Committee Democrats Probe New “Fisherman in Residence” Role at NOAA

Washington, D.C. – Today, Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) and Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Ranking Member Maxine Dexter (D-Ore.) demanded transparency from the Commerce Department on the appointment of Dustin Delano as “Fisherman in Residence” at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, including his suspected conflicts of interest.

Transparency regarding this position is critical to the continued success of marine fisheries nationwide. The United States is the gold standard for healthy, sustainable fisheries that support 2.1 million jobs, contribute $319 billion to the U.S. economy, and provide American families with a healthy, affordable protein source. Conservation-focused, science-based fisheries policy developed in close collaboration with the fishing industry and local stakeholders supports fishing communities across the country.

“For the sake of the 2.1 million jobs that rely on healthy, sustainably managed fisheries, we seek full transparency regarding the role of “Fisherman in Residence,” the lawmakers said.

“It is our understanding that Mr. Dustin Delano has been appointed as “Fisherman in Residence” at NOAA. As such, we assume he is a NOAA employee, has been drawing a federal paycheck, and is advising on fisheries policy within NOAA. However, it is clear from his Facebook posts and other public activities that he continues to serve as an industry association advocate on matters before NOAA, raising questions about his impartiality and ability to serve in the best interests of the American people and fishing communities across the country,” the lawmakers wrote.

The lawmakers noted his continued roles with organizations that are heavily impacted by NOAA regulations and policies, including as Chairman and Chief Strategist of the New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association (NEFSA). “Mr. Delano’s non-government roles and professional work involve representing fishermen in litigation and advocacy that directly implicate NOAA and the regulated industries and stakeholders before it.” They cited evidence that suggests “Mr. Delano may be working inside NOAA on the very matters he was and continues to advocate for on behalf of NEFSA,” particularly a Facebook post in which Delano said he couldn’t testify at an International Trade Commission hearing on deregulatory actions favored by the industries he is working for.

“If Mr. Delano’s job at NOAA is enough to bar him from testifying, it should also bar him from secretly shaping internal agency action that affects the same interests he represents outside government. Unfortunately, without documented recusals and enforced screening, the public has no way to know whether NOAA’s decisions are being made on the merits or because of insider influence to benefit industries and the officials potentially benefiting from their success,” they write.

The lawmakers are requesting documentation by March 16, 2026, including:

All financial disclosure reports and related records filed by Mr. Delano

All documents or communications referring or relating to Mr. Delano, and involving any Department of Commerce or NOAA ethics officials, including: any deadline extension requests, reviews, or decisions about his financial disclosures as well as any ethics training, onboarding, and conflict of interest compliance materials provided to him

All official calendars, schedules, meeting invitations, agenda entries, and other scheduling records maintained by or for Mr. Delano in his official capacity as a Department of Commerce or NOAA employee

Read the full letter here.

Background

Last year, the Department of Commerce cancelled the Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee (MAFAC), limiting the ability of fishing communities to provide equal input in NOAA’s policy decisions. In lieu of MAFAC, NOAA appointed Dustin Delano – an industry insider – as the “Fisherman in Residence,” a singular position responsible for representing the diverse fishing communities and sectors across our country.

This is the latest in a string of investigations launched by Natural Resources Committee Democrats into whether federal employees in the Trump administration are complying with federal ethics laws governing conflicts of interest, impartiality, and outside activities, and whether ethics screening controls have been adequately implemented and enforced. The members have launched investigations into:

Tyler Hassen, the then-outgoing Principal Deputy Secretary for Policy, Management, and Budget as the Interior Department,regarding his sweeping powers and deep ties to industries he regulated.

Acting Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Director Matthew Giacona, regarding whether he violated federal ethics rules by engaging on matters directly tied to his prior lobbying work for the National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA), a powerful oil and gas lobbying group.

Interior Department Associate Deputy Secretary Karen Budd-Falen regarding potential conflicts of interest, ethics violations, and self-dealing related to her family's multi-million-dollar water deal with a Nevada lithium mine.

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LEADER JEFFRIES ON CNN: “THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ARE NOT INTERESTED IN THEIR TAXPAYER DOLLARS BEING SPENT FOR ANOTHER FAILED REGIME CHANGE WAR”

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on CNN’s News Central, where he highlighted the failure of the Trump administration to justify the ongoing strikes in Iran and Democrats’ plans to force a War Powers vote this week.

KATE BOLDUAN: Joining me right now is the top Democrat in the House, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Leader, thank you for being here today.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Good morning.

KATE BOLDUAN: An incredible chain of events that have happened in the last 48 hours and where we are in this moment. One thing we know is you’re a member of the Gang of Eight, you’re going to be getting a briefing later this morning. What is the biggest question you have going in that you want to or are going to say must have answered by the time you come out?

LEADER JEFFRIES: The administration has failed to provide any justification for these preemptive strikes. And so we’ll continue to look for information that they owe the American people to suggest that there was intelligence indicating that Iran was prepared to strike the United States. Nothing has been presented to justify what’s taken place up until this point, and the administration has an obligation to be able to prove that.

