.

Bennet has consistently fought the Trump Administration’s punitive immigration policies. Bennet continues to call on Secretary Noem to resign. Last week, Bennet announced he was working on legislation to enact commonsense reforms to DHS. He also introduced six amendments to the FY26 DHS appropriations bill that would protect children and families, bar enforcement at sensitive locations, and prohibit officers from wearing masks while requiring visible identification. In February 2025, Bennet joined his Senate colleagues to introduce the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act, which would reinstate DHS’s long-standing policies to prevent ICE from making arrests at sensitive locations like schools, hospitals, and places of worship. In August 2025, he joined the Immigration Enforcement Identification Safety (IEIS) Act to prohibit immigration enforcement officials from wearing masks and to require them to wear visible identification. In November 2025, Bennet joined his colleagues in introducing the bicameral Restoring Access to Detainees Act, legislation to ensure DHS allows noncitizens who have been detained to contact their legal counsel and families. Earlier this month, Bennet joined his colleagues in introducing the Providing Useful Budgets for Localities to Invest in Cops by Substituting Appropriations from Federal Enforcement To Yield Results (PUBLIC SAFETY) Act, legislation to redirect nearly $75 billion in funding passed in the Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) from ICE and send it instead to local law enforcement programs to help hire and train 200,000 local police officers in communities across the country.

The text of the letter is available HERE and below.

Dear Secretary Noem:

We are writing regarding disturbing reports about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities in Eagle County, Colorado. Reportedly, ICE agents in unmarked vehicles with attached sirens conducted imitation traffic stops and ultimately detained ten Latino individuals who are now being held at the Aurora Detention Facility. Additionally, according to multiple news reports and local community organizations, family members of the detained individuals found ace of spades cards inside multiple abandoned vehicles, printed with the address of the Aurora Detention Facility:

We are deeply concerned by the allegations that the federal agents were utilizing sirens to falsely act as local law enforcement. This behavior leads individuals to believe they are lawfully required to pull over for a traffic violation when in reality, the federal government has no authority over local or state traffic regulations. Federal agents acting in disguise as local law enforcement is misconduct and should be treated as such.

Moreover, the ace of spades card has long been known as the “death card” and has been used by white supremacist groups to inspire fear and threaten physical violence. It is unacceptable and dangerous for federal law enforcement to use this symbol to intimidate Latino communities. This behavior undermines public trust in law enforcement, raises serious civil rights concerns, and falls far short of the professional standards expected of federal agents.

We appreciate that Department of Homeland Security (DHS) condemned this conduct and directed the DHS Office of Professional Responsibility to investigate the incident. To ensure that ICE conducts operations in a professional manner that does not include racially-motivated intimidation tactics that undermine public trust in law enforcement, we request:

A formal and detailed briefing on ICE activities in Eagle County

A written report detailing the findings of the ongoing DHS investigation into the incident

An independent investigation by the DHS Office of Inspector General into the activities of the Denver Field Office, which oversees ICE activity in Eagle County

Written confirmation of any disciplinary or corrective actions taken

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. We respectfully request a response by February 13.

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Bennet, Merkley, Durbin, Peters, Colleagues Urge Circuit Court to Affirm the Critical Protections of Minors in Immigration Detention

Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet joined U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.) and 22 of their Senate colleagues to file an amicus brief with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals urging the Court to uphold the 1997 Flores Settlement Agreement, which sets critical minimum standards for children in immigration detention and continues to be the single most effective protection for detained noncitizen children.

In the amicus brief, Bennet, Merkley, Durbin, Peters, and their Senate Democratic colleagues reject the government’s baseless claims and explain that the reconciliation process cannot be used for such policy overhauls and that such a policy override would have been stricken from the bill. Opponents claim that the detention funding in Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill Act overrode the protections provided in the 1997 Flores Settlement Agreement.

The amicus brief states, “Appellants’ reliance on the OBBB Act as evidence of changed circumstances rests on a fundamental misunderstanding of the budget reconciliation process and its constraints. Because the bill was enacted through reconciliation, its provisions were limited to budgetary matters—appropriations for detention capacity, not changes to legal standards governing detention. A provision terminating the Settlement would be a major substantive policy change that could not have survived the reconciliation process. Accordingly, the OBBB Act cannot constitute a changed circumstance warranting termination of the Settlement.

“Appellants argue that by appropriating funds for family residential centers, Congress expressed approval of family detention. But Section 90003 did not authorize any new program or establish any new directive with respect to detention—it appropriated money for detention capacity already authorized by law. Courts should not infer that an appropriation implicitly repeals substantive law.

