Ernst Shines the Light on Government Spending

WASHINGTON – In honor of Sunshine Week, Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship Chair Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) is shining a light on how Washington spends tax dollars and introduced the Cost Openness and Spending Transparency (COST) Act to require a public price tag on all taxpayer-funded projects.

From monkey mind reading to octopus hypnosis, Ernst exposed how tax dollars are being spent on ridiculous projects but are not being disclosed as required by law. This is even more concerning after Ernst shined a light on the Government Accountability Office’s new discovery that $77.5 billion in hidden “Other Transaction Agreements” went out the door between Fiscal Years 2021 and 2025.

Ernst applauded the Small Business Administration for putting a price tag on their spending projects and announced that the Pentagon’s Inspector General answered her request and will begin investigating why projects funded with defense dollars are not disclosing the costs to taxpayers.

Watch Chair Ernst’s remarks here.

Ernst’s full remarks:

“Happy Sunshine Week, folks! Here we are!

“It’s the time of the year when we celebrate more sunshine in our lives…and in our government.

“But while we may be getting a little more sunlight every day, Washington still seems to be in the dark.

“The government demands to know exactly how much money all of you earn so it can tax every single cent.

“Yet once Washington gets its hands on your money, it’s anyone’s guess where it is even going.

“For the past two decades, the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act has required government expenditures to be publicly available on a searchable website, USAspending.gov.

“This website is invaluable to the oversight work I do every day, tracking how taxpayer dollars are being spent.

“But tens of billions of dollars are intentionally being omitted from the site every year.

“Another law passed fifteen years ago requires Washington to make an annual list of programs, describing the cost, purpose, and results of each program.

“Turns out, government agencies don’t even know how many programs they are running or if they’re accomplishing their stated goals.

“More than 2,600 programs have been identified to date, but that doesn’t include foreign aid and defense programs, which haven’t been tallied yet.

“If Washington doesn’t know how many programs there are and if they are actually working, how can the government guarantee your money is being properly spent?

“Simple answer: It can’t.

“Folks, without transparency, there is no accountability.

“That is why I’ve authored a number of laws to shine more light on Washington spending.

“As a result, today, agencies from the Small Business Administration to the Pentagon must put public price tags on projects paid for with your tax dollars.

“A similar law applies to funding from the Departments of Health and Human Services, Education, and Labor.

“This information is intended to allow taxpayers to decide for themselves if the price is right.

“Here is an example of how SBA and taxpayers are supporting the work of our friends at the Iowa Center Women’s Business Center.

“These folks are helping women who are trying to start or grow a business in our state, where women now own 43 percent of all businesses.

“As you can see from the price tag on the center’s website, taxpayers are providing $150,000 of the costs to make those services available.

“Shouldn’t every taxpayer-funded program, project, or product provide a similar price tag?

“Unfortunately, even where this transparency has already been promised, it isn’t always happening.

“For example, right here, the Navy sunk tax dollars into conducting octopus hypnosis.

“But you’ll put yourself in a trance reading through the results trying to find the cost. Why? Because it’s not included.

“The Army is spending taxpayer money on monkey mind reading, but the cost is anyone’s guess.

“While I’m sure we’re all looking forward to learning what’s on the minds of monkeys, I already know what’s on taxpayers’ minds.

“They are fed up with Washington hiding how the money they worked so hard to earn is being spent, only to learn it’s been wasted.

“Well, folks, sunshine is the best disinfectant for discouraging wasteful spending.

“That is why I appreciate SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler for quickly getting her agency into compliance with my COST Act.

“While the Pentagon has been required to disclose the cost of research and development projects funded with tax dollars since 2021, the previous administration did little to make that happen.

“I am announcing today that the department’s inspector general will investigate the matter so taxpayers won’t have to resort to mind reading or hypnosis to find out how defense dollars are being spent.

“One thing I’ve learned during my time in the Senate is there is more to making a law than just passing a bill.

“Oversight is absolutely essential to making sure the law is carried out.

“And effective oversight requires access to information.

“I want to recognize the hard work of the Offices of Inspector General and the Government Accountability Office for assisting my work and standing up for taxpayers.

“I also want to express my deep gratitude for the work of Open the Books and the White Coat Waste Project who turn transparency into real-world results that benefit all of us.

“I’ve learned the hard way that exposing inefficiencies and fighting waste doesn’t make you many friends in Washington.

“So, I salute you for your thankless work and extend the gratitude of the taxpayers of Iowa who could not have better friends standing up for their interests in Washington.”

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Fischer Applauds $100 Million Investment to Repair Gering-Fort Laramie Canal

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) applauded the Department of the Interior’s announcement of a $100 million investment to repair the Gering-Fort Laramie Canal. This follows Fischer’s successful effort through the Fiscal Year (FY) 26 Appropriations process to secure $14.6 million to assist in the restoration of two irrigation tunnels on the Gering-Fort Laramie Canal.

“This is a historic and much-needed investment to finally repair the irrigation tunnels that western Nebraska ag producers rely on,” said Fischer. “I’m pleased the Trump administration is utilizing funding from the Working Families Tax Cuts law to positively impact our state. I’ll continue working with the administration to ensure that Nebraska is appropriately allocated the funds necessary to repair this important infrastructure.”

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Senator Gallego Statement on Recent Reports about Cesar Chavez

WASHINGTON – Today, after reports of sexual abuse of young women by Cesar Chavez, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) released the following statement:

“Today’s reports are shocking and disappointing about a leader that I for many years had looked up to, like so many Latinos growing up in the U.S.

“But as I have said many times this year—no one, no matter how powerful, is above accountability, especially when it comes to abusing young women.

“The farmworkers’ movement has always been bigger than any one man. It belongs to the thousands of hardworking people who have spent decades on the front lines fighting for the dignity of agricultural workers. We have to keep that fight going, especially now, when our community is under constant attack.

“I want to recognize the incredible bravery of the women who came forward to share their stories of abuse. It takes immense strength to speak truth to power, and we owe it to them to ensure that our movement is defined by accountability and justice for everyone.”


WATCH: Gallego Presses DHS Secretary Nominee Mullin on Diversion of Law Enforcement Agents, Stephen Miller, and Tribal Sovereignty

WASHINGTON – Today, during a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) pressed President Trump’s nominee to lead the Department of Homeland Security, Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), on DHS’s diversion of federal law enforcement agents to chase conspiracy theories, Stephen Miller’s influence, and failure to consult tribal communities in DHS decisions.

Watch Senator Gallego’s questioning HERE and read excerpts below:

Senator Gallego began by raising alarming reports that Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents are investigating the 2020 election results in Arizona, which Senator Mullin has previously cast doubt on. HSI is the agency that focuses on investigating drug trafficking, human smuggling, and child abuse. Diverting them to investigate debunked conspiracy theories makes Americans less safe because it means less time spent keeping actual criminals off the streets.

“HSI is specifically very important because they specialize in dealing with human trafficking, human smuggling, counterfeit, bank fraud, things of that nature,” said Senator Gallego. “The reason I bring this up is because there’s confirmed reports that the Secretary of Homeland Security has ordered HSI agents, pulled them off what I just told you were very important missions to go to Arizona and investigate the 2020 election results. That is a very big concern of mine because these agents should be doing the work they are doing.”

“Do you believe Joe Biden won Arizona in the 2020 presidential election? I ask because you’re potentially deploying HSI agents to Arizona to check the result, using our taxpayer dollars to follow up on a conspiracy theory,” Senator Gallego continued. “No one in the Department of Homeland Security should be used to investigate an election conspiracy.”

Senator Mullin did not answer the question, instead saying “Nor am I here to debate what happened in 2020.”

Gallego also raised concerns about the lack of a clear chain of command within DHS, with agents unsure if their orders were coming from former Secretary Kristi Noem or Trump advisor Stephen Miller.

“Something I saw with the previous Secretary, and something I’ve seen in my time in the Marines, is that the chain of command is very important. I don’t believe there was a real chain of command that was in the [Department] of Homeland Security. When I say that it’s because I think Stephen Miller personally was calling the shots there. And you can see the results of what actually occurred,” Senator Gallego continued. “I want to make sure if you are there, you are in charge, and not Stephen Miller.”

Finally, Gallego pressed Mullin on the administration’s failure to consult tribal communities before building border security infrastructure on their land.

“One concern I have, when it comes to building some of these installations on the border, there has been very little to no tribal consultation, especially with some of our border tribes in the Tohono O’odham Nation, where […] there is a border wall going through tribal land – sacred land – that is not crossed or used by human smugglers. It is important DHS speak to these communities,” said Senator Gallego. “But this last [DHS] did not talk to them whatsoever. […] I think it is important we reestablish tribal sovereignty.”

Senator Mullin agreed to cooperate with tribes on DHS decisions, saying “I appreciate tribal sovereignty. We do have a job to secure the border, but we will work with tribal nations because there are other ways to have a physical barrier.”


Amid Surging Energy Costs, Gillibrand And Colleagues Call On Trump Administration To Release Energy Assistance Funding

As working families across the country face sticker shock from their eye-popping gas and utility bills, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and a bipartisan group of senators are calling on the Trump administration to take action and provide energy assistance to those in need.