KATE BOLDUAN: Officials on Saturday said that there was intelligence that Iran could be preparing for a possible preemptive strike. That was contradicted on Sunday by other intelligence as reported to our sources. What you are saying is you have heard no reason for why Donald Trump ordered this strike now versus six months from now?

LEADER JEFFRIES: There’s no indication that Iran had reconstituted its nuclear program. There’s no indication that Iran was prepared to strike the United States preemptively or to strike any of our interests in the region. And there certainly is no justification for a regime change war. The American people want us to focus on making their life better, making their life more affordable, not getting involved in another endless war in the Middle East that is going to end in failure. This administration somehow found the resources,—has found billions of dollars—for bombs, but can’t find any money to actually bring down the high cost of living here in the United States of America.

KATE BOLDUAN: Couple quick things. Four, we’ve now—CENTCOM has now reported four U.S. service members have been killed in action. Do you know anything about that?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Other than the public reports, nothing has been presented to us, but we mourn with the families of those slain American heroes. And not another single American life should be lost before Congress has had the ability to actually weigh in, which is our plan this week.

KATE BOLDUAN: I want to get to that in just one second. Obviously you are from New York. New York always a target and a concern. The Governor had announced that police are increasing the presence at several places including religious and diplomatic sites in the city. Honestly, Congressman, Leader, how concerned should New Yorkers be about retaliation?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, we should all be concerned, that’s part of the problem, that Donald Trump has launched this unauthorized war in the Middle East, a very—

KATE BOLDUAN: Do you think it is more dangerous in New York today than it was 48 hours ago?

LEADER JEFFRIES: I think it’s fair to say we’ll see what is presented to us in the Gang of Eight briefing but that’s certainly going to be a point that we’re going to continue to make. How does this make any of us safer here in the United States of America, launching this preemptive war against Iran that apparently is a regime change war that has no justification for it connected to the threats that were directed at American interests?

KATE BOLDUAN: Tom Cotton, Republican Chairman of Senate Intelligence, he is obviously supporting this action, supporting the President’s moves, and he told Dana Bash yesterday he expects the military operation to be limited to striking missiles, missile launchers and, ultimately, its missile manufacturing capability. If it is limited to that, are you okay with it?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, that remains to be seen whether it’s to be limited or not. I don’t even understand the justification for what is taking place. What we do know is we’re seeing the beginning of an all-out war in the Middle East. At the same period of time where Donald Trump and his administration and Republicans have cut more than a trillion dollars from Medicaid, ripped away food in terms of nutritional assistance from hungry children, seniors and veterans and they’re spending our taxpayer dollars to start another war in the Middle East that we know is not going to end well for the American people and that has already cost the lives of four American servicemen or women.

KATE BOLDUAN: You mentioned War Powers. Okay, so votes on the War Powers Resolution are expected this week in the House, in the Senate. You want to constrain the President, the President here, very clearly. There are Democrats that are, though, supporting Trump’s operation here, including Senator John Fetterman. Let me play his reasoning.

RECORDING OF SENATOR FETTERMAN: I’m open to a better opportunity for more, more peace and prosperity for the Iranian people, for more security that Israel deserves. So that’s a point, and this was not an illegal war based on terms of what the War Powers Act is.

KATE BOLDUAN: He says, based on War Powers, this is not an illegal war. You say what?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, John Fetterman knows better. Article I of the Constitution explicitly provides Congress with the authority to declare war. Period, full stop. And the framers of the Constitution made that decision because they were concerned about kings, throughout time, getting their people into unnecessary wars, impoverishing them or imperiling their very well-being by sending them off to a foreign conflict. And that’s why the power was given explicitly to the House and to the Senate. And Donald Trump chose intentionally not to come before Congress, which is why we’re going to force this vote on a War Powers Resolution and make sure that we do everything we can to constrain him at this point in time.

KATE BOLDUAN: You need to get Republicans to come on board in order to do this, very clearly. If you don’t get Republican support that means what for Congress’s role as you watch this play out?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, we know it’s a bipartisan resolution to begin with, of course, it’s being carried by Representative Khanna and Representative Massie. I think there’s another Republican—

KATE BOLDUAN: You could lose a couple Democrats.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, we’re working hard to make sure that that doesn’t happen. We know we’ll have incredibly strong Democratic support. We’ll meet as a Caucus on Wednesday, following the all-Member briefing on Tuesday—

KATE BOLDUAN: So has Congress failed if you do not succeed with these votes?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Republicans have failed. Now, we’ve seen this wannabe king try to rip away Congress’s power of the purse. We’ve managed to reverse that. He’s tried to rip away Congress’s power as it relates to tariffs. Working with our attorneys general and governors and others across the country, we’ve managed to reverse that through the most recent Supreme Court decision. And we’re going to do the same thing as it relates to reclaiming Congress’s power with respect to matters of war and peace.

KATE BOLDUAN: What do you think happens if the Iranian people don’t, quote-unquote, ‘rise up’ after this?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, it’s extraordinary that Donald Trump is urging the Iranian people to rise up and acknowledging that this military action is connected to regime change—

KATE BOLDUAN: This has been a winding road, but this did begin with Donald Trump seeing the protests—massive protests—and the bloody crackdown that killed thousands that occurred in Iran. And Donald Trump said very clearly: keep protesting, help is on the way. And this then led to concerns from him on the nuclear program.