“The distinction between appropriating funds and amending substantive law matters enormously in the reconciliation context. Congress appropriated $45 billion for detention capacity, including family residential centers. But this appropriation does not supersede whatever legal standards otherwise govern such detention. Accordingly, the OBBB Act’s appropriation for detention capacity does not authorize detention of children in violation of the Flores Settlement, eliminate licensing requirements for facilities, or repeal the other substantive protections secured by the Settlement. Congress regularly appropriates funds for activities that remain subject to independent legal requirements. Appropriating money for federal construction projects does not exempt those projects from environmental review. Appropriating money to expand the federal workforce does not displace existing collective bargaining agreements. And appropriating money for detention does not eliminate the legal standards governing how that detention must be conducted—including the Settlement’s requirements for the treatment of children.”

In addition to Bennet, Merkley, Durbin, and Peters, the amicus brief was signed by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Cathrine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

The text of the amicus brief is available HERE.

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Video: Blumenthal Delivers Opening Statement at Forum on Violent Use of Force by DHS Agents

[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), delivered an opening statement at a bicameral public forum to receive testimony on the violent tactics and disproportionate use of force by agents of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

“This hearing is extraordinary and unprecedented, but so is the inhumanity and brutality that we've seen from a government agency. With us today are brave Americans who have come forward to speak truth to power,” Blumenthal said. “That phrase is overused, but truly it applies today. With us in spirit are also Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti—in spirit, they should be here in person. But they were murdered. They were murdered by their own government.”

The forum featured testimony from Brent and Luke Ganger, brothers of Renee Nicole Macklin Good, and Antonio Romanucci, the attorney representing their family; Marimar Martinez, Aliya Rahman, and Martin Daniel Rascon, all of whom were violently assaulted by DHS agents; and Seth Stoughton, a former police officer and Professor at the University of South Carolina School of Law.

“The violence unleashed by the Trump Administration against our fellow citizens, can touch any American at any time, any one of you who are listening by livestream or C-SPAN or who are hearing and seeing this hearing,” Blumenthal said. “Whether you're going to a church clothing drive to make a donation, on your way to a doctor's appointment, or even heading home from dropping your six-year-old son off at school, real stories we will hear today. These stories, and far too many others, demand that every one of us stand up against the injustices and demand accountability.”

The event is the second public forum Blumenthal and U.S. Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, have hosted as part of their ongoing inquiry into the lawless and abusive tactics used by federal immigration agents. In December, Blumenthal and Garcia received testimony from five U.S. citizens who were assaulted, detained, and denied their constitutional rights by agents of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Video of Blumenthal’s opening statement is available here and the full text is copied below.

Thank you. Thank you so much, Representative Garcia. Working with you has been a great experience in partnership, and I am really gratified that we're going to continue our work, continue our investigation, continue our efforts to hold DHS accountable.

This hearing is extraordinary and unprecedented, but so is the inhumanity and brutality that we've seen from a government agency. With us today are brave Americans who have come forward to speak truth to power. That phrase is overused, but truly it applies today. With us in spirit are also Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti—in spirit, they should be here in person. But they were murdered. They were murdered by their own government. They were killed in cold blood, and I can only imagine how painful it must be for you to see that image of your sister, which speaks to your courage, your guts, your grit and determination to be here. And you have won the admiration and gratitude of all of the colleagues here and many others and Americans throughout the country.

The witnesses here bear the scars of government lawlessness and DHS brutality—mental scars as well as physical scars. They're here as the face and voice of Alex and Renee, and of thousands of others who span the country and who have experienced this inhumanity. And let's be very clear, these stories are not just about Minneapolis. People are here from all over the country. These stories span the country. The nation is Minneapolis. We are all Minneapolis. And these stories are a call to action.

I was in this room just a few hours ago at a hearing of the Armed Services Committee. I sat on this dais as we heard from witnesses about our national nuclear security in the face of threats from enemies and adversaries abroad who have nuclear weapons. We are here about a matter of national security that is equally important to the one that we heard about this morning.

