Hirono, Colleagues Launch Federal Workforce Caucus

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Representatives James Walkinshaw (D-VA), Steny Hoyer (D-MD), and 21 colleagues in launching the Federal Workforce Caucus. The members are launching this caucus to bolster efforts to protect federal workers and strengthen merit-based federal civil service so these dedicated public servants can continue to deliver for the American people without political interference.

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

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

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

Protect the integrity and nonpartisan character of federal employment;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In addition to Senators Hirono and Van Hollen, other members of the caucus from the Senate include Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Edward Markey (D-MA), and Mark Warner (D-VA). In addition to Representatives Walkinshaw and Steyer, other members of the caucus from the House include Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA), Sarah Elfreth (D-MD), Glenn Ivey (D-MD), Mike Lawler (R-NY), April McClain Delaney (D-MD), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA), Kweisi Mfume (D-MD), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Johnny Olszewski (D-MD), Jamie Raskin (D-MD), Bobby Scott (D-VA), Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA), and Eugene Vindman (D-VA).

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Congress approves millions for pipeline project

A project seen as crucial to future progress in Clinton and other parts of western Hinds County is another step closer to being fully funded.

By Randy Bell

On January 15, the U.S. Senate approved the FY2026 Department of the Interior appropriations bill, which includes Congressionally-directed funding of $7.8 million for continued work on a pipeline to carry treated wastewater from Clinton, Raymond and Bolton to the Big Black River for disposal. There is also money in the bill for several other projects in Mississippi. The legislation now awaits President Trump’s signature.

Both of Mississippi’s senators hailed the bill’s approval. The funds for the Clinton- Raymond-Bolton Wastewater Authority had been earmarked previously but fell victim to Congress’ inability to reach a budget agreement.

“This is how Congress should operate, passing federal bills through the appropriation process,” said Sen. Roger Wicker. “I look forward to the ways this legislation will help Mississippi’s needs and will support job creation and local governments.”

Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith said, “This is responsible legislation, and I look forward to it becoming law, so these resources can be put to work for Mississippi.”

The overall price tag on the project is more than $130 million.

“This piece of funding is a significant boost to completing the major pipeline along Interstate 20, in effect bringing the Big Black River ten miles nearer each of the CRBWA [Clinton-Raymond-Bolton Wastewater Authority] members,” Clinton’s Consulting City Engineer Greg Gearhart wrote in an email.

An approximately five-mile segment of pipeline has already been constructed from the Bolton I-20 interchange to about five miles east of the river. The new $7.8 million in funds will be designated to extend the pipeline westward to Highway 22 near Edwards. Another segment paid for using a previous $7.7 million federal grant will carry the pipeline the rest of the way to the Big Black.

Mayor Will Purdie says every little bit of funding helps, “and we immediately begin searching for the next bit.” He says the importance of the pipeline can’t be overstated.

“But for this project, Clinton would be essentially shut down to all development of any type within the next few years,” said Purdie.

The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) has imposed restrictions reducing the capacity of Clinton’s wastewater treatment plants, which currently discharge into local streams with insufficient water flow to handle the future demands of a growing city. With a 2030 deadline to find a solution looming, Clinton joined with Raymond and Bolton in a regional effort to build the pipeline to the Big Black.


HYDE-SMITH CALLS FOR RESTORATION OF TWO MISS. WILDLIFE REFUGES AFTER SUBPAR DUCK SEASON

Miss. Senator Asks FWS to Follow Directive to Fix Neglected Maintenance at Mathews Brake & Yazoo National Wildlife Refuges

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today encouraged the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to adhere to a directive she included in recently-enacted legislation to restore and improve two important national wildlife refuges in Mississippi to address neglected maintenance and declining duck and migratory bird populations.

Hyde-Smith made the request on the heels of a below average duck season, according to sportsmen across the State, and as duck population numbers remain on a steady decline.

“Many factors influence population numbers, migration patterns, and ultimately hunter success, but availability of quality habitat is a key driver for all three, and that is something we can control,” said Hyde-Smith, who serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee. “The federal government must do its part with respect to conservation and outdoor recreation.”

In a letter to FWS Director Brian Nesvik, Hyde-Smith highlighted a directive she included in the FY2026 Interior, Environment Appropriations Bill (PL 119-74) that directs the FWS to take necessary steps to properly manage, maintain, and restore the Mathews Brake and Yazoo National Wildlife Refuges, both of which have historically attracted and provided valuable resting areas for millions of ducks each fall and winter.

“The Mathews Brake and Yazoo National Wildlife Refuges are located in the heart of the Mississippi Flyway, and are managed as part of the larger Theodore Roosevelt National Wildlife Complex. Historically, they have provided thousands of acres of prime waterfowl habitat and attracted millions of migrating ducks each fall and winter. Unfortunately, that is no longer the case due to the lack of proper maintenance and management, and failure to implement Habitat Management Plans,” Hyde-Smith wrote Nesvik.

Hyde-Smith also pointed out that FWS has the authority to partner with state and local agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private individuals to promote stewardship within the national wildlife refuge system. However, little has been done to engage surrounding private landowners and nonprofit conservation organizations that have sought to work with the FWS to restore the Mathews Brake and Yazoo National Refuges to their full potential.

“It’s important for everyone to remember that these refuges were established for the sole purpose of providing for the wintering needs of ducks and geese on their annual migration. When properly managed, they offer thousands of acres of prime waterfowl habitat that not only attract ducks, but also keep them around,” Hyde-Smith said. “When functioning as intended, the hunters who enjoy these public resources are not the only beneficiaries. Private landowners three or more counties away can enjoy robust duck numbers because waterfowl have larger areas to rest, feed, and settle down, as opposed to continuing on their migration south.”

This weekend, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks will hold its special Youth, Veterans, and Active Military Waterfowl hunt days, which is the result of the first bill Hyde-Smith introduced as a member of the United States Senate.

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HYDE-SMITH STATEMENT ON EPA ACTION ON DICAMBA

Miss. Senator Welcomes Prospect of Greater Certainty, Strong Safeguards for Producers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today issued the following statement welcoming the Environmental Protection Agency decision to reissue new dicamba use guidelines for dicamba-tolerant soybeans and cotton:

“After leading the call from members of Congress for timely action, I am pleased the EPA has delivered this decision on the use of dicamba. It will provide much-needed certainty for growers as they plan for the new crop year and make critical decisions on seed and crop inputs. Our farmers need regulatory clarity, not last-minute uncertainty, and this decision will help ensure they can continue producing safe, affordable food and fiber for our nation. I appreciate Administrator Lee Zeldin’s leadership and his willingness to listen to the concerns of farmers who rely on crop protection tools like dicamba.”

Hyde-Smith serves on the Senate Agriculture Committee as well as the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture.

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Mississippi Senators want FEMA to halt implementation of Biden-era NFIP Risk Rating system

U.S. Senators Roger Wicker and Cindy Hyde-Smith are among a group of senators that say flood insurance changes have led to unacceptable premium increases that undermine the long-term future of NFIP.

By: Frank Corder

Mississippi’s U.S. Senators have signed onto a letter that asks Acting FEMA Administrator Karen Evans to halt further implementation of the NIFP Risk Rating 2.0 pricing system.

Senators Roger Wicker (R) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R), along with other Senate colleagues, contend that the Biden-era flood insurance changes has led to unacceptable premium increases that undermine the long-term future of NFIP.

It is their second letter to FEMA seeking action on the matter, the first of which came in June 2025. The group called attention to FEMA’s lack of transparency in releasing the data on which Risk Rating 2.0 was based and criticized the agency’s response to their initial request.

The initial letter cited estimates that at least 84% of Mississippi NFIP policyholders experienced sharp increases in their monthly premiums under Risk Rating 2.0.

“Since Risk Rating 2.0 took effect, flood insurance premiums have increased in every state, and FEMA estimates that approximately 77 percent of policyholders now pay more than they would have under the prior system,” the Senators wrote this week, adding that in some flood-prone states, premium increases of well over 100 percent have forced tens of thousands of homeowners to drop coverage altogether.

“These trends are not isolated—they reflect a nationwide contraction in NFIP participation driven by affordability pressures,” the Senators state.

The Senators go on to say that the loss of participation in the NFIP “is a structural problem” as flood insurance depends on a broad risk pool to function effectively.

