Klobuchar, Budd Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Deploy Next Generation 9-1-1 Systems

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Ted Budd (R-NC), co-chairs of the Senate Next Generation 9-1-1 Caucus, and Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) introduced bipartisan legislation to accelerate federal efforts to modernize the nation’s 9-1-1 systems. This funding will help ensure that states and local governments can deploy next generation 9-1-1 systems across the country. In the House, this legislation is led by Representatives Hudson (R-NC) and Carter (D-LA).

The upgrades are urgently needed to help move the country’s largely outdated 9-1-1 call centers and related technology into the digital age. The bill will help enable 9-1-1 call centers to handle text messages, pictures, videos, and other information sent by smartphones, tablets, and other devices when faced with an emergency.

“Infrastructure is more than just roads and bridges—it also includes critical technologies. We must bring our 9-1-1 systems into the 21st century by providing state and local governments with the resources they need to update our emergency response networks and keep our communities safe,” said Klobuchar. “In a crisis, no one should be put in danger because of outdated 9-1-1 systems, and first responders, public safety officials, and law enforcement must be able to communicate seamlessly. This legislation will enable them to do just that.”

“Our nation’s 9-1-1 call centers are on the front lines of emergency response, but outdated technologies have limited the ability of operators to best assist callers in crisis and support first responders in the field. It’s time to bring 9-1-1 systems into the digital age so emergency personnel can respond faster and more effectively to medical emergencies, crimes, and natural disasters in our communities. I am proud to join Senators Klobuchar and Cortez Masto in introducing practical legislation to modernize our 9-1-1 systems to meet the demands of the 21st Century and help save lives,” said Budd.

“Recent communications technology advancements have helped us stay connected and support our first responders. Unfortunately, our 9-1-1 systems haven’t kept up,” said Cortez Masto. “This bipartisan legislation will support updated networks that improve safe and efficient responses to Nevadans facing emergencies.”

The legislation is endorsed by the Association of Public-Safety Communication Officials (APCO) International; the National Emergency Number Association (NENA); the National Association of State 911 Administrators (NASNA); the Public Safety Next Generation 9-1-1 Coalition; and Intrado.

"Modernizing our nation's decades-old 9-1-1 systems to NG9-1-1 is a national security and public safety imperative. True, end-to-end, nationwide NG9-1-1 implementation will ensure that all communities have access to modern, reliable emergency communications services. The Coalition thanks Senators Klobuchar, Budd and Cortez Masto for their leadership in introducing this important legislation and advancing a framework to support nationwide NG9-1-1 deployment that aligns with the needs of the public safety community," said Mel Maier, Public Safety Next Generation 9-1-1 Coalition

“NG9-1-1 is more than an upgrade in technology; it is a commitment to saving lives and strengthening public safety. Senators Klobuchar, Budd and Cortez Masto’s leadership in introducing the Next Generation 9-1-1 Act moves the country closer to a fully interoperable, reliable, innovative 9-1-1 environment, and we extend our sincere appreciation for their dedication to the advancement of public safety communications,” said Jack Varnado, President, APCO International

“We thank Senators Klobuchar, Budd, and Cortez-Masto for their leadership on this legislation, which is essential and long overdue,” said John Provenzano, CEO of NENA: The 9-1-1 Association. “Every delay in meaningful federal funding for 9-1-1 leaves local governments struggling to do two difficult things at once: maintain aging, legacy 9-1-1 systems and make progress toward 21st-century, lifesaving NG9-1-1. We call on Congressional leaders to act quickly on this legislation and to provide initial funding to ensure that every community has digital, interoperable 9-1-1 infrastructure—covering everyone from citizens in crisis, to the first first responders in 9-1-1 centers, to police, fire, and emergency medical responders in the field.”

"Next Generation 9-1-1 is a national public safety priority. We are grateful to Senator Klobuchar, Senator Budd, and Senator Cortez Masto for their leadership and commitment to this critical issue. Next Generation 9-1-1 supports tools and technologies that will save lives and will protect our critical infrastructure from foreign threats and cyberattacks. Now more than ever, Americans need robust, reliable, secure, and resilient 9-1-1 and we are eager to see this legislation move forward," said Brian Davenport, Chief Strategy Officer, Intrado Life & Safety

"Where you are located in the U.S. should not determine what level of emergency response Americans receive when an emergency strikes. But today, too many localities and communities lack the resources necessary to transition fully to Next Generation 911. Ensuring that every state in our nation can implement this critical public safety technology is paramount to our national security and public safety. We are grateful to the bipartisan leaders in the Senate, including Senator Klobuchar, Senator Budd, and Senator Cortez Masto, for supporting this legislation. Thank you, Senators, for working to keep our nation safe," said L.V. Pokey Harris, President of the National Association of State 911 Administrators

As a member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, and the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Media, Klobuchar has been a leader in pushing to expand and improve emergency communications infrastructure.

In 2025, the Enhancing First Response Act was introduced by Senators Klobuchar, Blackburn, Heinrich, and Luján. It was passed in the Senate with unanimous consent. This legislation would make important updates to the nation’s 9-1-1 emergency reporting system to improve Americans’ ability to reach help when they dial 9-1-1, including during natural disasters. It would also reclassify 9-1-1 dispatchers as protective service workers, ensuring their job classification appropriately recognizes the lifesaving nature of their work.

In 2018, Kari’s Law, bipartisan legislation to make contacting emergency personnel simpler and easier, led by Klobuchar and Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), was signed into law. This law was inspired by the story of Kari Rene Hunt of Marshall, Texas, who in 2013 was murdered by her estranged husband in a hotel room. When Kari’s 9-year-old daughter tried to dial 9-1-1 for help, she could not reach emergency personnel because she did not dial “9” to reach an outside line. Kari’s Law requires the manufacturers of multi-line telephone systems (MLTS) to create systems that allow callers to reach 9-1-1 without dialing a prefix or postfix. The law requires on-site notification to make it easier for first responders to locate 9-1-1 callers in large buildings.

###


WATCH: Senator Lee Kicks Off Late-Night Debate on SAVE America Act

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) kicked off debate on the Senate floor Tuesday night for his SAVE America Act. The overwhelmingly popular legislation would secure American elections and protect citizens’ votes by requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration, and the use of Voter ID nationwide.

“The Senate often considers complex, divisive issues. Protecting the votes of American citizens is not one of them,” said Senator Mike Lee. “It is a simple task, and the American people are united: Pass the SAVE America Act.”

Watch Senator Lee speak on the Senate Floor for his SAVE America Act

The SAVE America Act would protect and preserve the right of American citizens to vote by:

Requiring individuals to present an eligible photo identification document before voting

Requiring states to obtain proof of citizenship in person when registering an individual to vote

Requiring states to remove non-citizens from existing voter rolls

Under the Biden-Harris administration, at least 10 million illegal aliens poured into communities nationwide. In many states, these illegal aliens are eligible for driver’s licenses and other benefits, providing ample opportunities to illegally register to vote in Federal elections. In some jurisdictions, non-citizens are even able to vote in local elections. While only U.S. citizens can legally vote in Federal elections, Federal law has generally preempted and undermined state laws requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote in such elections.

Read the full bill text here.

###


Luján Fights for Voting Rights Amid Trump’s Push to Suppress Millions of American Voters

Watch Senator Luján’s Remarks Here

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) joined Senate colleagues, leading voting rights advocates, and impacted voters from across the country at the U.S. Capitol to reject President Trump and Republicans’ anti-voter SAVE Act. Senator Luján highlighted the legislation’s harmful impact on New Mexicans and Americans across the country, including the devastating impact the SAVE Act poses on rural, Tribal, and Hispanic communities.

The Senate voted yesterday to consider the legislation, which threatens to disenfranchise millions of Americans. The SAVE Act creates significant and expensive new barriers that would disproportionately impact voters of color, married women and others who have changed their names, rural and Tribal voters, young people, people with disabilities, and low-income communities.

“A great friend and mentor, John Lewis, taught us all a great thing: to fight for justice and stand up for what’s right. That’s why I joined my colleagues, voting rights advocates, and impacted voters from across the country today to fight back against President Trump and Congressional Republicans’ attempt to disenfranchise millions of voters,” said Senator Luján. “President Trump knows his policies are hurting the American people and is now using the SAVE Act to save Republicans from facing voters in November. I won’t let that happen and will continue to fight back against this voter suppression bill that will take power away from our brothers and sisters in communities across New Mexico.”

Senator Luján has long been a staunch supporter of protecting voting rights and strengthening American democracy. Senator Luján championed the Native American Voting Rights Act, legislation to protect the sacred right to vote and ensure equal access to the electoral process for American Indians and Alaska Natives and voters living on Tribal lands.

Senator Luján also introduced the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, legislation to restore the landmark Voting Rights Act (VRA) and stop the spreading scourge of voter suppression. Senator Luján introduced the For the People Act, a sweeping package of comprehensive reforms that addresses voter intimidation and suppression, fights campaign corruption, and ends gerrymandering. He also introduced the Freedom to Vote Act, legislation to improve access to the ballot for Americans, advance commonsense federal election standards and campaign finance reforms, and protect our democracy.

###


Luján Statement on Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Cesar Chavez

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) issued the following statement on the sexual abuse allegations against Cesar Chavez:

“The allegations against Cesar Chavez are horrific. Abuse of any kind, especially against children, is indefensible and a betrayal of the values that Latino leaders have championed for generations. There is no excuse.