The violence unleashed by the Trump Administration against our fellow citizens, can touch any American at any time, any one of you who are listening by livestream or C-SPAN or who are hearing and seeing this hearing. Whether you're going to a church clothing drive to make a donation, on your way to a doctor's appointment, or even heading home from dropping your six-year-old son off at school, real stories we will hear today. These stories, and far too many others, demand that every one of us stand up against the injustices and demand accountability. The directives underlying this lawlessness come from the top. Those pictures of the leaders that Representative Garcia showed you are ultimately the culprits here. They bear responsibility. They are the ones who issued the quotas for arrests and detention that are driving the brutality. They are the ones who have issued a policy directive kept secret until a whistleblower came to me, showing that the acting director of ICE is authorizing agents to break down your door, ransack your home, terrify your children, detain and arrest you, as has happened countless times across the country. The top ranks of DHS are more than complicit. They are the driving force behind this brutality, and they should be held accountable. They've not only directed those actions, but also the lies and misinformation that have been presented to courts in violation of the duties lawyers have to present only the truth to courts, and they have engaged in character assassination against today's witnesses, as well as countless others, including Alex and Renee.

We are at a defining moment. It's a moral moment. We are determined to continue to investigate and uncover wrongdoing, but we will also seek action for accountability and justice. My feeling is that we should demand a complete overhaul, a rebuilding of DHS and the agencies at fault here.

These reforms should include body cameras and identification on every officer, masks off at all times, rigorous “Use of Force” training and policies, independent investigations into acts of violence, and ongoing monitoring of these agents. A police force that has these kinds of systematic failings would be supervised by a monitor. And we've seen it in Connecticut, as my colleagues have seen it in their states around the country. And most important for me, rights of citizens to seek redress, rights of anyone to have recourse in the courts to make sure that agents violating their rights are held accountable. If you go to your local police chief and ask, “what are the norms?” Every one of the demands that I've listed here is going to be recounted to you, including a right of action on the part of people to seek accountability. It can be done with four words. Four words. In the current United States Code, 1983, all we need to do is add when we say, “Every person who, under color of any statute, ordinance, regulation, custom, or usage, of the United States”, “of the United States or any Other State or Territory.” That basic responsibility ought to be the right of every citizen, because we know that rights without remedies are empty promises. If a local cop can be sued, so should an ICE agent or a CPB official, and so should Greg Bovino and Kristi Noem and Todd Lyon and Steve Miller and yes, Donald Trump.

There is a real need for a full accounting of what these agencies have done. Some day we should have a truth and justice commission to investigate the systemic failings. But for right now, I can promise that I will not support another dime for the Department of Homeland Security unless there is this fundamental, far-reaching reform and restraint, in effect, a rebuilding of the agency.

So, Renee and Alex are not with us, but the silencing of their voices should strengthen our resolve to force change, to stand up for what's right, to show our neighbors, our communities, and the world that we won't let totalitarian tyranny prevail and fear crumble this great nation.

One day, I think we will look back and hold ourselves accountable. Whether we stood up and took stands. Luke Ganger and Brent Ganger are showing that courage and strength today, and they're here to share some words about their sister. Luke and Brent, on behalf of all of us, I want to express again our gratitude, and we offer our condolences. Words are inadequate but just know from our hearts we are with you in spirit for this devastating loss, and we thank you for being here today. And I recognize you now for your remarks.

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Video: Blumenthal on the Senate Floor After Testimony from Americans Brutalized by DHS: These Stories are a National Call to Action

[WASHINGTON, DC] – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), spoke on the Senate Floor today to discuss the testimony he received yesterday at a bicameral public forum on the violent tactics and disproportionate use of force by agents of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

In his remarks, Blumenthal highlighted the courage of the witnesses in coming forward to share their personal experiences with DHS agents’ brutality.

“What struck me is the absolutely stark contrast: the deep humanity of these Americans, their bravery and courage in coming forward with their stories, and the humanity that they showed us; as opposed to the inhumanity of the criminal, yes, criminal action, of these ICE and CBP agents, physically assaulting them, attempting to kill them, and, in fact, murdering Renee Good and Alex Pretti,” Blumenthal said.

“The courage of these witnesses was a profile in bravery and in eloquence. They were the voices and faces of those countless Americans who have suffered at the hands of their own government. Their stories are about brutality, lawlessness, and inhumanity. Their stories span the nation,” Blumenthal said.

“And these stories are a national call to action.”

The forum featured testimony from Brent and Luke Ganger, brothers of Renee Nicole Macklin Good, and Antonio Romanucci, the attorney representing their family; Marimar Martinez, Aliya Rahman, and Martin Daniel Rascon, all of whom were violently assaulted by DHS agents; and Seth Stoughton, a former police officer and Professor at the University of South Carolina School of Law.

