Senator Blumenthal: Week in Review 1/30/2026-2/6/2026

Amplifying the Stories of U.S. Citizens Victimized by DHS Agents

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), and U.S. Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, held 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).

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.

“I know that what happened to me in the matter of seconds on October 4 will unfortunately be with me for a lifetime. The physical scars will always be there,” Ms. Martinez said. “And perhaps even worse, the mental scars will always be there as a reminder of the time my own government attempted to execute me and when they failed at that, to vilify me. I know that by being a survivor it is my duty to be here today to let you elected officials know what is happening on the streets of our country because silence is no longer an option. This needs to stop now!”

Ms. Martinez’s written testimony is available here.

“I now cannot lift my arms normally. I was never asked for ID, never told I was under arrest, never read my rights, and never charged with a crime,” Ms. Rahman said. “Before I blacked out on the cell floor, my cell mate pleaded over and over to get me emergency medical care. A voice outside said ‘We don't want to step on ICE's toes.’ When I opened my eyes at Hennepin County’s emergency room, I learned I was brought there to be treated for assault.”

Blumenthal highlighted Rahman’s testimony on Twitter/X.

“Aliya Rahman was assaulted & violently dragged from her car by immigration agents—& then detained without access to medical care. Despite the severe physical & mental toll, she is unafraid to demand accountability,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X.

Ms. Rahman’s written testimony is available here.

“I will never forget the fear and having to quickly duck my head as the shots were fired at the passenger side of the car. Any one of those bullets could have killed me or two people that I love,” Mr. Rascon said.

Blumenthal highlighted Mr. Rascon’s testimony on Twitter/X.

“Immigration agents opened fire on Daniel Rascon & his family when their car was unlawfully stopped. While he carries the weight of this incident, his bravery serves as motivation for us all to demand change,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X.

Mr. Rascon’s written testimony is available here.

“Our family is a very American blend. We vote differently, and we rarely completely agree on the finer details of what it means to be a citizen of this country. We attend various churches and some, not at all. Despite those differences, we have always treated each other with love and respect,” said Luke Ganger. “We have gotten even closer during this very divided time in our country, and we hope that our family can be even a small example to others to not let political ideals divide us. To be Good, like Renee.”

“Renee is not gone from us—she’s in the light that finds us on hard days. She’s in the resilience we didn’t know we had until we needed it. She’s in the laughter, the memories, the love that continues to grow,” said Brent Ganger.

Blumenthal highlighted the Ganger brother’s testimony on Twitter/X.

“At my spotlight forum, Luke Ganger—brother of Renee Nicole Macklin Good—remembers his sister & honors her legacy,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X.

“Honoring his sister, Renee Nicole Macklin Good, Brent Ganger speaks at my spotlight forum on the excessive use of force by ICE agents,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X.

Luke and Brent Ganger’s written testimony is available here.

“I have handled excessive force cases across the country for decades. My colleagues and I are deeply distressed at these invasions onto fellow Americans’ civil rights by our own government that have gone well beyond the initial scope of removing criminals,” said Mr. Romanucci. “The occupation by ICE and CBP in our cities is way beyond their mission, leading to unnecessary provocation that causes needless harm and death.”

Mr. Romanucci’s written testimony is available here.

“The current administration’s approach to immigration enforcement falls far short of professional norms This is not policing. It is not normal. And it is not professionally acceptable,” said Mr. Stoughton.

Mr. Stoughton’s written testimony is available here.

Slamming the Violent Use of Force by DHS Agents

Blumenthal delivered an opening statement at this bicameral public forum featuring testimony on the violent tactics and disproportionate use of force by DHS agents.

“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 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.”

This event is the second public forum Blumenthal and Garcia 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 DHS.

Video of Blumenthal’s opening statement is available here.

Blumenthal further highlighted the public forum on Twitter/X.

“Brave victims of DHS violence & rights violations seek accountability. They deserve legal redress & remedies against agents & leaders who violate their rights. Same recourse as victims have against state or local police if they break the law,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X.

“Powerful witnesses bear the scars—physical & emotional—of DHS & ICE lawless brutality. Their faces & voices add momentum to our demands for far reaching reform, a total overhaul of this out of control agency. Unless those demands are met, no more funding for DHS,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X.

Following the forum, Blumenthal spoke on the Senate Floor to discuss the testimony he received from the U.S. citizens victimized by DHS agents. 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.”

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

Blumenthal joined MS NOW’s Jen Psaki to discuss his spotlight forum and the testimony of the U.S. citizens victimized by DHS agents’ violence and excessive use of force.

“What struck me is the bravery of these people who have been victimized and terrorized by their own government, people whose agents of the government have shot at them trying to execute them, and in one case, almost killing them,” said Blumenthal on MS NOW. “So we need to rein in this agency. And what struck me as well is how impactful and powerful their testimony was. I hope it will move my Republican colleagues to accede to the demands that we're making. My view is unless those demands are met, we should shut down DHS because this kind of lawlessness and brutality are spanning our country. Minneapolis is everywhere in America. We are all Minneapolis.”

Blumenthal’s full interview with MS NOW can be found here.

Blumenthal also joined CNN’s Jake Tapper to amplify the witness testimonies of his spotlight forum.

“This experience was one of the most moving and powerful of any I have seen in my 15 years in the United States senate. You know, we use the mantra, ‘Speak truth to power’ all too often. These witnesses truly summon the courage and strength to speak truth to power,” said Blumenthal on CNN.

Blumenthal’s full interview with CNN can be found here.

On the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee

Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Blumenthal issued a statement following the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) release of its National Veterans Suicide Prevention annual report, revealing a decrease in veteran suicides from 2022 to 2023. At a Committee oversight hearing last week, Blumenthal pressed VA Secretary Doug Collins for the release of this delayed report, which should have been published last year.

“Veterans suicide is one of our nation’s most serious problems. While we saw a decrease in the number of veterans losing to their life to suicide in 2023, more needs to be done. We must safeguard lifesaving resources like the Veterans Crisis Line, address the shortage of mental health professionals at VA, and ensure every single veteran seeking mental health care gets that care in a timely manner. I’ll continue working to reduce this grim number by bolstering the suicide prevention, mental health care, and support programs relied upon by veterans, and fighting against any effort to diminish the critical care they provide.”

VA’s report shows 6,398 veterans died by suicide in 2023. Additionally, 61% of veterans who died by suicide in 2023 had no contact with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and were not receiving VA benefits. The suicide rate among veterans in VHA care with mental health or substance use disorder diagnoses fell 34.7%. This data highlights the importance of both strengthening VA’s direct care system and expanding outreach and suicide prevention efforts for veterans who are not engaged in VHA health care.

Last month, Blumenthal’s released a comprehensive report, Breaking the Pact: Impacts of Trump, DOGE, and Doug Collins’ Ongoing Assault on Veterans, detailing the harm and impacts of the Trump Administration’s draconian directives and cuts on veterans. Among its many findings, the report revealed a historic loss of staff, dire health care staffing shortages, and spiking VA mental health care wait times. Based on these findings, Blumenthal has asked Secretary Collins for updated facility-by-facility data for wait times on mental health care access—noting that the public data shows nearly one-third of facilities have wait times for new patients exceeding 40 days.

Blumenthal along with U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Angus King (I-ME), and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) are calling on the Department of Defense (DOD) to review and confirm the presence of radiation and toxic substances at the Karshi Khanabad (K2) Air Base in Uzbekistan so the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can deliver K2 veterans exposed to radiation long-overdue benefits.

“We write to request a review of the toxic substances present at the Karshi Khanabad (K2) Air Base in Uzbekistan. Nearly 16,000 service members deployed to K2 from 2001 to 2005. These service members have since developed serious health conditions. Yet, the federal government has not provided a consistent explanation of the hazards they encountered, which denies them the answers, care, and benefits they deserve,” wrote the Senators in a letter to Secretary Pete Hegseth.

The Senators continued, “VA’s ability to recognize radiation-related exposures…remains dependent on confirmation from the Department of Defense (DOD). Without an accurate accounting of the toxic substances found at K2 by the Department, VA is unable to ensure veterans who suffer from conditions related to radiation, jet fuels, asbestos, chemical agents, and other toxins receive the benefits they deserve.”

The Senators pointed to early reviews identifying toxic substances at K2, and a study from the Army Medical Department Journal identifying a connection between K2 deployment and certain rare cancers associated with radiation exposure. They requested DOD conduct a review of the toxic and radiological substances present at K2, and a review of the potential health effects of combined exposure to the contaminants found at K2.

The full text of the Senators’ letter is available here.

Blumenthal Bulletin

Blumenthal slammed ICE’s tremendous physical brutality and violence.

Blumenthal criticized Trump’s calls to nationalize elections and joined MS NOW to discuss this possible step towards totalitarianism.

Blumenthal reintroduced the Commission on Equity and Reconciliation in the Uniformed Services Act.

Blumenthal honored Jim and Pat Calhoun as Persons of the Year at the annual Central CT Celtic Cultural Committee Luncheon.

Blumenthal listened to student immigrant stories, “My Story, Our Future” sponsored by the India Cultural Center.

Blumenthal joined Voices of Hope International Holocaust Remembrance Day Ceremony in West Hartford’s Emanuel Synagogue.

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Booker, Sherrill & Members of NJ Delegation Host Press Conference Denouncing Trump For Causing Work Stoppage of Gateway Tunnel Project

WEEHAWKEN, N.J. – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) hosted a press conference alongside New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill, members of New Jersey’s Congressional delegation, and union members affected by President Trump’s withholding of federal funds for the nation’s largest, most significant public infrastructure project, the Gateway Tunnel Project.