“The fight for civil rights, fair wages, and dignity has always been carried forward by millions of Latino workers, organizers, and families. Those are the values that we must uphold and fight for every single day.

“His name should be removed from landmarks, institutions, and honors. We cannot celebrate someone who carried out such disturbing harm.

“My prayers are with the victims who have gone unheard for far too long. They deserve justice, accountability, and to finally be heard.”

###


Markey, Colleagues Demand Trump Administration Deny Saudi Arabia Access to Nuclear Weapons Technologies

Call Out Hypocrisy of Trump Administration for Letting Saudi Arabia Develop Nuclear Program While Waging War on Iran

Letter Text (PDF)

Washington (March 18, 2026) - Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), co-chairs of the bicameral Nuclear Weapons and Arms Control Working Group, and Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.), along with Representative Joaquin Castro (TX-20), today wrote to Secretary of State Marco Rubio demanding the Trump administration must meet the “gold standard” of nuclear non-proliferation protections by denying Saudi Arabia the means to produce weapons-grade uranium and plutonium, materials that could be used in a nuclear bomb. The letter was also signed by Senators Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Andy Kim (D-N.J.), along with Representatives Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), and Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.).

The lawmakers raised concerns about giving Riyadh permission to acquire sensitive nuclear technology as Donald Trump wages a reckless and illegal war with Iran over its uranium enrichment program. As a Senator, Secretary Rubio was among the loudest voices warning about the dangers of giving Saudi Arabia, which has openly expressed an interest in developing nuclear weapons, access to nuclear technology. Now, Secretary Rubio and President Trump risk the security of the United States and its allies in the Middle East by potentially enabling nuclear proliferation in Saudi Arabia and igniting an arms race in the region.

In the letter, the lawmakers wrote, “The Administration’s recent report to Congress on its proposed U.S.-Saudi nuclear cooperation agreement, commonly referred to as a ‘123 agreement,’ states that ‘Saudi sovereignty concerns . . . inform its position on the Additional Protocol.’ To address this, the proposed agreement instead requires a new Bilateral Safeguards Agreement that would cover the most ‘proliferation-sensitive areas’ such as ‘enrichment, conversion, fuel fabrication and reprocessing.’ In other words, the proposed U.S.-Saudi 123 agreement will not require Riyadh to accept the Additional Protocol. Further, the agreement would appear to allow Saudi Arabia to acquire both enrichment and reprocessing technologies, which could enable Riyadh to produce weapons-grade uranium and plutonium, the essential ingredients for nuclear weapons, if they chose to do so.”

The lawmakers continued, “Such an agreement with a nation that has previously suggested its interest in acquiring nuclear weapons is an irresponsible proliferation risk without the proper safeguards. Saudi leaders have in the past indicated their interest in acquiring nuclear weapons. Giving Riyadh permission to acquire the most sensitive nuclear technology, particularly without the strongest non-proliferation protections, would be highly destabilizing for the Middle East and could lead other states to reconsider their nuclear options.”

The lawmakers requested answers to the following questions by April 1, 2026:

What are the “Saudi sovereignty concerns” that are informing “its position on the Additional Protocol”? What is Saudi Arabia’s position on the Additional Protocol?

What is the new Bilateral Safeguards Agreement that would cover the most “proliferation-sensitive areas” such as “enrichment, conversion, fuel fabrication and reprocessing”? How does this agreement compare to the Additional Protocol that it would supplant? How will the IAEA be involved?

Has the Administration considered the consequences if other states move away from the Additional Protocol and seek tailored safeguards agreements? Is the Administration concerned that the Saudi agreement would push other states to insist on enrichment and reprocessing in future nuclear cooperation deals with the United States?

Does the proposed agreement allow Saudi Arabia to acquire both enrichment and reprocessing technologies?

What nuclear technology is the Administration planning to provide to Saudi Arabia, who will provide it, when will it be transferred, and under what terms? Who will pay for the technology and how much will it cost?

Is the United States considering constructing and operating a uranium-enrichment facility on Saudi soil?

###


Senator Markey Votes to Stop Trump’s Illegal Iran War

Washington (March 18, 2026) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) released the following statement after voting for the second time to prevent the Trump administration from further military action against Iran without congressional approval. The vote failed, 47-53.

“I just left the Senate floor where I voted for a War Powers Resolution to end Trump’s illegal war with Iran. He’s been destroying our government since day one of this administration, and now he’s waging a reckless, unconstitutional war with Iran.

“Trump’s chaos abroad is costing us here at home. Gas prices are skyrocketing. Big Oil isn’t going to eat any higher costs – they are passing them on to American families. And new reporting reveals that the State Department’s entire team of oil and gas experts were fired by Elon Musk and DOGE last year.

“Trump went into this war with no plan, no experts, and no concern for how it would harm Americans. And it is clear he has no concern for the innocent lives and lives of our servicemembers that are already being lost abroad.

“Enough is enough. We are dealing with a completely out of control President. We need to end this war now.”

###


McConnell, Coons Meet with Representatives of Denmark, Greenland

R-L: U.S. Senator Coons, Head of Representation Isbosethsen, Ambassador Møller Sørensen, U.S. Senator McConnell.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Ranking Member, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-DE), released the following statement today on their meeting with Ambassador of Denmark to the United States Jesper Møller Sørensen and Head of Representation for Greenland to the United States and Canada Jacob Isbosethsen:

“Alliances make America safer and more secure. And as the Arctic becomes a center of strategic competition with Russia and the PRC, capable northern allies like Denmark and friends like Greenland will be invaluable. Two hundred twenty-five years after the United States and Denmark established diplomatic relations, we were glad to discuss the future of trans-Atlantic cooperation in the Arctic with Ambassador Møller Sørensen and Head of Representation Isbosethsen and reiterate strong Senate support for the friendship on which our alliance is built.”


Bipartisan Merkley, Sheehy Bill Boosts Transportation and Access to Public Lands

Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and Montana’s U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy led a bipartisan effort to reauthorize the Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP), a popular federal program that provides transportation options to public lands.

The Senators’ bipartisan FLAP Reauthorization Act ensures the program will not expire later this year, allowing communities in Oregon, Montana, and across the U.S. to maintain safe and reliable access to America’s natural treasures.

“Oregonians and Americans love our public lands. Our bipartisan bill is crucial to connecting visitors to America’s greatest treasures,” said Merkley. “Congress must pass this common-sense bill so that folks can continue to visit and enjoy our public lands for generations to come.”

“All Americans can find common ground in working together to increase access to public lands while investing in rural America, driving economic growth, and supporting our resource and agricultural economies,” said Sheehy. “Public lands are a purely American institution, and I am proud to support this bipartisan, commonsense bill to expand public access for hardworking Americans and preserve our western way of life.”

FLAP was established in 2012 to improve transportation facilities that provide access to, are adjacent to, or are located within federal lands. The program supplements state and local resources for public roads, transit systems, and other transportation facilities, with an emphasis on getting visitors to recreation sites and generating rural economic development near and around public lands.

FLAP funds projects in all 50 States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, and the program’s flexibility supports a wide range of transportation projects. In Oregon, for example, a FLAP grant helped improve three miles of the Haul Road Trail, from McKay Park in downtown Bend westward to the Deschutes National Forest.

Merkley and Sheehy’s FLAP Reauthorization Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV).

Their bill is supported by the National Association of Counties (NACo), Oregon Association of Counties, Oregon Association of County Engineers and Surveyors, and Outdoors Alliance for Kids.

“Nationwide, more than 60 percent of counties are home to federal lands. In these gateway communities, counties own and maintain the roads, bridges and visitor facilities that enable public access to federal lands,” said Matthew Chase, Executive Director of the National Association of Counties. “Reauthorizing the Federal Lands Access Program would ensure that counties can continue to provide essential transportation infrastructure for residents and visitors alike. Counties applaud Senators Merkley and Sheehy for their support for this important legislation.”

“In Oregon, federal lands are our backyard, but county roads are the front door. These routes are the vital lifelines for our timber workers, our ranchers, and the millions of visitors who fuel our local recreation economies,” said Erin Skaar, Tillamook County Commissioner and Association of Oregon Counties President. “Reauthorizing the Federal Lands Access Program is critical for both the safety of our first responders and the economic health of our rural communities. Without this critical funding for county roads, the gateway to Oregon’s frontier is at risk.”

Full text of the FLAP Reauthorization Act can be found by clicking here.

###


Wyden, Merkley Demand Transparency from Meta on Facial Recognition Technology in Smart Glasses

Senators: “The deployment of facial recognition technology in smart glasses risks entrenching a system in which Americans are routinely scanned, catalogued, and analyzed as they move through daily life — an outcome fundamentally incompatible with a democracy.”

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley (both D-Ore.) today demanded transparency from Meta on the company’s plans to integrate facial recognition into its smart glasses.

Smart glasses are designed to be worn throughout the day as their user passes hundreds, if not thousands, of people whose faces could be scanned without any practical way for a bystander to consent to or even know about this real-time identification. While facial recognition may offer real benefits for blind and visually impaired users, Meta’s history of failing to protect user privacy raises serious questions about its plan to deploy this technology in its smart glasses.