Yesterday’s event is the second public forum Blumenthal and U.S. Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, have hosted as part of their ongoing inquiry into the lawless and abusive tactics used by federal immigration agents. In December, Blumenthal and Garcia received testimony from five U.S. citizens who were assaulted, detained, and denied their constitutional rights by agents of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Video of Blumenthal’s remarks on the Senate Floor is available here.

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Booker, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Prevent Politicization of Public Safety Grants

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), and Mazie Hirono (D-HI) introduced the Federal Grant Neutrality Act, legislation designed to stop the politicization of Department of Justice (DOJ) federal grants and prevent the DOJ from imposing unfair conditions on jurisdictions represented by Democrats. The bill ensures that grants cannot be withheld to punish jurisdictions for refusing to enforce partisan federal immigration policies.

For years, DOJ grants have been essential for state, local, and Tribal law enforcement to reduce violent crime and support crime victims. Since January 2025, however, DOJ has tied these funds to partisan immigration policies and political directives, forcing jurisdictions to implement the Administration’s political agenda for federal funding. This is meant to coerce sovereign state and local governments—especially those led by Democrats—into prioritizing federal mandates over local safety needs, undermining law enforcement, jeopardizing public safety, and triggering costly legal battles, repeating practices courts have already ruled exceed executive authority.

The only way to meaningfully support law enforcement efforts to reduce violent crime and support victims while preserving jurisdictional autonomy and resisting unlawful executive mandates is to prohibit the Attorney General from conditioning grant eligibility. Anything lesscondones President Trump’s misuse and militarization of law enforcement, his unlawful immigration enforcement practices, and his blatant disregard for public safety and the rule of law.

“DOJ federal grants are vital to the safety of Americans nationwide because local communities rely on these funds to support law enforcement and violence-reduction programs,” said Senator Booker. “It is shameful and reckless that the Trump administration is weaponizing public safety grants for political gain, undermining law enforcement and putting lives at risk. This bill ensures communities remain safe by allowing them to receive critical public safety funds without being forced to serve a political agenda.”

“The Trump administration’s decision to withhold funding that helps keep our communities safe, reduce crime, and support law enforcement is unacceptable,” said Senator Luján. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing legislation to ensure partisan politics never stand in the way of the resources our communities need. No family’s safety should depend on whether or not the Trump administration decides their community deserves protection.”

“Public safety grants should be based on public safety needs, not on whether states and localities agree with the political preferences of the President,” said Senator Kaine. “This legislation would make sure that the Trump Administration – or any Administration for that matter – can’t attach new strings to public safety grants without Congress and turn these grants into political cudgels.”

"By withholding funding for public safety grants, the Trump administration is dangerously attempting to single out and punish Democratic-led states — including California — for not going along with his cruel and indiscriminate immigration agenda. I am proud to support legislation to challenge this lawless and partisan political tactic and the administration’s broader retribution campaign, because every community deserves to be safe,” said Senator Schiff.


Boozman, Kaine Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Veterans’ Access to Cancer Treatment, Address Staffing Shortages at VA

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) joined Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) in introducing theDepartment of Veterans Affairs Medical Physicist Pay Cap Relief Act, bipartisan legislation that would remove an arbitrary cap on the pay of Therapeutic Medical Physicists (TMPs) and Diagnostic Medical Physicists (DMPs) – medical care staff who assist radiation oncologists in delivering cancer care and treatment – employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This legislation would also help address staffing shortages of TMPs and DMPs at the VA.

“Ensuring those who have served can access the high-quality, timely care they need is only possible if the Department of Veterans Affairs is empowered to recruit and retain the best healthcare providers,” said Boozman. “That includes the personnel helping deliver radiation and imaging care. I’m pleased to join Senator Kaine and build on the bipartisan efforts I championed in the Dole Act to support competitive wages at the VA in order to better meet veterans’ needs.”

“Our veterans have made tremendous sacrifices and deserve access to world-class, timely health care,” said Kaine. “But arbitrary caps on the pay therapeutic medical physicists and diagnostic medical physicists receive contribute to clinical staffing shortages at VA clinics—delaying patients’ access to crucial cancer treatment. I’m proud to introduce commonsense, bipartisan legislation that would make it easier for the VA to hire staff providing cancer treatment and help our heroes access the care they need.”

Over the past two decades, TMP and DMP salaries have increased nationwide as radiation therapy has become more sophisticated and common. However, VA TMPs and DMPs earn approximately $40,000 less than their private sector counterparts. By removing this arbitrary cap, this legislation would allow the VA to offer salaries competitive with the private sector, which would help address persistent staffing shortages that can delay cancer treatments.