Work on the tunnel ceased today due to President Trump’s failure to release funding, and approximately 1,000 union members were laid off. The press conference comes after the Gateway Development Commission and New Jersey and New York filed lawsuits against the Trump administration over the withheld funding earlier this week. Senator Booker also announced a letter to President Trump urging him to visit the construction site and meet with the workers who have been laid off due to his Administration’s decision.

“President Trump’s decision to withhold funding for the Gateway Tunnel Project is reckless, short-sighted, and deeply harmful to New Jersey’s working families. Because of this political stunt, construction has ground to a halt and 1,000 union workers have been laid off—skilled men and women who show up ready to build the infrastructure that moves our nation,” said Senator Booker. “The Gateway Tunnel Project is not a luxury; it’s an economic lifeline––one that will serve as the backbone of the Northeast Corridor and a pillar of our national economy. Every day these aging tunnels limp along, we risk catastrophic failure that would disrupt millions of commuters, strain the capacity of small businesses, drive prices on all kinds of goods and services even higher and cost our economy billions of dollars. A prolonged work stoppage doesn’t just delay progress—it spikes costs, weakens our supply chains, and undermines confidence in our ability to deliver major infrastructure projects. New Jersey and New York deserve better. The nation deserves better. We should be investing in workers, infrastructure, and the future—not playing games with people’s livelihoods.”

"Shovels go down today on the Gateway Tunnel Project, costing workers their jobs, commuters their safety, and one of the most prosperous regions in the country billions of dollars,” said Senator Andy Kim. “The Trump Administration should stop playing politics with taxpayer money and get workers back on the job so we can finish this critical project.”

"Donald Trump froze billions of dollars in funding for the Hudson Tunnel Project for one simple reason - to target Democratic lawmakers who refused to bend the knee," said Congressman Rob Menendez. "I will work alongside Governor Sherrill, Senators Booker and Kim, and our colleagues in New Jersey's congressional delegation to restore funding for the most consequential infrastructure project in the country. We will always put our residents and our workers ahead of petty political games, and we will fight this illegal funding freeze with everything we've got."

"This transportation crisis is a five-alarm fire. Today, the funding will run out and shovels will go down on the Gateway Project — the most consequential infrastructure project in our nation right now," said Congressman Gottheimer. "We’ve got to have an all-of-the-above approach to restore the funding, including a legal strategy and also sitting down and actually negotiating to get this project moving forward. President Trump: Don't kill this project, resurrect it.“

“If the Trump administration succeeds in this reckless, partisan, colossally stupid attack on our state, over one thousand workers will immediately lose their jobs. Building Gateway is not a luxury endeavor. It is the most important transit project in the entire country. We will not let this administration jeopardize workers’ livelihoods or our region’s future on a whim. Gateway will move forward. We have waited too long, and come too far, for anything less,” said Congresswoman Nellie Pou.

“The Gateway project is about building the transportation system New Jersey communities deserve, and that our nation could learn from. But Donald Trump has taken the future of faster commutes, good-paying jobs, and economic activity and tossed it aside because he doesn’t care about making your life better, he cares about himself,” said Congresswoman LaMonica McIver. “This fight is about people’s hard-earned dollars actually being reinvested in things that will make their lives easier, and we won’t stop demanding better. New Jersey is ready to work, grow, and build—not pause.”

“The Hudson Tunnel Project is one of the most important infrastructure investments in the nation, essential to the safety, reliability, and economic strength of the Northeast Corridor. I urge the court to rule promptly in the case brought by the Gateway Development Commission so that obligated federal grant and loan funds can be released without further delay. Prolonged uncertainty threatens a project that millions of commuters, workers, and businesses rely on every day," said Congressman Herb Conaway.

“The Trump Administration’s refusal to release funds for the Gateway Tunnel project is unacceptable. Over 1,000 union workers could lose their jobs, and the nation’s largest and most urgent infrastructure project is now at risk,” said Congressman Donald Norcross. “This reckless decision by the Trump Administration hurts commuters, workers, and families across New Jersey. It's clear once again that Trump is failing New Jersey. Congress must act immediately to ensure this critical project moves forward and that New Jersey receives the federal funding it was awarded.”

“The Gateway Tunnel is essential infrastructure for the millions who move along this major transportation hub, for the continued economic growth of the region and the country, and for the jobs and environmental stewardship opportunities it represents. The President's actions meant to spite political opponents, will do great harm to the entire country and are blatantly illegal. The Court should rule on this immediately so we can get back to work modernizing and upgrading our regional infrastructure,” said Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman.

“Failing to invest in the Gateway Tunnel threatens not just workers, but the entire regional economy that millions of residents depend on every day. Infrastructure investment is not optional—it’s necessary for workers, commuters, and the economic future of this region,” said Joseph DiPalma, Teamsters Local 560 President.

“Maintaining the continuity of the Gateway Tunnel project is critical for UNION Iron Workers due to the immediate risks of mass layoffs and the long-term loss of thousands of specialized UNION trades jobs. A shutdown of the project puts approximately 1,000 union construction workers at risk of immediate unemployment. Iron Workers are an essential component of the remaining 60% of the workforce alongside the Laborers, Carpenters, and the Operating Engineers,” said John Wade, Business Manager Iron Workers Local 11. “Union members emphasize that any delay translates directly to missed paychecks for working families. Over the lifespan of the Gateway Program 95,000 jobs will be created. If the project is halted, the Gateway Tunnel project risks losing current contractors and skilled UNION labor who may be moved to other jobs making future restarts significantly more expensive and difficult.Local 11 Iron Workers realize this project as a vital “America First" investment that allows blue-collar families to afford and improve their local communities. Halting one site disrupts the complex coordination of the entire $16 billion project, potentially delaying the completion of the Hudson River tunnel by months or years resulting in increased costs.

Additional Information: Senator Bookerhas long been a consistent and vocal advocate for the Gateway Tunnel Project:


Boozman, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Honoring Team USA Ahead of 2026 Winter Games

WASHINGTON— U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Michael Bennet (D-CO), and James Lankford (R-OK) introduced their bipartisan resolution honoring Team USA Olympic and Paralympic athletes ahead of the 2026 Winter Games. The Olympic Games will begin this evening in Italy. Boozman, Klobuchar, Bennet and Lankford serve as co-chairs of the bipartisan Senate Olympic and Paralympic Caucus.

“Sports brings people together from all walks of life, and there is no bigger stage than the Olympics. We are proud of the U.S. athletes representing our nation at the highest level of competition and look forward to cheering them on. I am pleased to join my colleagues in expressing the Senate’s support for these remarkable Americans,” said Boozman.

“Minnesota has a great tradition of excelling at winter sports – the long winters give us plenty of time to practice! – so it’s no surprise our state is well represented in this year’s games,” said Klobuchar. “This resolution recognizes our strong bipartisan support for all members of Team USA who have been preparing for this for years and will compete for our country. I look forward to cheering them on.”

“The Olympics mean a lot to Colorado. Our state is not only home to the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, but at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, we also have the largest delegation of athletes representing America in Milan and Cortina. As the Co-Chair of the Senate Olympic and Paralympic Caucus, I am looking forward to cheering on Team USA as they compete for Olympic gold and applaud these athletes' commitment to excellence, team spirit, and fair competition,” said Bennet.

“Oklahomans are proud to stand behind Team USA as they compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics. As we look ahead to welcoming events in Oklahoma City in 2028, our state is ready to show the world the Oklahoma Standard while cheering on America’s athletes every step of the way,” said Lankford.

The full text of the resolution is below.

Whereas, for more than 100 years, the Olympic and Paralympic Movements have—

(1) educated young people through amateur athletics;

(2) brought together athletes from many countries in friendly competition; and

(3) forged new relationships among athletes bound by friendship, solidarity, and fair play;

Whereas the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Games will take place in Italy from February 6, 2026, to February 22, 2026, and the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Games will take place in Italy from March 6, 2026, to March 15, 2026;

Whereas the United States Olympic and Paralympic Teams (referred to in this preamble as “Team USA”) have won 2,077 gold medals, 1,780 silver medals, and 1,657 bronze medals, totaling 5,514 medals, during the past Summer and Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games;

Whereas, at the 2026 Olympic Games, over 2,900 athletes from 93 countries will compete in 16 sport disciplines and 116 medal events, and at the 2026 Paralympic Games, 665 athletes from more than 50 countries will compete in 16 sports disciplines and 79 events;

Whereas, at the 2026 Olympic Games, Team USA will compete in 16sports disciplines and 111 contested events;

Whereas the United States plans to send 232 athletes to participate in the 2026 Olympic Games, including 115 women and 117 men;

Whereas the United States has already qualified at least 36 athletes to participate in the 2026 Paralympic Games, with many more expected to qualify;

Whereas the people of the United States stand united in respect, admiration, and pride for the athletes of Team USA and their athletic accomplishments, sportsmanship, grace under pressure, goodwill toward other competitors, and commitment to excellence;

Whereas the many accomplishments of Team USA would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the many sports organizations, administrators, coaches, and family members who have provided critical support to the athletes;

Whereas the United States maintains a commitment to the safety and security of Team USA;

Whereas the United States Government is grateful to Italy for hosting the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Games;

Whereas, upon the conclusion of the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the United States will assume the role of host-country of the next Summer Games and stands ready to support the athletes and organizers of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games and those of the 2034 Utah Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games; and

Whereas Team USA exemplifies rigorous competition, fair play, and the pursuit of dreams: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate—

(1) applauds the athletes and coaches of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Teams (referred to in this resolution as “Team USA”) and the families who support them;

(2) commends the Government of Italy and the regional and local governments of Italy, including Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, for their efforts to commit tremendous resources to provide a safe and secure environment for the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Games;

(3) supports the athletes of Team USA in competing at the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games; and


Baxter County Teen Serves as Senate Page

WASHINGTON—Arkansas student Hunter Coy traded in the halls of Mountain Home High School Career Academies for the corridors of Congress, where he spent the last several months serving as a U.S. Senate Page.