LEADER JEFFRIES: There’s nowhere in the United States Constitution where it says that we are to be the policemen and women of the world. I mean, that’s the reality. Yes, we are the leaders of the free world at this particular point in time, but there’s a role for the United State to play in terms of diplomacy, building coalitions, and none of that was done in this particular instance. And the American people, again, are not interested in their taxpayer dollars being spent for another failed regime change war.

KATE BOLDUAN: Heard strong statements coming from the British Prime Minister and from France, a collective statement basically speaking out and saying that they don’t support this unprovoked, the way they put it, this kind of unprovoked war. Do you hope though, if this continues, just given the reality that the UK, France, Germany, allies, they stand with the United States, no matter what President Trump decides to do here?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it, but that’s not clear that that’s going to happen because I think what we’re seeing in many parts of the world is an understanding that this was not just an unauthorized military set of strikes, it was unjustified. We still haven’t been provided any rationale that actually makes sense in terms of protecting the national security of the American people by Donald Trump and this administration.

KATE BOLDUAN: Do you think Trump can pull off a regime change without putting U.S. boots on the ground?

LEADER JEFFRIES: No, that’s impossible for him to do. Now he’s claiming that he’s not going to put U.S. boots on the ground, but he’s claimed a lot of things only to do the exact opposite. This is the same person who said he is coming back to the presidency to get America out of endless wars, and now he has just gotten us into a potential endless war in the Middle East, of all places, where we know based on what happened in Afghanistan, based on what happened in Iraq, based on what happened in Libya, it’s not going to end well for American interests.

KATE BOLDUAN: Leader Jeffries, thank you for coming in.

Full interview can be watched here.

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Kelly, Fischbach introduce TEAM USA Act to end the Victory Tax for All American Medalists

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- On Friday, U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA),Chairman of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Tax, Rep. Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), and other lawmakers introduced the Tax Exemption for American Medalists (TEAM USA) Act, legislation designed to ensure that when our athletes dominate the global stage, the IRS does not get to treat their excellence as a taxable offense.

The TEAM USA Act eliminates the “Victory Tax” for all American medalists, ensuring that the rewards of gold, silver, and bronze remain exactly what they are: symbols of national glory.

“America’s Olympians exemplify the spirit and greatness of our Nation. When our Olympians bring home the gold, they shouldn’t be punished with a burdensome tax bill, as well. The TEAM USA Act rewards the hard work, success, and the American Dream,” said Rep. Kelly.

“America is a nation built on the pursuit of greatness, and our Olympians and Paralympians are the ultimate proof of that spirit,” said Congresswoman Fischbach. “When our athletes win, the whole country wins with them. We should be doing everything in our power to celebrate these victories. We are proud of these Americans, we are proud to be American, and we should never get tired of seeing our flag at the top of the mast.”

The legislation is also co-led by Representatives Pete Stauber (R-MN), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), Tony Wied (R-WI), and Jeff Hurd (R-CO).

The TEAM USA Act is retroactive to January 1, 2026. You can learn more about the legislation here.


Rep. Mike Kelly statement on U.S. military operations in Iran

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- On Saturday, Feb. 28, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) released the following statement regarding U.S. military operations in Iran.

"President Trump’s decisive military action in Iran once again reinforces his commitment to American security both at home and abroad. Iran has proven time and time again it should not have nuclear weapons. The Iranian regime remains the world’s largest state sponsor of terror and has repeatedly targeted America and its allies for years," said Rep. Kelly. "Iranian leaders should work with U.S. officials to reach a diplomatic deal as soon as possible. God bless the men and women of our American military for their courage, dedication, and commitment."


Larsen Applauds New Resources for Businesses Recovering from December Floods

Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) applauded the news that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has made available low interest federal disaster loans to Washington businesses impacted by severe flooding last December.

“The communities I represent need federal support to rebuild from the devastating floods in December,” said Rep. Larsen. “These loans are an important step in the disaster relief process, and I will keep fighting for more funds to help families and businesses in Northwest Washington make a full recovery.”

The declaration covers Skagit, Snohomish, Island, Whatcom, and San Juan counties in the Second District.

Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and economic injury disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. Interest rates are as low as 4% for businesses, 3.625% for PNPs, and 2.875% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years.

Disaster recovery centers will be launched soon throughout the counties covered in the declaration.

The deadline to return physical damage applications is April 27. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Nov. 24.

More information from SBA is available here.

Apply online for the funding here.

Larsen Fights for Flood Recovery Resources

Rep. Larsen has been working to secure flood resources for affected businesses and families. This month, Rep. Larsen joined the Washington state’s entire Congressional delegation in a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to approve Governor Ferguson’s request for a major Disaster Declaration for Public Assistance to help repair state infrastructure damaged in December’s historic flooding.

Last month, Rep. Larsen joined the Washington state’s entire Congressional delegation in supporting Governor Ferguson’s application for federal Individual Assistance to aid survivors, which is currently pending approval. Back in December, Rep. Larsen joined the Washington delegation in a letter to President Trump urging him to approve Governor Ferguson’s request for an expedited Emergency Declaration for the devastating storms and severe flooding hitting Washington state—that request was approved.