“As policyholders exit the program, risk becomes more concentrated, premiums face additional upward pressure, and volatility increases,” the Senators explained. “At the same time, uninsured homeowners are more likely to rely on post-disaster federal assistance, shifting costs away from a pre-disaster insurance model and onto taxpayers. Rather than reducing federal exposure, Risk Rating 2.0 risks increasing long-term disaster costs while weakening the insurance base Congress intended the program to rely upon.”


WICKER, HYDE-SMITH REITERATE NEED FOR FEMA TO ABANDON PRICEY BIDEN-ERA FLOOD INSURANCE CHANGES

Miss. Senators, Colleagues Demand End as Policyholders Abandon National Flood Insurance Program Policies

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) this week reiterated the need for the Federal Emergency Management Agency to end Biden-era changes to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) that are driving families and businesses away from vital disaster insurance coverage.

Wicker and Hyde-Smith signed a letter led by U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.) that asks Acting FEMA Administrator Karen Evans to halt further implementation of the NIFP Risk Rating 2.0 pricing system. The request, a follow-up to a June 2025 letter, again raises concerns that Risk Rating 2.0 has led to unacceptable premium increases that undermine the long-term future of NFIP.

“Since Risk Rating 2.0 took effect, flood insurance premiums have increased in every state, and FEMA estimates that approximately 77 percent of policyholders now pay more than they would have under the prior system. In Louisiana and other flood-prone states, premium increases of well over 100 percent have forced tens of thousands of homeowners to drop coverage altogether. These trends are not isolated—they reflect a nationwide contraction in NFIP participation driven by affordability pressures,” the Senators wrote.

“This loss of participation is a structural problem for the NFIP. Flood insurance depends on a broad risk pool to function effectively. As policyholders exit the program, risk becomes more concentrated, premiums face additional upward pressure, and volatility increases,” the Senators explained. “At the same time, uninsured homeowners are more likely to rely on post-disaster federal assistance, shifting costs away from a pre-disaster insurance model and onto taxpayers. Rather than reducing federal exposure, Risk Rating 2.0 risks increasing long-term disaster costs while weakening the insurance base Congress intended the program to rely upon.”

In their initial request to FEMA last summer, the Senators cited estimates that at least 84 percent of Mississippi NFIP policyholders experienced sharp increases in their monthly premiums under Risk Rating 2.0.

“Time is of the essence. Each year Risk Rating 2.0 remains in place, participation continues to erode, the insurance pool weakens, and taxpayer exposure grows. Immediate action must be taken to stop the actuarial death spiral,” the Senators concluded.

The letter also called attention FEMA’s lack of transparency in releasing the data on which Risk Rating 2.0 was based and criticized the agency’s response to their June 2025 request.

In addition to Cassidy, Wicker, and Hyde-Smith, the latest letter was signed by U.S. Senators John Kennedy, Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), and John Cornyn (R-Texas).

The letter to Acting FEMA Administrator Evans is available here.


Following Warner, Kaine Pressure, DHS Inspector General Launches Audit of DHS Data Privacy Abuses

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following pressure from U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA), the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Inspector General has launched an audit of DHS data practices, including those used by ICE, in response to serious concerns about potential data privacy abuses and the misuse of sensitive personal information. In a letter to the senators, Inspector General Joseph Cuffari confirmed that his office has initiated an audit to assess how DHS components collect, store, use, and share sensitive personal data, and whether those activities comply with the law.

Warner and Kaine previously raised the alarm that DHS may be collecting and utilizing sensitive data about U.S. citizens and non-citizens in ways that may circumvent civil liberties, including those guaranteed by the Fourth Amendment, while operating with insufficient oversight and accountability.

“Within one week of receiving our letter, Inspector General Cuffari has initiated an audit to determine how ICE and other DHS components are collecting, storing, using, and sharing sensitive personal information, and if they are following the law when doing so,” said the senators. “This is an important first step in investigating if Americans’ data is being misused. We appreciate the Inspector General’s recognition of the serious risk that unrestrained or illegal DHS activities pose to individuals and communities. Given DHS and the Trump administration’s unyielding infringement on Constitutionally protected freedoms and violation of privacy rights under the pretense of immigration enforcement, this audit must be swift, thorough, and independent. We will monitor this audit closely to ensure that outcome.”

Read Warner and Kaine’s letter to Inspector General Cuffari here. Read Inspector General Cuffari’s response here.

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Kelly, Gallego Introduce Legislation to Cut Red Tape, Speed Up North Rim Restoration

Read more about it here

Today, Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego introduced the North Rim and Kaibab National Forest Restoration Act to expedite clean up and restoration efforts following last year’s devastating Dragon Bravo and White Sage Fires to support local communities and small businesses. The House version was introduced by Representative Eli Crane (R-AZ-02) in October.

Under normal federal procurement laws, contracting for services like cleanup, rebuilding, and forestry restoration involve approval and bidding processes which can take years. The North Rim and Kaibab National Forest Restoration Act would streamline this process by granting the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service emergency contracting authority to expedite procurement timelines and accelerate renewals.

“The Grand Canyon is special not only for Arizona but also for our country, and last summer’s fires on the North Rim devastated park facilities and hit local communities hard,” said Kelly. “Restoring it quickly brings tourism back to the region, supports local small businesses, and keeps this iconic place open for future generations. Senator Gallego and I look forward to working with Representative Crane and the entire Arizona delegation to get this national treasure open and running as quickly as possible.”

“The Grand Canyon is not only one of our most treasured landscapes, it is a vital economic driver for Northern Arizona. The communities that rely on Grand Canyon area tourism dollars cannot afford to wait when it comes to restoration efforts,” said Gallego. “This commonsense bill will cut red tape, ensuring contractors can be quickly and easily hired to speed up cleanup and rebuilding efforts.”

“Coconino County supports the North Rim and Kaibab National Forest Restoration Act of 2026, granting authority to the United States Forest Service and the National Park Service to respond swiftly and thoughtfully to rebuild and restore the Grand Canyon National Park North Rim and the Kaibab National Forest following the devastation of the Dragon Bravo and White Sage Fires. We are grateful to Senators Kelly and Gallego for embracing the need for this bipartisan legislation and moving the issue forward to see the natural treasures that are the Grand Canyon and the Kaibab National Forest restored,” said the Coconino County Board of Supervisors.

“The Grand Canyon Trust supports the Grand Canyon North Rim restoration legislation led by Senators Kelly and Gallego in the Senate and by Representative Crane in the House. We appreciate their responsive leadership in advancing a thoughtful, urgent response to the devastation caused by the Dragon Bravo and White Sage fires. Rebuilding the North Rim is about far more than infrastructure; it is about restoring a place of profound ecological, cultural, historic, and economic significance to northern Arizona and southern Utah, Tribal nations, gateway communities, and the country as a whole,” said Ethan Aumack, Executive Director, Grand Canyon Trust.

“This legislation is a critical step to supporting Grand Canyon National Park’s recovery after the devastating Dragon Bravo Fire. Senator Gallego and Senator Kelly have brought forward a strong solution that grants emergency authority to the National Park Service to efficiently rebuild the North Rim’s iconic facilities, while taking great care to preserve the historic structures that survived the fire. Just as important, it ensures new construction respects the historic character of the North Rim as it is remembered, so this treasured place can welcome visitors again while protecting the natural resources that make it so special,” said Christina Hazard, Legislative Director for Government Affairs at the National Parks Conservation Association.

Background:

Since the Dragon Bravo Fire devastated the North Rim last summer—burning nearly 150,000 acres, destroying more than 100 structures including the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, and forcing the park’s closure—Kelly has led efforts to support impacted communities and restore access. In August, he visited the Grand Canyon to observe the burn scar and meet with local business owners about the economic toll. Earlier this month, he pressed the Department of the Interior to safely reopen overlooks and trails to bring visitors back. Alongside Senator Gallego, Kelly also demanded answers on the federal government’s handling of the fire.


Kelly, Stanton, Ansari, Grijalva Demand Answers on Measles Outbreak at Arizona Immigration Detention Facilities

Today, Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Representatives Greg Stanton (D-AZ-04), Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ-03), and Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ-07) demanded answers from Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons about the reported measles outbreak affecting individuals detained at the Florence Detention Center and Florence Correctional Center.