Coy and his fellow Pages attended academic class sessions beginning at 6:00 a.m. before reporting to work one hour before the Senate convened on weekdays. They helped ready the chamber for daily business by distributing materials to senators’ desks, assisting staff in the cloakrooms and, when the lawmaking body was in session, sitting near the dais waiting to aid members delivering remarks or casting votes.

“I am incredibly grateful to Senator Boozman for the opportunity to serve as a Senate Page this semester. From my time on the Senate floor, I had the chance to gain a new perspective on our legislative process and see senators from both parties working together every day to advocate for their constituents. The program was rigorous and made me a stronger student while allowing me to gain valuable skills and form lasting friendships. I was sincerely honored to be selected to represent our great state and know that the skills I gained during my time as a Page will be invaluable to my future,” Coy said.

Coy earned his appointment to the position from Senator John Boozman (R-AR).

“Hunter represented Arkansas incredibly well during his time as a Senate Page. He handled his responsibilities with maturity and professionalism while gaining valuable insight into the legislative process. I am confident this experience will encourage him to continue pursuing his passion for public service and leadership. Our entire state can be proud of his accomplishments,” Boozman said.

Coy is involved in various clubs and organizations at Mountain Home High School Career Academies, including serving as Student Council Vice President and Key Club President. In addition, he is a member of the Quiz Bowl Team as well as the Yearbook and Journalism Clubs. He also competes on the varsity track team and is completing a service project with the Clinton Presidential Library.

During his time in our nation’s capital, Hunter attended President Trump’s Veterans Day address at Arlington National Cemetery, observed the National Christmas Tree Lighting at the White House and visited Old Town Alexandria and Jamestown, Virginia.

He is the son of Randy and Stacie Coy.

The Senate Page program started in 1829 when Senator Daniel Webster appointed the first Senate Page. Today, the program is a unique, highly selective opportunity for high school juniors with a strong academic standing to learn firsthand about the institution often referred to as “the world’s greatest deliberative body.”


U.S. Senator Katie Britt Questions Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent During Senate Banking Hearing

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) participated in a Senate Banking Committee hearing on the Financial Stability Oversight Council’s (FSOC) annual report to Congress, where she questioned Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on the agriculture industry, sanctioning the Iranian regime, and regulatory tailoring.

Senator Britt discussed the Biden Administration’s failure to deliver for American agriculture producers, calling to prioritize passing an updated Farm Bill: “When I look back over the last four years of the Biden Administration, it was failed policies for our agriculture industry. Number one, President Biden walked away from the trade deals and the trade gains that President Trump had gotten for our ag industry. Number two, with record high inflation, it hit our farmers worse than anyone. Both the energy—the war on energy of the Biden Administration—plus the amount and the payment of equipment, plus the fact that input cost had literally been frozen and the Biden Administration failed to pass a Farm Bill, didn’t even try. So here you had record high costs with energy, equipment, labor, inflation, and then you cap what they can make. And I don’t remember one person on the other side of the aisle saying, ‘Let’s move a Farm Bill. Let’s help these people. Let’s drive down energy costs.’”

Secretary Bessent responded, “…[E]very time President Trump has spoken with Party Chair XI, he suggested he buys more soybeans and slowly that tapered off. And we said why? [He] said Biden … didn’t enforce the purchase agreements.”

Senator Britt asked Secretary Bessent about the role Treasury can continue to play in exerting pressure against the dangerous Iranian regime: “Speaking of something else we walked away from in the Biden Administration, was actually being tough on Iran when it came to sanctions. I appreciate the maximum pressure strategy that President Trump has gone back to. I’d like to ask you, what more can we be doing as we see us place pressure on the Ayatollah, who is no friend of the United States of America? And as we see what he is doing to the citizens of his own country and the streets, what more can we be doing to make sure that we are placing the pressure that we need to on the greatest state sponsor of terrorism and that is the Ayatollah, and Iran?”

Secretary Bessent responded, “Well, what we can do at Treasury and what we have do is have done is created a dollar shortage in the country … It came to a swift, and I would say grand, culmination in December when one of the largest banks in Iran went under … The Iranian currency went into freefall. Inflation exploded, and hence we have seen the Iranian people out on the street. We will continue monitoring … all the Iranian partners … We have seen the Iranian leadership wiring money out of the country like crazy. So the rats are leaving the ship, and that is a good sign that they know the end may be near.”

Senator Britt then asked Secretary Bessent about how FSOC is calibrating the regulatory framework for financial institutions, noting the importance of regulatory tailoring, stating, “It is obviously my belief that proper tailoring actually ensures that supervision is grounded in economic reality rather than subject ideology. Can you speak a little bit to the work that you and FSOC agencies are doing to more properly calibrate our regulatory framework, whether it’s capital rules or stress testing or even adjusting outdated thresholds?”

Secretary Bessent responded saying that, “We are looking at all the thresholds … Too big to fail become too small to succeed… And we don’t want to see more of our small banks go under.

You can watch the Senator’s full remarks here.

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U.S. Senators Katie Britt, Brian Schatz Lead Letter Demanding Answers From Meta Concerning Young Users

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawai’i), and several of their Senate colleagues sent a letter to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg asking why the company delayed rolling out protections for young users even after it knew of the grave risks its platforms posed to children. Citing a court filing unsealed late last year, the senators pressed the company for answers on why it delayed launching its “private by default” feature for young users and how it reviews and acts on reports of sex trafficking and child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on its platforms.

“In the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California’s consideration of Social Media Adolescent Addiction/Personal Injury Products Liability Litigation, a recently unsealed plaintiff’s brief revealed new information about Meta’s knowledge of risks to the wellbeing and safety of young users on its platforms,” wrote the senators. “The documents allege that Meta employees were aware of potential and ongoing harms to young users, including impacts to attention and emotional wellbeing, exposure to inappropriate contact by adults, and challenges to taking down sex trafficking and child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on its platforms. These developments are alarming, and we are deeply concerned by allegations that Meta was not only aware of these risks, but may have delayed product design changes or prevented public disclosure of these findings.”

Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) also co-signed the letter. You can read the full letter here.

Senator Britt has long advocated to protect children and teens online, previously introducing bipartisan legislation, the Kids Off Social Media Act, to prohibit children under the age of 13 from using social media and ban algorithmic targeting for users under the age of 17. Additionally, Senator Britt leads the Stop the Scroll Act alongside Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.), which would create a mental health warning label requirement for social media platforms.

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Capito Secures CDS Award for Ridgeley Volunteer Fire Company

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a leader on the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced a Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) award for the Ridgeley Volunteer Fire Company for the construction of a new fire station.

This award, which was secured through a CDS request made solely by Senator Capito in Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26), will be used to construct a new fire station to replace their current facility.

“As Ridgeley Volunteer Fire Company continues to modernize, the need for improvement is critical. This funding is one step in the process of directing the needed resources to provide Ridgeley, Carpendale, and the surrounding communities with the technology and adequate resources to improve preparedness,” Senator Capito said. “As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I am proud to have helped utilize the CDS process to help make this project a reality.”

“We are incredibly grateful to Senator Shelley Moore Capito for her unwavering support and tireless advocacy on behalf of Ridgeley Volunteer Fire Company,” Deputy Chief Rodney Twyman said. “Her commitment to helping rural and volunteer fire departments ensures that we can continue to protect our neighbors, our families, and our little slice of Almost Heaven.”

Individual award details listed below:


Cassidy Delivers New VA Clinic for Baton Rouge

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, announced that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has awarded a lease for a new community-based outpatient clinic in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Cassidy played a critical role in securing this clinic through the Sergeant First Class (SFC) Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022. When opened, the new clinic will benefit veterans in the Capital Region.

“This new clinic will help veterans in the Capital Region heal from the wounds of war,” said Dr. Cassidy. “It helps honor the promise America makes to serve those who risked their lives for us.”

When completed, the new clinic will have over 100,000 square feet of clinical space, and 600 parking spaces. The clinic will allow the VA to consolidate and expand upon the care provided at the Baton Rouge South and North Community-Based Outpatient Clinics. As of late December, the VA anticipates that the new clinic will be activated in the second quarter of Fiscal Year 2029.The PACT Act expanded VA health care and benefits for veterans who were exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. It adds to the list of health conditions that the VA presumes are caused by exposure to those substances. As of the end of last year, over 3 million PACT Act claims were submitted nationwide, including over 60,000 in Louisiana.

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More Than $425.7 Million for Maine Secured by Senator Collins in FY26 Funding Bills

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that she successfully secured $425,716,000 through Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) for 156 projects located throughout Maine in the Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriations bills signed into law to date.

This funding secured by Senator Collins will support targeted investments across each of Maine’s 16 counties. To view an interactive map of all CDS projects Senator Collins has secured funding for since 2021, click here.

“From increasing access to higher education, child care, and affordable housing to supporting Maine’s hospitals, improving our roads and bridges, and rebuilding police, fire, and EMS stations, these targeted investments will provide real and direct benefits for communities in all 16 counties,” said Senator Collins. “As Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I fought hard to ensure this important funding was included in the final funding bills that were signed into law.”

The 156 projects secured by Senator Collins are listed by county below:

ANDROSCOGGIN

9 Projects / $29,205,000

Androscoggin State Route 4 Safety Improvements (Auburn)

Recipient: Maine Department of Transportation

Amount: $5,000,000

Bill: THUD

Project Purpose: To make safety improvements to State Route 4 from Auburn to Livermore.

Auburn Area Infrastructure for Workforce Housing (Auburn)

Recipient: City of Auburn

Amount: $8,000,000

Bill: THUD

Project Purpose: To expand the infrastructure needed for housing and economic development.