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Connecticut Delegation Demands Reversal to Proposed Trump Administration Rule Classifying Nursing Degrees as Non-Professional

Hartford, CT – Today, the Connecticut Congressional delegation sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Education, demanding a reversal of the Trump Administration’s proposed student loan cuts which would exclude nursing from “professional” graduate-level degrees, cutting the available federal student loans to nursing students in half compared to “professional” degrees. The proposed rule is a result of cuts to federal student loans in President Trump’s Big, Ugly Bill (H.R. 1). The letter was submitted under a comment period for the Administration’s proposed rule.

“This is not the time, in the midst of a nursing crisis, to limit the student pipeline to these critical fields or leave prospective nurses vulnerable to the private student loan market. Nurses ensure the health and safety of millions and nurse faculty educate the next generation. As such, we urge the Department to revise its draft rule and classify post-baccalaureate nursing degrees under the definition of ‘professional degree,’” the Members wrote.


Larson, Blumenthal, Murphy Announce Landmark Project Labor Agreement Requirement, Securing Union Jobs for $345 Million Hartford Courthouse Construction

Hartford, CT – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) and Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy announced a new federal determination they negotiated with the General Services Administration (GSA) to require a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) for the upcoming $345 million courthouse construction project in Hartford. This new determination will secure hundreds of good-paying, union construction jobs for the new U.S. District Courthouse on Allyn Street.

“Our delegation has worked together for many years to secure the funding needed to build a new courthouse in Hartford and press the GSA to oversee a bidding process that does right by our workers,” said Larson. “We brought together a broad coalition to secure this determination, including the Building Trades and local leaders like Mayor Arunan Arulampalam, who understand the importance of good-paying union jobs in our community. As Big Business and their allies continue to try to cut labor out of the process, we will keep fighting to make sure no one can deny Connecticut workers the pay and benefits they deserve. I will always stand with our hard-working men and women in construction, and will continue to work with our federal, state, and local partners to see this project through.”

“This agreement will ensure high quality craftsmanship and good wages for skilled workers as they build Hartford’s much needed new courthouse,” said Blumenthal. “Project Labor Agreements are a win-win, ensuring that workers are fairly compensated, and projects are cost effective and completed on time. Our delegation strongly encouraged this agreement and advocated for the project’s funding, and I am thrilled it is moving forward.”

“Building a new courthouse is a massive project that will create hundreds of jobs in Hartford. This decision is a huge win for workers and I’m grateful to my colleagues for their partnership in making sure these workers are paid livable wages and working on sites that are safe,” said Murphy.

“Project Labor Agreements not only mean better-paying jobs for our members here in Hartford, but also a safer worksite, better building materials, and in this case, a more modern and reliable courthouse for our community. They are an essential part of any significant construction project,” said Hartford Building Trades President Mike Grabowski. “The hard-working men and women of the Building Trades are grateful to Congressman Larson and Senators Blumenthal and Murphy, who worked tirelessly across multiple administrations to bring this $345 million project to Hartford and secure this landmark determination from the federal government for the workers we represent.”


Lawler Writes Letter to Secretary McMahon regarding Professional Degree Definition

Washington, D.C. – 2/27/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler left a public comment on the Department of Education’s proposed rule titled “Reimagining and Improving Student Education,” urging the Department to revise its interpretation of “professional degree” to align with existing federal regulations.

How “professional degree” is defined will directly impact students pursuing careers that require advanced education and licensure. In the Working Families Tax Cuts bill, students in qualifying professional programs would have access to higher loan caps. If the Department narrows that definition beyond existing law and regulation, it could exclude students in critical fields like nursing, physical therapy, and social work.

“The truth is that many of these professions need advanced degrees and licenses to begin and continue practice. Additionally, scope of practice varies from state to state for many of the covered professions as well. Further, there is nothing in current statute or prior regulation that supports the idea that professional degrees are only programs where those who obtain them, after licensure, can practice without supervision,” wrote the lawmaker.

The full letter can be found HERE.

Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

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Lofgren Statement on US Military Action in Iran

"Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth have both referred to this as a 'war' and one that may require 'boots on the ground'. Starting a war requires the consent of Congress," Rep. Lofgren said. "Donald Trump has not made any attempt to justify to the Congress or the American people why this act of war was necessary at this time, how long he expects this war to last, or what his objectives are."


Rep. Nancy Mace Issues Statement On Release Of Full Clinton Deposition Tapes

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Mar. 2, 2026) —Today, Congresswoman Nancy Mace issued a statement following the House Oversight Committee's release of the full deposition tapes of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former President Bill Clinton, allowing the American people to see exactly what happened behind closed doors when the Clintons were questioned under oath.

"These tapes speak for themselves," said Congresswoman Mace. "We warned the American people about Hillary Clinton's unhinged behavior in the deposition and the video proves every word of it. We asked Bill Clinton the difficult but necessary questions. His long pauses and reactions say everything. No one gets a pass. Not the powerful, not the Clintons, not anyone."