“Despite Meta’s desire to minimize public attention on this product, the deployment of smart glasses equipped with facial recognition technology threatens Americans’ privacy rights and civil liberties, and therefore warrants close scrutiny,” wrote Wyden and Merkley along with U.S. Sen. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) to Meta Chair and CEO Mark Zuckerberg. “The widespread deployment of facial-recognition-enabled smart glasses also risks accelerating the normalization of mass surveillance in the United States,”

Despite abandoning facial recognition technology across its platforms in 2021 over ethical concerns, an internal memo revealed Meta intends to release this technology and hopes that the current chaotic political environment will help Meta avoid public scrutiny.

“Federal agencies are already using facial recognition tools to identify individuals engaged in lawful protest activity and potentially to assemble databases of those exercising their First Amendment rights. This abuse of facial recognition tools demonstrates how easily real-time identification technologies can be repurposed to discourage political expression, target vulnerable communities, and chill lawful dissent,” concluded the senators.

The senators requested answers by April 6, 2026, to questions that include:

Can individuals—both device owners and people whose images the glasses capture—request deletion of their biometric data? If so, how does Meta ensure timely and complete deletion?

Does Meta use biometric data collected through its smart glasses to train machine learning models or improve facial recognition algorithms? If so, how does Meta inform individuals and provide an opportunity to opt out?

Has Meta conducted any internal privacy impact assessments or commissioned third-party audits of its biometric data practices related to smart glasses facial recognition?

Does Meta plan to allow users to upload images of known individuals — such as friends, family members, coworkers, or public figures — to create a personalized database for facial recognition matching?

Has Meta evaluated the civil liberties risks associated with linking real-time facial recognition to its social media platforms, including the potential for stalking, harassment, doxxing, or government misuse?

Does Meta intend to share biometric data — or any outputs generated by facial recognition features in its smart glasses — with federal, state, or local law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security?

The text of the letter is here.

###


Sen. Moran Applauds New FAA Safety Standard Requiring Radar Tracking in Busy Airspace

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – chairman of the Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation, Space, and Innovation – today released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced new aviation safety protocols mandating the use of radar-only tracking for aircraft in busy airspace:

“I commend Secretary Duffy and Administrator Bedford for taking this important step to improve the safety of our skies by requiring air traffic controllers to use radar technology to coordinate aviation traffic near our nation’s busiest airports. Our aviation system is fragile, and the tragic midair collision on January 29th highlighted the urgent need to strengthen and modernize safety standards. The implementation of radar-only tracking for helicopters and airplanes was recommended by the National Transportation Safety Board following its investigation into the crash of Flight 5342, and I will continue working to pass the ROTOR Act to require all aircraft to use real-time location tracking technology in busy airspace.”

Sen. Moran’s ROTOR Act would implement broad adoption of location-transmitting technology, known as Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B), for planes and helicopters in busy airspace. The ROTOR Act has passed the Senate but still awaits passage in the U.S. House of Representatives.

# # #


Moreno Rips Democrats for Holding DHS Funding Hostage, Leaving Workers Unpaid

WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) slammed Senate Democrats for their refusal to pay Department of Homeland Security (DHS) employees during the confirmation hearing for DHS Secretary nominee Markwayne Mullin.

“We have 260,000 families that have not received a paycheck in over a month,” said Senator Moreno.“260,000 American citizen-families who have not received a paycheck in over a month. None of those people are in charge of policy. There’s not one of those families that makes policy decisions, for the most part, that’s on the people here. There isn’t a single human being on this dais that has missed a paycheck. Every single one of us has gotten a paycheck the last 30 days and before that. And yet we sit here and do political theater.”


Alaska Delegation Celebrates Largest-Ever NPR-A Lease Sale

Washington, DC— U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan and U.S. Congressman Nick Begich (all R-Alaska) today celebrated the results of the most successful oil and gas lease sale ever held in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A).

The delegation mandated the sale, the first held in the NPR-A since 2019, through last year’s budget reconciliation bill. According to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the sale was “exceptionally competitive” drawing 430 bids on nearly 200 tracts across 1.3 million acres. High bids totaled $163 million—the most in the history of the NPR-A—and will be split equally between the federal government and the State of Alaska.

By comparison, the last lease sale in the NPR-A brought in $11.3 million, making today’s total for high bids more than 1,300 percent higher.

Statement from Senator Lisa Murkowski:

“This is a great day for Alaska that further demonstrates the world-class energy potential across our North Slope. The delegation has focused on the NPR-A not only because it is a petroleum reserve—one of the most obvious places to produce energy anywhere in the nation—but also because we knew that industry’s interest in this area is remarkably strong. Our efforts to restore access, return to the rule of law, and get this program back on track have now been fully validated by these historic results. The best part is, the best is yet to come. From here, these leases will lead to new development and production, creating good jobs, generating even more revenues, and strengthening our energy security. I look forward to all of it and thank Secretary Burgum and his team for being excellent partners on behalf of Alaska.”

Statement from Senator Dan Sullivan:

“Today’s historic lease sale in the NPR-A is another clear sign that Alaska’s Comeback is underway—unlocking our vast resource potential, creating good-paying jobs, and strengthening both our state’s energy economy and the energy security of our entire country. This lease sale wasn’t just historic in the amount of bids, but also in terms of the companies bidding, from some of the biggest energy companies in the world, to smaller aggressive wildcatters. This milestone is the direct result of a three-pronged approach I have worked on for years to restore investment certainty in our state.

“First, President Trump’s Day One Alaska-specific executive order, Unleashing Alaska’s Extraordinary Resource Potential, set the stage to realign federal policy and empower Alaska to meet our nation’s energy needs and start to reverse the Biden-era Last Frontier Lock Up of Alaska. Second, we passed the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, which mandates five lease sales in the NPR-A over the next decade, ending the uncertainty caused by political pendulum swings and finally putting development certainty into law. It's important to note that Senate Democrats and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer fought to strip these Alaska energy provisions from this historic bill. And third, by working with my colleagues to overturn the Biden administration’s unlawful NPR-A rule through the Congressional Review Act, we reversed one of the most comprehensive and egregious examples of federal overreach and restored the balance Congress originally intended.

“For years, Alaska was whipsawed by one-size-fits-all federal actions—more than 70 executive orders and actions by the Biden administration specifically targeting our state—that ignored both the law and the voices of our communities. The Biden administration’s NPR-A rule alone locked up roughly half of the Reserve, despite Congress’s clear mandate for responsible development, undermining the jobs, revenues, and energy production that our communities—particularly on the North Slope—depend on. Overturning that rule not only reopened opportunity in the NPR-A, it will work to prevent future politically driven lock-ups of the area.

“Today’s lease sale is clear proof that this approach is working for Alaska and our economy. I want to thank President Trump and Secretary Burgum for their leadership in helping us advance this comprehensive, Alaska-focused approach to resource development and job creation. Together, we are restoring long-term certainty, strengthening American energy security, creating thousands of jobs, and continuing the Alaska Comeback for families and communities across our state.”

Statement from Congressman Nick Begich:

“For decades, Alaska’s resource potential was clear, but access was restricted. Today’s lease sale marks a new chapter of certainty for Alaska. When we remove federal barriers, investments in Alaska’s future follow. Removing those federal barriers and unlocking millions of acres in the NPR-A is a direct result of hard-fought efforts and strategic policymaking – provisions my team and I crafted and worked tirelessly to advance out of the House Natural Resources Committee while working to secure Alaska’s fair share of the benefits and increasing our revenue share from 50 percent to 70 percent starting in 2035. This is a major step toward long-term economic stability for our state. I’m grateful to Senator Murkowski and Senator Sullivan for their work in the Senate to ensure this effort became law. This is a clear example of what coordinated leadership across our delegation can deliver for Alaska. This lease sale is just the beginning of a stronger Alaska and a more secure American energy future.”

The NPR-A spans roughly 23 million acres in northwest Alaska and is roughly the size of Indiana. Congress specifically designated the area for responsible energy development, directing the Department of the Interior, through BLM, to conduct an “expeditious program of competitive leasing of oil and gas.”

The Biden administration ignored the law and sought to turn most of the petroleum reserve into de facto federal wilderness—refusing to hold a single lease sale; imposing an Integrated Activity Plan that closed at least 48 percent of its surface acreage to leasing; promulgating an illegal rule that established a presumption against new leasing and development; and initiating a process to expand and create new Special Areas where development could not occur.

The Alaska delegation has worked closely with the Trump administration and congressional colleagues to restore an effective NPR-A oil and gas program:

In January 2025, President Trump issued a day-one Executive Order for Alaska directing the rescission of damaging Biden-era rules and regulations that violated federal law to limit opportunity in the NPR-A.

Last summer, the delegation added a provision on NPR-A to the budget reconciliation bill, restoring access to millions of acres in the reserve, mandating at least five lease sales over the next decade, and increasing Alaska’s share of revenues from 50 percent to 70 percent starting in Fiscal Year 2034.

In December 2025, the President signed into law a disapproval resolution led by Sullivan that nullified the Biden administration’s Integrated Activity Plan (IAP) for the NPR-A, restoring the first Trump administration’s management plan and preventing future administrations from attempting similar restrictions. Murkowski cosponsored the legislation and Begich led a companion resolution in the House.

###


Murray Blasts Inadequate DHS Response to Oversight Letter on Pregnant Women in ICE Detention

Response reveals hundreds of pregnant, postpartum, or nursing women have been detained and deported since 2025

***COVER LETTER HERE ***

***RESPONSES HERE***

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, issued the following statement blasting former Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s inadequate response to an oversight letter Murray led with Senate colleagues in September. The lawmakers urged DHS to follow its own standards and stop detaining pregnant women. They also demanded information about the detention and treatment of pregnant, postpartum, and nursing women in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody. In their highly delayed response, the Department failed to fully answer key questions about the number of pregnant women currently detained and the care they are receiving.