Senator Gillibrand joined a bipartisan letter along with 39 Senate colleagues urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to swiftly release the approximately $400 million in remaining Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding that Congress delivered in Fiscal Year (FY) 2026.

“As the Trump administration pours hard-earned taxpayer dollars into endless wars abroad and hands out massive tax breaks to billionaires and giant corporations, millions of hardworking American families are struggling just to keep their homes warm as utility bills skyrocket,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This is unacceptable. The Trump administration must immediately release these essential heating assistance funds and make sure our neighbors—especially seniors and families with children—don’t have to choose between putting food on the table and staying warm.”

LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps low-income households pay utility bills, address energy crises, and lower costs by improving home energy efficiency through weatherization. Over the last year, nearly six million households nationwide received LIHEAP assistance to help them avoid utility shut-offs or having to make impossible tradeoffs such as delaying medical care, skipping meals, or turning to high-cost payday loans that lead to a cycle of unending debt.

In the face of the Trump administration’s attempt to eliminate LIHEAP, Gillibrand joined bipartisan efforts to provide a total of $4.045 billion for the program in FY 2026 – a $20 million increase over the previous year.

On November 28, at Gillibrand’s urging, the Trump administration released about $3.7 billion of that federal LIHEAP aid to states for distribution by authorized, local nonprofit organizations that deliver social services, community health, and housing assistance to low-income individuals, the elderly, and those with disabilities across the country.

A nationwide cold snap, coupled with soaring home heating costs and spiking gas prices, has squeezed many Americans’ finances – with those who can least afford the energy price shocks suffering the hardest financial blow.

Now, Senator Gillibrand and her colleagues are urging HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to immediately distribute the remaining emergency LIHEAP funds. These federal funds are essential to help more Americans keep up with rising energy bills and help state-based organizations effectively budget and distribute LIHEAP aid to those in need.

“We urge you to immediately release the remaining roughly $400 million of FY26 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding available under PL 119-75,” the senators wrote in their letter. “Any delay in the release of appropriated funds would set back states’ efforts to cover outstanding bills relating to unexpected delivered fuels emergencies, to weatherize low-income homes, and to plan for summer cooling programs. Our states are ready to deploy these funds to help vulnerable households as soon as they receive them from HHS.”

Eligibility for LIHEAP is based on income, family size, and the availability of resources.

In addition to Gillibrand, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Jack Reed (D-RI), Susan Collins (R-ME), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Charles E. Grassley (R-IA), Angus S. King, Jr. (I-ME), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Mark Warner (D-VA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Chris Coons (D-DE), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Angela D. Alsobrooks (D-MD), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Ron Wyden (D-OR) Adam Schiff (D-CA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Richard Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Cory Booker (D-NJ).

The full text of the letter can be found here or below.

Dear Secretary Kennedy:

We urge you to immediately release the remaining roughly $400 million of FY26 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding available under PL 119-75.

As the main federal program that helps low-income households and seniors with their energy bills, LIHEAP provides critical assistance during the cold winter and hot summer months. According to the National Energy Assistance Directors’ Association, households are expected to spend 11% more on winter heating costs this winter compared to last year. With low-income families and seniors feeling additional strains on their household budgets, a timely release of LIHEAP funding is even more critical to ensure families do not need to choose between paying their energy bills and other essentials, like food or medicine.

Any delay in the release of appropriated funds would set back states’ efforts to cover outstanding bills relating to unexpected delivered fuels emergencies, to weatherize low-income homes, and to plan for summer cooling programs. Our states are ready to deploy these funds to help vulnerable households as soon as they receive them from HHS.

We look forward to working with you on this critical program. Thank you for your attention to our concerns and those of our constituents.

Sincerely,

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Bipartisan Combating Illicit Xylazine Act Receives Outpouring of Support Ahead of Judiciary Committee Vote

WASHINGTON – Ninety national, state and local organizations are calling on the Senate Judiciary Committee to advance the bipartisan and bicameral Combating Illicit Xylazine Act ahead of this Thursday’s Judiciary Committee vote, including 18 major law enforcement organizations representing over 1 million officers, over 70 organizations representing more than 117,000 veterinary professionals, livestock producers and researchers and two national coalitions of hundreds of bereaved families. The Department of Justice, Department of Health and Human Services, Drug Enforcement Administration and Office of National Drug Policy have also voiced their support for the bill, which received backing from the Biden administration last Congress.

The legislation, led by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), would fight the spread of illicit xylazine by classifying the highly toxic sedative as Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act, while protecting its legitimate use in large animal veterinary medicine.

Additional cosponsors include Sens. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Shelly Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Angus King (I-Maine), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), Mike Crapo (R-Ind.), Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), James Lankford (R-Okla.) and Ashley Moody (R-Fla.).

A full list of supporting organizations can be found HERE and a fact sheet can be found HERE.

Here’s what they’re saying:

The National Association of Police Organizations:

“Xylazine is now found in more than a third of all fentanyl powder tested by the Drug Enforcement Administration – up from 12% in 2021 to over 37% at the end of 2024 … The Combating Illicit Xylazine Act would classify xylazine as a Schedule III drug, invoking penalties on those who choose to illicitly use and distribute the drug, giving law enforcement the tools necessary to fight the spread of this deadly poison in our communities. We respectfully urge the Committee to move this bipartisan legislation forward.”

A bipartisan coalition of 40 state Attorneys General:

“We, the undersigned Attorneys General, write to request that you urgently pass S. 545/H.R. 1266, the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act… Congress must act quickly to classify the illicit use of xylazine under Schedule III of the federal Controlled Substances Act. The Combating Illicit Xylazine Act provides critical tools that will enable the DEA to track its manufacturing, prevent diversion and mandate analysis and reporting on the illicit use of xylazine.”

The Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA):

“Xylazine’s growing presence in the illicit drug supply is creating new dangers for communities and new challenges for law enforcement. The Combating Illicit Xylazine Act provides investigators with important tools to track this substance and disrupt the criminal networks responsible for distributing it, while preserving legitimate veterinary uses. FLEOA thanks Chuck Grassley, Catherine Cortez Masto and the other bipartisan supporters of this legislation for their leadership in addressing this emerging threat. We urge Congress to move this important legislation forward.”

A coalition of major federal, state and local law enforcement organizations:

“On behalf of the undersigned organizations, representing federal, state and local law enforcement agencies across the country, we write to express our strong support for the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act (S. 545) and respectfully urge the Committee to advance the legislation… The Combating Illicit Xylazine Act represents an important bipartisan step to address the growing presence of xylazine in the illicit drug supply. This authority will help investigators track the substance and disrupt the networks responsible for distributing it.”

Victims of Illicit Drugs (VOID) and Facing Fentanyl:

“Families impacted by fentanyl understand all too well how quickly a dangerous substance can spread across the country before meaningful action is taken. We saw it with fentanyl itself. What began as isolated reports quickly evolved into the deadliest drug crisis in American history. We now see similar patterns with the proliferation of xylazine in the illicit drug supply… We respectfully urge the Senate Judiciary Committee to move forward with the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act and demonstrate the leadership necessary to confront the evolving synthetic drug crisis. Families across the country are counting on Congress to act before this threat grows further.”

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AMVA) and a coalition of 70 national and local organizations representing veterinary professionals, livestock producers and researchers:

“This bipartisan, bicameral bill is the result of over two years of productive conversations between congressional offices and committees, stakeholder groups and federal agencies. The bill would schedule xylazine in Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act and contains several statutory changes designed to preserve critical veterinary uses of the drug and keep it viable as a drug in the U.S. market, as well as provide the DEA with transparency into the market… We urge you to help protect public health, animal health and animal welfare by swiftly passing the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act.”

The Iowa Veterinary Medical Association:

“The Iowa Veterinary Medical Association strongly supports the updated Combating Illicit Xylazine Act. This legislation strikes the right balance by protecting our communities while preserving veterinary access to this essential animal drug. We commend Senator Grassley, along with the bipartisan leaders in both the Senate and House, for recognizing the critical need to address the public health threat posed by illicit xylazine while maintaining access to legitimate xylazine for its critical uses in veterinary medicine and animal care.”

The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association:

“The Combating Illicit Xylazine Act safeguards access for legitimate veterinary use. By clearly defining ‘ultimate user’ as someone lawfully permitted to possess a controlled substance for legitimate use, this act ensures veterinarians, farmers and ranchers can continue to use xylazine for its intended purpose, supporting humane animal care, animal well-being, producer livelihoods and rural communities.”

The Department of Justice (DOJ):

“While there are powerful tools available to combat cartels and [transnational criminal organizations], greater authorities are needed to target these groups' manufacturing and distribution of fentanyl and other deadly drugs. Therefore, the Drug Enforcement Agency, the Office of Legal Policy and the Office of Legislative Affairs are directed to evaluate and, if deemed appropriate, advocate for the following legislative reforms… Adding xylazine, which has no legitimate human use and makes fentanyl even more lethal, to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act.”