Below are some clips of when Rep. Mace questioned both Hillary and Bill Clinton:

https://youtube.com/shorts/j9cu9inh-CE

https://youtube.com/shorts/q5c17ZZ8uGw

https://x.com/RepNancyMace/status/2028587128343470353?s=20

Watch the full deposition clip for Hillary ClintonHERE and Bill Clinton HERE.

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Malliotakis Applauds SCOTUS Ruling Preserving New York’s 11th Congressional District

(WASHINGTON, DC) — Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) released the following statement regarding the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to keep New York's 11th Congressional District intact.

"Today’s decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to keep New York’s 11th Congressional District intact helps restore the public’s confidence in our judicial system and proves the challenge to our district lines was always meritless. The plaintiffs in this case attempted to manipulate our state’s courts to use race as a weapon to rig our elections. That was wrong and, as demonstrated by today’s ruling, clearly unconstitutional. Unfortunately, the politicization of New York’s courts and its judges necessitated action from the nation’s highest court. I thank the Justices who stopped the voters on Staten Island and in Southern Brooklyn from being stripped of their ability to elect a representative who reflects their values. Whether I serve another term in Congress is a decision for the voters, not Democrat party bosses and their high-priced lawyers."


Malliotakis Attends Medal of Honor Ceremony Awarded to Staten Island’s Michael Ollis

(WASHINGTON, DC) — Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) released the following statement regarding U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis receiving the Medal of Honor posthumously at the White House today.

"It was an honor to be present at the White House today as President Donald Trump bestowed the Medal of Honor — our nation’s highest military distinction — posthumously upon Staten Island’s own U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis. The ceremony was bittersweet as our community is very grateful to and proud of Michael, but also saddened that his life was taken from him at such a young age.

We congratulate his parents, Bob and Linda, and his entire family who worked tirelessly to ensure his sacrifice received the recognition it deserves. His valor and devotion to his fellow soldiers reflect the very best of our nation. He has made Staten Island very proud and he will never be forgotten."


Maryland Delegation Members Urge Trump Administration to Declare Oyster Fishery Disaster, Deliver Assistance

On February 27, Congresswoman April McClain Delaney joined all Maryland Congressional Delegation Members in sending a letter to Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, urging him to declare a fishery disaster and approve fishery resource disaster asssitance for the Maryland oyster fishery.

“We write to you as the Maryland Congressional Delegation to urge your favorable consideration of the request from Maryland Governor Wes Moore to conduct an evaluation of the Maryland oyster fishery for eligibility for fishery resource disaster assistance as authorized by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, as amended by the Fishery Resource Disasters Improvement Act,” Team Maryland began. “Given recent challenges facing the industry – including icy conditions due to the unseasonably cold winter season, recent fishery closures resulting from the Potomac River sewage spill, and overall challenging market conditions – we urge you to declare a fishery disaster and approve fishery resource disaster assistance for the Maryland oyster fishery as soon as possible.”

Text of the letter can be viewed here.

In a separate statement, McClain Delaney said, "Maryland oyster fisheries are in crisis. Harvests are down 44%, prices have fallen down 66%, and severe weather has pushed waterman to the brink. I joined the Maryland Delegation to urge disaster relief. Without action, we risk losing generations of Chesapeake Bay jobs, small businesses, and local food supply."

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For updates, follow Rep. McClain Delaney at @RepAprilDelaney.

Congresswoman April McClain Delaney was elected in 2024 to serve Maryland’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses all or part of Montgomery, Frederick, Washington, Allegany and Garrett Counties. In Congress, McClain Delaney is focused on improving US competitiveness and innovation, protecting our natural environment and championing policies that represent the values and priorities of Maryland’s 6th District.


McIver Introduces Bill to Fund Transformative Greenway Projects

Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative LaMonica McIver (NJ-10) introduced the Parks to People Active Transportation Act, a bill which would dramatically expand federal funding for greenway path projects. Greenways are shared-use corridors that connect communities and expand access to parks, jobs, and transit. Greenway paths help connect communities to natural spaces and parks, and the bill would specifically work to create equity in access to recreation and the outdoors. The bill is co-led by Congresswoman Lucy McBath (GA-06).

“Opportunity depends on access. I introduced this bill because something as simple as access to a greenway trail is what separates many in our neighborhoods from good-paying jobs, quality education, healthier living conditions, and convenient transit. That’s why I’m creating a path forward,” said Rep. McIver. “This investment will bridge the gap, building infrastructure to expand economic opportunity and make families safer and healthier as they enjoy walking, biking, jogging, and so much more in the great outdoors.”

“In Georgia, our parks and trails are vital connections between people, opportunity, and community,” said Rep. McBath. “From the Atlanta Beltline to the Chattahoochee RiverLands, we’ve seen how greenways and multimodal trails can expand access to the outdoors and strengthen neighborhoods. The Parks to People Active Transportation Act builds on proven successes like these by creating federal funding to help communities across the country plan and build greenways, especially in rural and underserved areas. By investing in active transportation nationwide, we can support local economies and create safer, more connected places for people to live and thrive.”