“Medical physicists are essential members of the clinical care team, helping ensure that imaging and radiation treatments are accurate and safe—especially for patients with cancer,” said American Association of Physicists in Medicine President Robin Miller. “Passing this legislation would help ensure veterans receive the highest-quality radiology and radiation oncology care. We commend Senators Tim Kaine and John Boozman for their leadership and commitment to improving care for veterans nationwide.”


Boozman Introduces John Thomas Shepherd to Judiciary Committee

Senator Encourages Support for Arkansan to Serve as U.S. District Court Judge

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) introduced John Thomas Shepherd at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing to consider his nomination to serve as a judge on the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas.

Boozman highlighted Shepherd’s impressive legal background and expressed strong confidence in his ability to craft sound, fair and impartial rulings from the federal bench.

“His integrity, professionalism and thoughtful leadership have earned him the trust and respect of Arkansans throughout his career,” said Boozman. “I strongly support his nomination and urge my colleagues to do the same.”

A native of El Dorado, Shepherd is a graduate of Rice University and the University of Arkansas School of Law. He previously served as a prosecuting attorney and later as a judge for Arkansas’s 13th Judicial Circuit. For more information on his nomination, click here.

Below are Boozman’s remarks as delivered:

Thank you, Chairman Grassley and Ranking Member Durbin, and good morning to my distinguished colleagues.

It is an honor to be here today to introduce fellow Arkansan, John Thomas Shepherd, President Trump’s nominee to serve as a judge on the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas.

I would also like to say hi to his family and friends who are here in attendance to support him. We are more than happy to have you.

A native of El Dorado, Arkansas, John Thomas is a graduate of Rice University and the University of Arkansas School of Law.

After graduating, John Thomas served as an attorney and later partner at Shepherd and Shepherd with his brother, Matthew, who is also a very respected lawyer in South Arkansas.

And they both take after their father, Bobby, who has served on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit since 2006.

John Thomas went on to become the prosecuting attorney, and then judge, for Arkansas’s 13th Judicial Circuit.

Throughout his career, he has earned the trust and respect of his fellow attorneys, law enforcement officials, and Arkansans through his integrity, professionalism and thoughtful leadership.

He is widely regarded as a fair and even-handed jurist whose careful analysis and sound judgment reflect a deep respect for the rule of law.

John Thomas has consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and an intellectual rigor, and I am confident he will bring the same level of care and diligence to every matter that comes before him.

His breadth of experience as a prosecutor and a judge has prepared him well for the federal bench, and it is for these reasons that I commend President Trump’s decision to nominate him.

There is no question that John Thomas Shepherd is exceptionally qualified and well-suited to serve with distinction on the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas.

I strongly support his nomination and urge my colleagues to do the same.

Thank you.

Click play to view the video or follow this link

https://youtu.be/DvQ1wbZgLFw?si=j2PhNihLKwCkxb0t


Senator Budd Releases Statement After Congress Passes FY26 Funding for the Department of Defense

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.), member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after Congress passed the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Defense Appropriations Act.

“The FY26 appropriations package makes a critical investment in our troops by ensuring the U.S. military has the very best equipment, training, and capabilities to defend the homeland as America’s adversaries continue to threaten global stability and U.S. security.

“As the Senator for North Carolina, one of our country’s top states for our military, I am proud to have fought for key provisions increasing funding for special operators’ counter-drone technology, upgrades for the F-15E fleet, and new Army tactical vehicles. Additionally, I championed measures to continue support for our Allies and partners, including Israel, Taiwan, and the Baltics. This appropriations package also follows through on our commitment to take care of our service members by giving junior enlisted a ten percent pay raise and providing a historic investment to improve Marine Corps barracks.

“North Carolina will greatly benefit from this funding package, from revitalizing our defense industrial base to prioritizing counterdrug operations. Our state will be more secure and prosperous because of these investments,” said Senator Budd.

Below is a summary of provisions Senator Budd championed that were passed by Congress:

ADVANCING TECHNOLOGY

$3M for Rare Earth Magnet Manufacturing

$52.3M for Hypersonic Readiness Assessment Vehicle

$5M for Advanced Manufacturing Technologies and Equipment for Supersonic Aircraft