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS):

“An important part of preventing illicit drug use is curbing supply and reducing availability by strengthening penalties for drug traffickers, including those involved with illicit xylazine. The bill addresses the increasing prevalence of xylazine appearing mixed with illicit drugs, which presents a major public health challenge. HHS is supportive of this legislation as written, as we believe that legislative scheduling of xylazine under the Controlled Substances Act is appropriate given the risks to individuals exposed to this chemical. We also agree with the framework to ensure the availability for legitimate veterinary use.”

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA):

“The DEA strongly supports the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act (S. 545) as written… Xylazine is a significant public health threat due to its ongoing presence in the illicit drug supply… The Combating Illicit Xylazine Act provides the tools necessary to address this ongoing threat while, importantly, safeguarding its essential use in veterinary medicine by ensuring continued critical access of xylazine to veterinarians, farmers, ranchers, and wildlife personnel.”

The Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP):

“Xylazine has been an emerging public health threat with its ongoing presence in illicit drugs. CDC data shows xylazine was involved in the poisoning of over 6,000 souls, making it the fourth most common substance in drug poisoning fatalities. ONDCP designated fentanyl adulterated with xylazine an emerging drug threat and we support the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act as it provides the tools necessary to address this threat while safeguarding its essential use by veterinarians, farmers, and ranchers.”


Grassley, Durbin Introduce the Baltic Security Assessment Act to Strengthen Diplomatic Relations, Security Cooperation Between U.S. and Baltic States

WASHINGTON – Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Co-Chairs of the Senate Baltic Freedom Caucus, introduced the Baltic Security Assessment Act, legislation requiring the Departments of State and Defense to submit a report to relevant congressional committees on emerging threats posed to the Baltic countries. The report would also include the Baltic region’s current deterrence posture and opportunities to enhance defense cooperation.

“The United States, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are all united by the principles of democracy and the free market. For decades, these Baltic nations have contributed to the region’s security and stability, and it’s critical for America to stand with them against Putin’s ongoing aggression. This bipartisan legislation will strengthen our ties with the Baltics by ensuring the United States carefully assesses the evolving threats they face and identifies ways to bolster deterrence against Russia’s continued attempts to encroach on NATO territory,” Grassley said.

Along with Grassley and Durbin, the legislation is cosponsored by Sens. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), John Boozman (R-Ark.) Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Chris Van Hollen (D-M.D.), Jacky Rosen (D-N.V.), John Fetterman (D-Penn.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.).

Specifically, the Baltic Security Assessment Act requires the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, to submit a report to the House and Senate Committees on Armed Services, Foreign Relations and Appropriations regarding threats to the three Baltic countries—Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

The report must detail the role of actors such as Russia, Belarus, China and Iran and the military, cyber, hybrid and political threats each pose. It would also require reporting on the current regional deterrence posture of the United States and NATO and opportunities to enhance bilateral and multilateral defense cooperation between the United States and the Baltic countries, including through Durbin-Grassley Baltic Security Initiative.

The full text of the legislation is available HERE.


Hagerty, Hirono and Colleagues Lead Bipartisan Senate Resolution Welcoming Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae to the United States

Measure reaffirms the U.S.-Japan alliance and welcomes Japan’s first-ever female Prime Minister on her visit to the United States.

WASHINGTON— United States Senators Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), James Risch (R-ID), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Chris Coons (D-DE), Rick Scott (R-FL), and Dan Sullivan (R-AK) are leading a bipartisan Senate resolution to welcome Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae as she visits the United States and meets with President Donald J. Trump at the White House this week.

The resolution reaffirms the strong and enduring U.S.-Japan alliance, applauds Japan’s achievement of two percent of gross domestic product on defense spending, and expresses strong support for the U.S.-Japan alliance’s efforts to address regional and global challenges to national security, economic security, and energy security. It also praises deepening trilateral relations among the United States, Japan, and South Korea, and backs Tokyo’s determination to immediately resolve the issue of Japanese abductees in North Korea and calls on Pyongyang to release abductees.

“As President Trump and Prime Minister Takaichi meet at the White House this week, the United States and Japan are truly ushering in a new ‘golden age’ for our alliance in terms of national security, economic security, and energy security,” Senator Hagerty said. “I’m pleased to lead this bipartisan resolution to welcome Prime Minister Takaichi to the United States and reaffirm the Senate’s strong support for raising the U.S.-Japan alliance to new heights.”

“As the only Japanese-American serving in the United States Senate, I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this resolution to honor the enduring alliance between Japan and the U.S., and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to peace and security throughout the Indo-Pacific,” said Senator Hirono. “At a time of mounting global instability, the alliance between our two nations is more vital than ever. I look forward to welcoming Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to Washington, D.C., as we continue to strengthen our partnership.”

“Prime Minister Takaichi’s visit to the U.S. marks an opportunity to showcase strong and deepening U.S.-Japan bilateral ties,” said Senator Risch. “Japan is a critical security partner and a regional leader in maintaining a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. Its commitment to increasing defense spending and burden-sharing should serve as a model to U.S. allies around the world. I’m grateful to the Prime Minister for her diplomatic efforts to strengthen this partnership as well as her efforts to deepen trilateral and multilateral ties with regional partners such as South Korea, Australia, India, the Philippines, and Taiwan.”

“I’m pleased to join my colleagues in welcoming Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae to the United States,” said Senator Shaheen. “The U.S.-Japan alliance remains a cornerstone of peace, stability and economic prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, grounded in our shared democratic values and deep economic ties. As we confront growing challenges from adversaries and an increasingly complex global landscape, our alliance is more important than ever.”

“America’s alliance with Japan supports jobs, fosters innovation, and serves as the cornerstone for security across the Indo-Pacific. This is an alliance that has broad bipartisan support, and I’m proud to stand with colleagues from both sides of the aisle in welcoming Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae to the United States,” said Senator Kim.

“The United States-Japan alliance is crucial for peace in the Indo-Pacific. America welcomes Prime Minister Takaichi Sane as we continue to work together to ensure the world remains safe and secure. Our partnership will spur new economic opportunities and benefit job creators in multiple sectors in both countries. I am confident the United States and Japan will remain friends and allies for generations to come,” said Senator Wicker.

“I’m pleased to welcome our friend, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to the U.S. with this resolution,” Senator Rick Scott said. “The United States and Japan have been close allies for decades and are bound by a shared commitment to democracy, economic partnership, and global security. I look forward to continuing to work with Prime Minister Takaichi to promote peace, security, and prosperity for the American people, the people of Japan, and the rest of the world.”

The full text of the resolution can be found here.

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Hagerty Urges Senate to Pass the SAVE America Act, Ensuring Only American Citizens Vote in American Elections

More than 90% of Republicans, 80% of Independents, and over 70% of Democrats support proof-of-citizenship requirements to vote in American elections.

WASHINGTON— Today, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) urged his colleagues to pass the Save America Act, legislation that would require proof of citizenship to vote in American elections.

Senator Hagerty argued that the right to cast a vote in American elections belongs to American citizens alone –a principle backed by overwhelming, bipartisan public support. He called on his Democratic colleagues to represent their constituents and pass the legislation without delay.

Remarks as prepared for delivery:

Mr. President, the Save America Act answers one simple question: Should non-citizens be able to cast a vote in American elections?

The answer is unequivocally, incontrovertibly “no.” Indeed, the right to cast a vote in American elections is something that belongs to American citizens alone.

The American people understand this and agree. More than 90 percent of Republicans, more than 80 percent of Independents, and more than 70 percent of Democrats want proof of citizenship – a valid ID — in order to vote in American elections. Why wouldn’t they?

Mr. President, with such a groundswell of support from the American people, it makes me wonder why my colleagues on the other side of the aisle do not support Voter ID.

You must ask yourself: who are they representing? They cannot be representing their constituents.

If they were, they’d be screaming from the rooftops to pass Voter ID into law TODAY. But they are not.

Who is their constituency? Are they illegal immigrants? Someone in a far-off land they have never met? Are they representing some moneyed interest opposed to Voter ID? These are all valid questions, but the bottom line is the opponents of the SAVE America Act are not representing the will of voters – including those of their own party — across this nation.

I can tell you that whether I’m back in Tennessee or here in Washington, I constantly hear from my constituents about the need to pass this piece of legislation. Tennessee requires an ID to vote, and we have the strongest election integrity laws in the United States. We get it.

Tennesseans, like the majority of Americans, understand that every vote cast by an illegal immigrant – or anyone who isn’t a citizen – disenfranchises an American.

A vote against this legislation is a dereliction of duty. It is further proof of what many Americans feel about Congress – that the politicians they sent to Washington don’t care about their views and cannot be bothered to represent them. That the second we are sworn in and that lapel pin goes on your chest, we forget all about the very people we took a solemn oath to defend, represent, and fight for in our nation’s capital.

I urge my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to do the very thing they were sent to Washington to do – represent those who sent them here. Vote in favor of the SAVE America Act.