“Measles is a highly contagious disease that can spread rapidly in congregate settings. It is critical that your agencies act swiftly, transparently, and in coordination with state and local public health authorities to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread,” the lawmakers wrote.

At least three individuals in federal custody in Arizona have tested positive for measles, and Arizona’s Department of Health Services reports at least 31 additional cases statewide in 2026 alone. This is not the first time measles has spread at an ICE detention center in the state. In 2016, an outbreak at an ICE detention center in Pinal County saw more than 30 cases among detainees and nine staff members, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The lawmakers’ letter requests detailed information, including:

The number of confirmed and suspected cases among detained individuals and staff;

Medical capacity and care being provided to detainees;

Isolation and quarantine measures implemented;

Access to legal representation for detainees during quarantine measures;

Vaccination rates and availability of MMR vaccines; and

Coordination with state and local public health authorities.


King Releases Statement on Congressional Efforts to Curtail ICE Enforcement Efforts in Maine and Across the Country

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) released the following statement on the latest congressional efforts to curtail Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities in Maine and across the country:

“After what we saw from ICE in cities across the country, there is no doubt that Congress must act to implement guardrails to prevent further harm to the American people. Therefore, the essence of the Democrats’ proposal is simply to subject ICE to the same standards of conduct already applicable to every police force in the country—like no masks, identification, judicial warrants, body cameras, independent investigations of the use of force, and no racial profiling.

“These are serious questions—as we know from our first-hand experience here in Maine—which deserve serious consideration.

“I hope that in the next few days, my Republican colleagues will come to the table in good faith; this is not that complicated—simply apply to ICE the same rules that apply to the police in Portland, Omaha, Cleveland and virtually every other community in America.”

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Klobuchar, Blackburn Bill to Support Organizations Assisting Law Enforcement in Investigation of Child Exploitation Passes Judiciary Committee

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) advanced their bipartisan Safe Cloud Storage Act unanimously out of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

This legislation would provide limited liability protections to law enforcement-approved vendors to securely store and transfer child sexual abuse material (CSAM) to assist in investigations of child sexual exploitation.

“We must do everything we can to protect our children from online exploitation and abuse,” said Klobuchar. “Our commonsense, bipartisan bill would improve investigations and prosecutions by allowing law enforcement to safely store and transmit evidence using cloud systems – saving time and resources.”

“Those helping law enforcement in the fight against child sexual exploitation must be able to securely store evidence of these horrific crimes,” said Blackburn. “Our bipartisan Safe Cloud Storage Act would ensure investigators can securely handle and store CSAM evidence in the cloud by providing limited liability protections, and I’m pleased it is one step closer to becoming law.”

The legislation is supported by Minnesota local law enforcement, including Rochester Police Department Chief Jim Franklin:

"Today’s child sexual assault crimes generate vast amounts of digital evidence, and our laws must match this reality. Law enforcement must have secure, modern tools to store and analyze that information quickly and responsibly. This bill positions the Rochester Police Department to develop a partnership that will modernize our investigative capabilities — enabling faster evidence processing, quicker arrests, stronger court cases, and the potential to rescue more victims sooner, ultimately strengthening the pursuit of justice for our most vulnerable," said Rochester Police Department Chief, Jim Franklin.

The Safe Cloud Storage Act is also co-sponsored by Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Katie Britt (R-AL), Chris Coons (D-DE), Mike Lee (R-UT), and Ashley Moody (R-FL.).

The Safe Cloud Storage Act ensures that law enforcement-approved vendors who assist in investigations of child exploitation are permitted to securely store this evidence that is critical to holding these criminals accountable. Specifically, this bipartisan bill would permit law enforcement-approved vendors to provide secure, cloud-based storage of CSAM evidence without facing a civil claim or criminal charge—giving law enforcement the flexibility they need as they work to investigate and target these horrific criminals. This legislation would require vendors to adhere to strict cybersecurity standards to ensure that this material is securely stored. Importantly, these law enforcement-approved vendors will not be shielded from civil or criminal claims under this bill’s limited liability protections if they engage in intentional misconduct, negligent conduct, or if they act with malice.

This legislation is endorsed by prominent national organizations including Raven, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), Thorn, International Justice Mission, Fraternal Order of Police, Child Rescue Coalition, National District Attorneys Association, Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies, and National Center on Sexual Exploitation.

“The Safe Cloud Storage Act is a critical step forward in modernizing how law enforcement investigates child sexual exploitation. By authorizing secure, cloud-based storage for CSAM evidence, this bill ensures that investigators can move cases faster, identify victims sooner, and hold offenders accountable, all while maintaining the highest cybersecurity standards. RAVEN strongly supports this effort to give law enforcement the 21st-century tools they need to protect children online,” said Jennifer Dunton, Director of Legislative Affairs at Raven.

“The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) is proud to support the Safe Cloud Storage Act and thanks Senator Blackburn, Senator Klobuchar, Senator Cornyn, and Senator Blumenthal for introducing this important piece of legislation. The bill will modernize law enforcement’s use of advanced technologies, enabling more streamlined investigations of cases of child sexual exploitation. We look forward to continuing our work with the bill’s sponsors to see this legislation advance,” said Michelle DeLaune, CEO of NCMEC.

“Thorn is proud to endorse the Safe Cloud Storage Act and is grateful for Senator Blackburn and Senator Klobuchar for their leadership on this legislation. This Act would make a critical legal update that would allow law enforcement to safely use cloud storage in the process of investigating child sexual exploitation and abuse victims. This update will allow law enforcement to more efficiently investigate these crimes at scale and protect children from sexual abuse,” said Emily Slifer, Director of Policy at Thorn.

“The Safe Cloud Storage Act will modernize and accelerate CSAM investigations conducted by law enforcement. This needed legislation builds upon recently increased reporting requirements through the REPORT Act by ensuring that law enforcement-approved vendors who assist in CSAM investigations can legally and securely store evidence that is critical to holding perpetrators accountable, including U.S.-based CSAM offenders who direct and consume live child sexual abuse of children in countries like the Philippines,” said Nate King, Director of Congressional Affairs at International Justice Mission.

“The National Fraternal Order of Police strongly supports Safe Cloud Storage Act. This important piece of legislation modernizes how critical digital evidence is securely stored and shared, helping officers investigate serious crimes more efficiently while protecting victims’ privacy. The FOP is grateful for Senator Blackburn’s leadership, alongside Senators Klobuchar, Cornyn, Blumenthal, Britt, Coons, and Lee, in ensuring police have the reliable, secure tools we need to keep pace with increasingly digital threats to public safety,” said Patrick Yoes, National President of the Fraternal Order of Police.

“At Child Rescue Coalition, our innovative technology empowers law enforcement to identify and arrest child predators faster and more effectively. The SCSA strengthens and modernizes how law enforcement can securely store, share, and interact with CSAM, accelerating the identification of offenders and the rescue of victims. This bill reinforces trust, accountability, and innovation, ensuring critical safeguards evolve alongside the technology law enforcement relies on every day to protect children,” said Greg Schiller, CEO of the Child Rescue Coalition.

“The Safe Cloud Storage Act equips prosecutors and law enforcement with the modern, secure tools that are necessary to safely store and analyze CSAM while maintaining the strictest and highest standards of security and accountability. This legislation strengthens investigations, protects victims and ensures that highly sensitive evidence is properly stored,” said Nelson Bunn, Executive Director of the National District Attorneys Association.

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Klobuchar, Bennet, Lankford, Boozman Introduce Resolution to Recognize Winter Olympic Team

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Michael Bennet (D-CO), James Lankford (R-OK), and John Boozman (R-AR) 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. Klobuchar, Bennet, Lankford, and Boozman serve as co-chairs of the bipartisan Senate Olympic and Paralympic Caucus.

“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.

“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.