$16M for DIU OnRamp Hub Geographic Expansion

STANDING WITH OUR ALLIES

$1B for weapons and training for Taiwan

$342M for the Counter-ISIS Train and Equip Fund

Restricts defense funds going to the Taliban

$80M for U.S.-Israel Anti-tunneling Cooperation

$75M for U.S.-Israel Counter-UAS Cooperation

$47.5M for U.S.-Israel Emerging Technology Cooperation

$500M for Israel Missile Defense programs

MILITARY SERVICES

Air Force

$102M for F-15 radar and communication upgrades

$213M for F-15 electronic warfare capabilities

$18M for the Air Force Adaptive Threat Modeling Labs

$115M for Air Force F-15EX Procurement

$3.9B for Air Force Procurement of 24 new F-35s

$277M for Air Force F-35 Upgrades

$531M for Air Force F-35 Spares & Repair Parts

Army

$25M for SOCOM Counter-UAS

$4M for Army Pathfinder Airborne

$246M for Army Infantry Squad Vehicles

$47M for Army Heavy Duty Dump Truck

$335M for Army Counter-UAS

$175M for the Army’s UH-60/AH-64 Improved Turbine Engine Program

$360M for AH-64E Apache Procurement

$2M for Expandable Single Pallet Expeditionary Kitchen & $10M for Field Containerized Kitchen Service Life Extension

Navy & Marine Corps

$6M for Navy Silicon Carbide Bi-directional Power Convertor

$3.7B for Navy/Marine Corps Procurement of 23 new F-35s

$381M for Navy/Marine Corps F-35 Upgrades

$535M for Navy/Marine Corps F-35 Spares & Repair Parts

DOD-Wide

$20M for the Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Program

CIVIL AIR PATROL

$57.9M for Civil Air Patrol Operations & Maintenance

$17.8M for Civil Air Patrol Aircraft Procurement

$3.3M for Civil Air Patrol Vehicle Procurement

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Chairman Capito Asks Witnesses About Cybersecurity Challenges Facing US Water Infrastructure, Delivers Closing Remarks

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, led a hearing to examine the cybersecurity challenges impacting American water infrastructure and to identify opportunities to improve water sector cybersecurity.

During the hearing, Chairman Capito asked Dr. Scott Simonton, a Fellow at Marshall University’s Institute for Cyber Security, about the use of circuit riders to contribute additional expertise to water systems in West Virginia. She also asked Matt Odermann, Executive Board Member at North Dakota Rural Water Systems Association, about the unique cybersecurity challenges faced by small and rural water systems and opportunities to improve available tools. Finally, the Chairman asked Scott Dewhirst of Fairfax Water about ways to attract young talent to the water utility workforce.

In her closing remarks, Chairman Capito addressed the emotional weight that can fall on rural communities who lose access to their water supplies following cyber-attacks or other challenges, as well as the importance of ensuring data is available to understand previous attacks and prevent additional breaches in the future.

HIGHLIGHTS:

CYBER EXPERTISE FOR WATER SYSTEMS

Chairman Capito:

“Dr. Simonton, you highlighted obviously that Marshall University’s Institute for Cyber Security is presently partnering with Anstead, which is […] a very small area, and the Huntington Water System […]. I was interested to hear [about], and I heard this from the rural water utilities folks that came in to see me yesterday from West Virginia, the cybersecurity circuit rider idea through [Department of Agriculture]. So, if you could frame out, just briefly, how valuable circuit riders are in general for physical infrastructure for the smaller systems and then how, as somebody dedicated fully to cyber, [do you believe] a dedicated cyber [expert] would be the best, or somebody who has that enhanced credentialing that could do both on the existing program?”

D. Scott Simonton, PE, PhD, Fellow at Marshall University Institute for Cyber Security:

“As far as the circuit rider is concerned, [Marshall] University is already […] moving towards supplying both students to do these things for utilities or others that don’t have that in-house capacity. And of course, also for our national guard units that we’re training, not just in water cyber, but in infrastructure security in general. So, I would see or we would see these circuit riders as dedicated certainly to cybersecurity because that is the need within the utilities. […] And they provide that expertise. They basically become consultants to the various utilities [and] provide the expertise that they don’t already have.”

Chairman Capito:

“[…] Technical assistance is what all three of you have said you really need. You’re not expecting the one- and two- and three-person utility to be able to meet this challenge on their own. They have to have this assistant. [Could there be] a framework for smaller systems that could then sort of be a plug-and-play [system] […]?”

D. Scott Simonton, PE, PhD, Fellow at Marshall University Institute for Cyber Security:

“That’s what we are trying to develop is this scalable plug-and-play framework. Every system, of course, is going to be different, but the needs are going to be very similar. They’re going to have very similar systems. They’re going to have very similar threats. They’re going to have very similar needs. And so, we’re developing this framework that can apply, not just to water utilities, but across infrastructure. And so, again, it’s providing that in-house expertise that they don’t have.”