“Communities thrive when people can safely access parks and green spaces, yet for millions of Americans, unsafe conditions for bicyclists and pedestrians remains a major barrier. Trust for Public Land is proud to endorse the Parks to People Active Transportation Act, which leverages the power of trails and greenways to safely connect people not only to parks, but also to everyday destinations like schools, jobs, and local businesses. This legislation recognizes that active transportation is an essential part of a safer and better-connected national transportation system,” said Reed Perry, Director of Federal Relations, Trust for Public Land.

“Outdoor Alliance thanks Congresswoman McIver for introducing the Parks to People Active Transportation Act. For outdoor recreationists, safe and connected greenway paths can be a fun and efficient front door to public lands, parks, and waterways, as well as a fantastic recreation resource in themselves. This bill will expand access to human-powered outdoor recreation while improving safety, connectivity, and quality of life in communities across the country,” said Louis Geltman, Vice President for Policy and Government Relations, Outdoor Alliance.

“Greenways are integral green infrastructure for our communities. They connect neighborhoods, offer much-needed open space, and reduce flooding. New Jersey LCV is proud to stand with Rep. McIver in advancing The Parks to People Active Transportation Act to provide permanent, federal funding for these often overlooked community gems,” said Allison McLeod, Interim Executive Director of the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters.

“Greenways across the country—like the Circuit Trails network in the southern New Jersey and Greater Philadelphia region—not only connect communities through safe, sustainable transportation options, but also preserve natural landscapes and promote access to nature for everyone. Federal investment in greenways is as important as ever, and the Parks to People Active Transportation Act will ensure these infrastructure projects get the support they deserve,” said Alison Mitchell, executive director of New Jersey Conservation Foundation.

“Through our work expanding trail and active mobility options across New Jersey, we see how essential greenways are for helping people reach work, school, and simply get around their communities safely and affordably. Right now, the transportation network is hostile to anyone outside of a car. Greenways change that by giving people safe, convenient, and free ways to move, while preserving green space and supporting healthier living conditions, especially in areas facing environmental challenges. The Parks for People Act could provide the funding communities need to begin building the connected greenway networks, such as The Greenway, a practical investment in healthier families, stronger communities, and a future where everyone can travel with dignity,” said Tiffany R. Robinson, Trails and Active Mobility Director, New Jersey Bike & Walk Coalition.

“The Parks to People Active Transportation Act is exactly the kind of policy our nation needs to get federal funding flowing to these critical projects—from the Maine-to-Florida East Coast Greenway to similar efforts in Detroit, Denver, Los Angeles, and beyond. We are grateful for Rep. McIver's leadership in building a path forward by dedicating federal support for transformational greenway planning, design, and construction toward a healthy, sustainable, and thriving future,” said Dennis Markatos-Soriano, East Coast Greenway Alliance Executive Director.

“Greenways offer substantial benefits for Americans and our communities. They provide access to jobs and services, improve public health, expand recreational opportunities, and strengthen local economies. PeopleForBikes commends U.S. Congresswomen McIver and McBath for introducing this important legislation that will create safe, connected places to ride and allow more people to experience the joy of riding a bike in cities big and small,” said Jenn Dice, president and CEO of PeopleForBikes.

“Greenways are more than just recreational trails, they are essential transportation corridors that connect people to jobs, schools, parks, and transit. For too many low-income communities and communities of color, safe places to walk and bike and safe routes to reach opportunity have been historically underfunded or overlooked. The Parks to People Active Transportation Act helps correct that imbalance by prioritizing investments that close network gaps, reduce disparities in traffic injuries and fatalities, and expand access to clean, affordable transportation. This bill is about building infrastructure that advances safety, health, and economic opportunity for all,” said Renae Reynolds, Executive Director of Tri-State Transportation Campaign.

“As a longtime advocate for the protection of our natural landscapes and connecting people with nature, Openlands is proud to support the Parks to People Active Transportation Act. Greenways are more than just paths; they are protected corridors that link our communities and natural areas, providing people of all ages with safe and accessible places to recreate. This legislation would directly support generational investments in projects like the Lake County Greenway in Northeastern Illinois, demonstrating how dedicated federal funding could transform underutilized corridors into natural assets that clean our air, protect our water, and provide essential pathways for both people and wildlife alike,” said Chris Kessler, Director of Policy, Openlands.

"The Woodbridge Potomac Communities Civic Association (WPCCA) is proud to endorse Congresswoman McIver’s Parks to People Active Transportation Act. Representing roughly 150,000 residents in the Woodbridge and Potomac Districts, our organization has seen firsthand how federal support transforms local vision into reality. From our role in building the 3,300-foot Neabsco Creek Boardwalk to our ongoing advocacy for the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, we know that these major projects often rely on committed partners in Washington to cross the finish line. Congresswoman McIver’s legislation reflects a practical understanding of the hurdles facing local communities. By establishing a National Greenway Paths Network and dedicating $300 million annually, the Parks to People Active Transportation Act recognizes trails as the essential infrastructure they are. We especially appreciate the focus on closing network gaps and expanding access in underserved areas. These priorities matter directly to families in Prince William County, and I commend Congresswoman McIver for advancing a proposal that will help us deliver better mobility and economic opportunity," said Brian Landrum, Chairman, Woodbridge Potomac Communities Civic Association.

The Parks to People Active Transportation Act would:

Create a $300 million fund under USDOT supporting greenway projects and authorize millions in planning and design grant funding.