So far, the 28 Minnesotans on Team USA include alpine skier Paula Moltzan of Prior Lake; biathletes Margaret Freed of Apple Valley and Lucinda Anderson of Golden Valley; curlers Aidan Oldenburg of Mapleton, Tabitha Lovick of Eagan, Tara Peterson of Eagan, Rich Ruohonen of Brooklyn Park, Aileen Geving of Duluth and Cory Thiesse of Duluth; cross-country skiers Zak Ketterson of Bloomington and Jessie Diggins of Afton; women’s hockey players Taylor Heise of Lake City, Grace Zumwinkle of Excelsior, Kelly Pannek of Plymouth, Lee Stecklein of Roseville, and Rory Guilday of Chanhassen; men’s hockey players Jake Oettinger of Lakeville, Brock Faber of Maple Grove, Jackson LaCombe of Eden Prairie, Jake Guentzel of Woodbury and Brock Nelson of Warroad; speed skaters Giorgia Birkeland of White Bear Lake and Greta Myers of Lino Lakes; snowboarder Iris Pflum of Minneapolis; Para Nordic Skiers Max Nelson of Grant and Sydney Peterson of Lake Elmo; Wheelchair Curler Oyuna Uranchimeg of Burnsville; and sled hockey player Landon Uthke of Albert Lea.

Full text of the resolution is available HERE and 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 from93 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

(4) commits to ensuring a safe and secure environment for the fans attending and athletes competing in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games, at events in both Los Angeles and Oklahoma City, and in the 2034 Utah Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

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Lee Introduces Bill Balancing Highway Budgets

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced legislation to rein in runaway spending and balance bloated transportation budgets that have grown past their original purpose. The Balance the Highway Trust Fund Act ensures that federal highway and transit spending does not exceed estimated revenues flowing into the Highway Trust Fund.

“Runaway highway spending has turned a ‘temporary tax’ into a money pit for federal dollars,” said Senator Mike Lee. “The Highway Trust Fund was created to support our nation’s crucial roadways, but is consistently rerouted to unnecessary and inefficient programs. This bill will eliminate the highway deficit to keep our roads functioning within their budget and without the waste.”

The Balance the Highway Trust Fund Act:

Prohibits the Department of Transportation’s obligations for Federal-aid highways and highway safety construction programs from exceeding the gas tax proceeds for that year, as estimated by the Secretary of the Treasury.

Limits annual obligations from the Mass Transit Account to not exceed net mass transit receipts for each fiscal year.


Luján, Morelle, Gluesenkamp Perez Continue Fight for Consumers’ Right to Repair

The Fair Repair Act would help consumers save hundreds of dollars a year;

Gives small businesses and everyday Americans the right to repair their own products, like cell phones, computers, and more

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Congressman Joe Morelle (D-NY-25), and Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA-03), introduced the Fair Repair Act, legislation to guarantee consumers and small businesses a right to repair their own products by requiring manufacturers to make diagnostic repair information, parts, and tools readily available.

“For far too long, the wealthiest individuals and largest corporations have made it more difficult for Americans to repair the products they own,” said Senator Luján. “The costs of these barriers can add up to a significant financial burden for families each year. This legislation will make it easier and more affordable for Americans to get repairs from third-party repair shops for devices like phones, laptops, and other essential electronics. I’m proud to reintroduce this legislation with Congressman Morelle and Congresswoman Gluesenkamp Perez to give power back to the consumers.”

“It’s just common sense, when you buy something, you should be able to fix it,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “Our bill, the Fair Repair Act, makes repairs more affordable and puts power back in the hands of consumers, not big corporations. I’m grateful to Congresswoman Gluesenkamp Perez and Senator Luján for joining me in leading this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to join us in passing it into law.”

“The amount of money, time and emissions that are wasted every year by the multinationals who profit off planned obsolescence disgusts every red blooded American. We are not children or hapless consumers—we deserve the right to fix our own stuff, from laptops to tractors to washing machines,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. “I’m excited to support the Fair Repair Act, which would affirm that people have the right to repair their own property or take it to a more convenient shop.”

Currently, many electronics manufacturers require that repairs, or parts to complete a repair, be made by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) itself or through one of their authorized vendors, making the process costly and burdensome for consumers. The Fair Repair Act will require OEMs to make diagnostic and repair information, parts, and tools available to third-party repairers and owners in a timely manner and on fair and reasonable terms, helping consumers and repair shops to avoid unnecessary and costly delays while also reducing waste.

Research by U.S. PIRG suggests enaction of the Fair Repair Act could reduce household spending on electronics by 22 percent, leading to a savings of around $330 per year for each family and approximately $40 billion of total savings nationally per year.

Stacey Higginbotham, a Policy Fellow at Consumer Reports, said: “Consumer Reports strongly supports consumers’ right to repair the products they own. Access to independent repair services saves consumers money, boosts local businesses, and reduces waste.”

Nathan Proctor, Senior Director, U.S. PIRG Campaign for the Right to Repair, said: “Repair is essential—it saves consumers money, it prevents electronic waste. That’s why Right to Repair has been a topic in every state in the country, and now law in nearly a dozen states. Everyone, everywhere deserves the same right to repair our stuff.”

George Slover, Senior Counsel for Competition Policy, Center for Democracy & Technology: “This important legislation helps ensure that in the Age of Technology, consumers still have the basic right they have enjoyed for centuries — the right to choose where and how we fix what we own. By requiring that independent businesses have access to the resources they need to fix a product, consumers will be given the opportunity to find the repair service that’s right for them and their budget — rather than being forced to use a repair shop hand-picked by the manufacturer.”

Patrick Gallaher, Senior Policy Advocate at Public Knowledge, said: “Consumers should not have to throw away broken devices or overspend on pricey ‘official’ repair channels. The Fair Repair Act recognizes that consumers have a right to repair the devices they own, and that practical and legal obstacles should not stand in the way. Ensuring that people can repair devices and use independent repair shops doesn’t just save them money; it has significant environmental benefits as well, reducing e-waste and carbon use. We commend Rep. Morelle and Sen. Luján for leading on this issue.”

To learn more about the Fair Repair Act, read the full text of the bill here.

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Lummis Celebrates Senate Western Caucus Bills Passing Out of Committee

Washington, D.C.— This week, Senate Western Caucus Chair Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) released a statement celebrating six bills introduced by Senate Western Caucus Members passing out of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

“This week’s committee action represents real progress for Western communities,”said Lummis. “These bills address urgent priorities from protecting our historic roadways and strengthening wildfire response to enhancing visitor safety in our national parks. I’m also particularly proud we’re moving forward with Senator Barrasso and my legislation that honors former Wyoming Representative Barbara Cubin’s legacy. The Senate Western Caucus will continue fighting to get these measures signed into law.”

—-

Historic Roads Prevention Act:

Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) and Senator John Curtis (R-UT)

The Historic Roads Preservation Act prevents the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) from using federal funds to finalize or implement travel management plans in Utah that would close roads claimed under Revised Statute 2477 (R.S. 2477) until all legal cases determining ownership of these historic rights-of-way have been fully resolved. The bill responds to a Biden-era BLM travel management plan that closed 317 miles of roads near Moab, including 114 miles of R.S. 2477 roads, while 22 Utah counties are still litigating over 12,500 right-of-way claims to preserve public access to these historic roads. By blocking implementation of these closures, the legislation ensures the BLM cannot restrict access to roads over which it may lack jurisdiction while the courts determine their legal status.

Western Wildfire Support Act of 2025

Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT)

The Western Wildfire Support Act authorizes funding for cutting-edge firefighting equipment, creating new training programs for federal and local firefighters, and supporting wildfire recovery efforts throughout impacted landscapes and surrounding areas.

Making National Parks Safer Act

Senator John Barrasso (R-WY)

The Making National Parks Safer Act will direct the Department of Interior to complete an assessment of current call centers at national parks and the estimated cost of implementing NG911 technology across the National Park System. It also develops a plan based on the assessment to install NG911 systems at identified points in the National Park System. This plan must include consultation with state and local emergency operations and stakeholders, as well as relevant federal agencies to ensure its successful implementation.

A bill to redesignate the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center in Casper, Wyoming, as the “Barbara L. Cubin National Historic Trails Interpretive Center”

Chair Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Senator John Barrasso (R-WY)

In 1998, then-Rep. Barbara Cubin successfully passed her legislation establishing the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center in Casper to tell the stories of westward migration in the U.S. The center is owned by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and is run through a public-private partnership with the BLM, the National Historic Trails Center Foundation and the City of Casper.

Rep. Cubin was the first woman to win an election for federal office in the state of Wyoming and served as a founding member of the Congressional Western Caucus. She represented Wyoming in the U.S. House from 1995-2009.