In their letter, the senators wrote, “ICE’s own standards are unambiguous on the detention, monitoring, and treatment of pregnant, postpartum, and nursing women in detention. ICE Directive 11032.4, Identification and Monitoring of Pregnant, Postpartum, or Nursing Individuals (2021 Pregnancy Directive), states that ICE should not detain pregnant, postpartum, or nursing individuals except under very limited circumstances.” Yet, according to DHS’s response, they reportedly have not been living up to their own standards and as of February 16, 2026, there were 121 pregnant, postpartum, and nursing women detained. Also, according to their response ICE has deported 363 pregnant, postpartum, or nursing women between January 1, 2025 and February 16, 2026.

“There is absolutely no justification for detaining and shackling pregnant women—but Donald Trump and Republicans don’t seem to care—even if treating pregnant women like violent criminals puts their health in danger. Once again, the only logic behind Stephen Miller’s outrageous immigration crackdown appears to be cruelty for cruelty’s sake. The Trump Administration’s barbaric treatment of pregnant women in immigration custody is completely unconscionable and according to their responses to our letter, they’re going against their own standards,” said Senator Murray. “We demanded accountability and clarity from then-Secretary Noem, and she left us with more questions than answers. We must ensure all pregnant women in custody are treated humanely and with respect. I will continue to fight against the gross mistreatment of pregnant women in immigration detention.”

“One pregnant, nursing, or postpartum woman in immigration detention is one too many, and DHS is flagrantly disregarding its own guidance not to detain these women,” said Jennifer Ibañez Whitlock, Senior Policy Counsel for the National Immigration Law Center. “Since this administration took office, we’ve seen repeated reports of women suffering from miscarriages, separation from their infants, and medical distress. Not a single taxpayer dollar should go toward funding the abuse of our families and neighbors, and we support Senator Murray’s commonsense efforts to withhold funding for rogue agencies.”

“This data reveals a significant crisis of pregnant, postpartum, and lactating women in detention,” said Zain Lakhani, Director of Migrant Rights and Justice at the Women’s Refugee Commission (WRC). “WRC has documented numerous instances of grossly insufficient food and lack of access to medical care, including for serious and even life-threatening pregnancy complications. The 16 documented miscarriages in detention also confirm what WRC has long warned: these women are being detained in conditions that cannot support their pregnancies. ICE must take immediate steps to ensure that its own policies to protect these vulnerable women are enforced.”

Senator Murray has long fought against the mistreatment of pregnant women in detention, and leads legislation—the Stop Shackling and Detaining Pregnant Women Act—that would provide permanent safeguards for pregnant and postpartum women in ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) custody. She first introduced the legislation in 2018 during the 115th Congress, and reintroduced it in 2019—on the heels of a Washington Post report about a woman in ICE custody whose pregnancy ended in a stillbirth after she went into labor prematurely—2023, and 2025 alongside Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (D, TX-29), who leads companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

###


Senator Murray Sounds Alarm on Trump and Republicans’ Efforts to Make it Harder and More Expensive to Vote

NYT: Republicans, Braced for Losses, Push More Voting Restrictions in Congress

AP: The biggest change to voting in Republican election bill could become a burden for many US voters

PBS: How Trump’s SAVE America Act would reshape voting and why critics are concerned

NPR: Trump wants to stop states from voting by mail and using voting machines

***WATCH PRESS CONFERENCE HERE, DOWNLOAD HERE***

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, held a virtual press conference to sound the alarm on the dangers of Trump and Republicans trying to ram through the SAVE America Act to make it harder and more expensive for Americans to register to vote and cast their ballots—as they do nothing to make life more affordable for working people. Senator Murray was joined by, Mary Hall, Thurston County Auditor, and Eliza Sweren-Becker, Deputy Director, Voting Rights and Elections, Democracy at the Brennan Center, who spoke to how the SAVE America Act will make it harder and more expensive for Americans to vote.

Trump and Republicans’ SAVE America Act would push states to purge American citizens from the voter rolls, kill voter registration by mail and online, reject common IDs used to register to vote—making Americans pay for new IDs and therefore making it more expensive to vote, force Americans to register to vote in person, and penalize married women who have changed their last names.

“Republicans are charging ahead to jam through the so-called SAVE America Act, with no regard for common sense, cost, or our democracy and our values. This push on this bill isn’t going to save anyone, but it is going to make it more expensive and harder to vote. You might as well call it the Suppressing American Voters Effectively Act,” said Senator Murray. “Your Real ID, your driver’s license, student ID, or even Tribal ID, none of the forms of ID you might actually be carrying on a daily basis will cut it under the new law Republicans want to pass. Instead, you may need to track down your birth certificate—or shell out for a new copy. Or you may pay $165 at least to get a passport… And let’s talk about what this means for married women: there are 69 million women who have changed their names in this country—I’m one of them. And Republicans are insisting that in addition to providing proof of citizenship, we may have to provide additional documentation like a marriage certificate or something showing the name change. Just my opinion—but it’s not very pro-family of Republicans to throw up roadblocks to keep married women from voting. And let’s talk about voting by mail—because no state votes by mail better than we do in Washington state. Well under this legislation, you’d need to mail a photocopy of an acceptable ID to submit your ballot… This bill is a disaster for democracy and I’m not going to let this get passed into law. I will stay on the Senate floor and debate this bill until the sun comes up if that’s what it takes. But the American people need to recognize that Republicans are serious about trying to nationalize our elections. Trump is serious about taking them over.”

In Washington state, there are currently 1.6 million married women whose names don’t match their birth certificates. The SAVE America Act would create additional administrative barriers for these women to register to vote and require all voters to include a photocopy of an acceptable photo ID in the envelope returning their ballot—every election. This will make it more difficult for local county officials to handle and count ballots efficiently. It would also require Americans to register to vote in person with an acceptable photo ID and with proof of citizenship, a driver’s license, tribal ID, or military ID would not be sufficient on their own.

Trump and Republicans are using conspiracy theories to justify making it harder and more expensive for Americans to vote. The SAVE America Act would dismantle the safe, proven systems millions of Americans rely on to register to vote. Republicans want to make online registration, mail registration, and voter registration drives illegal—forcing voters to register in person with documents like a birth certificate or passport, even though about 146 million Americans, roughly half the country, don’t have a passport. A new passport costs $165—Trump and Republicans effectively want to implement a modern-day poll tax. The Save America Act would also hit women especially hard. Millions of women around the country change their last name after marriage, which can make it much harder to produce documents required to register to vote under the new requirement. Under the SAVE America Act, states would share their voter rolls with the DHS SAVE Program and be pushed to remove anyone flagged by that program from the rolls. The SAVE Program would make recommendations on which voters to purge from the rolls based on their database, which was rebuilt by DOGE and has already misidentified U.S. citizens as being ineligible to vote.

“The SAVE America Act is the most dangerous, anti-democratic piece of legislation I have ever seen,” said Mary Hall, Thurston County Auditor. “This bill isn’t about security. It is a burdensome attempt to push millions of eligible voters out of the democratic process. It creates mandates that ignore the reality of how Washington State residents want to vote. From an administrative standpoint, implementing this before a general election is impossible.”

“If this bill becomes law, it would be the first federal voter suppression law ever. Congress is supposed to be protecting the freedom to vote, not undermining it,” said Eliza Sweren-Becker, Deputy Director, Voting Rights and Elections, Democracy at the Brennan Center.

Senator Murray believes that the right to vote is essential to making sure our democracy stays a democracy. The ability for people to use their voice and their vote to have a say in our government is foundational, and that means people have to have the power in our elections—not special interests, dark money, or just those at the very top. Senator Murray is working to use every legislative tool available to strengthen voting rights and protect every American’s right to have their voice heard in our democracy. As Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Murray continues to ensure that election security is prioritized. In FY 2026, Murray secured $45 million for election security grants for states and U.S. territories, a $30 million increase over fiscal year 2025—to improve the administration of federal elections, upgrade voting equipment, make security enhancements, and protect Americans’ right to have their vote counted in free and fair elections. In 2023, Senator Murray cosponsored the Freedom to Vote Act, legislation to improve access to the ballot for Americans, advance commonsense federal election standards and campaign finance reforms, and protect our democracy.

Senator Murray’s remarks, as delivered, are below:

“Unfortunately, we’re here to talk about how the delusions of one President have pushed a major American political party to try—in the most ham-handed way possible—to nationalize our elections. Republicans are charging ahead to jam through the so-called SAVE America Act, with no regard for common sense, cost, or our democracy and our values.

“This push on this bill isn’t going to save anyone, but it is going to make it more expensive and harder to vote for everyone. You might as well call it the Suppressing American Voters Effectively Act.

“So how did we get here? Since 2020, President Trump has ranted and raved about how the election was stolen from him.It’s important to know that Trump’s conspiracy theories were soundly and thoroughly debunked—by Republican election officials,by journalists on all sides, and, importantly, by the courts.

“But here’s the thing about Trump’s inner circle, they were cowards by every measure that mattered, they were cynical enough to just go along with him—never mind the catastrophic damage being done to our democracy.

“Worse, many of them aggressively championed this false cause—that election fraud is rampant, and Trump had the 2020 election stolen from him. To this day, in our Senate hearings, Trump administration nominees will twist themselves into pretzels when you ask them if the 2020 election was stolen. They will dance around giving an honest answer for fear of angering the President. It is a really pathetic display.