RURAL COMMUNITIES

Chairman Capito:

“Mr. Odermann, we’re talking about rural water systems here and the unique challenges of the systems in rural areas. […] How many different systems do you have in North Dakota?”

Matt Odermann, Executive Board Member at North Dakota Rural Water Systems Association:

“There’s 282 members of the Association. It’s 97% of the state, so it’s significant.”

Chairman Capito:

“How do you see [the Circuit Rider Program helping], in terms of being able to serve where you are in North Dakota?”

Matt Odermann, Executive Board Member at North Dakota Rural Water Systems Association:

“The Circuit Rider Program is single-handedly the most successful, built-up program that I see in our state. It’s mature. It’s well-documented. The deliverables and the administrative stuff is set up already. Those trusted relationships between those systems and the state associations are built, and so, if we were able to spin up a technical circuit rider for cybersecurity, I imagine the uptake on that would be significant.”

WORKFORCE CHALLENGES

Chairman Capito:

“I want to talk about the workforce challenges because this is something I’ve been interested in and in several bills in the past, [I] have put in some availabilities for workforce development. As I see in West Virginia, when I visit utilities, […] trying to get young people interested in this as a career is, I think, difficult. […] I know one of our water systems in the audience has used an apprenticeship [program] […]. Have you had any experience with that, Mr. Dewhirst?”

Scott Dewhirst, Deputy General Manager, Engineering and Technology at Fairfax Water, on behalf of Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA)

“At Fairfax Water, we do take a pretty aggressive approach with summer internships. I think what people don’t understand [is], it takes many different types of skillsets and different types of jobs to run a water utility. So, this gives students a chance to really see what is involved, even in the cyber space, even in the technology space, laboratory, whatever it may be. So, we think that’s a great approach to getting people introduced to the industry and to have a long-term career.”

IMPACTS OF ATTACKS ON RURAL SYSTEMS AND ADDITIONAL NEEDS

Chairman Capito:

“I’d like to make an additional point, as someone who lives in a community that lost their water source through a chemical spill for many weeks. There are a couple things beyond what happens to the destruction of the system. It becomes a very emotional response. And it can really grow because you begin to lose trust. The authorities, health authorities and otherwise, unless they’re crystal clear—and we’ve gone through this with the CDC because they were not in this case—begin to take on a greater role. And they have to be prepared for this too, whether it’s a cyber-attack or a chemical spill or whatever.

“So, if you are able to infiltrate successfully a cyber-attack on one of your smaller systems, there might be people that would say, ‘oh well, that only serves 2,500 people. That doesn’t really matter.’ But what matters is the lack of trust and the cascading effect that it has in every rural community of, ‘this could be me. And how do I know?’ And so that’s why I think at every level, we need to make sure that the protections that we afford the larger systems are the same protections that we can provide for the smaller systems.

“[…] I think there’s a lot more connectivity here and [a greater] emotional part of protecting our rural water systems than we really got into today. I would identify also a gap. I think we need better data on how many attacks we have. […] I think [we need to know] how many, where are they occurring, how they occurred. That’s always going to be good for best practices to try to prevent [future attacks].”

Click HEREto view Chairman Capito’s closing remarks.

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Chairman Capito Opening Statement at Hearing to Examine Cybersecurity Challenges Impacting US Critical Water Infrastructure

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, led a hearing to examine the cybersecurity challenges impacting American water infrastructure and to identify opportunities to improve water sector cybersecurity.

In her opening remarks, Chairman Capito discussed various cybersecurity challenges currently facing American drinking water and wastewater systems, as well as the importance of addressing these challenges to safeguard water access. She also highlighted the need for innovative solutions that are tailored to reflect the different sets of challenges that utilities of varying sizes face.

Below is the opening statementof Chairman Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) as delivered.

“Today we will examine the challenges facing drinking water and wastewater systems to install, implement and maintain adequate cybersecurity, as well as try to identify opportunities to address these challenges through new legislation.

“First, I want to thank our excellent panel of witnesses for making the trip to D.C. to share their perspectives on this important topic. Your work to enhance the resilience of our water and wastewater systems is incredibly important to Americans’ health and daily lives.

“There are approximately—this number is stunning, really—170,000 water and wastewater utilities across the country. These utilities fill a vital role in ensuring that communities across the country have access to safe and reliable water and sanitation services.

“I know in the audience, we have several of our water system utility folks here. So, I’ll shout out to my fellow West Virginians.