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Heinrich Statement on the Bravery of Dolores Huerta & Other Survivors

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) released the following statement uplifting the bravery of Dolores Huerta and other survivors who have come forward to speak about the sexual assault and abuse they experienced:

“No one should have to suffer in silence to protect a man or a movement. The courage and leadership Dolores Huerta and these other women have shown in coming forward is remarkable. I cannot imagine the pain and suffering they’ve endured over decades. Thank you for showing us what real strength is.”

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Ranking Members Heinrich, King Lead Bicameral Amicus Brief Challenging Trump’s Plans for Illegal Monument on National Park Service Land

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), Ranking Member of the Senate Subcommittee on National Parks, joined lawmakers in filing an amicus brief that would put a stop to President Trump’s plan to construct a commemorative arch on federal property. The amicus brief argues that the President’s plan is illegal unless Congress authorizes it.

“The law is clear: Any structure on federal parks or public grounds in the nation's capital must be approved by Congress on behalf of the American people. The president cannot decide to act unilaterally on this issue,” said Heinrich.

“This is a straightforward example of checks and balances, and an exercise of Congressional authority – the Commemorative Works Act could not be clearer: any structure on grounds like this must be approved by Congress on behalf of the American people,” said King. “Whether it is an arch, an obelisk, a ballroom, or a statue, this is a decision that cannot be made unilaterally when it is on public lands and protected by statute.”

The amicus brief supports a lawsuit brought by a group of Vietnam War veterans and a retired architectural historian to block construction of the proposed arch between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. Specifically, the case concerns whether President Trump can bypass federal law requiring congressional approval for monuments on federal land in Washington, D.C. The Commemorative Works Act (CWA) and 40 U.S.C. § 8106 both require express authorization from Congress before any monument or structure is built on federal reservations, parks, or public grounds in the nation's capital. The Independence Arch, slated for Memorial Circle in Lady Bird Johnson Park, has received no such authorization. In response to an inquiry from Senator King on this matter, the independent Congressional Research Service found that “the CWA would appear to govern the construction of the arch. Likewise, § 8106 would appear to require congressional authorization to construct a memorial arch in Memorial Circle.”

The Independence Arch would be constructed in Memorial Circle within Lady Bird Johnson Park, which falls under Area I of the Commemorative Works Act, requiring additional congressional approval for any new commemorative works. Since the CWA's enactment in 1986, Congress has authorized more than 40 commemorative works through the statutory process. The law establishes consultation requirements with expert commissions and multiple layers of review to ensure new monuments reflect lasting national significance and preserve the integrity of the city’s original layout.

In addition to Heinrich and King, the amicus brief is being supported by U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.). U.S. Representative Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), Ranking Member on the House Natural Resources Committee, led the amicus brief for the U.S. House of Representatives. U.S. Representatives Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.) and Maxine Dexter (D-Ore.) also support the amicus brief.

The full text of the amicus brief is here. The full findings of the Congressional Research Service can be found here.

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Hickenlooper, Murphy Introduce Bicameral Bill to Ban Prediction Markets On War, Government Actions

Legislation comes after several users on online prediction markets made millions in profit on bets surrounding Iran military operations

WASHINGTON – Yesterday, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper and Chris Murphy introduced the Banning Event Trading on Sensitive Operations and Federal Functions(BETS OFF)Act, bicameral legislation to ban wagering on government actions, terrorism, war, assassination, and events where an individual knows or controls the outcome. Because many of these “event contracts” are traded on offshore prediction markets, the bill also amends existing laws against illegal gambling to enforce these rules by shutting down payment systems to illegal online platforms and imposing criminal penalties for people in the U.S. who promote, manage, own, or supervise these businesses domestically.

“It’s common sense: people shouldn’t be allowed to bet on war or other government actions. Period,” said Hickenlooper.

“There’s no getting around the fact that any prediction market where somebody knows or controls the outcome of a bet is ripe for corruption,” said Murphy. “Even worse, prediction markets are also an avenue by which government decisions get influenced by who’s making money off them, and that should be unforgivable to the American public. When events that involve good and evil, life and death become just another financial product, morality no longer matters and the soul of America is fundamentally corrupted. This bill will stop the transformation of our society into a rigged video game casino by banning the prediction markets that allow the powerful insiders to get rich by commodifying every part of our lives.”

Recent suspicious activity on these prediction markets has raised serious questions about whether Trump administration insiders are using government secrets to make significant personal profit by placing anonymous bets on these platforms. Hours before both the initial strikes on Iran and the extraction of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela, several prediction market users placed huge bets predicting the strikes and cashed out for hundreds of thousands of dollars. These prediction markets offer powerful government officials a perverse incentive to pursue policies that are in their personal financial interest, cratering public trust and forcing Americans to suffer bad policies enacted for personal gain. New polling from Data for Progress reveals a majority of voters – including 61% of independents, and 57% of Republicans – support banning wagers on potential government actions, while some 80% of voters oppose betting markets on terrorism or political assassinations.

The opportunities for rigging prediction markets are not limited to government actions and upheaval: any event where insiders know or can control the outcome in advance is ripe for abuse. Notably, prediction market bets on this year’s Super Bowl Halftime Show that resulted in huge payouts were likely driven by leaks and inside knowledge. If prediction market CEOs succeed in their radical goal to “financialize everything,” they will usher in a new dystopian reality, in which everything in our lives is commodified. The BETS OFF Act would put a stop to these immoral bets and create real consequences for bad actors profiting off of death and corruption.

Earlier this month, Hickenlooper called on the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to prohibit gambling on events tied to U.S. military operations.

For a one-pager on the bill click here. For full bill text click here.

The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Representative Greg Casar and co-sponsored by U.S. Representatives Yassamin Ansari, Gabe Amo, and Rasihda Tlaib. The bill is endorsed by VoteVets, American Economic Liberties Project, Win Without War, Americans for Financial Reform, Public Citizen, Groundwork Collaborative, and Center for International Policy Advocacy.

“Prediction markets sell themselves as a place where everyone has an equal shot at winning big. The reality is they’re rigged against ordinary people and ripe for abuse – especially when betting on government actions,” said Ansari. “When the President and national security officials are making life and death decisions, the last thing they should be considering is whether they can personally profit. This bill puts an end to that corruption and disturbing national security risk.”

“The people entrusted with our nation’s most sensitive secrets and our service members’ lives should not be able to gamble on outcomes they influence,” said Amo. “It’s a blatant conflict of interest and the height of unethical behavior. I’m proud to introduce the BETS Off Act to stop betting markets from facilitating powerful politicians and their pawns from putting their personal enrichment over the public’s trust.”

“No one should be able to gamble on death and destruction, especially people connected to Trump with insider knowledge,” said Tlaib. “It’s sickening that people just made millions of dollars by betting on the U.S. attacks on Iran and Venezuela. Congress must ban profiting from war and war crimes.”

“National security decisions should never be influenced by people trying to cash in on war, terrorism, or political violence. Turning events like these into gambling markets is deeply corrosive and risks creating incentives that put American lives at stake. It is obscene for anyone to profit from wagers tied to decisions that could mean life or death for our troops and our fellow Americans. We applaud Senator Murphy and Congressman Casar for leading this effort to put a stop to this corrupt, anti-American practice, and hope all Members will come together to pass it now,” said Mary Kaszynski, Director of Government Relations at VoteVets.

“No one should be able to profit from bets on terrorism, assassination, or important government actions. Supporters of prediction markets will tell you they’re forecasting tools that harness the wisdom of crowds, but in practice they are corroding public trust in institutions. They also create dangerous incentives to manipulate events with life-and-death consequences. The BETS OFF Act builds on existing gambling laws to ensure that such immoral conduct is also illegal– and punishable with fines and jail time,” said Laurel Kilgour, Research Manager at the American Economic Liberties Project.

“Prediction markets are taking the corruption that was already rife in U.S. foreign policy to a new and outrageous level,” said Eric Eikenberry, Government Relations Director at Win Without War. “It’s bad enough that Trump and his cronies gamble with our lives by launching a fresh illegal war every month — and it’s so much worse if government insiders are rushing to turn a personal profit from these terrible decisions. Congress has to snuff it out, now.”

“Prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket pretend to be in a league above gambling. They call themselves “financial futures.” That is plain and simple a term without a distinction. Betting on when Iran will be invaded or, in the case of Iran’s Ayatollah Khamenei, when a political leader will be eliminated, is flat-out gambling. It is time prediction markets be recognized for what they really are. Sen. Murphy’s BETS OFF Act does precisely that by making what is illegal for gambling in casinos also illegal for prediction markets. Events that are off-limits for gambling, such as bets on war and assassination, must be off-limits for bets on prediction markets. The BETS OFF Act would end immoral and corrupt betting on political events and has the solid endorsement of Public Citizen,” said Craig Holman, Ph.D., Government Affairs Lobbyist, Public Citizen.

“Unauthorized, unregulated prediction markets allow profiting off of death and destruction and invite even more corruption into a system that most believe is rigged to begin with. We enthusiastically support Senator Murphy’s leadership to rein in unfettered prediction markets,” said Alex Jacquez, Chief of Policy and Advocacy, Groundwork Action.