CMCC Nursing Education Equipment Enhancement (Auburn)

Recipient: Central Maine Community College (CMCC)

Amount: $1,000,000

Bill: LHHS-Ed

Project Purpose: To purchase nursing education equipment.

Lewiston Police Department Public Safety Equipment (Lewiston)

Recipient: Lewiston Police Department

Amount: $2,170,000

Bill: CJS

Project Purpose: To purchase protective gear and other public safety equipment.

Maine MILL Renovation (Lewiston)

Recipient: Maine MILL

Amount: $3,000,000

Bill: THUD

Project Purpose: To support economic development by redeveloping a former mill site.

Older Adult Education and Nutrition Facility (Lewiston)

Recipient: SeniorsPlus

Amount: 1,000,000

Bill: THUD

Project Purpose: To support facility improvements for educational and community uses.

Spurwink Lewiston Behavioral Health Center (Lewiston)

Recipient: Spurwink Services

Amount: $5,666,000

Bill: LHHS-Ed

Project Purpose: To renovate an existing structure to be a Behavioral Health Center.

St. Mary’s Behavioral Health Emergency Department Expansion (Lewiston)

Recipient: St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center

Amount: $2,619,000

Bill: LHHS-Ed

Project Purpose: To renovate, expand, and equip the Behavioral Health Emergency Department.

A.B. Ricker Memorial Library (Poland)

Recipient: Town of Poland

Amount: $750,000

Bill: Agriculture

Project Purpose: To renovate and expand the library.

AROOSTOOK

23 Projects / $46,405,000

Caribou Utilities District for Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements (Caribou)

Recipient: Caribou Utilities District

Amount: $3,288,000

Bill: Interior

Project Purpose: To upgrade wastewater infrastructure in Caribou.

Pines Health Services Relocation (Caribou)

Recipient: Pines Health Services

Amount: $8,900,000

Bill: LHHS-Ed

Project Purpose: To support the construction of a new health center for Pines Health Services.

Town of Eagle Lake Fire Department Substation (Eagle Lake)

Recipient: Town of Eagle Lake

Amount: $150,000

Bill: THUD

Project Purpose: To support the construction of the Town of Eagle Lake’s Fire Department substation.

Easton Fire Station (Easton)

Recipient: Town of Easton

Amount: $3,600,000

Bill: THUD

Project Purpose: To construct a fire station.

Town of Fort Kent for Water Infrastructure Improvements (Fort Kent)

Recipient: Town of Fort Kent

Amount: $3,500,000

Bill: Interior

Project Purpose: To improve water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure in Fort Kent.

University of Maine at Fort Kent Computer Training Facility (Fort Kent)

Recipient: University of Maine System

Amount: $885,000

Bill: THUD

Project Purpose: To support the creation of a computer science working lab.

Houlton Regional Hospital Improvements (Houlton)

Recipient: Houlton Regional Hospital

Amount: $5,458,000

Bill: LHHS-Ed

Project Purpose: To support facility and safety improvements.

Island Falls Fire and Ambulance Department (Island Falls)

Recipient: Town of Island Falls

Amount: $1,603,000

Bill: THUD

Project Purpose: To expand the fire and ambulance department.

Loring Development Authority for Water Infrastructure Improvements (Limestone)

Recipient: Loring Development Authority

Amount: $1,740,000

Bill: Interior

Project Purpose: To upgrade water infrastructure in Loring Commerce Centre.

Littleton Town Garage (Littleton)

Recipient: Town of Littleton

Amount: $896,000

Bill: Agriculture

Project Purpose: To construct a garage for municipal vehicles and equipment.

Mars Hill Community Center Renovation (Mars Hill)

Recipient: Town of Mars Hill

Amount: $2,000,000

Bill: THUD

Project Purpose: To renovate the community center.

Youth Emergency Shelter Technology Improvements (Mars Hill)

Recipient: The Northern Lighthouse

Amount: $92,000

Bill: LHHS-Ed

Project Purpose: To support technology improvements.

Aroostook Agency on Aging Facility Renovation (Presque Isle)

Recipient: Aroostook Agency on Aging

Amount: $1,370,000

Bill: THUD

Project Purpose: To renovate the Aroostook Agency on Aging’s primary facility.

Aroostook Childcare Resource Center (Presque Isle)

Recipient: United Way of Aroostook

Amount: $153,000

Bill: LHHS-Ed

Project Purpose: To support the creation of a childcare resource center for childcare providers in Aroostook County.

Health Care Training Equipment Upgrades (Presque Isle)

Recipient: University of Maine System

Amount: $1,500,000

Bill: LHHS-Ed

Project Purpose: To purchase equipment for the health care profession programs at the University of Maine Presque Isle.

NMCC Nursing and Allied Health Education Simulation Expansion (Presque Isle)

Recipient: Northern Maine Community College (NMCC)

Amount: $650,000

Bill: LHHS-Ed

Project Purpose: To purchase labor and delivery simulation equipment.

NMCC Industrial E&I Technician Training Program (Presque Isle)

Recipient: Northern Maine Community College (NMCC)

Amount: $1,304,000

Bill: LHHS-Ed

Project Purpose: To purchase equipment and develop a program to train industrial electrical and instrumentation technicians.

Presque Isle Utilities District for Water Infrastructure Improvements (Presque Isle)

Recipient: Presque Isle Utilities District

Amount: $2,000,000

Bill: Interior

Project Purpose: To upgrade drinking water infrastructure in Presque Isle.

St. Agatha Fire Station (St. Agatha)

Recipient: Town of St. Agatha

Amount: $345,000

Bill: Agriculture

Project Purpose: To expand the fire station.

Maine Veterans’ Homes Equipment Upgrades (Statewide)

Recipient: Maine Veterans’ Homes

Amount: $3,142,000

Bill: LHHS-Ed

Project Purpose: For equipment to support care for aging veterans.

Maine Veterans’ Homes Facility Upgrades (Statewide)

Recipient: Maine Veterans’ Homes

Amount: $518,000

Bill: LHHS-Ed

Project Purpose: For facility upgrades to support care for aging veterans.

Van Buren Small Business Incubator and Community Hub (Van Buren)

Recipient: Town of Van Buren

Amount: $1,737,000

Bill: THUD

Project Purpose: To develop a small business incubator and community connectivity hub.

Westfield Town Garage (Westfield)

Recipient: Town of Westfield

Amount: $1,574,000

Bill: Agriculture

Project Purpose: To construct a town garage.

CUMBERLAND

9 Projects / $28,259,000

Bridgton Hospital Emergency Department Expansion (Bridgton)

Recipient: Bridgton Hospital

Amount: $5,000,000

Bill: LHHS-Ed

Project Purpose: To renovate, expand, and equip the Emergency Department.

Route 26-100 Roundabout Construction (Cumberland)

Recipient: Maine Department of Transportation

Amount: $9,600,000

Bill: THUD

Project Purpose: To construct a roundabout at the intersection of Route 26-100 and Skillin Road in Cumberland.

Town of Gorham for Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements (Gorham)

Recipient: Town of Gorham

Amount: $3,000,000

Bill: Interior

Project Purpose: To upgrade wastewater infrastructure in Gorham.

Children’s Literacy Program (North Bridgton)

Recipient: Team Long Run

Amount: $250,000

Bill: LHHS-Ed

Project Purpose: To expand early childhood literacy and physical education programs.

Boys & Girls Club Expansion (Portland)

Recipient: Boys & Girls Club of Southern Maine

Amount: $3,000,000

Bill: THUD

Project Purpose: To expand and update facilities.

Expanding Manufacturing and Engineering Pathways (Portland)

Recipient: Educate Maine

Amount: $2,000,000

Bill: LHHS-Ed

Project Purpose: To purchase manufacturing and engineering equipment for Career and Technical Education schools statewide.

Recovery Community Center Expansion (Portland)

Recipient: Portland Recovery Community Center

Amount: $2,647,000

Bill: LHHS-Ed

Project Purpose: For facilities and equipment to support peer recovery services.

SMCC Education and Training Accelerator Lab (South Portland)

Recipient: Southern Maine Community College (SMCC)

Amount: $2,237,000

Bill: FSGG

Project Purpose: To upgrade facilities and expand training for SMCC’s plumbing programs.

Growing Maine’s Dental Workforce (Statewide)

Recipient: Children’s Oral Health Network of Maine

Amount: $525,000

Bill: LHHS-Ed

Project Purpose: To purchase equipment to train independent practice dental hygienists.

FRANKLIN

4 Projects / $13,140,000

Farmington Police Department Public Safety Equipment (Farmington)

Recipient: Farmington Police Department

Amount: $240,000

Bill: CJS

Project Purpose: To purchase public safety equipment.

Health Care Training Center Renovations (Farmington)

Recipient: University of Maine Farmington

Amount: $1,900,000

Bill: LHHS-Ed

Project Purpose: For facilities and equipment to support a new Health Care Education Center.

Madrid to Rangeley State Route 4 Rehabilitation (Franklin County)

Recipient: Maine Department of Transportation

Amount: $10,000,000

Bill: THUD

Project Purpose: To rehabilitate State Route 4 from Madrid to Rangeley.

Rangeley Lakes Watershed Crossing Infrastructure (Franklin County)

Recipient: Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust

Amount: $1,000,000

Bill: Interior

Project Purpose: To upgrade stream crossing infrastructure in the Rangeley Lakes Region.

HANCOCK

15 Projects / $39,393,000

Bar Harbor Fire Department Ambulance (Bar Harbor)

Recipient: Bar Harbor Fire Department

Amount: $125,000

Bill: LHHS-Ed

Project Purpose: To purchase a new ambulance.