Require reports to Congress on disbursements, best practices for implementation, and common barriers to delivery.

Incentivize projects in rural and disadvantaged communities by waiving cost-sharing requirements.

The bill is endorsed by: The Trust for Public Land, American Trails, Clean Air Council, Outdoor Alliance, East Coast Greenway Alliance, Openlands, PeopleforBikes, League of American Bicyclists, Tri-State Transportation Campaign, Mountains To Sound Greenway Trust, Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association, New Jersey Bike & Walk Coalition, North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority, New Jersey League of Conservation Voters, New Jersey Conservation Foundation, Parks & Trails New York, Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, Schuylkill River Development Corporation, Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition, Detroit Greenways Coalition, Virginia Capital Trail Foundation, Weequahic Park Association, New Hampshire Seacoast Greenway Alliance, MountainTrue, Friends of the Mount Vernon Trail, Eastrail Partners, Woodbridge Potomac Communities Civic Association, Union County Connects, and the Bike-Walk Alliance of New Hampshire.

Full text of the Parks to People Active Transportation Act can be found here.

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Rep. Gregory W. Meeks and New York Democratic Members Urge FAA to Modernize New York Air Traffic Control

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05) and 15 members from the New York Democratic Congressional Delegation sent a letter to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) urging them to immediately start a study ordered by Congress to address and modernize the country’s aging air traffic control (ATC) systems. The FAA must work with airports and airlines to assess how modernization and technology can improve operations in congested airspace especially as major tourist events are scheduled for New York and nearby areas.

“Flight delays across the country caused by outdated air traffic control systems strain airports, disrupt the economy, and impact millions of passengers who expect to arrive at their destination safely and on time,” Rep. Meeks said. “As we prepare to welcome the world for America250, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the 2028 Summer Olympic Games, it is imperative that our systems are ready to safely and efficiently manage the surge in traffic so visitors can experience the best of our nation without disruption.”

More than 142 million passengers, from daily commuters to international visitors, traveled through the New York City region’s airports in 2024. The upcoming mega-decade of events is expected to drive record levels of travel to the United States making the need for the FAA to modernize air traffic control systems even more urgent.

The Members wrote in the letter:

“We appreciate the FAA’s commitment to modernizing the nation’s airspace and look forward to swift implementation now that a prime integrator is in place. To ensure that public investment delivers maximum public benefit, federal ATC modernization must focus first on the areas where improvements will have the greatest national impact. With its unmatched passenger volume and critical role in the broader aviation network, the New York region must be a top priority for modernization. Accordingly, we urge the FAA to proceed without delay in launching the required ATC modernization study and to ensure the needs of the New York region are fully prioritized and addressed.”

Read the full letter, here.

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Congressman Moran Announces $1.5 Million in Funding Secured for Shelby County Infrastructure

U.S. Rep. Nathaniel Moran (TX-01) announced $1.55 million in funding for Shelby County’s interoperable communications infrastructure through FY2026 Community Project Funding, which was signed into law by President Trump on Jan. 22, 2026.

This funding provides for new interoperable radio infrastructure which will connect to the Texas Wide Area Radio Network (TxWARN). TxWARN currently serves over 260 public safety agencies including military, federal, state, and local authorities. Shelby County will work with local partners to place new 700-800 MHz interoperable radio transmitting equipment on existing towers in Shelby County.

“Investing in our infrastructure will ensure our first responders have the communication tools they need to protect Shelby County residents,” said Congressman Moran. “This funding will make our communities safer, our communication systems stronger, and bring Shelby County infrastructure to the 21st century. This is a critical investment in our shared future and will make a tangible difference in residents' daily lives and safety.”

Stakeholder Support:

The Honorable Allison Harbison, Shelby County Judge, said: “This funding represents a milestone for Shelby County’s public safety infrastructure. I’m proud to have partnered with Congressman Moran to enhance our first responders’ ability to protect our community. We are closing dangerous communication gaps that have existed for far too long. This funding will ensure our law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical personnel can coordinate seamlessly when every second counts.”

Lonnie Hunt, Executive Director, Deep East Texas Council of Governments (DETCOG), said: “We are so appreciative of Congressman Moran’s efforts to secure this funding for Shelby County. The lack of reliable communications has been a longstanding problem not only in Shelby County but throughout the Deep East Texas region. Significant portions of our rural region currently experience unreliable or nonexistent radio coverage, creating serious risk during fires, major accidents, and other emergencies. Reliable radio coverage is essential for coordinated response and officer safety. These improvements in Shelby County will strengthen the regional interoperable radio system and ensure law enforcement, fire departments, EMS and emergency management personnel can communicate clearly across jurisdictional lines.”

Background:

Interoperable communications systems enable seamless communications between different emergency response agencies during critical incidents. The TxWARN is a statewide radio system that provides reliable voice and data communications for public safety and homeland security officials. The goal of the funding is to eliminate communications gaps that currently exist in Shelby County, ensuring first responders can coordinate effectively during emergencies, natural disasters, and day-to-day operations.