Moab UMTRA Project Transition Act

Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) and Senator John Curtis (R-UT)

The Moab UMTRA Project Transition Act authorizes the transfer of the Moab Uranium Mill Tailings Remedial Action (UMTRA) site to Grand County, Utah, once cleanup is complete. The bill aims to facilitate redevelopment of the former Atlas Minerals site after the U.S. Department of Energy finishes moving over 16 million tons of tailings.

A bill to extend the authority for modifications to the Second Division Memorial in the District of Columbia

Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)

This legislation seeks to extend the authority for modifications to the Second Division Memorial in the District of Columbia. The bill, currently before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, provides a new seven-year authorization to allow for the continued addition of names of fallen veterans from recent conflicts.

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Merkley, Senate and House Lawmakers: Trump Administration Risking a New Arms Race with Failure to Renew Nuclear Treaty with Russia

Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley—co-chair of the Congressional Nuclear Weapons and Arms Control Working Group and a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee—led his Senate and House colleagues in raising urgent concerns about the expiration this week of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) with Russia. The Trump Administration’s failure to negotiate a successor to New START means that there are no legally binding limits on U.S. and Russian strategic nuclear forces for the first time in more than five decades.

“As of February 5, 2026, the United States and Russia no longer have a formal framework governing the deployment of their strategic forces for the first time since the 1970s. The lack of progress toward negotiating a replacement treaty—or even securing mutual commitment to abide by New START caps—is deeply disappointing, particularly given this administration’s recognition of the treaty’s objective of reducing nuclear risk and avoiding a new arms race,” Merkley and the lawmakers wrote to President Donald Trump and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

“Support for nuclear arms control has long transcended party lines,” the group of lawmakers emphasized. “Republican and Democratic administrations alike have advanced bilateral agreements with Russia to reduce nuclear dangers even during periods of profound tension in the bilateral relationship. The American public also overwhelmingly supports these efforts. A recent poll conducted by ReThink Media and the Nuclear Threat Initiative found that 91 percent of registered voters believe the United States should negotiate a new agreement with Russia to maintain current nuclear limits or further reduce both countries’ arsenals.”

They concluded, “With the expiration of New START, the world has entered a nuclear threat environment without precedent in the post-Cold War era. This administration now has a historic opportunity to engage Russia and other nuclear-armed states to reduce tensions and lower the risk of rapid nuclear proliferation. The stakes could not be higher. We urge you to seize this moment and pursue enforceable, verifiable arms control agreements that place meaningful limits on the world’s largest nuclear arsenals.”

Merkley began his career in public service as a nuclear weapons policy analyst at the Pentagon and the Congressional Budget Office and has continued to be a leading voice in Congress for strong nuclear arms control and American national security. He has partnered with the other co-chairs of the bicameral Nuclear Weapons and Arms Control Working Group—U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and U.S. Representatives John Garamendi (CA-08) and Don Beyer (VA-08)—to sound the alarm over the expiration of New START.

Merkley’s letter was signed by U.S. Senators Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (VA-08), John Garamendi (CA-08), Bill Foster (IL-11), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Dina Titus (NV-01), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Jim McGovern (MA-02), Joe Courtney (CT-02), and Rashida Tlaib (MI-12).

Full text of the letter can be found by clicking here and follows below:

Dear President Trump:

We write today to express deep concern about the expiration of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) and the absence of any constraints on the world’s two largest nuclear arsenals. For the first time in more than five decades, there are no legally binding limits on U.S. and Russian strategic nuclear forces. Without an executive understanding to continue observing New START limits while a successor agreement is negotiated, global nuclear risks will continue to grow. We urge you to swiftly reach such an understanding and prevent a renewed nuclear arms race.

As of February 5, 2026, the United States and Russia no longer have a formal framework governing the deployment of their strategic forces for the first time since the 1970s. The lack of progress toward negotiating a replacement treaty—or even securing mutual commitment to abide by New START caps—is deeply disappointing, particularly given this administration’s recognition of the treaty’s objective of reducing nuclear risk and avoiding a new arms race.

New START, signed in 2010, capped each country at 1,550 deployed strategic nuclear warheads; 800 deployed and non-deployed strategic launchers; and no more than 700 deployed intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarine-launched ballistic missiles, and heavy bombers. It also established robust verification and monitoring procedures. Although Russia suspended its participation in those procedures in February 2023, it remained below the treaty’s limits through its expiration.

In September 2025, Russia publicly indicated a willingness to continue observing New START limits for one year if the United States formally agreed to do the same. No reciprocal, time-limited understanding was reached, and New START expired without replacement. As a result, we now face a precarious strategic environment with no guardrails and no clear path forward. Prompt action is urgently needed.

While we support U.S. diplomatic engagement with Moscow to prevent a renewed nuclear arms race, we also reiterate our unequivocal opposition to Russia’s illegal, unprovoked, and ongoing full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The devastation inflicted on Ukrainian civilians and critical infrastructure is unconscionable, and we condemn these actions in the strongest terms. Pursuing arms control does not legitimize Russia’s conduct; it protects the American people from catastrophic nuclear risk. Accordingly, the United States must pursue nuclear diplomacy that reduces the risk of miscalculation, escalation, and unconstrained nuclear competition.

Support for nuclear arms control has long transcended party lines. Republican and Democratic administrations alike have advanced bilateral agreements with Russia to reduce nuclear dangers even during periods of profound tension in the bilateral relationship. The American public also overwhelmingly supports these efforts. A recent poll conducted by ReThink Media and the Nuclear Threat Initiative found that 91 percent of registered voters believe the United States should negotiate a new agreement with Russia to maintain current nuclear limits or further reduce both countries’ arsenals.

With the expiration of New START, the world has entered a nuclear threat environment without precedent in the post-Cold War era. This administration now has a historic opportunity to engage Russia and other nuclear-armed states to reduce tensions and lower the risk of rapid nuclear proliferation. The stakes could not be higher. We urge you to seize this moment and pursue enforceable, verifiable arms control agreements that place meaningful limits on the world’s largest nuclear arsenals.

Thank you for your attention to this critical issue.

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Merkley, Wyden Lead the Charge to Limit DHS’ Use of Facial Recognition Technology Amid Trump’s Rapidly Growing Surveillance State

Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden today announced they introduced the ICE Out of Our Faces Act. The bicameral legislation would rein in the use of facial recognition technology (FRT) by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), banning agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) from using and deploying FRT and other biometric identification systems.

The new bill—which Merkley and Wyden co-led with Massachusetts’ U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey and U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07)—follows public reports of the Trump administration’s increasing surveillance tactics by DHS, including ICE agents abusing FRT to take pictures of anyone on the street, obtain their personal information without consent, and use it as a tool of intimidation to punish dissent. The ICE Out of Our Faces Act would fight back by requiring the deletion of all data collected for use in or by biometric identification systems and allowing individuals and state attorneys general to seek civil penalties for violations.

“For years, I’ve been ringing the alarm bells about the dangers of a national surveillance state built on facial recognition technology. Now, we’re seeing Trump’s lawless federal agents deploy this technology on our streets across the nation as he tries to tighten his authoritarian grip,” said Merkley. “Without oversight, this technology is dangerous in the hands of any government, and the Trump Administration is abusing it to trample on privacy, freedom of speech, and civil liberties. All freedom-loving Americans must join us to stand up to this assault on folks’ fundamental rights.”

“ICE and CBP trample on our Constitution when they build databases of regular people in Oregon and nationwide concerned about ICE committing violence in their communities or scanning the faces of people on the street to run through their surveillance systems,” said Wyden. “I’m glad to work with Senators Markey and Merkley to protect Americans against harassment and biometric surveillance by Trump’s handpicked militia.”

The ICE Out of Our Faces Act is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.).

The bicameral legislation is also endorsed by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC), Fight for the Future, American Civil Liberties Union, The Leadership Conference’s Center for Civil Rights and Technology, Free Press Action, Access Now, and Human Rights First.

Merkley has fought to hold ICE and DHS accountable for terrorizing our communities, their gross violations of Americans’ First Amendment rights, and their weaponization of surveillance technologies against peaceful protestors, immigrants, and American citizens. He introduced the ICE and CBP Constitutional Accountability Act—which Wyden co-sponsored—to hold ICE and CBP liable for violating individuals’ constitutional rights. He also partnered with Wyden and other Oregon lawmakers to demand DHS withdraw its agents from Portland following attacks on peaceful protestors.