MDI Biological Laboratory Research and Health Training Facility (Bar Harbor)

Recipient: Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory

Amount: $1,935,000

Bill: LHHS-Ed

Project Purpose: For facilities and equipment to support biomedical research and health innovation.

MDI YMCA Multi-Purpose Facility (Bar Harbor)

Recipient: Mount Desert Island YMCA

Amount: $500,000

Bill: Agriculture

Project Purpose: To construct a multi-purpose facility for pre-school, after-school, and community programs.

Research Instrumentation for Biomedical Imaging and Microscopy (Bar Harbor)

Recipient: Jackson Laboratory

Amount: $2,679,000

Bill: LHHS-Ed

Project Purpose: To purchase research equipment for biomedical imaging and advanced microscopy.

Bucksport Main Street Safety Improvements (Bucksport)

Recipient: Maine Department of Transportation

Amount: $7,200,000

Bill: THUD

Project Purpose: To rehabilitate State Route 15 in Bucksport.

Bucksport Regional Health Center Dental Expansion (Bucksport)

Recipient: Bucksport Regional Health Center

Amount: $1,980,000

Bill: LHHS-Ed

Project Purpose: For facilities and equipment to expand dental services.

Small Vessel Training Program (Castine)

Recipient: Maine Maritime Academy

Amount: $1,170,000

Bill: LHHS-Ed

Project Purpose: To support workforce development through small vessel training.

Training Laboratory (Castine)

Recipient: Maine Maritime Academy

Amount: $2,800,000

Bill: LHHS-Ed

Project Purpose: To purchase equipment for a simulation laboratory aboard the State of Maine training vessel.

Deer Isle State Route 15 Causeway Improvements (Deer Isle)

Recipient: Maine Department of Transportation

Amount: $12,000,000

Bill: THUD

Project Purpose: To improve the causeway between the mainland and the towns of Deer Isle and Stonington.

Friends in Action Senior Center Equipment (Ellsworth)

Recipient: Friends in Action

Amount: $140,000

Bill: LHHS-Ed

Project Purpose: To purchase equipment for senior center services.

Hancock County Public Safety Equipment (Hancock)

Recipient: Hancock County

Amount: $2,300,000

Bill: CJS

Project Purpose: To purchase public safety equipment for law enforcement agencies in Hancock County.

Town of Southwest Harbor for Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements (Southwest Harbor)

Recipient: Town of Southwest Harbor

Amount: $780,000

Bill: Interior

Project Purpose: To upgrade wastewater infrastructure in Southwest Harbor.

Swan’s Island Fire and Ambulance Station (Swan’s Island)

Recipient: Town of Swan’s Island

Amount: $1,444,000

Bill: Agriculture

Project Purpose: To expand the fire and ambulance station.

Facility Restoration (Winter Harbor)

Recipient: Winter Harbor Historical Society

Amount: $1,150,000

Bill: THUD

Project Purpose: To restore and upgrade facilities and improve accessibility.

Schoodic Research Learning Center Renovations (Winter Harbor)

Recipient: National Park Service

Amount: $3,190,000

Bill: Interior

Project Purpose: To upgrade facilities at Acadia’s Research Learning Center.

KENNEBEC

12 Projects / $28,469,000

Belgrade Fire and Rescue Station (Belgrade)

Recipient: Town of Belgrade

Amount: $4,700,000

Bill: Agriculture

Project Purpose: To construct a fire and rescue station.

Clinton Water District for Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements (Clinton)

Recipient: Clinton Water District

Amount: $3,250,000

Bill: Interior

Project Purpose: To upgrade wastewater infrastructure in Clinton.

City of Gardiner for Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements (Gardiner)

Recipient: City of Gardiner

Amount: $1,422,000

Bill: Interior

Project Purpose: To upgrade wastewater infrastructure in Gardiner.

MaineGeneral Health Electronic Medical Records Infrastructure Improvement (Kennebec County)

Recipient: MaineGeneral Health

Amount: $5,000,000

Bill: LHHS-Ed

Project Purpose: For facilities and equipment to support electronic medical records software upgrades.

Monmouth Water Association for Drinking Water Infrastructure Improvements (Monmouth)

Recipient: Monmouth Water Association

Amount: $3,555,000

Bill: Interior

Project Purpose: To upgrade drinking water infrastructure in Monmouth.

Memorial Hall Rehabilitation (Oakland)

Recipient: Town of Oakland

Amount: $39,000

Bill: Interior

Project Purpose: To rehabilitate Memorial Hall, a Civil-War era building listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Maine Statewide CNA Training Program (Statewide)

Recipient: Hanley Center for Health Leadership and Education DBA Maine Medical Education Trust

Amount: $1,000,000

Bill: LHHS-Ed

Project Purpose: To support certified nursing assistant training for long-term care.

Vassalboro Sanitary District for Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements (Vassalboro)

Recipient: Vassalboro Sanitary District

Amount: $386,000

Bill: Interior

Project Purpose: To upgrade wastewater infrastructure in Vassalboro.

Advancing Science and Technology for Maine’s STEM Workforce (Waterville)

Recipient: Thomas College

Amount: $1,100,000

Bill: LHHS-Ed

Project Purpose: For curriculum development and to purchase equipment for an advanced biochemistry lab and a new physics lab.

Delta Ambulance Purchase (Waterville)

Recipient: Delta Ambulance

Amount: $655,000

Bill: LHHS-Ed

Project Purpose: To purchase new ambulances and emergency medical equipment.

Maine High-Performance Computing Hub (Waterville)

Recipient: Central Maine Growth Council

Amount: $6,200,000

Bill: CJS

Project Purpose: To support the establishment of a statewide high-performance computing hub.

Winthrop Public Safety Communications Equipment (Winthrop)

Recipient: Town of Winthrop

Amount: $1,162,000

Bill: CJS

Project Purpose: To purchase public safety communications equipment.

KNOX

3 Projects / $9,033,000

Town of North Haven for Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements (North Haven)

Recipient: Town of North Haven

Amount: $4,000,000

Bill: Interior

Project Purpose: To upgrade wastewater infrastructure in North Haven.

Owls Head STEM Community Center (Owls Head)

Recipient: Owls Head Transportation Museum

Amount: $1,533,000

Bill: Agriculture

Project Purpose: To construct a STEM community center and public spaces for educational and professional programming.

Thomaston Fire and EMS Facility (Thomaston)

Recipient: Town of Thomaston

Amount: $3,500,000

Bill: Agriculture

Project Purpose: To construct a fire and EMS facility.

LINCOLN

3 Projects / $6,350,000

Town of Waldoboro Ambulance (Waldoboro)

Recipient: Town of Waldoboro

Amount: $350,000

Bill: LHHS-Ed

Project Purpose: To purchase a new ambulance.

American Lobster Settlement Index Expansion (Walpole)

Recipient: University of Maine System

Amount: $1,000,000

Bill: CJS

Project Purpose: To expand the Maine Collector Survey for lobster in the Gulf of Maine.

Gulf of Maine Ocean Observation System (Walpole)

Recipient: University of Maine System

Amount: $5,000,000

Bill: CJS

Project Purpose: To expand the ocean observation system in the Gulf of Maine, which is used by the maritime and fishing industries.

OXFORD

6 Projects / $22,692,000

Canton Water District for Drinking Water Infrastructure Improvements (Canton)

Recipient: Canton Water District

Amount: $1,250,000

Bill: Interior

Project Purpose: To upgrade drinking water infrastructure in Canton.

Stephens Memorial Hospital Renovations (Norway)

Recipient: Western Maine Health (MaineHealth)

Amount: $10,810,000

Bill: LHHS-Ed

Project Purpose: To construct and equip a new Emergency Department and oncology infusion center.

Historic Rumford Meeting House Restoration (Rumford)

Recipient: Rumford Center Village Improvement Society

Amount: $232,000

Bill: THUD

Project Purpose: To support the restoration of the historic Rumford Meeting House.

Rumford Child Care and Community Center (Rumford)

Recipient: Town of Rumford

Amount: $3,000,000

Bill: THUD

Project Purpose: To support a child care and community center.

Rumford Hospital Emergency Department Expansion (Rumford)

Recipient: Rumford Hospital

Amount: $6,400,000

Bill: LHHS-Ed

Project Purpose: To renovate, expand, and equip the Emergency Department.

Rumford Police Department Public Safety Equipment (Rumford)

Recipient: Rumford Police Department

Amount: $1,000,000

Bill: CJS

Project Purpose: To purchase public safety equipment.

PENOBSCOT

26 Projects / $98,940,000

3D-Printing Research and Development (Bangor)

Recipient: Penquis CAP

Amount: $1,270,000

Bill: CJS

Project Purpose: To support 3D-printing research and design for multi-family housing development with the University of Maine Advanced Structures and Composites Center.

Aircraft Maintenance Squadron / Aircraft Ground Equipment Facility (Bangor)

Recipient: Maine Air National Guard

Amount: $2,500,000

Bill: MilCon-VA

Project Purpose: To support planning and design of a new aircraft maintenance and ground equipment facility.

Building Workforce Development through Connectivity and Technology (Bangor)

Recipient: Husson University

Amount: $1,100,000

Bill: LHHS-Ed

Project Purpose: For technology, equipment, and facilities upgrades to expand education opportunities for students in marketing fields.

EMCC Nursing and Allied Health Education Simulation Expansion (Bangor)

Recipient: Eastern Maine Community College (EMCC)

Amount: $6,510,000

Bill: LHHS-Ed

Project Purpose: To construct and equip a nursing and allied health care simulation laboratory and learning center on campus.