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Hickenlooper Statement on Reports of Cesar Chavez’s Abuse

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper released the following statement regarding the reports that Cesar Chavez sexually assaulted multiple women and children and welcomed Denver’s decision to remove Chavez’s name from city sites and rename his former day of recognition to “Sí Se Puede” Day to honor the entire movement:

“The reports of sexual violence and abuse committed by Cesar Chavez are horrific and indefensible. I was heartbroken to learn about the generational damage that he caused.

“It is particularly hurtful that these women, including the great Dolores Huerta, feared that speaking out would undermine the movement they worked so hard to build. They showed tremendous courage in doing so.

“We cannot conflate the good work of the United Farm Workers movement with the terrible abuse of one man. As we continue to fight for social justice and honor the decades of hard work by activists and community leaders, we support the efforts to refocus celebrations and rename landmarks to honor the survivors and respect the work of the entire movement.”

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Husted honors fallen servicemembers at dignified transfer

“Capt. Seth Koval, Capt. Curtis Angst, Master Sgt. Tyler Simmons, Maj. John Klinner, Capt. Ariana Savino and Tech. Sgt. Ashley Pruitt put the safety of their fellow Americans above themselves, serving with courage and making the ultimate sacrifice for our country.”

WASHINGTON – Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) today attended a dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base to honor the six crew members who lost their lives in the KC-135 crash in Iraq on March 12, 2026.

Three of the fallen served in the Ohio Air National Guard’s 121st Air Refueling Wing: Capt. Seth Koval, Capt. Curtis Angst, and Master Sgt. Tyler Simmons.

Husted joined President Donald Trump, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Mike Johnson, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, First Lady of Ohio Fran DeWine and other Members of Congress to honor these heroes.

“Tina and I are praying for the families of these airmen as they mourn this immeasurable loss. Capt. Seth Koval, Capt. Curtis Angst, Master Sgt. Tyler Simmons, Maj. John Klinner, Capt. Ariana Savino and Tech. Sgt. Ashley Pruitt put the safety of their fellow Americans above themselves, serving with courage and making the ultimate sacrifice for our country. For their service, patriotism and heroism they have earned the thanks of a grateful nation,” said Husted.


As Senate Republicans Fail to Act on Iran War, Senators Force New War Powers Vote & Meet with Veterans

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, following a conversation with veterans hosted by VoteVets in the Capitol, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) forced a vote on Booker’s War Powers Resolution to withdraw U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities in and against Iran absent an act of Congress. The senators forced debate on the Senate floor to speak out against the Trump administration's reckless and unauthorized war of choice. Despite the war being unconstitutional and vastly unpopular, Senate Republicans blocked further consideration of the resolution.

The conversation with veterans was moderated by VoteVets Senior Advisor Max Rose, an Afghanistan veteran and former member of Congress, and livestreamed on YouTube by Meidas.

The senators’ actions today follow the demand they issued to Republican Leader Thune one week ago to ensure the relevant Senate committees of jurisdiction hold immediate public hearings on the Trump-Vance Administration’s ongoing unconstitutional war in Iran.

“Our military members, veterans, and their families understand the cost of war,” said Kaine. “Tonight, I was grateful to spend time with veterans in the Capitol to amplify their concerns—which Americans across the country share—about President Trump’s unnecessary and dangerous war with Iran. Rather than listen to those concerns and vote to end this deeply unpopular war, too many of my colleagues chose to bend the knee to a President who has called our fallen heroes ‘suckers’ and ‘losers.’ This isn’t over. We are going to keep the pressure on until our servicemembers and the American people get the accountability and transparency they deserve.”

“The veterans and military families I heard from today underscored the horrible stakes of war and why I am using every lever of power I can in the Senate to hold this administration accountable and stop its war of choice," said Booker. “At a time when Americans are struggling with rising costs of housing, health care, and basic necessities, they do not want our country to be dragged into a reckless and costly conflict abroad that has no clear strategy or objective and has not been debated or authorized by Congress. The Senate must start doing its job and exercise its constitutional duty to check an out of control administration.”

“We need to remember who is actually going to bear the cost of this war. It's not the Mar-a-Lago crowd that's going to be hurt by the gas prices that are already going through the roof,” said Murphy. “Billionaires’ kids won’t be fighting this war and coming back with serious injuries. It's the kids of poor and middle-class families in this country who are already struggling to keep their economic head above water. They couldn't imagine a president who would choose to layer purposefully higher gas prices on top of the higher prices they were already paying for his tariffs. It just goes to show this is a president who doesn't think one single day about the impact of his decision making on regular folks.”

“Today, we are in a war that the public has not backed, that Congress has not approved, and for which the president has not made the case. But Congress does not exist to merely implement the president’s will in war or peace. It does not exist to serve as his echo chamber or to dutifully stand and applaud. After weeks of war, billions spent, and 13 killed and more than 200 wounded, it is still not too late to discharge our constitutional responsibility. And the American people and our veterans have a right to expect us to do it,” said Schiff.

“Donald Trump is breaking laws and breaking his promises to the American people. Instead of an affordable country at peace, costs are up and we are careening into another open-ended war,” said Baldwin. “I was honored to join our nation’s veterans, servicemembers, and military families today to talk about the real cost of war and who pays it. These folks who sacrificed so much, and the American people, need some answers to why we are in this war, how we are getting out, and why President Trump is focused on it instead of addressing the high cost of living. Until we get those public hearings, expect more of these votes and more attention on this war of choice.”

“Veterans, servicemembers and their families know better than anyone the true cost of war—and it is egregious that Republicans in Congress would enable a five-time draft dodger to use our troops as cannon fodder in his illegal wars of choice,” said Duckworth. “Trump’s unjustified, incoherent war has already cost 13 servicemember lives and burned billions on billions of taxpayer dollars, which is already too high a price to pay for a war that no one wants. Our men and women in uniform will always do their jobs, and they deserve leaders who will do theirs and ensure their sacrifices are justified. Unlike Republicans, we will keep doing our Constitutional duty and using the tools of the Senate to demand public hearings so we can put the Trump Administration under oath and give our troops and the American people the answers they deserve.”

“This was a reckless war of choice conducted with minimal planning and preparation,” said VoteVets Senior Advisor Max Rose. “It was launched without congressional authorization, without a clearly defined objective, without the necessary military buildup and preparation, without an exit strategy, and without an honest case made to the American people. That is exactly how Forever War starts. VoteVets is proud to stand with Senator Booker and his colleagues in fighting for Congress’s constitutional authority over war. We urge Republicans to join us — Veterans are watching, and those who fail to do their job will be held accountable.”

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Kaine, Duckworth, Olszewski, & Titus Introduce Legislation to Strengthen International Disability Rights and Support Accommodations for State Department Staff

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Representatives Johnny Olszewski (D-MD-02) and Dina Titus (D-NV-01) introduced the State Department Disability Policy and Accommodations Act, bicameral legislation to strengthen international disability rights and provide accommodations for State Department staff. The legislation would establish an Office of International Disability Rights at the State Department to champion disability rights globally, enhance accessibility for State Department staff with disabilities, and expand training to ensure U.S. diplomatic personnel become better stewards of international disability policy.

“Promoting international disability rights is the right thing to do and can significantly boost global security and prosperity,” said Kaine, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations and Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committees. “There’s so much more the U.S. can do on this issue. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation to enhance U.S. engagement on disability rights around the world and ensure State Department staff with disabilities have access to equal opportunities.”

“Every single one of us is just one bad day away from becoming disabled, and we should do everything we can to ensure that members of the disability community can live full lives wherever they reside,” said Duckworth. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bill to highlight the importance of protecting the rights of people with disabilities around the world and to help ensure that all State Department programs provide equal access to the opportunities people deserve.”

“America leads best when we lead with our values,” said Olszewski. “This bill ensures that inclusion isn’t an afterthought but a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy. It gives our diplomats the tools, training, and structure to build a world where every person can contribute fully, freely, and has a seat at the table. It’s the right thing to do and the smart thing to do for long-term peace and prosperity.”

“The full inclusion of people with disabilities is a fundamental aspect of democracy, and it must be a priority for U.S. foreign policy,” said Titus. “This legislation will help ensure that the State Department uses its diplomatic tools to lead by example and promote the empowerment of persons with disabilities worldwide. We must regain our footing on the world stage as the champion of human rights for all people.”

Specifically, the State Department Disability Policy and Accommodations Act would:

Establish an Office of International Disability Rights at the State Department to coordinate and elevate United States engagement on disability rights policy.

Create reporting requirements regarding the development and implementation of a disability rights strategy and assistance funding.

Require the State Department to enhance accessibility for staff with disabilities and their families and ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Require State Department civil service and Foreign Service personnel to participate in training on disability rights.

Establish and administer the Judy Heumann Foreign and Civil Service Disability Fellowship Program to expand expertise on disability rights policy formulation, execution, negotiation, and advocacy. Heumann was an internationally-recognized leader and advocate for individuals with disabilities and passed away in 2023.