Full text of the ICE Out of Our Faces Act can be found by clicking here.

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In Letter, Senator Murray Urges DoD to Better Support Financial Literacy for Servicemembers and Military Families

Murray: “Without improvements to implementation of the financial literacy program, DoD will be doing a great disservice to our men and women in uniform by making them less likely to succeed in both the military and in the civilian world.”

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a senior member and former chair of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, expressed her ongoing concern with the financial literacy program offered for servicemembers and their families in a letter to the Department of Defense (DoD).

“I am writing to follow up on the implementation of the Department of Defense’s (DoD) financial literacy program. This program provides servicemembers with training and counseling to help them navigate financial circumstances associated with relocations, deployments, and other challenges inherent to military life. Its goal is to equip them with the skills to manage their finances, use available resources effectively, achieve long-term financial stability, and secure a robust retirement for themselves and their families,” wrote Senator Murray.

Senator Murray continued, “Financial literacy is essential to preventing unsustainable debt, maintaining force readiness, and preparing servicemembers for their eventual transition to civilian life. Given the unique demands of military service, financial stress can cause anxiety, impair focus, and in some cases, jeopardize necessary security clearances. Those who separate from military service with significant debt also face greater risks of substance abuse, homelessness, and post-traumatic stress disorder.”

Senator Murray noted that while progress has been achieved through previous legislative action, there is still work to be done and “It is critical that the focus be placed on meaningful outcome improvements for servicemembers rather than perfunctory completion of training modules. This includes prioritizing one-on-one counseling, in-person trainings, and small class sizes over online training methods. It is also essential that financial literacy classes and resources be made available to military spouses.”

In the letter, Senator Murray urges greater oversight for existing financial literacy education initiatives, warning that without improvements to the current system “[the] DoD will be doing a great disservice to our men and women in uniform by making them less likely to succeed in both the military and in the civilian world.”

Senator Murray was the first woman to join the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee and the first woman to chair the Committee. As a daughter of a World War II veteran, she is a strong advocate for improving services to servicemembers and veterans to improve their transition civilian life. Last Congress, Senator Murray passed provisions of the Servicemembers Are Ready To (SMART) Save Act, to improve and expand DoD’s financial literacy training, in the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act.

The full letter is available HERE and below:

Dear Under Secretary Tata:

I am writing to follow up on the implementation of the Department of Defense’s (DoD) financial literacy program. This program provides servicemembers with training and counseling to help them navigate financial circumstances associated with relocations, deployments, and other challenges inherent to military life. Its goal is to equip them with the skills to manage their finances, use available resources effectively, achieve long-term financial stability, and secure a robust retirement for themselves and their families.

Financial literacy is essential to preventing unsustainable debt, maintaining force readiness, and preparing servicemembers for their eventual transition to civilian life. Given the unique demands of military service, financial stress can cause anxiety, impair focus, and in some cases, jeopardize necessary security clearances. Those who separate from military service with significant debt also face greater risks of substance abuse, homelessness, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Over the years, Congress has passed measures to expand the financial literacy program to make it more comprehensive and educate servicemembers on DoD’s new blended retirement system. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (FY17 NDAA, P.L.114-328) included a provision that established the Office of Financial Readiness, a central source for servicemembers and their families to access resources and information. Subsequently, the FY25 NDAA included portions of the Service Members Are Ready to Save Act (SMART Save Act), which I introduced with Senator Schmitt, to expand financial literacy training to more ranks in the military and provide additional information about retirement benefits.

While I am proud of these expansions, several other provisions of the SMART Save Act that were not included in the FY25 NDAA remain as potential solutions to improve the program. Of particular importance, the bill would shift the program’s focus from just module completion to truly developing proficiency in financial literacy. As DoD works on its multi-year study to identify standardized performance metrics for financial education, it is critical that the focus be placed on meaningful outcome improvements for servicemembers rather than perfunctory completion of training modules. This includes prioritizing one-on-one counseling, in-person trainings, and small class sizes over online training methods. It is also essential that financial literacy classes and resources be made available to military spouses.

Furthermore, DoD should take steps to address the financial literacy program implementation challenges raised in a recent Government Accountability Office report. According to the report, DoD officials are unable to fully track servicemembers’ training completion rates because of the number of training points, the irregular frequency of some of the training points, and limitations with their administrative systems. Due to the lack of tracking, DoD leaders are unaware of the extent or the causes of non-completion. However, officials acknowledged that non-completion is a problem.

Without improvements to implementation of the financial literacy program, DoD will be doing a great disservice to our men and women in uniform by making them less likely to succeed in both the military and in the civilian world. I request responses to the following questions to better understand the actions the DoD and military services are taking to ensure the financial literacy program is supporting our servicemembers, veterans, and their families.

How does DoD plan to ensure that financial literacy training programs focus on proficiency instead of superficial module completion?

What steps is DoD taking to better track the completion rates of financial literacy training programs and causes of non-completion? Please provide a detailed timeline for determining tracking metrics and instituting a tracking system across the military services.

How is DoD educating its officials on the requirements and timelines of the financial literacy program? Does DoD plan to track any metrics on the understanding of officials on the requirements and timelines of the financial literacy program?

What steps is DoD taking to ensure that military spouses have access to financial literacy training and one-on-one financial counseling?

I remain committed to supporting financial literacy education for our servicemembers and their families in Washington state and across the country. Thank you again for your time and attention to this important matter.

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Murray & Cantwell Send Letter to Forest Service Chief Demanding Answers on Understaffed National Forest Trails

Senators: “The report’s conclusions raise serious questions about the public’s ability to enjoy National Forest Trails, particularly as the Forest Service adjusts to a workforce that has declined by at least 16 percent in the last year.”

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) joined Senate colleagues in sending a letter to U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Chief Tom Schultz pressing for more information about problems identified in an internal report on the National Trail Program.

“We write with strong concerns regarding a December 2025 report published by the U.S. Forest Service on the status of the U.S Forest Service’s National Trail Program,” wrote the Senators. “The report warns of significant challenges in sustaining trail operations and recreation access, as well as potential loss of decades of investments in trail infrastructure.

“The public land recreation economy contributes over $350 million every day to our national economy, $128 billion every year, and the National Forest System (NFS) plays a significant role in that contribution. There are over 164,000 miles of trails in the NFS, with 84 million people annually visiting trails and 143,000 jobs supported by recreation and tourism spending,” the Senators continued. “Considering the importance of the National Scenic and Historic Trails statutorily created by Congress for the Forest Service to manage, and the Forest Service National Trail Program in general, the report findings that public access and overall recreation satisfaction ‘will continue to decline in 2026 and beyond without direction to prioritize investments into these programs,’ is troubling.”

Washington state is home to approximately 11.6 million acres and over 9,000 miles of trails managed by the USFS, including:

270 miles in Olympic National Forest;

6,000 miles in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

1,500 miles in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

1,500 miles in Gifford Pinchot National Forest

200 miles in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

486 miles in Colville National Forest

In March – following reports of widespread firings across the USFS and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) – Senator Murray joined her Washington colleagues in sending a letter to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins and USFS Chief Schultz requesting immediate reinstatement, as well as more details about the fired Washington state personnel certified for wildland firefighting. In Washington state, layoffs at the USFS resulted largely in cuts to boots-on-the-ground positions – those tasked with keeping trails safe, clean, and passable for visitors.

Senators joining the letter in addition to Murray and Cantwell are, Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Mark Warner (D-VA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Ed Markey (D-MA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Bernie Sanders (I-VT).

The full letter is available HEREand below:

Dear Chief Schultz:

We write with strong concerns regarding a December 2025 report published by the U.S. Forest Service on the status of the U.S Forest Service’s National Trail Program. The report warns of significant challenges in sustaining trail operations and recreation access, as well as potential loss of decades of investments in trail infrastructure.

The public land recreation economy contributes over $350 million every day to our national economy, $128 billion every year, and the National Forest System (NFS) plays a significant role in that contribution. There are over 164,000 miles of trails in the NFS, with 84 million people annually visiting trails and 143,000 jobs supported by recreation and tourism spending. Considering the importance of the National Scenic and Historic Trails statutorily created by Congress for the Forest Service to manage, and the Forest Service National Trail Program in general, the report findings that public access and overall recreation satisfaction “will continue to decline in 2026 and beyond without direction to prioritize investments into these programs,” is troubling.