“But that dynamic is key to understanding why Congressional Republicans are focused on passing this dumbfounding voter suppression bill, instead of addressing the urgent crises we face like, oh, I don’t know funding TSA, conducting even basic oversight of the war with Iran, or working with Democrats to lower costs.

“Well now we’re here. The bill is on the Senate floor. So, let’s talk about it. Everyone should know how this bill is going to make their life worse.

“First off, you’re going to have to dig up, or pay for, all kinds of paperwork you honestly may not even have anymore. If you’re registering to vote for the first time, or moved to Washington state, and are registering to vote here for the first time, you’re going to have to do that in person now. That really makes no sense. This bill is not solving problems—it is creating them.

“And guess what: your Real ID, your driver’s license, student ID, or even Tribal ID, none of the forms of ID you might actually be carrying on a daily basis will cut it under the new law Republicans want to pass. Instead, you may need to track down your birth certificate—or shell out for a new copy. Or you may pay $165 at least to get a passport. Half of all Americans do not even have a passport. And 21 million Americans do not have easy access to the other kinds of documentation they need to prove their citizenship.

“And let’s talk about what this means for married women: there are 69 million women who have changed their names in this country—I’m one of them. And Republicans are insisting that in addition to providing proof of citizenship, we may have to provide additional documentation like a marriage certificate or something showing the name change. Just my opinion—but it’s not very pro-family of Republicans to throw up roadblocks to keep married women from voting.

“And let’s talk about voting by mail—because no state votes by mail better than we do in Washington state. Well under this legislation, you’d need to mail a photocopy of an acceptable ID to request your ballot and again to submit your ballot. Sorry, but who even owns a photocopier anymore?

“This is all so absurd—to say nothing about how this President wants to ban all voting by mail. Forget the fact that Trump himself has voted by mail plenty of times.

“Look, I got into politics to help people and solve problems. This bill creates problems and helps no one.

“Voter fraud is not a real issue we have yet to solve—because it is already incredibly rare and it is already illegal—if you try to commit voter fraud you can already be put in jail. But I cannot overstate how rarely this happens. The average American is more likely to be struck by lightning than they are to commit voter fraud—seriously. That is a real stat.

“And here’s the thing: many of my Republican colleagues recognize that none of this is necessary or practical to force on our states. But they are going along to get along with this President—and in some ways, that’s a whole lot worse.

“So, here’s where the rubber hits the road: this bill is a disaster for democracy and I’m not going to let this get passed into law. I will stay on the Senate floor and debate this bill until the sun comes up if that’s what it takes.

“But the American people need to recognize that Republicans are serious about trying to nationalize our elections. Trump is serious about taking them over.

“So that’s why I’m here today. To get the word out. And I’m pleased to be joined by some experts—people who really understand the nuts and bolts of democracy.

“So, with that, I’m very pleased to introduce Mary Hall, she is the auditor for Thurston County. Mary is someone who is highly regarded by both sides—that’s the way it should be. Administering elections is not partisan and it never should be.

“So, Mary thank you for joining me today, and with that I am going to turn this over to you.”

###


WATCH: Padilla, Schumer, Colleagues Join Voting Rights Advocates Fighting Back Against Republicans’ Anti-Voter SAVE America Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and several of their Senate colleagues joined leading voting rights advocates and impacted voters from across the country at the Capitol to reject President Trump and Republicans’ anti-voter SAVE America Act. The press event was hosted alongside The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and Declaration for American Democracy (DFAD) to push back against the bill’s harmful impacts, amplify the voices of affected voters, and outline actionable steps to protect against President Trump’s attempted election takeover.

Despite bipartisan opposition, the Senate voted yesterday to start debate on the bill, which threatens to disenfranchise millions of eligible Americans in an election year and requires all 50 states to hand over their unredacted voter rolls with sensitive personally identifiable information to the Trump Administration. Republicans’ SAVE America Act would eliminate most common forms of voter registration, including voter registration drives, and make voting significantly harder for as many as 69 million married women, along with seniors and rural, low-income, and minority voters. It would also disenfranchise up to 21 million citizens who can’t readily access their passports and birth certificates. If enacted, the SAVE America Act would be effective immediately, sowing chaos in state election administration and fueling attacks against hardworking election officials by exposing them to new criminal liability.

Under pressure from President Trump, Republicans introduced a new version of the bill as a substitute amendment to make the SAVE America Act even worse. They are now adding Trump’s wish list of damaging provisions, including to ban universal vote-by-mail and no-excuse absentee voting, severely limit access to any absentee ballots, force federal agencies like the Social Security Administration to share unreliable data with the Department of Homeland Security to compel states to purge voters, and place new limits on how voters can return absentee ballots.

Key Excerpts from Senator Padilla’s Remarks:

“Who’s ready to fight for our democracy? As long as it takes, all day, all night, week in, week out, we will kill this bill. Because, make no mistake, it’s not just voting rights that are on the line; our democracy is on the line — our fundamental right to vote, which is way too sacred for us to just stand by.”

“This is not a voter ID bill. It’s a bait and switch bill because while they call it a voter ID bill, the language of the bill says, you know, your driver’s license, that’s not good enough to get you into the polling place.”

“It’s taking us backwards in terms of voting rights and access to the ballot. A lot of states offer online voter registration. That would be gone. A lot of states allow for you to mail in your voter registration card. That option too — gone. Voter registration drives in communities and on college campuses — gone.”

“61 years ago … this week, President Lyndon Johnson came to the Capitol and addressed a joint session of Congress in the wake of Bloody Sunday, and pushed Congress to pass the Voting Rights Act. 61 years later, Donald Trump and this Republican majority want to take us backwards. We’re not going to let that happen.”

“We should get off the SAVE Act, put it to bed, and get back to the business of the people: addressing high costs, addressing this war with Iran that American people are paying the price for. Congress did not authorize this, but we’re paying the price at the pump and in so many ways. Let’s get back to the real work of the American people.”

Video of Padilla’s remarks is available to watch online here and can be downloaded here.

“Republicans know that Americans are sick of Trump’s skyrocketing prices, rampant corruption, and costly foreign wars. But rather than working to fix their policies and improve the lives of American families, Republicans have resorted to trying to cheat to get ahead,” said Leader Schumer. “They are working to kick tens of millions of Americans off the voting rolls – with no justification, no notification, and no easy way to re-register. This is not a voter ID law. This is a radical voter suppression law. Senate Democrats will never stop fighting to protect our democracy from this despicable legislation.”

Padilla has led the charge opposing President Trump and Republicans’ reckless attempts to restrict the right to vote. Yesterday, Padilla took to the Senate floor to lead the opposition to Trump and Republicans’ anti-voter SAVE America Act. Padilla, Schumer, Representative Joe Morelle (N.Y.-25), and voting rights advocates also held a press conference rejecting Trump and Congressional Republicans’ attempted election takeover, including through the SAVE America Act. Last month, Padilla took to the Senate floor to condemn Republicans’ attempts to pass the SAVE America Act. Last May, he stopped Senator Mike Lee’s (R-Utah) attempt to pass the anti-voter SAVE Act through the Senate by unanimous consent. He also convened a Rules Committee Democrats spotlight forum focused on Congressional Republicans’ SAVE Act and Trump’s illegal anti-voter executive order. As President Trump marked 100 disastrous days in office, Padilla led his Democratic colleagues on the Senate floor to speak out against the SAVE Act and the Trump Administration’s attacks on election integrity. Last April, he warned Secretaries of State, Lieutenant Governors, and Chief Election Officials across the country of the devastating potential impacts of the SAVE Act, concerns that have been echoed by top election officials across the country.

In January, Senator Padilla and Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) led 26 Senate colleagues in pressing DOJ to stop its unlawful pressure campaign to coerce dozens of states into providing the Trump Administration their voter rolls, which include voters’ personally identifiable information. Last October, Padilla and Senator Gary Peters (D-Mich.) filed an amicus brief supporting a lawsuit opposing the Trump Administration’s illegal ongoing attempts to purge state voter rolls across the country by developing a massive interagency database of Americans’ sensitive personal data. Additionally, Padilla and Representative Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio-03) announced the Voter Purge Protection Act last year to prevent the Trump Administration’s ongoing voter purge efforts, including by prohibiting the removal of individuals from the voter rolls due to changes in residence or not voting in previous elections.

###


Padilla Statement on César Chávez

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) issued the following statement regarding reports of sexual abuse by César Chávez:

“These are heartbreaking, horrific accounts of abuse. I stand with the survivors, commend them for their bravery in sharing their stories, and condemn the abhorrent actions they described. The survivors deserve to be heard. They deserve to be supported. They deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.

“There must be zero tolerance for abuse, exploitation, and the silencing of victims, no matter who is involved.

“Confronting painful truths and ensuring accountability is essential to honoring the very values the greater farm worker movement stands for — values rooted in dignity and justice for all.”

###


Reed Calls for Oversight as Trump’s SEC Withholds Critical Data & Makes Enforcement Disappear

WASHINGTON, DC – Under the Trump Administration’s watch, enforcement by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has begun to disappear. Cases against corporate wrongdoers have dropped precipitously, allowing those who broke securities laws to go unpunished, leaving defrauded investors without relief, and diminishing the integrity of U.S. financial markets.