Maternal Delivery and New Infant Project (Bangor, Dover-Foxcroft, Ellsworth, Portland, Presque Isle)

Recipient: Northern Light Eastern Maine Health

Amount: $1,599,000

Bill: LHHS-Ed

Project Purpose: To replace and modernize equipment across hospitals with labor and delivery units.

St. Joseph Hospital Emergency Department Expansion (Bangor)

Recipient: St. Joseph Hospital

Amount: $6,800,000

Bill: LHHS-Ed

Project Purpose: To renovate, expand, and equip the Emergency Department.

Shaw House Youth Shelter Renovation (Bangor)

Recipient: Community Care

Amount: $848,000

Bill: THUD

Project Purpose: To repair and renovate the youth shelter.

City of Brewer for Drinking Water Infrastructure Improvements (Brewer)

Recipient: City of Brewer

Amount: $1,576,000

Bill: Interior

Project Purpose: To upgrade drinking water infrastructure in Brewer.

Dixmont Fire and Rescue Station (Dixmont)

Recipient: Town of Dixmont

Amount: $2,332,000

Bill: THUD

Project Purpose: To construct a fire and rescue station.

East Millinocket Paper Mill Cleanup and Rehabilitation (East Millinocket)

Recipient: Town of East Millinocket

Amount: $5,000,000

Bill: THUD

Project Purpose: To support ongoing rehabilitation of the former Great Northern Paper Mill site.

Holden Police Department Garage (Holden)

Recipient: Town of Holden

Amount: $653,000

Bill: Agriculture

Project Purpose: To construct a garage for police vehicles and equipment.

Central Maine Highland Fire Ambulance (Howland)

Recipient: Central Maine Highland Fire & EMS District 1

Amount: $1,875,000

Bill: LHHS-Ed

Project Purpose: To purchase new ambulances for regional EMS.

Kenduskeag Fire Station (Kenduskeag)

Recipient: Kenduskeag Fire Department

Amount: $3,500,000

Bill: THUD

Project Purpose: To construct a fire station.

Lincoln Police Department Public Safety Equipment (Lincoln)

Recipient: Lincoln Police Department

Amount: $565,000

Bill: CJS

Project Purpose: To purchase public safety equipment.

Lincoln Technology Park (Lincoln)

Recipient: Town of Lincoln

Amount: $4,000,000

Bill: THUD

Project Purpose: To support the redevelopment of an abandoned mill site.

Millinocket Historical Society ADA Compliance (Millinocket)

Recipient: Millinocket Historical Society

Amount: $580,000

Bill: THUD

Project Purpose: To support accessibility and safety upgrades.

Old Town Water District for Drinking Water Infrastructure Improvements (Old Town)

Recipient: Old Town Water District

Amount: $3,560,000

Bill: Interior

Project Purpose: To upgrade drinking water infrastructure in Old Town.

Forest Health Facility Equipment (Orono)

Recipient: University of Maine System

Amount: $500,000

Bill: LHHS-Ed

Project Purpose: To purchase equipment for the University’s Forest Health lab.

Modernizing Engineering and Computing Labs (Orono)

Recipient: University of Maine System

Amount: $2,400,000

Bill: LHHS-Ed

Project Purpose: To purchase equipment for the engineering and computing department labs.

Northeast Indigenous Archaeology and Heritage Science Center Record Digitization (Orono)

Recipient: University of Maine System

Amount: $750,000

Bill: FSGG

Project Purpose: To support record digitization and archival work.

University of Maine Forest Health Lab (Orono)

Recipient: University of Maine System

Amount: $600,000

Bill: Agriculture

Project Purpose: To support the construction of the University’s Forest Health Lab, which conducts spruce budworm research.

University of Maine Health Science Complex (Orono)

Recipient: University of Maine System

Amount: $45,000,000

Bill: CJS

Project Purpose: To support the construction of a health and life sciences complex.

Penobscot Storage Facility (Penobscot)

Recipient: Town of Penobscot

Amount: $1,429,000

Bill: Agriculture

Project Purpose: To relocate the salt and sand storage facility.

Stacyville Fire Station (Stacyville)

Recipient: Stacyville Fire Department

Amount: $2,000,000

Bill: THUD

Project Purpose: To construct a new fire station.

Veazie Police Department Public Safety Equipment (Veazie)

Recipient: Town of Veazie Police Department

Amount: $125,000

Bill: CJS

Project Purpose: To purchase public safety equipment.

Veazie Sewer District for Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements (Veazie)

Recipient: Veazie Sewer District

Amount: $1,878,000

Bill: Interior

Project Purpose: To upgrade wastewater infrastructure in Veazie.

PISCATAQUIS

3 Projects / $8,270,000

Brownville Fire Station (Brownville)

Recipient: Town of Brownville

Amount: $2,770,000

Bill: THUD

Project Purpose: To renovate the fire station.

Maine Woods Housing Initiative (Greenville)

Recipient: Northern Forest Center

Amount: $2,500,000

Bill: THUD

Project Purpose: To support affordable housing in Piscataquis County.

Monson Fire Station (Monson)

Recipient: Town of Monson

Amount: $3,000,000

Bill: THUD

Project Purpose: To construct a new fire station.

SAGADAHOC

1 Project / $2,500,000

Richmond Utilities District for Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements (Richmond)

Recipient: Richmond Utilities District

Amount: $2,500,000

Bill: Interior

Project Purpose: To upgrade wastewater infrastructure in Richmond.

SOMERSET

9 Projects / $10,193,000

Bingham Area Health Center Dental Services Expansion (Bingham)

Recipient: HealthReach Community Health Centers

Amount: $650,000

Bill: LHHS-Ed

Project Purpose: To expand the dental services wing of Bingham Area Health Center.

KVCC Electrical Program Training Facility (Fairfield)

Recipient: Kennebec Valley Community College (KVCC)

Amount: $180,000

Bill: LHHS-Ed

Project Purpose: To purchase equipment for KVCC's electrician training program.

KVCC Mechanized Logging and Forest Trucking Program (Fairfield)

Recipient: Kennebec Valley Community College (KVCC)

Amount: $1,019,000

Bill: LHHS-Ed

Project Purpose: To purchase equipment for a logging workforce training program.

Harmony Historical Facility (Harmony)

Recipient: Harmony Patriarchs Club

Amount: $230,000

Bill: THUD

Project Purpose: To construct a facility on the Harmony Fairgrounds.

Jackman US Route 201 Rehabilitation (Jackman)

Recipient: Maine Department of Transportation

Amount: $2,450,000

Bill: THUD

Project Purpose: To rehabilitate US Route 201 in Jackman.

St. Albans Fire Station (St. Albans)

Recipient: Town of St. Albans

Amount: $1,520,000

Bill: Agriculture

Project Purpose: To construct a fire station.

Town of Solon Public Works and Garage (Solon)

Recipient: Town of Solon

Amount: $1,500,000

Bill: Agriculture

Project Purpose: To construct a public works and transportation garage.

North Pond Water Quality Restoration (Somerset and Kennebec Counties)

Recipient: 7 Lakes Alliance

Amount: $2,350,000

Bill: Interior

Project Purpose: To remediate algae blooms in North Pond.

Somerset County Sheriff’s Office Public Safety Equipment (Somerset County)

Recipient: Somerset County Sheriff’s Office

Amount: $294,000

Bill: CJS

Project Purpose: To increase evidence storage capacity and purchase public safety equipment.

WALDO

5 Projects / $6,083,000

Pilley House Restoration (Brooks)

Recipient: Brooks Historical Society

Amount: $100,000

Bill: THUD

Project Purpose: To support facility improvements to the Pilley House.

Northport Community Center and Town Office (Northport)

Recipient: Town of Northport

Amount: $2,325,000

Bill: Agriculture

Project Purpose: To construct a facility to consolidate the town office and community center, which would also serve as an emergency shelter.

Searsmont Storage Facility (Searsmont)

Recipient: Town of Searsmont

Amount: $970,000

Bill: Agriculture

Project Purpose: To construct a salt and sand storage facility.

Unity Pond Water Quality Restoration (Waldo County)

Recipient: Friends of Lake Winnecook

Amount: $2,000,000

Bill: Interior

Project Purpose: To remediate algae blooms in Unity Pond.

Waldo County Sheriff’s Office Public Safety Equipment (Waldo County)

Recipient: Waldo County Sheriff’s Office

Amount: $688,000

Bill: CJS

Project Purpose: To purchase public safety equipment for law enforcement agencies in Waldo County.

WASHINGTON

12 Projects / $27,156,000

Rural Health Clinic Expansion (Calais)

Recipient: Calais Community Hospital

Amount: $4,990,000

Bill: LHHS-Ed

Project Purpose: To expand and renovate the Rural Health Clinic.

Lincoln Memorial Library Expansion (Dennysville)

Recipient: Lincoln Memorial Public Library

Amount: $2,400,000

Bill: THUD

Project Purpose: To expand and update the library.

Down East Community Hospital Workforce Housing (East Machias)

Recipient: Down East Community Hospital

Amount: $2,190,000

Bill: THUD

Project Purpose: To support housing units for hospital workforce.

Masonic Hall Rehabilitation (Eastport)

Recipient: Quoddy Tides Foundation d/b/a Tides Institute and Museum of Art

Amount: $2,000,000

Bill: THUD

Project Purpose: To rehabilitate Masonic Hall.

Indian Township Passamaquoddy Housing Initiative (Indian Township)

Recipient: Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township

Amount: $2,985,000

Bill: THUD

Project Purpose: To support affordable housing in Indian Township.

Lubec Water District for Drinking Water Infrastructure Improvements (Lubec)

Recipient: Lubec Water District

Amount: $2,000,000

Bill: Interior

Project Purpose: To upgrade drinking water infrastructure in Lubec.