“Accessible and reliable water and wastewater services are essential to protect public health and provide fundamental services to our constituents. These services can also be a foundational basis for a strong economy and a strong America.

“Because of the important role our water systems play in our country they are unfortunately a target for bad actors. Over the last several years, we have seen a broad trend of entities linked to our geopolitical adversaries, such as Iran, China and Russia, using cyberattacks to target our critical water infrastructure.

“Cyberattacks on water utilities may take various forms. For example, ransomware attacks can compromise business or customer information. Attackers can also gain access and then manipulate a system’s operational technology, disrupting the treatment or distribution of water or altering the levels of chemicals to potentially dangerous amounts.

“Either way, a successful attack that disrupts safe and reliable water or sanitation services or exposes sensitive customer data could be debilitating for impacted communities. These threats must be acknowledged and challenged, particularly as technological advances, such as AI, increase the speed and efficiency of these attacks.

“The rise in cyberattacks is occurring at the same time as our water and wastewater systems deploy new digital control technologies—I’ve seen some of them myself—systems that allow utilities to operate more effectively and effectively.

“As we look to upgrade and modernize our water systems in the face of these threats, it is more urgent for our utilities, federal agencies and water sector and cybersecurity experts to work together to increase that system resiliency.

“Increasing water system resiliency requires us to take a clear-eyed look at the many challenges and shortcomings that our utilities are facing:

Legacy systems are difficult to maintain and update;

Workforce shortages limit in-house expertise; and

Fulfilling basic cybersecurity hygiene practices requires consistent monitoring and communication.

“For instance, in 2024 the Environmental Protection Agency identified instances where some water systems utilized a single login for all their employees, failed to change default passwords or did not curtail the ability of former employees to access the systems.

“While we work to improve the resiliency of our critical infrastructure from cyberattacks, solutions to address cybersecurity must be deliberate and tailored to reflect the challenges faced by utilities of different sizes and locations. A one-size-fits-all mandate from the federal government will likely be overly burdensome and unworkable, particularly for our smaller systems, and can hinder utilities’ ability to take achievable steps towards meaningful progress.

“Water and wastewater systems across our nation are already grappling with how to prioritize limited resources while meeting federal and state requirements under the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act. Costly requirements can distract from the core mission of providing safe, reliable and affordable services to the American people.

“In addressing these cyber challenges, we must strike the right balance between the role of federal agencies and empowering local utilities to address their challenges and improve their cybersecurity at their own facilities. Due to the constantly evolving technological environment that we live in, addressing this challenge will require innovative solutions that enable utilities to adapt and respond to quickly changing circumstances.

“Building and maintaining resilience against cyber threats is not a one-and-done event – it is ongoing and ever-evolving. We should not rely on one specific technological advancement as the silver bullet solution or have blinders on when it comes to envisioning or preparing to address potential threats.

“I look forward the discussion today, learning how we can be better partners with our water utilities to identify cybersecurity threats and provide a flexible toolkit going forward.”

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Cassidy Pays Tribute to Fallen Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputy Christopher Ohlmeyer, Honors His Legacy on Senate Floor

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) delivered a speech on the U.S. Senate floor honoring Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputy Christopher Ohlmeyer, who was recently struck by a vehicle and killed while serving as a motorcycle escort for a funeral procession.

“His death will be felt by his family, his fellow officers and our entire state,” said Dr. Cassidy.

“With gratitude for Deputy Ohlmeyer’s service and remembrance of his life, Mr. President, I ask we pause for a moment to remember Deputy Ohlmeyer” concluded Dr. Cassidy.

See below for Cassidy’s full remarks:

Mr. President, I rise on a very sad occasion, recognizing Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s officer, Deputy Christopher Ohlmeyer, a motorcycle officer who was just killed in a traffic motor vehicle accident.

His death will be felt by his family, his fellow officers and our entire state.

Christopher Ohlmeyer was a great officer, but he was more than the uniform he wore.

He was a husband, a father, and a friend.

The way that he died, though tragic, is a testament to the way he lived.

Deputy Ohlmeyer was struck as he was serving as a motorcycle escort for a funeral procession and hit by a car from behind.

In his final moment, he was serving someone else.

I’m told that those who did not have a family were invited to be a part of his, that he brought people together, that he was deeply committed to serving community.

May we pray for his family, remember his sacrifice, and strive to live our legacy in our lives whenever we can as he did his.

With gratitude for Deputy Ohlmeyer’s service and remembrance of his life, Mr. President, I ask we pause for a moment to remember Deputy Ohlmeyer.Thank you, Mr. President, I yield.

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