In addition to Kaine, Duckworth, Olszewski, and Titus, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH).

Full text of the legislation is available here.

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Kaine Receives National Foreign Trade Council Foundation’s World Trade Award

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) was awarded the National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) Foundation’s World Trade Award, which is given every year to an individual who has demonstrated exemplary efforts in advancing access to the global economy.

“Americans and American businesses are working harder than ever, while President Trump’s broad-based tariff regime is raising costs and causing uncertainty that makes it nearly impossible for many companies to grow,” said Kaine. “I’ve worked in the Senate to pass bipartisan legislation four times to repeal tariffs on goods from Canada, Brazil, and countries around the world—and welcomed a Supreme Court ruling that found the vast majority of Trump’s tariffs are illegal. I look forward to continuing to press for more sensible trade policy that provides certainty for Virginia’s businesses and lower costs for Virginia households, and appreciate NFTC’s recognition tonight.”

Kaine has been a leading voice in Congress against President Trump’s new taxes on Americans. Kaine led four successful bipartisan pieces of legislation—one in April 2025 and three in October 2025—to passage in the Senate to nullify Trump’s global tariff and levies on Canada and Brazil. Last month, Kaine helped introduce legislation to require full refunds of Trump’s illegal tariffs after they were struck down by the Supreme Court. Last week, he introduced legislation alongside Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) to end Trump’s indiscriminate 10 percent tariffs on most goods that he put in place after that Supreme Court ruling.

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Warner, Kaine Slam SAVE America Act as Voter Suppression Measure That Could Disenfranchise Millions

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ahead of a Senate vote, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) are sounding the alarm on the so-called ‘SAVE America Act’ and its far-reaching and harmful consequences for eligible voters. If signed into law, the SAVE America Act could strip millions of Americans of their ability to vote by imposing unnecessary and burdensome verification requirements. Under the SAVE America Act, voters would be required to provide proof of citizenship – such as a passport or birth certificate – to register to vote and photo identification to cast a ballot – even when voting by mail.

“I support reasonable steps that help maintain trust in our elections, including the voter identification requirements we already have in Virginia,” said the senators. “But the SAVE America Act goes far beyond that – it is a pretext for voter suppression. Republicans continue to raise baseless fears about election fraud and noncitizen voting, despite the fact that our elections are regularly audited and have also been tested repeatedly in courts, especially after 2020. Yet, no evidence of widespread voter fraud has ever been found. This bill is yet another extension of President Trump’s fixation on the 2020 election, and part of a broader effort to undermine confidence in our democracy ahead of 2026 and 2028.”

The SAVE America Act would:

Require proof of name and citizenship before registering to vote (e.g., passport or birth certificate).

Require photo identification before voting in person or by mail.

Expose poll workers to new criminal penalties, even if they’re just trying to help U.S. citizens vote.

Require states to purge voters, potentially using unreliable data and as late as on Election Day.

Under the bill, voters would need to provide proof of citizenship each time they register to vote or update their voter registration. Voters could use a passport or birth certificate with a matching name as proof of citizenship. However, 40 percent of all Virginians — or nearly 3.3 million people — lack a valid passport, and almost 2 million women in Virginia may not have a birth certificate that matches their current legal name. Those women would need to bring both their birth certificate and marriage license to register to vote under the proposed law.

Registering to vote for almost all voters would become more complex. All voters who register at the DMV, online, or by mail would have to present documentary proof of citizenship to their election official in person. This increased burden would have a disproportionate impact on rural voters due to longer drive times required to get to an in-person election office. Furthermore, only 21 percent of Americans with household incomes under $50,000, or 21 million eligible voters nationwide, possess a passport, compared to 64% of those earning over $100,000 — meaning the burden would fall disproportionately on lower-income citizens.

It is extremely rare for noncitizens to vote. In 2024, Virginia Public Radio reviewed over 650 cases of election-related crimes in Virginia’s state court system over the last 20 years found no instances of a noncitizen being convicted of voting illegally. Nationwide, the Center for Election Innovation & Research found that noncitizen voter registration and voting are exceedingly rare, and reported claims often exaggerate the scope of the issue.

Under the Republican proposal, Virginia’s 15,000+ volunteer poll workers would be exposed to new criminal penalties if they register someone to vote without proof of citizenship — even if that person is a U.S. citizen.

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WATCH: In SSCI Hearing, Kelly Presses Officials on How Iran War Benefits Russia and Demands Answers on Whether President Was Briefed on Strait of Hormuz Closure

Today, during a Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI) hearing, Arizona Senator and Navy combat veteran Mark Kelly pressed senior Intelligence officials on how the administration’s war with Iran is directly benefiting U.S. adversaries, notably Russia, and demanded answers on whether the president was fully briefed on the risks of escalation in the region, including the then-potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Kelly also called out reports that political supporters could receive private national security briefings in exchange for donations, warning such actions would raise serious legal and ethical concerns at the same time the American people aren’t getting answers about the war.

Kelly pressed the officials on rising global oil prices and questioned whether Russia is financiallybenefitingfrom the conflict in Iran: “I think we can all agree that sanctions were loosened, and that means more money into the coffers of Vladimir Putin. Would you agree that if he has more funding, he is likely to put that to his war effort against Ukraine?”

Kelly also raised concernsabout transparencyaround what intelligence and analysis, if any, was presented to the president about the risks of the Strait of Hormuz being closed: “Director Gabbard, you tweeted yesterday that President Trump concluded there was an ‘imminent threat’ and made a decision to attack Iran after ‘carefully reviewing all of the information before him’. I think the country deserves to know what the information was. I’m going to ask a series of questions and just want a yes or no. We don’t need any explanation, just yes or no. Starting with, were you asked—I’m not asking if you did brief this—were you asked to brief on whether Iran would close the Strait of Hormuz?”

“We’re trying to figure out if the president knew what the downside was of the Strait of Hormuz being closed. And I’m having a hard time finding out whether the White House asked or whether there was a brief, whether the president knew. Did he know this was going to happen or did he just disregard it?”

Throughout the exchange, the intelligence officials declined to directly answer several of Kelly’s questions about what analysis was provided to the president ahead of the operation. Kelly made clear that Americans deserve transparency about decisions that affect U.S. troops, global stability, and national security.

Sen. Kelly questions Director Tulsi Gabbard and Director John Ratcliffe at a SSCI hearing.

Kelly further called out a fundraising email from the President suggesting supporters, in exchange for donations, could receive private national securitybriefings, raising serious legal and ethical concerns: “Just want to point out something that was released about six days ago. This is a fundraising email from the president, from the president of the United States. And in this email here, where there’s multiple links to donate money. It says ‘as a national security briefing member, you’ll receive my private national security briefings’. Director Gabbard or Director Ratcliffe, do you think the public should be able to, supporters of the president should be able to pay and receive his private national security briefings? I assume these are briefings, Director Ratcliffe, that you provide to the president that is now going to be provided to somebody who makes a donation.”

Kelly concluded that the Hatch Act should prohibit this type of conduct.

Click here to download a video of Kelly’s questioning. See the transcript below:

Senator Kelly:

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you for being here today, to all of our witnesses. So, for more than a decade, the United States has tried to make a pivot to Asia in its national defense strategy in order to confront significant threats from China. For years, administrations of both parties have identified China as a top threat facing our country and worked to build relationships across Asia and deter Chinese aggression. At the same time, we have bolstered our European allies and asked them to contribute more to their defense to deter Russia. Director Gabbard and Ratcliffe, would you agree that China and Russia are our primary geopolitical rivals? Director Gabbard.

DirectorTulsiGabbard:

Yes, they are our primary strategic competitors.

Kelly:

Thank you, Director Ratcliffe?

Director Ratcliffe:

I would agree with that. Although I don’t think they’re equal in terms of the threats that they pose.

Kelly:

I understand. Thank you. So that brings us to the war with Iran. So, this has created one of the largest ever supply shocks to the global oil supply, which has sent gas prices skyrocketing for Americans. But not everybody is losing. Directors Gabbard and Ratcliffe, is it accurate that Russia has gained billions of dollars in additional oil revenue due to price spikes as a result of the war and loosened sanctions? Director Gabbard.

Gabbard:

That is what has been reported. I defer to the director of—Secretary of Treasury and Energy on that front for details.

Kelly:

Director Ratcliffe.

Ratcliffe:

Yeah, I’m not an economist. Not going to try and do those calculations. But as I talked about earlier, sometimes there are decisions made that will benefit adversaries. At the same time, policymakers think that it will benefit the American people.

Kelly:

I think we can all agree that sanctions were loosened, and that means more money into the coffers of Vladimir Putin. Would you agree that if he has more funding, he is likely to put that to his war effort against Ukraine? Director Gabbard.

Gabbard:

I would defer to an actual intelligence assessment on what they would believe his intentions are.

Kelly:

Director Ratcliffe.

Ratcliffe:

Yeah, I wouldn’t speculate on that.

Kelly:

Wouldn’t speculate? Okay. And is it accurate that China is continuing to receive preferential oil flows from Iran despite the conflict, as Iran allows its own tankers to transit the strait? Director Gabbard. I’m going to go back and forth between the two of you.