Town of Machias for Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements (Machias)

Recipient: Town of Machias

Amount: $1,378,000

Bill: Interior

Project Purpose: To upgrade wastewater infrastructure in Machias.

University of Maine at Machias Early College Student Support Center (Machias)

Recipient: University of Maine System

Amount: $750,000

Bill: Agriculture

Project Purpose: To renovate a facility on campus to support early college students.

Marshfield Fire Station (Marshfield)

Recipient: Marshfield Volunteer Fire Department

Amount: $756,000

Bill: Agriculture

Project Purpose: To construct a fire station.

Pleasant Point for Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements (Washington County)

Recipient: Passamaquoddy Tribe at Pleasant Point

Amount: $5,000,000

Bill: Interior

Project Purpose: To upgrade wastewater infrastructure in Washington County.

Washington County Sheriff’s Office Public Safety Equipment (Washington County)

Recipient: Washington County Sheriff’s Office

Amount: $187,000

Bill: CJS

Project Purpose: To purchase public safety equipment for law enforcement agencies in Washington County.

Wesley Volunteer Fire Station (Wesley)

Recipient: Wesley Volunteer Fire Department

Amount: $2,520,000

Bill: THUD

Project Purpose: To construct a fire station.

YORK

16 Projects / $49,628,000

City of Biddeford for Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements (Biddeford)

Recipient: City of Biddeford

Amount: $6,000,000

Bill: Interior

Project Purpose: To upgrade wastewater infrastructure in Biddeford.

Cornish Public Safety Communications Equipment (Cornish)

Recipient: Town of Cornish

Amount: $218,000

Bill: CJS

Project Purpose: To purchase public safety communications equipment.

Kennebunk Public Safety Communications Equipment (Kennebunk)

Recipient: Town of Kennebunk

Amount: $5,018,000

Bill: CJS

Project Purpose: To purchase public safety communications equipment.

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Consolidated Security (Kittery)

Recipient: Portsmouth Naval Shipyard

Amount: $6,500,000

Bill: MilCon-VA

Project Purpose: To support planning and design of a renovated facility to consolidate the Shipyard’s security, police, NCIS, and fire departments.

Town of Kittery Community Center Renovation (Kittery)

Recipient: Town of Kittery

Amount: $1,500,000

Bill: THUD

Project Purpose: To support renovations to the community center.

North Berwick Fire and Rescue Station (North Berwick)

Recipient: Town of North Berwick

Amount: $3,400,000

Bill: THUD

Project Purpose: To construct a fire and rescue station.

Bluefin Tuna Research (Ogunquit)

Recipient: The Bluefin Collaborative

Amount: $129,000

Bill: CJS

Project Purpose: To support research on bluefin tuna.

Town of Old Orchard Beach for Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements (Old Orchard Beach)

Recipient: Town of Old Orchard Beach

Amount: $1,000,000

Bill: Interior

Project Purpose: To upgrade wastewater infrastructure in Old Orchard Beach.

Accessible Vehicles for Disabled and Low-Income Residents (Sanford)

Recipient: Great Bay Services

Amount: $264,000

Bill: LHHS-Ed

Project Purpose: To enhance community accessibility for individuals with disabilities, including the purchase of equipment.

Sanford Public Safety Facilities (Sanford)

Recipient: City of Sanford

Amount: $5,000,000

Bill: THUD

Project Purpose: To construct public safety facilities.

South Berwick Sewer District for Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements (South Berwick)

Recipient: South Berwick Sewer District

Amount: $3,000,000

Bill: Interior

Project Purpose: To upgrade wastewater infrastructure in South Berwick.

York County Workforce and Senior Housing (Springvale)

Recipient: Sanford Housing Authority Development Corporation

Amount: $2,500,000

Bill: THUD

Project Purpose: To develop workforce and senior housing.

Wells Police Department Emergency Response Vessel (Wells)

Recipient: Wells Police Department

Amount: $599,000

Bill: CJS

Project Purpose: To purchase an emergency response vessel and related equipment.

Wells Sanitary District for Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements (Wells)

Recipient: Wells Sanitary District

Amount: $3,000,000

Bill: Interior

Project Purpose: To upgrade wastewater infrastructure in Wells.

York County Community College Workforce and Student Housing (Wells)

Recipient: York County Community College

Amount: $6,500,000

Bill: THUD

Project Purpose: To construct housing for year-round use.

York Hospital Electronic Medical Records Infrastructure Improvement (York)

Recipient: York Hospital

Amount: $5,000,000

Bill: LHHS-Ed

Project Purpose: For facilities and equipment to support electronic medical records software upgrades.

In 2021, Congress reinstituted Congressionally Directed Spending. Following this decision, Senator Collins has secured nearly $1.5 billion for hundreds of Maine projects for FY 2022, FY 2023, FY 2024, and FY 2026. As the Chair of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Collins is committed to championing targeted investments that will benefit Maine communities.

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Senator Collins Secures Record Funding for Special Diabetes Program

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a member of the Senate Health Committee, announced that she secured the reauthorization of the Special Diabetes Program (SDP) through December 31, 2026, at $200 million per year—a $40 million increase and the highest funding level in the program’s history. This reauthorization was enacted alongside the five-bill funding package that was signed into law earlier this week.

This funding level represents a 25 percent increase over current funding and builds on the $10 million increase Senator Collins secured in March 2024—the first funding increase for the Special Diabetes Program in 20 years.

“The Special Diabetes Program has helped drive remarkable progress in preventing, treating, and managing diabetes, while supporting critical research toward a cure for Type 1 diabetes and improving care in Native American communities,” said Senator Collins. “This historic funding increase will allow the SDP to continue delivering life-saving advances and support for those living with diabetes. I will continue to champion investments that support Americans living with this disease.”

“Breakthrough T1D is thrilled that the Special Diabetes Program (SDP) has been extended through December 2026 and that its funding has been increased, ensuring critical type 1 diabetes (T1D) research advances,” said Breakthrough T1D CEO Aaron J. Kowalski, Ph.D. “Beyond the SDP, this legislation strengthens investments in health research and includes provisions to accelerate progress toward T1D cures and therapies. This accomplishment would not have been possible without the tireless work of Senator Susan Collins, who has been a steadfast champion for the T1D community for years. We are deeply grateful for her leadership and continued commitment to advancing and accelerating T1D research.”

“The Special Diabetes Program provides needed funding for type 1 diabetes research and type 2 diabetes prevention, education, and treatment programs for indigenous communities,” said the Endocrine Society’s Chief Medical Officer Robert W. Lash, M.D. “We applaud Senator Collins and Senator Shaheen for their work to secure this critical funding increase. We are deeply grateful for their commitment to this valuable program and for their championing of diabetes research, prevention, and care. This work has made a difference in the lives of millions of Americans with diabetes.”

Since 1997, the Special Diabetes Program—comprised of the Special Statutory Funding Program for Type 1 Diabetes Research and the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI)—has delivered meaningful research breakthroughs and resources for individuals with Type 1 diabetes and for Native American and Alaska Native communities.

As a co-chair of the Senate Diabetes Caucus, Senator Collins has long worked to raise awareness of the threats posed by diabetes, strengthen research investments, and improve access to treatment. Last July, Senators Collins and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) introduced legislation to reauthorize the SDP during the week of the Breakthrough T1D Children’s Congress before program funding expired in September 2025. Prior to securing the funding increase in this week’s legislative package, Senator Collins secured extensions of the SDP and SDP-I in past continuing resolutions to ensure the program continued uninterrupted.

Senators Collins and Shaheen also introduced the Expanding Access to Diabetes Self-Management Training Act to expand Medicare coverage for diabetes self-management training (DSMT) sessions, and the Promoting Access to Diabetic Shoes Act to improve care for patients with diabetes by allowing nurse practitioners and physician associates/physician assistants to prescribe therapeutic shoes.

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SIGNED INTO LAW: Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act Authored by Senator Collins

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced that the bipartisan Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act, which she introduced with Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), has been signed into law. It was included with the five-bill funding package enacted this week. This legislation renews the Lifespan Respite Care Program through Fiscal Year 2030 and clarifies that individuals under the age of 18 are eligible to receive respite care services through this program. Senator Collins also secured a 10 percent increase in funding for the Lifespan Respite Care Program, bringing total program funding to $11 million. This provision was included in the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, which was signed into law this week.

One in five adults —53 million people—in the United States provide long term care to persons who are aging, disabled, or chronically ill. In Maine, there are approximately 166,000 family caregivers who provide 155 million hours of care to loved ones each year. Additionally, there are more than 5 million children in the U.S. who provide care for aging grandparents, parents, or siblings with disabilities.

Respite care provides temporary relief to these caregivers from their ongoing responsibilities. By protecting the health of caregivers, respite care decreases the need for professional long-term care and allows individuals who require care to remain at home. According to AARP, more than a third of family caregivers report wanting support like respite services, yet only 14 percent receive them, even as research indicates that caregivers who use respite have lower caregiver distress and better health and sense of well-being.

“Caregivers provide an estimated $600 billion in uncompensated care each year. Yet, an astounding 85 percent of caregivers have not received any respite services at all. I saw this in my own family, where my mother took care of my father who was suffering from Alzheimer's disease for eight years. Respite care was almost nonexistent for her, other than that provided by family members,” said Senator Collins. “Respite care helps to reduce mental stress and physical health issues that caregivers may experience, keeping them healthy and families intact. With this bill now signed into law, quality respite will remain more available and accessible to family caregivers and their loved ones.”

“Passage of the Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act is a meaningful victory for family caregivers and the people they support. Extending this vital program for five more years will strengthen respite systems, ease caregiver burnout, and help families continue providing care at home. By explicitly recognizing young caregivers under age 18, this legislation affirms that caregiving knows no age—and that all caregivers deserve support. The ARCH National Respite Coalition is deeply grateful to Senator Susan Collins and Senator Tammy Baldwin for their visionary, bipartisan leadership and unwavering commitment to strengthening our nation’s caregiving infrastructure,” said Jill Kagan, Director, ARCH National Respite Coalition.