Since President Trump took office, SEC staffing has dropped by 17%, including heavy cuts to the SEC Enforcement Division. Paired with the SEC’s spending on enforcement being slashed in half, monetary penalties have decreased by 45%, and disgorgement – requiring wrongdoers to give up ill-gotten gains – has dropped by 98% to the lowest rate in modern history by far, according to private analyses.

Earlier this week, the SEC’s enforcement director abruptly resigned only six months after being hired and without the announcement of a permanent replacement. Combined with the disappearance of meaningful enforcement, this leadership churn suggests an enforcement program that is adrift and that is not doing its job to investigate and punish past wrongdoing and deter future misconduct.

In a letter to the Trump Administration’s SEC Chairman Paul Atkins, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) demanded that the SEC promptly release the agency’s fiscal year 2025 enforcement results. This data is usually announced every single year, and it is now months overdue. This unprecedented delay raises fresh questions about what the SEC is trying to hide.

“I write to request that you release detailed data on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s enforcement program for 2025 without further delay,” Reed wrote. “For decades, this information has been published each year between October and November through a press release with supporting data.”

Senator Reed’s letter follows a Senate Banking hearing on February 12, 2026 in which Reed repeatedly pressed Chairman Atkins on disappearing enforcement, called for increased oversight, and demanded to know when the SEC enforcement report would be made public.

“As we discussed during your testimony before the Senate Banking Committee on February 12, there is significant concern based on private sector analysis that the SEC is abandoning its enforcement mission,” Reed continued. “You disputed that conclusion and the underlying data. You also said that the SEC would be publishing official enforcement results for 2025 ‘in the next few weeks,’ claiming that the government shutdown delayed its timely release at the end of last year.”

Reed called for Chairman Atkins to release 2025 enforcement data no later than March 23, and pointed out the inconsistencies with the argument Atkins made during the February 12 hearing: “It is now one month since your testimony and four months since the SEC reopened. While the Commission still has not released its enforcement data, since the shutdown ended the agency has published a dozen studies and reports. These include many that are far more detailed and complex than the enforcement data, such as the SEC’s 2025 Agency Financial Report that stretches to 132 pages and contains the agency’s financial statements,” Reed concluded.

It is the SEC’s job to recover investors’ money and impose penalties when wrongdoers break U.S. securities laws. Congress relies on SEC enforcement data to ensure the agency is adequately fulfilling its mission and protecting the integrity of the nation’s markets. The last time SEC staffing and enforcement actions dropped to historic lows as they appear to be today, it missed Bernie Madoff’s fraud and the Wall Street practices that led to the 2008 financial crisis.

Just this week, it was announced that the SEC Enforcement Division Director, Judge Margaret A. Ryan, has resigned from her post after only six months on the job. This departure is yet another red flag at the SEC, as Enforcement Directors routinely hold their positions for years.

The full letter can be viewed here and continues below.

March 17, 2026

The Honorable Paul Atkins, Chairman

Securities and Exchange Commission

100 F Street NE

Washington, D.C. 20549

Dear Chairman Atkins:

I write to request that you release detailed data on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s enforcement program for 2025 without further delay. For decades, this information has been published each year between October and November through a press release with supporting data.

As we discussed during your testimony before the Senate Banking Committee on February 12, there is significant concern based on private sector analysis that the SEC is abandoning its enforcement mission. You disputed that conclusion and the underlying data. You also said that the SEC would be publishing official enforcement results for 2025 “in the next few weeks,” claiming that the government shutdown delayed its timely release at the end of last year.

It is now one month since your testimony and four months since the SEC reopened. While the Commission still has not released its enforcement data, since the shutdown ended the agency has published a dozen studies and reports. These include many that are far more detailed and complex than the enforcement data, such as the SEC’s 2025 Agency Financial Report that stretches to 132 pages and contains the agency’s financial statements.

The SEC’s annual enforcement results are essential for Congress to assess the Commission’s performance and to evaluate its budget request for Fiscal Year 2027. I ask that the agency publish this information by March 23.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I look forward to your prompt response.

Sincerely,


Ricketts Introduces Senate Companion to Steil’s Stop Insider Trading Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) introduced the Stop Insider Trading Actin the Senate. This is companion legislation to Congressman Bryan Steil’s (R-WI-01) bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill prohibits Members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children from purchasing publicly traded stocks and mandates a seven-day public notice period before any stock sales can be executed. Senators Dave McCormick (R-PA), Jon Husted (R-OH), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Todd Young (R-IN), Steve Daines (R-MT), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Jim Risch (R-ID), and John Cornyn (R-TX) co-sponsored this resolution.

“No lawmaker should ever profit from insider information. Nebraskans send us to Congress to build a better country. Public service is a privilege, not a profit center,” said Senator Ricketts. “Trust in Congress remains at an all-time low. To fix that, we need to prove we are playing by the same rules as everyone else. In Nebraska, we value a hard day’s work and playing fair. This bill brings Nebraska common sense to the Senate floor to ensure Congress serves the people.”

“I’m grateful to Senator Ricketts for leading the Stop Insider Trading Act in the Senate,” said Chairman Steil. “Our bill ensures no lawmaker is able to profit off of insider information, and I’m confident we will succeed in getting this bill to President Trump’s desk.”

“The American people need to know that their elected officials are working for them, not for their own portfolios. No member of Congress should be able to use information gained through public service for private profit,” said Senator McCormick. “Putting a stop to buying individual stocks in Congress is about restoring trust, ensuring accountability, and making clear that public office is a public responsibility—not a financial opportunity.”

“Public trust in elected officials is essential to our democratic process, and those who sent us here deserve to know Members of Congress are not profiting from the positions they hold,” said Senator Fischer. “The Stop Insider Trading Act ensures Members cannot use insider knowledge for financial gain, and offers a clear, common-sense approach to how Congress regulates itself. I thank Senator Ricketts and House Administration Committee Chairman Steil for their leadership in restoring trust in those who serve.”

“Hardworking Americans expect their leaders to play by the same rules that they do. This is not complicated – members of Congress shouldn’t be trading individual stocks while making decisions that move markets,” said Senator Marshall. “The Stop Insider Trading Act is the right thing to restore trust, and we need to pass it and get it to President Trump’s desk.”

“Members of Congress shouldn’t cash in on information the public doesn’t have. That’s wrong,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Let’s put a stop to it.”

“Members of Congress using information not available to the public in order to profit from buying and selling stocks harms everyday Americans’ trust in government,” said Senator Cornyn. “This legislation will bring greater transparency and accountability to Washington for the American people, and I’m grateful to Senator Ricketts for leading this effort.”

“I’ve heard concerns from many Hoosiers about those serving in Congress unfairly profiting from their positions,” said Senator Young. “I fully support this effort to ensure protections are put in place to ensure that no one in Congress can benefit financially from public service and the trust placed in them by voters.”

The Stop Insider Trading Act will:

Implement a Total Ban on Buying: Prohibit Members, spouses, and dependent children from purchasing any new stocks in publicly traded companies.

Mandate Transparency in Selling: Require public notice at least seven days, but no more than 14 days, in advance of any intended sale.

Enforce Real Consequences: Establish a penalty of $2,000 or 10% of the investment value (whichever is greater), plus the forfeiture of any net gain realized from the sale.

Calibration: Stop insider trading without preventing successful people from the private sector from serving.


Ricketts’ Letter Calls on FDA to Address Kratom Scheduling Loophole

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) led a letter to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Makary recommending scheduling action of the whole Kratom leaf and 7-OH under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). 7-OH is a Kratom-derived opioid that can be more potent than morphine. Kratom-derived concentrates are found online and in gas stations as tablets, gummies, and drink mixes. This makes them easily accessible and attractive to young Americans. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), John Boozman (R-AR), Katie Britt (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Steve Daines (R-MT), James Justice (R-WV), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) also signed this letter.

In the letter, Senator Ricketts detailed the detrimental effects 7-OH has on Americans, especially teenagers and children. The product increasingly causes addiction, seizures and, in some instances, deaths. Kratom is currently banned in six states and Washington, D.C., and at least 18 states have some form of regulation.

The letter reads:

“Young people across the country have reported growing addicted to kratom supplements, consuming up to a dozen products a day and going through severe withdrawal symptoms after ceasing use. Some cities, counties and states have responded by banning kratom or raising the minimum purchase age to 18 or 21. But in many areas, enforcement remains inconsistent, and some addiction specialists say clearer federal guidance is needed.

“Singling out 7-OH to schedule would leave these addictive products on the shelf and tacitly declare them safe for consumption. There will be no standardized control over product quality, concentration, or labeling, allowing inconsistent and potentially dangerous products to stay on the market.”

Read the full letter here and below:

Commissioner Makary:

We appreciate the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) targeting 7-hydroxymitragynine (7- OH), a concentrated byproduct of the kratom plant. As you know, 7-OH is an opioid that can be more potent than morphine. We are particularly concerned with the products that appeal to teenagers and children. Kratom-derived concentrates in forms like tablets, gummies, and drink mixes are available online and in gas stations. This makes them easily accessible and attractive to young Americans.

Recommending scheduling action of 7-OH under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) is an important first step. However, we encourage you to consider scheduling the whole kratom leaf, given that some of the most accessible and addictive products contain whole kratom leaf, not 7- OH.