Gabbard:

There has been some reporting of China, India, and other countries being able to move their tankers through the strait. However, it is unclear the volume or the measure of that.

Kelly:

Okay, so it sounds like it’s accurate. Thank you. I’m going to move on. Director Gabbard, you tweeted yesterday that President Trump concluded there was an “imminent threat” and made a decision to attack Iran after “carefully reviewing all of the information before him”. I think the country deserves to know what the information was. I’m going to ask a series of questions and just want a yes or no. We don’t need any explanation, just yes or no. Starting with, were you asked—I’m not asking if you did brief this—were you asked to brief on whether Iran would close the Strait of Hormuz?

Gabbard:

I’m not going to comment on what the president did or didn’t ask me on any topic.

Kelly:

I’m not asking if you briefed it. I’m just asking if there was a request by the White House.

Gabbard:

I understand.

Kelly:

Director Ratcliffe, were you asked to brief on whether Iran would close the Strait of Hormuz?

Ratcliffe:

The briefings to the to the president, the White House, typically don’t come at the request of the White House. So typically,when we get intelligence that we want the president to be aware of, the intelligence community brings that to the president.

Kelly:

Did you produce the analysis for the Straits of Hormuz?

Ratcliffe:

There has been and continues to be analysis with respect to that.

Kelly:

Were you asked to brief on how our adversaries and allies would respond to the war in Iran? I imagine I’ll get the same answer. So, it’s just to point out here, it’s challenging to—forget about actually what was in the brief for a second. We’re having a hard time finding out not only if you briefed the president on something, but even if the White House asked if they could be briefed on something or if analysis was produced. So I just want to point out here—

Ratcliffe:

Can I comment on that?

Kelly:

Yes.

Ratcliffe:

I go back to the point. It’s the same approach that we took to the to the prior operations, which to your credit, Senator, you have praised the intelligence and military communities in Operation Midnight Hammer and Operation Absolute Resolve. It’s the same approach and the same professionals in terms of how they approached this particular operation.

Kelly:

But we’re trying to figure out if the president knew what the downside was of the Strait of Hormuz being closed. And I’m having a hard time finding out whether the White House asked or whether there was a brief, whether the president knew. Did he know this was going to happen or did he just disregard it? And I just want to point out something that was released about six days ago. This is a fundraising email from the president, from the president of the United States. And in this email here, where there’s multiple links to donate money. It says “as a national security briefing member, you’ll receive my private national security briefings”. Director Gabbard or Director Ratcliffe, do you think the public should be able to, supporters of the president should be able to pay and receive his private national security briefings? I assume these are briefings, Director Ratcliffe, that you provide to the president that is now going to be provided to somebody who makes a donation.

Ratcliffe:

Regardless of what that—I don’t know what that document is. But regardless what it says, it didn’t happen.

Kelly:

Oh, no, this is new.

Ratcliffe:

Well, but I’m telling you is that the Hatch Act would prevent me from in a political role from engaging in that. I’m not aware that anything like that happened.

Kelly:

This says “unfiltered updates”. So, Director Gabbard, do you have any comment on whether unfiltered updates of private national security briefings should be made to individuals that donate to the president?

Gabbard:

I’m not familiar with that document.

Kelly:

It’s been made very public six days ago. We’ll get you a copy here, because I agree with you, Director Ratcliffe, that the Hatch Act should prohibit this type of conduct. Thank you.


Senator Kim Reaffirms “NO” Vote for Sen. Mullin as Secretary of Homeland Security after Confirmation Hearing

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, during the Senate Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) confirmation hearing, Senator Andy Kim questioned President Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Homeland Security, Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK). Senator Mullin would replace Secretary Kristi Noem whose tenure at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was marked by harmful failures and deadly tragedies, including the murder of two American citizens.

Senator Kim released the following statement after the confirmation hearing:

“The failures at the Department of Homeland Security and the accountability needed runs far deeper than just who holds the title of Secretary. Donald Trump and his cronies – Stephen Miller and Tom Homan – continue to show no intention of ending the lawlessness that’s taken lives in our streets or the terror they are inflicting on immigrant communities.

“I will still be voting no on Senator Mullin’s nomination and if he is confirmed, I’ll work aggressively to hold him to the commitments he made to New Jerseyans during today’s confirmation hearing.”

Watch Senator Kim’s Full Question Line

During today’s nomination hearing, Senator Kim outlined key requests of Senator Mullin if he were confirmed as DHS Secretary. As Ranking Member of HSGAC’s Subcommittee on Disaster Management, District of Columbia, and Census, Senator Kim is committed to holding the head of DHS and the entire Trump administration accountable to the promises Senator Mullin made in today’s hearing:

Immediate reversal of Secretary Noem’s disastrous $100,000 approval policy – Senator Mullin agreed he would “absolutely” commit to revoking the policy. WATCH HERE

Senator Kim has led the push to revoke this needless red tape that has left disaster-impacted communities without crucial funding they need to rebuild.

This month, Senator Kim and HSGAC Ranking Member Peters released a report that found the review policy has created severe delays in delivering FEMA disaster assistance, specifically identifying at least 1,034 FEMA contracts, grants, or disaster assistance awards that have been delayed or left pending.

Opposing the elimination of FEMA – Having concerns about severe cuts to FEMA staff and President Trump’s calls to eliminate FEMA, Senator Kim pressed on future plans for this crucial agency. Senator Mullin stated, “I think it needs to be restructured, not eliminated.”

Senator Kim has long worked to deliver bipartisan reforms to FEMA that ensures the agency can fulfill its mission to deliver vital resources and support to Americans in their time of greatest need.

Nominate a FEMA administrator that has real experience in emergency management – Senator Mullin said “absolutely” when asked about putting a full nominee before the committee.

Traveling to Roxbury, New Jersey to speak directly to local leaders and hear their opposition to DHS building a detention facility in their community – Senator Mullin agreed it is important to talk to local officials and committed to talking to the local Roxbury Mayor and traveling to Roxbury.

Senator Kim pointed out that no ICE officials spoke to the local Mayor or local law enforcement to get a local assessment prior to purchasing a warehouse facility the size of eight football fields to house over 1,500 detainees.

Last month, Senator Kim introduced legislation to end President Trump’s warehouse detention in New Jersey and nationwide by prohibiting DHS from using taxpayer dollars to purchase warehouses or use warehouses to detain non-citizens. This bill built off of previous work by Senator Kim to stop the opening of the warehouse in Roxbury specifically.

Dignified and humane conditions at detention facilities – After Senator Kim witnessed unacceptable conditions of detainees at Delaney Hall in New Jersey firsthand, he pressed Senator Mullin on ensuring direct oversight by DHS to ensure dignified conditions, including allowing oversight by congress. Senator Mullin responded that, “everyone deserves to be treated by a dignified hand.”

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Senator Kim Stands Against Trump’s Voter Suppression Bill that Aims to Price Americans out of their Vote

Speaking against the “SAVE America Act,” he said, “I refuse to believe that my kids are doomed to grow up in an America shaped by Donald Trump. Shaped by Stephen Miller.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) stood alongside his Senate Democratic colleagues and pro-democracy and voting rights advocates to condemn President Trump and congressional Republicans’ “SAVE America Act.” Together at the Capitol, the group spoke out against Trump’s attempt to disenfranchise millions of voters and price Americans out of voting so he can manipulate elections for him and his billionaire donors.

“Why are they doing this? It’s for themselves. It’s not the “SAVE America Act.”…He is trying to distract us and move us off of what the American people actually want to see done.”

Watch Senator Kim’s Full Remarks

During his remarks today, Senator Kim outlined how the bill is a part of President Trump’s larger agenda to exploit democracy and consolidate his own power. His agenda has three core tenets: ensure billionaires can buy this democracy, make it so politicians choose the voters, instead of voters choosing the politicians, and price people out of voting.

WATCH Senator Kim condemn the SAVE America Act as a poll tax on American voters.

While delivering remarks on the Senate Floor yesterday in opposition to the SAVE America Act, Senator Kim further outlined how Trump is also using the legislation to distract from his failing war, surging gas prices, and his own blatant corruption.

In his floor remarks, he made clear: “Instead of working to lower costs… Instead of ending this war and getting gas prices down…Instead of focusing on working families… Donald Trump has Senate Republicans here to peddle a bill because, in his words, “it’ll guarantee the midterms.”

The Senator continued: “This is about delivering for the American people and preserving their ability to be able to drive our democracy… This bill is a distraction from Donald Trump’s failures and a desperate attempt to compensate for the power he sees slipping away right between his fingers. We can’t let him do this. We can’t let him distract us from the real problems our constituents are facing today.”