To date, 38 states have received funding through the Lifespan Respite Care Program, which provides competitive grants to states to establish or enhance statewide respite resources and help ensure that quality respite is available and accessible to all family caregivers.

The complete text of the legislation can be read here.

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Cramer Questions Treasury Secretary Bessent at Banking Hearing on Adoption Tax Credit, 3% Resolution

BISMARCK, N.D. – Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent vigorously defended President Trump’s financial policies and promoted the administration’s pro-growth agenda when he appeared before the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee to deliver the Financial Stability Oversight Council’s Annual Report to Congress.

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), who focused on affordability and tax relief for adoptive families, asked Bessent to commit to examining the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) interpretation of the refundable adoption tax credit which was restored in the Working Families Tax Cuts legislation. The IRS does not align with congressional intent to allow carryforward funds to be eligible for the refundable portion.

Families can still claim up to $17,280 per child, but the newly amended legislation now allows the $5,000 to be refundable as a cash payment even if an adoptive family has no tax liability, and also allows the unused amounts to offset tax liability and carry forward for up to five years, providing direct financial relief for adoptive parents.

“The adoption tax credit always had this carryforward provision that allowed, of course, families to carry over unused portions into the next tax liability,” explained Cramer. “Our intent in the Working Families Tax Cuts was for the carryforward to be eligible for the $5,000 refund as well, and that [Joint Committee on Taxation] actually included that in their score. […] However, the IRS is interpreting the language to mean that the carryforward is not eligible, affecting of course the adoptive families from 2020 through 2024. […] There's a big difference now between Congress's intent here and the IRS's interpretation of it. I don't believe it was the administration's intent to make this what I believe to be a mistake when the President signed it into the law.”

“I believe you're referring to the Section 70402,” responded Bessent. “And my tax office is very happy to work with your staff.”

Cramer pivoted to the 3% Resolution, which supports the goal of reducing the federal budget deficit to 3% of gross domestic product (GDP) or less. He said the purpose of it is to reduce, “the federal deficit to 3% of GDP. Now, you referenced in your opening statement, I noticed, it's already been reduced somewhat to 5.4%. And one of the ways we can grow out of a deficit, or we get out of the deficit, or reduce the deficit, is by growing out of it, but I'd like to work on both sides of the ledger with you a little bit because you have said that we don't have a revenue problem, we have a spending problem, and I absolutely 100% agree. So maybe just speak for the remaining time […] to that goal, is 3% by 2030, which is what our resolution would do, is that realistic?”

“Senator, my target is for something that begins with a 3 by the end of President Trump's term, for, as I said, for calendar [year] 2024, we’re at 7.7%, the highest when we weren’t at war, not in a recession,” said Bessent. “We’re at 5.4% and […] for the past three quarters, we've averaged 4.1% GDP growth, and we had a fiscal contraction last year. We brought down the spending, which is one of the reasons our bond market did well, so we're at 5.4%. As we move that down, we will see the economy improved, and everyone could go to the Treasury website, or the X account […] and they can see a study by MIT that shows that the budget deficit that was blown out in [2021] and [2022] created the great inflation of [2022]. So as we bring down government spending, it will bring down rates and bring down inflation.”

Cramer concluded by highlighting how he believes the productivity and growth levels are the beginning of a boom.


Daines on Fox Business: President Trump Leads with Peace Through Strength

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today joined Maria Bartiromo’s Wall Street to discuss inflation, Trump RX, Iran nuclear talks, President Trump’s trade deal with India, and DHS funding.

Watch the full interview HERE.

Daines on U.S.-Iran nuclear talks:

Let’s not forget that Iran distinctly calls us the great Satan, and they call Israel the little Satan. They seek to destroy the United States. They seek to destroy Israel. They are the number one state-sponsored supplier of terror in the world. Of course, they prop up Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis. That is all Iran. And that’s why I’m a little skeptical, frankly, of these talks. There’s one thing that the Iranian regime understands, and that’s power. It is truly more peace through strength. They understand B-2 bombers when they went across Iran and took out their nuclear capabilities. I’m thankful for President Trump. He’s in these talks from a position of strength as he’s demonstrated before. I’m very thankful for the U.S. military. By the way, that’s something we’re doing as Republicans back in Washington, rebuilding the U.S. military after the Biden administration undercut it.

Daines on the trade deal between the U.S. and India:

I think it’s important. Why is India important? They’re the fourth largest economy in the world. Number one, the United States, two, China, three, Germany. Four is India. If you look at the top 20 economies in the world, India is the fastest growing economy in the world. They grew at 7 percent, and their projections are bullish going into the future. They are the largest democracy in the world. Of course, the largest populated country now, surpassing China in the world, a massive market for U.S. producers, U.S. goods, also a great technology partner with a great workforce and building out an innovative ecosystem. So very strategically important. Congratulations to President Trump, to Ambassador Gore, and to U.S. Trade Rep. Jamieson Greer, for staying the course working with India to get them weaned off of Russian oil, which, of course, is contributing to allowing Russia to fuel their war there in Ukraine…I think of India as a country that has a long ways to go in terms of its upside potential. It’s an amazing country. The people of India share common values with America of freedom, of democracy, and there’s some of the best and brightest. You look at our medical institutions across the United States, and our very best and brightest doctors are from India, so we’re thankful for what they are doing, but they are very strategically important as you’re seeing more capital now moving into places like India to partner with the United States. And by the way, part of that trade deal is they are going to buy $80 billion of Boeing aircraft. I mean, so this is really good for the American economy and investments India will make in our economy to allow us to increase and grow our economy as well.

Daines on DHS funding:

I hope that cooler minds will prevail here. I don’t think there’ll be a deal crafted this coming week. I think we’re going to have to extend another short-term CR, probably for the Department of Homeland Security. Let’s step back and remember something. There’s 22,000 ICE agents that to go to work every day in our country. They have now taken off the streets over 150,000 violent, illegal aliens. Let’s not forget Laken Riley. What happened in Minneapolis was a tragedy. But as the president has said, he’s working to de-escalate and cool things off. Whenever there’s use of deadly force, what do you do? You put the member of law enforcement who had to use deadly force, tragically, on administrative leave with pay, and you have an independent third party investigate and come to conclusions. The Democrats have wildly overreacted. They’ve painted themselves in a political corner because of their liberal base, and now they’re trying to extract, almost extort right now, these changes in DHS that many of them are not even reasonable proposals.

Daines on how President Trump is increasing affordability:

I’m thankful that Scott Bessent goes to work every day on our team. Scott’s doing a tremendous job, one of the true A-players there in the West Wing. Secretary Bessent reminds the American people why we had this inflation problem in the first place, when they dumped trillions of dollars into the economy. Remember we had that fight when Biden was president. The former Democrat Treasury Secretary says, “You can’t do this, it’ll be inflationary.” And certainly it was, and the American people now are paying the price for that. Thank God for President Trump and Republicans now who are working to put in place policies that are going to reduce inflation and bring affordability back…I felt like we were Paul Revere back when Biden was president, we knew that if you had this massive cash cannons of these multi -trillion dollar stimulus bills, it was going to be inflationary. And it was. And that’s why it’s so important now with President Trump’s leadership that we are working hard to reduce prices in many areas here. So the American people have been harmed by inflation. It’s the ultimate tax. Inflation is a tax on the American people. And thank God for President Trump and his leadership.

Daines on Trump RX:

I spent 28 years in the private sector. I worked for Procter & Gamble for 13 years. Anytime you can cut the middleman out so that businesses can sell directly to the consumer, you’re cutting unneeded costs out of that supply chain. That’s exactly what Trump RX.Gov does. It allows the consumer. Think of it kind of like Amazon, to go online and literally purchase prescription drugs directly from the supplier.

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Amid Trump’s Attempts to Block Billions in Funding for Child Care, Duckworth Meets with Metro East Care Providers

[EDWARDSVILLE, IL] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today met with Metro East child care providers and families to learn more about how Donald Trump’s attempt to block $1 billion in funding for Illinois would gravely impact child care in the region, as well as how previous Trump Administration cuts have already affected services. Duckworth met with child care provider leaders from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville Early Childhood Center, Brightpoint, Michelle’s Place Cahokia Heights, Early Explorations and Early Explorations Too Childcare Centers, Step by Step, UniPres Kindercottage and Riverbend Head Start and Family Services and parents from these centers. Photos from today’s meeting are available on the Senator’s website.

“Trump tried to punish our kids and cut billions in child care and other services simply because our state voted against him,” Duckworth said. “Every day this Administration finds new and crueler ways to hurt our communities rather than actually work to make life for American families easier or more affordable. He should leave our children out of his vindictive political games, and I’ll keep doing everything I can to help ensure our families and child care providers have the support they need.”

Duckworth and leaders also discussed the impact of Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) funding cuts, grants which help fund on-campus child care for parenting students currently enrolled in post-secondary education programs. The Trump Administration last year cut CCAMPIS funding to institutions with curriculum not aligned with the Trump Administration, including SIU-E. Duckworth has been a longtime champion of CCAMPIS, originally authoring the CCAMPIS Reauthorization Act in 2016 while serving in the U.S. House of Representatives, and most recently reintroduced the legislation to reauthorize and increase funding last September.

Last month, the Trump Administration attempted to freeze distribution of $10 billion in federal funding for five Democratic-led states, including $1 billion for Illinois and impacting around 152,000 children. Illinois and the other impacted states filed a lawsuit challenging these attempts, and a federal judge has blocked the administration from freezing these funds.

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