So-called “herbal supplements” are sold at many gas stations and retailers across the country. Their ingredients include kava extract, which the company says promotes relaxation and lifts mood. They also include kratom leaf, which is said to enhance energy and focus. The supplement only contains trace amounts of 7-OH, so it would not be regulated under the CSA if 7-OH is scheduled

To be clear, the kratom leaf acts on mu-opioid receptors, similar to opioids. Frequent use leads to tolerance, dependence and withdrawal symptoms that resemble those from morphine or heroin. Reported side effects of kratom include nausea, vomiting, constipation, tremors, seizures, hallucinations, elevated blood pressure and liver damage.

Young people across the country have reported growing addicted to kratom supplements, consuming up to a dozen products a day and going through severe withdrawal symptoms after ceasing use.

Some cities, counties and states have responded by banning kratom or raising the minimum purchase age to 18 or 21. But in many areas, enforcement remains inconsistent, and some addiction specialists say clearer federal guidance is needed.

Singling out 7-OH to schedule would leave these addictive products on the shelf and tacitly declare them safe for consumption. There will be no standardized control over product quality, concentration, or labeling, allowing inconsistent and potentially dangerous products to stay on the market.We remain committed to protecting America’s youth from dangerous and addictive substances and look forward to working with you to address the full scope of the rising danger of the kratom plant through the CSA.


El Senador Rick Scott Anuncia una Legislación que Reprime las Ciudades Santuario y Pone a los Estadounidenses en Primer Lugar

WASHINGTON, D.C. – El Senador Rick Scott anunció la introducción de su Ley de Unificación de Intereses de Seguridad Estadounidenses (UASI, por sus siglas en inglés) y la Ley de Mejora de la Seguridad de Eventos de Jurisdicción Santuario para reprimir las ciudades santuario y evitar que utilicen los impuestos federales para poner a inmigrantes ilegales criminales por encima del pueblo estadounidense.

El Senador Rick Scott dijo: "Los políticos demócratas están poniendo a los inmigrantes ilegales en primer lugar y al pueblo estadounidense de último, acogiendo a los criminales en ciudades santuario donde se niegan a hacer cumplir nuestras leyes. El Presidente Trump está haciendo su parte asegurando la frontera, ahora el Congreso debe aprobar mis proyectos de ley para responsabilizar a las ciudades y estados santuario reteniendo los impuestos federales hasta que cooperen con las fuerzas del orden federal."

Mira las declaraciones del Senador Scott en la audiencia del Comité de Presupuesto de la semana pasada en las que exponen las ciudades santuario AQUÍ.

La Ley Unificadora de los Intereses de Seguridad Estadounidenses (UASI):

Codifica la política existente de DHS que exige que al menos el 30% de todas las subvenciones de la UASI se destinen a cinco Áreas Prioritarias Nacionales (NPA)

Mejora la protección de objetivos blandos o lugares concurridos

Apoya a las fuerzas de tarea de Seguridad Nacional y a los centros de fusión

Mejora e integra la resiliencia en ciberseguridad

Mejora la seguridad electoral

Apoya la respuesta y la aplicación de la ley en crisis fronterizas

Vincula explícitamente la elegibilidad para estas subvenciones a la cooperación de ICE, incluyendo el reconocimiento de las solicitudes de arresto, la formación conjunta y el intercambio de información

La Ley de Mejora de la Seguridad de Eventos de Jurisdicción Santuario:

Prohíbe que las “jurisdicciones santuario” reciban fondos de calificación para evaluación de eventos especiales de DHS para la seguridad del evento, a menos que la jurisdicción certifique que cumplen plenamente con la ley federal de inmigración

Cualquier fondo destinado a jurisdicciones que no cumplan será reasignado a las Operaciones de Cumplimiento y Expulsión de ICE

Exige al DHS presentar un informe semestral al Congreso sobre fondos retenidos y reasignados, incluidos los resultados y riesgos de seguridad

###


Sen. Rick Scott Announces Legislation Cracking Down on Sanctuary Cities and Putting Americans First

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Rick Scott announced the introduction of his Unifying American Security Interests (UASI) Act and the Sanctuary Jurisdiction Event Security Enhancement Act to crack down on sanctuary cities and stop them from using federal tax dollars to put criminal illegal aliens over the American people.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Democrat politicians are putting illegal aliens first and the American people last, harboring criminals in sanctuary cities where they refuse to enforce our laws. President Trump is doing his part by securing the border, now Congress must pass my bills to hold sanctuary cities and states accountable by withholding federal tax dollars until they cooperate with federal law enforcement.”

Watch Senator Scott’s remarks in last week’s Budget Committee hearing exposing sanctuary cities HERE.

The Unifying American Security Interests (UASI) Act:

Codifies existing DHS policy that requires at least 30% of all UASI grants go to five National Priority Areas (NPA)

Enhances the protection of soft targets/crowded places

Supports Homeland Security task forces and fusion centers

Enhances and integrating cybersecurity resiliency

Enhances election security

Supports Border Crisis response and enforcement

Explicitly ties eligibility for these grants to ICE cooperation, including honoring detainers, joint training, and information-sharing

The Sanctuary Jurisdiction Event Security Enhancement Act:

Prohibits “sanctuary jurisdictions” from receiving DHS Special Event Assessment Rating Funding for event security unless the jurisdiction certifies they are in full compliance with federal immigration law

Any funds intended for jurisdictions not in compliance will be reallocated to ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations

Requires DHS to submit a semiannual report to Congress on withheld and reallocated funds, including outcomes and security risks

###


Rosen Introduces Bill to Prohibit Cabinet Members from Using Taxpayer Dollars for Self-Promotion Campaigns

This Legislation Comes In Light Of Reporting That Secretary Of Homeland Security Kristi Noem Spent $220 Million in Tax Dollars To Pay A Firm With Ties To Her For Ads Featuring Herself

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen introduced the No Self-Promotion with Public Dollars Act to prohibit members of the President’s Cabinet from using taxpayer dollars to run self-promoting ad campaigns, and from hiring any political consulting and advertising firms with which they and other high-ranking agency officials have ties. In testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee earlier this month, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem admitted to using $220 million in taxpayer dollars for an advertising campaign in which she is prominently featured. According to reporting, the contracts for these ads were then awarded to firms with ties to sitting cabinet members, senior executive political appointees, and Donald Trump.

“At a time when Donald Trump and Washington Republicans cut much-needed Medicaid funding to pay for tax cuts for billionaires, Kristi Noem burned through $220 million in taxpayer funds on a self-serving, self-promoting ad campaign,” said Senator Rosen. “No other Cabinet official should ever be allowed to waste Americans’ hard-earned dollars in that way or hire their friends’ political ad-making firms. I’m proud to introduce this bill to cut down on this shameful practice and protect tax dollars.”

Senator Rosen has been a vocal defender of taxpayer dollars against waste, fraud, and abuse. Her bipartisan No CORRUPTION Act, which closed a loophole that allowed former members of Congress to continue receiving taxpayer-funded pensions after being convicted of felonies, was signed into law. Last Congress, Senator Rosen also supported the Government Spending Oversight Act to help reduce waste, fraud, and abuse in federal spending. Earlier that year, she announced that the bipartisan Billion Dollar Boondoggle Act she joined to increase transparency in government projects that are delayed or over budget passed the Senate.


Schmitt Applauds Trump Administration Repeal of Harmful Biden-Era Housing Regulations, Expanding Access to Homeownership

Repeal Follows Schmitt’s Letter Urging FHFA to Reverse Biden-Era Mandate Limiting Homeowners’ Insurance Choice

WASHINGTON, D.C. — FollowingU.S. Senator Eric Schmitt’s push (R-MO), the Trump Administration today announced the repeal of Biden-Era mandate prohibiting actual cash value (ACV) homeowners’ insurance policies, making homeowners insurance more affordable for American families and rural communities. Schmitt called on Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director William “Bill” Pulte to reverse this harmful mandate last year.

“Imposing higher costs on families and limiting consumer choice was another outrageous example of big government overreach by the Biden Administration. I’m grateful to the Trump Administration and FHFA Director Pulte for working with me to repeal this harmful mandate, giving families the flexibility they need and ensuring rural communities have better access to choose an insurance plan that best reflects their needs,” said Senator Schmitt.

Under the former mandate requiring replacement cost value (RCV) coverage, homeowners’ insurance costs soared, reducing the American dream to a “one size fits all” and making it harder for the average American to become a homeowner. Instead of empowering individuals to decide coverage plans for themselves, the federal government restricted consumer choice, forcing families to pay higher premiums.

Read Senator Schmitt’s letter to FHFA Director Pulte HERE.

Statements of Support:

“More choices and fewer mandates will make homeowners insurance more affordable for consumers. Sen. Schmitt’s efforts to eliminate these needless coverage restrictions have been crucial to lowering costs and keeping the dream of homeownership within reach for all Americans. NAMIC commends the Senator for his leadership and important work on behalf of Missourians and consumers nationwide,” said Jimi Grande, NAMIC SVP of Federal and Political Affairs.

“We appreciate Senator Schmitt’s strong stance on this important issue. Access to a wide range of affordable coverage options provides flexibility to homeowners to choose what works best for them. As we work to bring the next generation home to rural America, we will continue to seek commonsense policy solutions in this space and others,” said Garrett Hawkins, President of Missouri Farm Bureau.

###


On Senate Floor, Shaheen Slams Republicans’ SAVE America Act: ‘This Bill Prevents Americans from Voting.’

**Shaheen detailed how a similar New Hampshire state law has disenfranchised voters**

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) took to the Senate floor this evening to voice her strong opposition to Republicans’ partisan SAVE America Act and underscore how the misguided effort would prevent millions of voters from exercising their civic duty. Click HERE to watch Shaheen’s remarks in full.