The report draws on input from 290, mostly district-level, Forest Service staff to assess current challenges facing Forest Service trail operations. It found that workforce shortages and loss of trails expertise, low morale, poor communication, operational gaps, and stalled and unfunded contracts and agreements threaten decades of investments into the Forest Service’s trail system. The report’s conclusions raise serious questions about the public’s ability to enjoy National Forest Trails, particularly as the Forest Service adjusts to a workforce that has declined by at least 16 percent in the last year.

A key finding of the report is that workforce vacancies, hiring freezes, and lost skills are weakening the agency’s ability to maintain trails and effectively leverage partners’ contributions to the upkeep of trails. Beyond staffing challenges, the Forest Service National Trail Program identifies unclear priorities, inconsistent messaging, and misalignment of priorities and resources as ongoing barriers to trail maintenance. The report also highlights deficiencies in grants and agreement (G&A) management as a primary challenge to maintaining Forest Service trails.

Given the importance of this issue, we request responses to each of the following questions no later than February 18, 2026, on the Forest Service’s plan to address the immediate needs listed in the report.

What is the Forest Service’s plan and timeline for addressing all of the issues raised in the report?

Is the Forest Service planning to extend externally funded and disaster-funded Permanent Seasonal Employee (PSE) positions?

Please describe the steps the Forest Service is planning to take to increase G&A capacity in the trail program.

How will Forest Service leadership provide accurate, consistent direction and resources to all levels of the agency to ensure the trails program can implement its mission?

Will the Forest Service consider restoring direct hire authority for the Youth Conservation Corps program?

How is the Forest Service planning to ensure appropriate staffing levels are restored and maintained?

How will the Forest Service invest in training for partners, and volunteers on trail maintenance and operations?

The National Trails System Act of 1968 requires the Forest Service to provide for the development and maintenance of the National Scenic and Historic Trails (NSHT) under its jurisdiction. Given the report’s findings, what is the Forest Service’s plan for ensuring all statutory requirements of the National Trails System Act of 1968 are met for the NSHT under the Forest Service’s jurisdiction?

Forest Service staff and partners are critical to maintaining the over 164,000 miles of trails in the National Forest System. The challenges and impacts in the Program report are deeply concerning and raise questions about what steps the Forest Service will take to maintain the public’s ability to access and use Forest Service trails. We look forward to your timely response on this important matter.

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Padilla, Schiff, 55+ Lawmakers Press HHS on Violent Immigration Raids’ Harmful Impacts on Children

“ICE and CBP[’s] … disregard for child welfare undermines the government’s core child-protection obligations. Yet your agency does not appear to be taking any action to speak out against or investigate the impacts of the Trump Administration’s immigration agenda on children.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla, Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) joined Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Representative Mike Quigley (D-Ill.-05), and 56 other lawmakers in pressing Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on children’s exposure to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) escalating violence in American communities, which threatens to leave them with lasting physical and psychological trauma.

Under the Trump Administration, children — both U.S. citizens and noncitizens alike — have been exposed to increasingly violent and intense immigration enforcement operations. After Donald Trump rescinded ICE’s sensitive locations policy on his first day back in office, ICE has carried out raids at schools, day care centers, and even a child’s birthday party. ICE and CBP have become more violent, employing military-style techniques in communities across the country, without regard for the presence of children. Even when children are not the direct target, their exposure to these reckless actions can create lasting trauma.

Senators Padilla and Schiff previously demanded answers from the Trump Administration regarding an attempt last year by ICE agents to enter two Los Angeles Unified School District elementary schools to question students. They expressed serious concerns about the erosion of public trust in the local community. Since Trump began his indiscriminate mass deportation campaign in Los Angeles last June, student and staff absences have risen at California child-care centers.

“ICE and CBP operations that treat children like collateral damage threaten their physical and mental health and wellbeing. … This disregard for child welfare undermines the government’s core child-protection obligations,” wrote the lawmakers. “Yet your agency does not appear to be taking any action to speak out against or investigate the impacts of the Trump Administration’s immigration agenda on children.”

“[ICE and CBP’s] practices have triggered national outrage and risk traumatizing children and depriving them of access to education and basic services, with lasting consequences for their behavioral, physical, academic, and emotional wellbeing,” continued the lawmakers.

ICE and CBP violence has terrorized schools and families with young children across the country. Five-year-old Minnesota resident Liam Ramos was detained for more than a week in a Texas facility after reportedly being used as “bait” to capture his father. His father said Liam was not eating well and was asking about his mother and classmates.

In Massachusetts, a man suffered an apparent seizure while ICE officers attempted to detain his wife as their toddler cried within arm’s reach. Witnesses allege agents pushed him, struck him, and pressed on his neck while the child remained trapped between the adults.

In Illinois, ICE officers forcibly detained a day care teacher in front of her students. In another incident, masked agents deployed tear gas near an elementary school in Chicago, sending children running and teachers scrambling for cover. In Texas, ICE officers stormed a five-year-old child’s birthday party, where state and federal officers conducted an operation that resulted in the apprehension of 47 people, including nine minors — one of whom was just three years old.

“Children’s exposure to traumatic ICE raids occurring in their communities across America can have lasting effects on their long-term health and development, including their behavioral and psychological wellbeing,” added the lawmakers.

ICE and CBP operations are also hurting children’s academic and social development. In districts where ICE and CBP raids have occurred, schools are reporting declining student attendance and performance; in some schools, nearly half of students have been absent following school-based immigration raids. Early childhood providers have reported attrition from day care, after-school programs, and other community programs that typically serve as spaces for positive socialization, mental health counseling, and other forms of support.

Immigration enforcement actions are also impacting children’s access to health care. Most health care workers report significant or moderate decreases in patient visits since January 2025, and the children who do continue to visit the doctor reportedly have declining physical and mental health. One doctor observed “abnormal weight gain trajectories” in children not getting exercise outdoors due to “fear of encountering ICE,” and another pediatrician reported that “minors [are] constantly crying during their well-child checks expressing their fear for themselves and their families.”

The lawmakers highlighted HHS’ various programs, offices, and agencies that research and provide for children’s physical and mental health and well-being, and requested that Secretary Kennedy share any information and data HHS has regarding the impact of ICE and CBP operations on children’s mental health and development.

In addition to Padilla, Schiff, Warren, Alsobrooks, and Quigley, the letter was also signed by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), as well as Representatives Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.-03), Becca Balint (D-Vt.-AL), Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-Calif.-44), Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.-02), Shontel Brown (D-Ohio-11), Julia Brownley (D-Calif.-26), André Carson (D-Ind.-07), Sean Casten (D-Ill.-06), Judy Chu (D-Calif.-28), Gil Cisneros (D-Calif.-31), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.-12), Angie Craig (D-Minn.-02), Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas-30), Danny Davis (D-Ill.-07), Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.-04), Diana DeGette (D-Colo.-01), Maxine Dexter (D-Ore.-03), Dwight Evans (D-Pa.-03), Valerie Foushee (D-N.C.-04), John Garamendi (D-Calif.-08), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (D-Ill.-04), Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.-10), Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.-34), Al Green (D-Texas-09), Jahana Hayes (D-Conn.-05), Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.-51), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.-07), Hank Johnson (D-Ga.-04), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.-37), Robin Kelly (D-Ill.-02), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.-08), George Latimer (D-N.Y.-16), Summer Lee (D-Pa.-12), Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.-08), Betty McCollum (D-Minn.-04), Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.-05), Kelly Morrison (D-Minn.-03), Seth Moulton (D-Mass.-06), Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.-12), Joe Neguse (D-Colo.-02), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.-AL), Johnny Olszewski, Jr. (D-Md.-02), Emily Randall (D-Wash.-06), Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.-09), Lateefah Simon (D-Calif.-12), Adam Smith (D-Wash.-09), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.-12), Dina Titus (D-Nev.-01), Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii-02), Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.-20), James Walkinshaw (D-Va.-11), and Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.-24).

Senator Padilla has been a leading voice in opposition to President Trump’s cruel and indiscriminate mass deportation agenda, including against his unprecedented, illegal militarization of Los Angeles and other American cities like Minneapolis. Last week, Padilla spoke on the Senate floor to hold the line against any additional funding for President Trump’s DHS after the brutal killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by ICE and CBP officers and agents. He also voted “no” against funding ICE and CBP’s lawless and reckless actions absent accountability. Last month, Padilla joined leading immigration advocates and interfaith leaders at an “ICE Out for Good” rally and vigil to condemn the Trump Administration’s abuses against American communities and to demand ICE and CBP leave Minnesota after Good’s killing.