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Intelligence Officials Tell Senator King They Assessed Iran Would Likely Hold the Strait of Hormuz as Leverage

To watch or download the exchange, click here

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) pressed administration officials on known intelligence that Iran could consider a blockage of the Strait of Hormuz as leverage if the United States attacked Iran. In the annual Worldwide Threats hearing of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI), King specifically pressed Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence, and John Ratcliffe, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, on whether the potential blockade, and other retaliatory consequences, were communicated to the President prior to his decision to follow through with airstrikes in an attempt to cripple the regime. President Trump has maintained in public remarks that Iran halting activity in the region wasn’t fully considered ahead of the missile strikes and Operation Epic Fury.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical passageway between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman in which a large percentage of the global oil supply and liquified natural gas (LNG) passes through shipping lanes on an annual basis. Because of the blockade, global oil prices have risen globally with prices in Maine rising more than 20% since the military operation began at the beginning of the month.

Senator King began, “There seems to be a discrepancy between what the intelligence community has reported over the years and what the President has said in terms of this action. For example, Senator Wyden read the report from a year ago that strikes against neighboring state and action to close the Strait of Hormuz was predicted by the Intelligence Community. And the President says nobody knew. My question is, did you tell him? Anybody want to answer that question?”

“I will answer the question. So, with regard to briefings, the President gets briefings constantly about intelligence. The comment that you talked about, I have not heard, but what I can tell you is that Iran had specific plans to hit U.S. interests in energy sites across the region and that is why the Department of War and the Department of State took measures for force protection and personal protection in advance of Operation Epic Fury. I think that is what is most important,” replied Director Ratcliffe.

“Any prediction to the President about the Strait of Hormuz? All you have to do is look at a map and see the vulnerability of the Strait of Hormuz. Was that part of the briefing, Director Gabbard?,” Senator King followed up.

“Director Radcliffe made the point here that this has long been an assessment of the IC that Iran would likely hold the Strait of Hormuz as leverage,” said Director Gabbard.

“My question is, was that communicated to the President in the lead up to the action?,” Senator King asked.

“Because of that long-standing assessment that the IC has continued to report that the Department of War took the preemptive planning measures that it did,” replied Director Gabbard.

“Well, they stated that they did not plan for the Strait of Hormuz. The President said, ‘who knew that was going to happen?’” Senator King concluded.

As a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), Senator King is recognized as an authoritative voice on national security and foreign policy issues. Immediately following the American airstrikes Iran, he released a statement asking for answers and consultation with Congress before proceeding with further military action in the Middle East. Senator King is also a co-sponsor to the a war powers resolution S.J. Res 104.

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King, Hoeven Fight for Potato Farmers, Call for Investigation into Canadian Trade Practices

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and John Hoeven (R-ND) led a bipartisan effort calling for an investigation into unfair Canadian trade practices that are harming U.S. potato producers. In a letter to U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) Chair Amy Karpel and Commissioners David Johanson and Jason Kearns, the senators outline how Canadian federal and provincial policies impose competitive disadvantages on U.S. producers. In the letter also signed by Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), the senators also raise concerns regarding recent antidumping duties imposed by the Province of British Columbia on U.S. fresh potatoes, noting the antidumping policies do not reflect any realistic market conditions.

Antidumping laws intend to prevent foreign producers from undercutting domestic potato farmers by selling at a cheaper price, however the senators argue current Canadian antidumping laws are misguided and harming U.S. producers.

“Canada is one of the most important export markets for U.S. fresh and processed potatoes, with annual trade valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars. A stable, transparent, and rules-based trading relationship with Canada is therefore essential to the continued viability of potato producers in our states. Unfortunately, recent developments have raised concerns among U.S. growers regarding whether current trade conditions are fair, and consistent with international law and trade agreements,” the senators wrote.

“Producers in the Upper Midwest and Northeast in particular, have emphasized the importance of understanding whether these policies are materially affecting competition, investment decisions, and long-term market balance in regions where U.S. and Canadian potato industries have historically been closely integrated,” the senators continued.

“We believe that Congress, the administration, and U.S. potato producers would benefit from a clear, objective, and comprehensive assessment of the facts provided by a Section 332 investigation. A Commission investigation could examine trade flows, pricing trends, cost structures, and government support measures, as well as the cumulative effects of these factors on U.S. producers, processors, and rural economies in potato-producing states,” the senators concluded.

In addition to King and Hoeven, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-MT), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Susan Collins (R-ME), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Patty Murray (D-WA), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI).

Senator King is a staunch advocate for the Maine agriculture industry. Earlier this year, he called on the Trump Administration to ensure its relief for specialty crop farmers addresses the needs of blueberry, potato, and apple farmers across Maine. He also introduced bipartisan legislation to reauthorize and strengthen the Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) programs, which help farmers manage financial risk through diversification, marketing, or conservation practices. Last year, he introduced the American Grown Act , bipartisan legislation to prioritize domestic horticulturists and farmers, and strengthen the American floral industry. Senator King cosponsored the Honor Farmer Contracts Act which released withheld federal funding and allocated it back to farmers as Congress had intended. Additionally, he is an original sponsor of the bipartisan Dairy PRIDE Act which combats the mislabeling of non-dairy products and requires accurate labeling of dairy and non-dairy products as mislabeling is harmful to dairy farmers selling their products in a crowded marketplace. Senator King also cosponsored the Dairy Pricing Opportunity Act to direct the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to give milk producers a greater voice in dairy pricing.

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

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Dear Chair Karpel and Commissioners Johanson and Kearns:

We write as United States Senators representing states with significant potato production to respectfully request that the United States International Trade Commission initiate a fact-finding investigation pursuant to Section 332 of the Tariff Act of 1930 to examine the trade conditions affecting the U.S. potato industry in relation to Canada.

Canada is one of the most important export markets for U.S. fresh and processed potatoes, with annual trade valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars. A stable, transparent, and rules-based trading relationship with Canada is therefore essential to the continued viability of potato producers in our states. Unfortunately, recent developments have raised concerns among U.S. growers regarding whether current trade conditions are fair, and consistent with international law and trade agreements.

Potato producers across the Upper Midwest, the Northeast, and other potato-producing regions have long raised concerns about competitive disadvantages in the U.S. market that may be linked to Canadian federal or provincial policies. These concerns include the potential impact of government programs, freight or transportation advantages, and other structural supports that may affect production costs or pricing behavior. When combined with exchange rate dynamics, these factors may be contributing to market distortions that allow Canadian potatoes to be sold in the United States at prices U.S. growers struggle to match.

Producers in the Upper Midwest and Northeast in particular, have emphasized the importance of understanding whether these policies are materially affecting competition, investment decisions, and long-term market balance in regions where U.S. and Canadian potato industries have historically been closely integrated.

As well, we are concerned by the continued application—and recent escalation—of antidumping duties imposed by the Province of British Columbia on certain U.S. fresh potatoes. Although these duties stem from an antidumping determination made more than four decades ago, changes implemented in mid-2025 dramatically increased the applicable trigger price. Growers in Washington State report that the new trigger price exceeds any recent market price for the affected varieties, sizes, and packaging, effectively shutting U.S. potatoes out of the British Columbia market and resulting in millions of dollars in lost exports. These actions raise serious questions, and We believe it is appropriate for the Commission to examine the origins, administration, and present-day impacts of this long-standing antidumping measure.

We believe that Congress, the administration, and U.S. potato producers would benefit from a clear, objective, and comprehensive assessment of the facts provided by a Section 332 investigation, particularly ahead of the upcoming USMCA joint review. A Commission investigation could examine trade flows, pricing trends, cost structures, and government support measures, as well as the cumulative effects of these factors on U.S. producers, processors, and rural economies in potato-producing states.

Thank you for your consideration of this request, and we appreciate the Commission’s longstanding role in providing Congress with rigorous, nonpartisan trade analysis.

Sincerely,

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Klobuchar Meets with Members of Canadian Parliament

(Left to Right) MP Ahmed Hussen, MP Richard Bragdon, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), MP Lisa Hepfner, and Senator Mohammad Al Zaibak

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) met with a delegation of Canadian Members of Parliament who participate in the Canada-U.S. Inter-Parliamentary Group (IPG). The delegation included MPs Richard Bragdon, Ahmed Hussen, and Lisa Hepfner, and Senator Mohammad Al Zaibak.

“As co-chair of the bipartisan United States and Canada group, I’m committed to strengthening the economic, security, and cultural ties between our countries. This productive meeting focused on key issues, including the Administration’s tariffs that are threatening our relationship with Canada and hurting the economy on both sides of the border. I will continue to oppose these tariffs, as they increase costs, harm businesses, and put jobs at risk.”

Last week, Klobuchar, along with Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Raphael Warnock (D-GA), introduced the Reclaim Trade Powers Act, legislation to end the President’s latest 10 percent tariffs on most goods by repealing Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974.

Last month, legislation to repeal President Trump’s International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariffs on Canada was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. In October, similar bipartisan legislation led by Senators Klobuchar, Kaine, Paul and Warner passed the Senate 50-46.

The Canada-U.S. Inter-Parliamentary Group was established in 1959 as a forum for U.S. members of Congress and Canadian parliamentarians to have an ongoing dialogue on major issues of mutual concern. Senator Klobuchar serves as co-chair of the group together with Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND). MP Richard Bragdon serves as one of the Canadian co-chairs.

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