Key quotes from Senator Shaheen:

“Right now what the families in New Hampshire are worried about is paying their grocery bills, being able to afford their rent or their mortgage, being able to heat their homes, being able to pay for child care. They're worried about the rising costs of health care premiums. And we're here debating a bill that is going to have the federal government intervening in how states operate elections in ways that make it harder for people to vote.”

“The question before us is straightforward: Does this SAVE Act make it easier for eligible Americans to vote, or harder? Does it disenfranchise voters or ensure that people who are legitimate voters who want to vote are able to go to the polls and do that? So, to answer that question, I think we need to look at the problem this bill is meant to solve. And when you look at the data, noncitizen voting is exceedingly rare. So rare, it's less than one hundredth of one percent. Even organizations that have gone looking for noncitizen voters have found fewer than 100 cases over more than two decades - over more than 20 years.”

“This bill prevents Americans from voting. And that's not acceptable. I think we can enforce the law, we can ensure that eligible Americans are able to vote. Today, voters already confirm they're eligible under penalty of perjury. Election officials already have tools to verify that information. And in states like New Hampshire, before House bill 1569, we had a system that allowed voters to register and yet still required documentation to be provided.”

“It doesn't strengthen our election system, it weakens it. And at a time when my constituents in New Hampshire are paying more to heat their homes, when fuel prices are spiking, when gasoline prices are spiking, the fact that we're here—instead of debating how to help people address the rising cost of living, how to make their lives more affordable—we're debating how to make it harder for them to vote. That makes no sense.”

Full remarks as delivered:

I came to the floor this afternoon in opposition to the SAVE Act.

And I must admit, listening to some of the proponents of the Act talk, it doesn't sound to me like they're talking about the same piece of legislation that I understand we're going to be voting on. But I'll get to that in a minute.

The fact is that I don't understand the timing on voting on this bill, because right now what the families in New Hampshire are worried about is paying their grocery bills, being able to afford their rent or their mortgage, being able to heat their homes, being able to pay for child care. They're worried about the rising costs of health care premiums.

And we're here debating a bill that is going to have the federal government intervening in how states operate elections in ways that make it harder for people to vote.

I don't have any objection to my colleagues here who are talking about, “they support the SAVE Act because they believe only American citizens should vote.”

That's the law. Only American citizens can vote in American elections.

Nobody's trying to change that.

What this law is trying to do is make it harder for American citizens to vote.

And I know from personal experience.

Because New Hampshire passed a similar law, House Bill 1569, in 2024, and then Governor Sununu signed that law, making some of the most sweeping changes in generations in how people in the Granite State vote.

And we've seen the results now. We've had two municipal elections. We've had the elections in 2025, where our cities voted, and we've seen the town meeting elections in 2026.

That law was in effect. And what we saw is that voters showed up with driver's licenses as an ID, and they were told that wasn't enough. That didn't match the requirements of the law, just like the SAVE Act says it's not enough.

Women showed up with birth certificates, and they were told it doesn't match their legal names—so that wasn't enough, they couldn't vote.

First-time voters showed up expecting to register and they were told they needed a passport. Each of these voters came prepared with an ID. In New Hampshire, we require photo IDs. Each of them had photo IDs. And each of them was told they didn't have what they needed.

That's what this debate is about.

It's about whether people who have photo IDs, who are registered to vote, can actually vote.

And in our polling places in New Hampshire, and town halls, and high school cafeterias, and public libraries, and churches, and fire stations, when an eligible voter is told they don't have what they need, in many cases, they're not told anything more. Not what documents are missing, not how to fix it, not whether they can still vote that day.

They're just told, no, they can't vote.

And if they can't come back, because they have work or child care or transportation, then they don't get to vote, even though they're eligible.

And that's what should concern all of us. Democrats and Republicans, unaffiliated voters.

As I said, only American citizens should vote in American elections. Nobody's trying to change that. That's the law. It should be enforced.

The question before us is straightforward: Does this SAVE Act make it easier for eligible Americans to vote, or harder?

Does it disenfranchise voters or ensure that people who are legitimate voters who want to vote are able to go to the polls and do that?

So, to answer that question, I think we need to look at the problem this bill is meant to solve.

And when you look at the data, noncitizen voting is exceedingly rare. I mean, like so rare, it's less than one hundredth of one percent.

Even organizations that have gone looking for noncitizen voters have found fewer than 100 cases over more than two decades, over more than 20 years.

Now, what the SAVE Act says you have to do in order to register to vote, is that you have to have proof of citizenship that is a passport or a birth certificate.

And we know that 146 million Americans, almost half of all Americans, lack a valid passport.

And some of my colleagues said this was not going to affect women. But, well, I'm sorry, but it is going to affect women, because if women are married, like me, and took their husband's name, like I did, my birth certificate doesn't have my married name on my birth certificate.

And not only that, I didn't have easy access when I applied for a passport—and I was an adult by the time I got a passport. I had to send away to Missouri, because that's where I was born. It took me weeks to get my birth certificate.

We know that about 69 million married women have taken their husband's name and they don't have birth certificates that match their current legal name.

So, in New Hampshire, our Secretary of State, who has refused to comply when this Administration, this Justice Department, said, “send us your voter rolls,” he said, and the State of New Hampshire said, “we're not going to do that, because the State conducts our elections, we're doing this appropriately and you don't need the voter rolls.”

But he said that instances of voter fraud are minuscule. And he's a Republican.

I think if this were a widespread problem, we would expect a bipartisan effort to address it. But what we're considering is a very partisan bill that blocks eligible voters.

More than 21 million Americans don't have easy access to documents that prove citizenship.

Many don't have documents that reflect their current legal name.

As I said, my birth certificate doesn't have my current legal name on it.

In some cases, that means that voters have to leave and return multiple times, because their documents don't match.

After we passed this voter ID Law in New Hampshire, I went to vote in Madbury, where I've been registered since I moved to Madbury in 1979, when we built our home there.

I've run for office about ten times. My name has been on the ballot. Everybody in the town of Madbury who is part of the voting process knows exactly who I am.

I got into the polling place, and they said, “nope,” you can't vote. We know who you are, but you got to go get your voter ID.

Well, fortunately, I'd left it in the car, so, I went out and got it and brought it back.

But for a lot of people, if they have to go home and get the documents that they need, often they're not able to get back, because the polling hours in some polling places, like Madbury, don't go all day long.

They start at 11:00 in the morning and they're over at 7:00 at night in Madbury.

Now, as I said, in the municipal elections, what nonpartisan observers found was that at least 244 voters were turned away.

In some communities, it was as many as one in ten same-day registrants who couldn't complete the process.

Women were turned away because their documents didn't match their current legal name.

In March of 2025, New Hampshire Public Radio reported that Brooke Young of Derry had to make multiple trips to the polls because her documents didn't match her married name.

This wasn't limited just to new voters or to people unfamiliar with the system.

It included people who had participated in our elections for years, people like me.

This bill prevents Americans from voting, and that's not acceptable.

I think we can enforce the law, we can ensure that eligible Americans are able to vote. Today, voters already confirm they're eligible under penalty of perjury.

Election officials already have tools to verify that information. And in states like New Hampshire, before House Bill 1569, we had a system that allowed voters to register and yet still required documentation to be provided.

For years, voters who didn't have documentation could sign a sworn affidavit and provide it after the fact. That gives local officials clear, workable standards.

Right now, under the SAVE America Act, the affidavit that's required doesn't provide guidelines for voter registration officials to understand what's required for proof of citizenship.

It creates this new bureaucratic process, but then it doesn't give state officials the details on what they need to do.

This bill moves us in the direction of replacing a system that has worked in practice with one that risks turning eligible Americans away.

One of my favorite examples, because it's so outrageous, of what happened in the municipal elections in New Hampshire, is that we had a former Republican executive counselor—in New Hampshire, we have this position called Executive Council that's a carryover from colonial days. It's a five-member elected body that approves all state contracts and all of the Governor's nominees.

And we had a very prominent former Executive Councilor, Republican, who was turned away at the polls because he didn't have the required documentation.

Not because he was ineligible. He had changed wards, from one ward to another, and because he had changed wards, he had been purged from the voter rolls.

So, he went back and got the proof of where he was living, and they said, oh no, because you've been purged, we need proof of citizenship.

Again, this is somebody who had run for elected office multiple times in New Hampshire. Who was well-known to election officials in the Republican party, was well-known.

He had to go back. He was asked to go back to get proof of his citizenship.

Unfortunately, he couldn't produce that proof of citizenship in the time required before the polls closed, and so, because he didn't have it, he wasn't allowed to vote.

That's what happens under this law.

That's the consequence of this approach.

And it doesn't just affect new voters, voters unfamiliar with the process, it affects people who know the process well.

It doesn't strengthen our election system, it weakens it.

And at a time when my constituents in New Hampshire are paying more to heat their homes, when fuel prices are spiking, when gasoline prices are spiking, the fact that we're here debating this instead of debating how to help people address the rising cost of living, how to make their lives more affordable—we're debating how to make it harder for them to vote.

That makes no sense.

I urge my colleagues to oppose this bill, and let's get on to addressing what our constituents are really concerned about: Which is how to make their lives better, how to ensure that they can afford to feed their families, to make sure that they can afford to pay their rent, buy their gasoline and pay their bills.

Thank you, Mr. President, I yield the floor.

###