Last year, Senators Padilla and Blumenthal introduced the Accountability for Federal Law Enforcement Act to allow individuals — regardless of citizenship — the right to sue federal law enforcement officers and agencies in civil court for violations of their civil and constitutional rights.

Full text of the letter is available here and below:

Dear Secretary Kennedy:

We write with grave concerns about children’s exposure to increasingly violent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operations and the impacts of that exposure on their health, wellbeing, and long-term development. Children have become ensnared in ICE’s and CBP’s aggressive and indiscriminate enforcement tactics, with ICE conducting raids in or near schools and day care centers and apprehending young children. These practices have triggered national outrage and risk traumatizing children and depriving them of access to education and basic services, with lasting consequences for their behavioral, physical, academic, and emotional wellbeing. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has a variety of programs, offices, and agencies that research and provide for children’s physical and mental health and wellbeing, including the Administration for Children & Families (ACF), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), and National Institutes of Health (NIH). We request that you provide any information HHS has regarding the impact of ICE and CBP operations on children’s mental health and development.

Under the Trump Administration, children — both U.S. citizen and immigrant children alike — have been exposed to more frequent and intense immigration operations. On Day 1 of this administration, President Trump rescinded ICE’s sensitive locations policy that protected schools, places of worship, hospitals, and other sensitive places from ICE raids. Since then, ICE has carried out raids at schools, day care centers, and even a child’s birthday party. ICE has adopted more militarized and chaotic arrest tactics, including smashing car windows and raining glass on drivers and passengers, deploying tear gas in residential neighborhoods and schools, and unleashing “attack dogs.” Even when children are not the direct target, their exposure to such tactics can create psychological trauma, with some children describing life under a Trump-led ICE as “like living in fear all the time.”

Recent incidents include:

In Minnesota, a 5-year-old boy arriving home from preschool was taken by federal agents along with his father to a detention facility in Texas, “making him the fourth student from his Minneapolis suburb to be detained by immigration officers in recent weeks.” Alarmingly, neighbors and school officials have alleged that federal immigration officers used the preschooler as “bait” by telling him to knock on the door to his house so that his mother would answer. That same week, immigration agents arrested and detained a 2-year-old girl in the city and flew her to Texas, reportedly in violation of a court order.

Also in Minnesota, armed U.S. Border Patrol officers entered school property during dismissal and reportedly “began tackling people, handcuffed two staff members and released chemical weapons on bystanders.” A video of the incident “show[s] armed, masked officers with apparent Border Patrol insignia on their uniforms dragging a person on a sidewalk outside of the high school.” After this incident and the killing of a U.S. citizen mother named Renee Good, Minneapolis Public Schools canceled classes for children district-wide.

In Massachusetts, a man suffered an apparent seizure while ICE agents attempted to detain his wife as their toddler cried within arm’s reach. Witnesses allege agents pushed him, struck him, and pressed on his neck while the child remained trapped between the adults.

In Illinois, ICE agents forcibly detained a day care teacher in front of her students. In another Chicago-based incident, masked agents deployed tear gas near an elementary school in Logan Square, sending children running and teachers scrambling for cover. In yet another incident, a man and his U.S.-citizen family were in their car during a routine shopping trip when federal immigration agents pepper-sprayed them, including the one-year-old daughter, who was left struggling to open her eyes and to breathe.

In Texas, ICE agents stormed a five-year-old child’s birthday party, where state and federal officers conducted an operation that resulted in the apprehension of 47 people, including nine minors — one of whom was just three years old.

Children’s exposure to traumatic ICE raids occurring in their communities across America can have lasting effects on their long-term health and development, including their behavioral and psychological wellbeing. One expert warns that “[w]e are witnessing the effects of chronic fear, disrupted attachment, and intergenerational trauma on a massive scale.” Research shows that children who witness the arrest of a parent often display symptoms of toxic stress, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, reactions comparable to those observed in children exposed to war or community violence. In mixed-status families, children “increasingly live with the fear that a routine day could result in detention or deportation of a loved one, which is associated with increased PTSD and internalizing symptoms.”

ICE operations also appear to be impacting children’s academic development. In districts where raids have occurred, schools have reported declines in school attendance and student performance. For example, during a period of intense immigration raids in Central Valley, California, children in the area missed 22 percent more school days compared to the same period in past years, with the effect most pronounced among children in Kindergarten through 5th grade. In some schools, nearly 50 percent of students have been absent following school-based ICE raids, and “[m]issed school days often translate into academic decline, social isolation, and missed opportunities for developmental support.” Students from immigrant families who continue to attend class do so “fearfully,” while taking on new responsibilities such as dropping their younger siblings off at school, doing the grocery shopping, or working to pay for their families’ needs. Similarly, early childhood providers have noted attrition from day care, after-school programs, and other community programs that typically serve as spaces for positive socialization, mental health counselling, and other forms of support.

Finally, immigration enforcement actions appear to be disrupting children’s access to health care. More than four out of every five health care workers report significant or moderate decreases in patient visits since January 2025. When children forego routine immunizations, developmental screenings, and preventive interventions, it can lead to delayed diagnoses and late-stage disease presentations. Physicians have noted signs of declining physical and mental health during children’s medical visits. For example, one doctor observed “abnormal weight gain trajectories” in children not getting exercise outdoors due to “fear of encountering ICE,” and another pediatrician reported that “minors [are] constantly crying during their well-child checks expressing their fear for themselves and their families.”

ICE and CBP operations that treat children like collateral damage threaten their physical and mental health and wellbeing — compounding the threats children are facing from other immigration policy changes, such as the Trump Administration’s attempt to terminate the Flores Settlement Agreement’s protections for children in immigration custody. This disregard for child welfare undermines the government’s core child-protection obligations. Yet your agency does not appear to be taking any action to speak out against or investigate the impacts of the Trump Administration’s immigration agenda on children. Given HHS’s responsibility for the health and wellbeing of children in the United States, we request any data your department has collected regarding the impact of immigration operation on children’s health and development, including answers to the following questions by February 18, 2026:

1. How have children been affected by ICE’s and CBP’s aggressive tactics, including the use of tear gas, explosives, attack dogs, and window smashing in or near schools, child care centers, bus stops, residential neighborhoods, playgrounds, and other locations? Based on studies that HHS or HHS agencies or offices have conducted, please describe any mental health challenges, behavioral changes, or developmental setbacks that children may experience because of these tactics.

2. Please describe any mental health challenges, behavioral changes, or developmental setbacks that children may experience in the case of the detention or deportation of their caregivers.

3. Immigration enforcement operations appear to be prompting children to miss school, perform more poorly in school, and miss doctor’s appointments. Based on studies that HHS or HHS agencies or offices have conducted, please describe any impacts on children’s health and development that children may experience due to such changes.

a. Beyond attrition from schools and doctor’s appointments, have HHS agencies or offices observed attrition from any other programs or services (such as day care and after school programs, community health centers, work or volunteer opportunities, or public safety resources), including any HHS programs (such as Head Start, Early Head Start, and Healthy Start)?

4. Have HHS agencies and programs that serve children such as ACF, CMS, and ORR, seen disruptions to the ability to impart services to children and families or a decrease in participation as a result of ICE’s enforcement tactics in communities across America? Please provide any specific data illuminating these trends.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,

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Reed Denounces Trump’s Racist Video Depicting Obamas as Primates

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, after President Donald Trump shared a video on social media that sought to promote falsehoods about the 2020 election and featured a racist depiction of former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, U.S. Senator Jack Reed issued the following statement:

“I am absolutely disgusted by President Trump’s racist and dehumanizing social media post.

“First, President Trump spewed this fraudulent nonsense and amplified racism. Then his staff sought to defend it before retreating and scapegoating a nameless staffer.

“When good people call out racism, it has a positive impact. I am grateful to the many principled leaders across the political spectrum who spoke out against the president’s actions today and sent a clear message that his brand of racism and bigotry is shameful, wrong, and has no place in our society.

“Trump’s message was reprehensible. The fact that he was called out and publicly shamed is encouraging.”