Congressman Moylan Introduces Bill to Allow Return of Excess Federal Lands to Original Guam Landowners

(Washington, D.C.) — Congressman James Moylan has introduced H.R. 7673, legislation to amend the Organic Act of Guam to allow excess lands in Guam to be returned to their original landowners or their heirs after those lands have been transferred from federal ownership to the Government of Guam.

“This measure creates a viable pathway for land to be returned to our people, giving them the opportunity to use it to support their families and sustain future generations,” said Moylan.

Under current federal law, lands transferred from the federal government to GovGuam must be used exclusively for public purposes.

This restriction prevents GovGuam from returning land to families whose property was taken by the federal government, even after that land has been declared excess and placed back under local control. As a result, original landowners and their heirs remain permanently barred from recovering ancestral lands.

The Guam Excess Lands Return Act directly addresses this barrier by amending the Organic Act of Guam to authorize GovGuam to return excess federal lands to verified original landowners or their heirs. The legislation also authorizes GovGuam to establish a formal process to review and approve land return claims.

By removing federal restrictions that currently prohibit land restoration, the legislation strengthens land ownership opportunities, directly benefitting Guam’s families.

The measure builds on Congressman Moylan’s ongoing work to address federal land restrictions and restore ownership opportunities for local families.

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Court Again Orders Trump-Vance Administration to Restore Congressional Oversight of ICE Detention Facilities

Washington, D.C. — A federal court today ordered the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to restore Members of Congress’s unannounced visits to conduct oversight of detention facilities. The ruling enforces federal law and reaffirms Congress’s authority to investigate detention conditions and ensure accountability, including during a lapse in appropriations.

After the court stayed a DHS policy requiring Members of Congress to provide prior notice of oversight visits to ICE facilities in December, and following the fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen by a federal agent in Minnesota, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem secretly reinstated the requirement through a previously undisclosed memorandum. The memo came to light only after multiple Members of Congress were denied entry to an ICE facility in Minnesota despite presenting a valid court order.

On February 2, 2025, the court granted a motion for a temporary restraining order in the lawsuit, Neguse et al. v. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement et al., following unlawful denials of entry under the new DHS memo. Those denials of entry directly interfere with Congress’s right and duty to investigate detention conditions, ensure compliance with the law, and respond to rising reports of abuse and violence inside detention centers.

Shortly thereafter, the plaintiffs sought relief to restore oversight authority to all Members of Congress.

Today’s ruling does exactly that, reaffirming every Member’s ability to enter detention facilities in real time and investigate conditions that include overcrowding, shackling, denial of medical care, and lack of access to counsel.

The plaintiffs include Assistant Democratic Leader Joe Neguse; Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Rep. Adriano Espaillat; Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member Rep. Bennie G. Thompson; Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Rep. Jamie Raskin; House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Ranking Member Rep. Robert Garcia; House Homeland Security Committee Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement Ranking Member Rep. J. Luis Correa; Rep. Jason Crow; Rep. Veronica Escobar; Rep. Dan Goldman; Rep. Jimmy Gomez; Rep. Raul Ruiz; Rep. Norma Torres; and Rep. Kelly Morrison.

“Once again, a federal court has ruled to restore Members of Congress’s ability to conduct essential oversight on behalf of the American people — despite repeated attempts by Secretary Noem to subvert the law. This is yet another victory against an administration whose cruel and inhumane immigration policies have inflicted a heavy toll on communities across the nation. We will never stop standing up for transparency and accountability, and we will continue to make clear that no president or administration can bend the rule of law to their will,” said Congressman Joe Neguse.

Neguse and his fellow Members of Congress are represented in this suit by Democracy Forward Foundation and American Oversight.

“The president continues to try to convince the American people not to believe what they can see: a government abusing its power behind closed doors,” said Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward. “The Trump-Vance administration’s effort to hide detention conditions and block congressional oversight is not just an optics strategy — it is an attempt to evade accountability for policies that are cruel, unlawful, and deeply unconstitutional. Today’s ruling makes it clear that Secretary Noem cannot operate detention facilities in the shadows or silence elected officials who are doing their jobs. The court has once again affirmed that oversight is not optional, transparency is not negotiable, and human rights do not disappear at the doors of a detention center.”

“We applaud today’s ruling, which delivers the unmistakable message that the Trump administration cannot dodge oversight simply because accountability is inconvenient,” said Chioma Chukwu, Executive Director of American Oversight. “Congress’s authority to conduct oversight of immigration detention facilities isn’t optional — it’s the law. As more reports of abuse and deaths in ICE custody surface, oversight becomes a moral imperative — essential to protecting both human life and preserving constitutional order. The court’s decision also makes clear that the administration cannot evade accountability by repackaging the same misconduct and calling it by a different name — not today, not tomorrow, not ever."

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Rep. Neguse Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Protect Domestic Violence Survivors in Federal Retirement Benefit Claims Process

Washington, D.C. — Today, Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse introduced the bipartisan Federal Retirement Safety Act, a bill that allows survivors of domestic and intimate partner violence to maintain privacy and confidentiality from their abusers when accessing their hard-earned retirement benefits.

Under current processes, retiring federal employees must obtain written, notarized consent from a current or former spouse if they change or update their retirement benefits distribution. This paperwork includes sensitive personal information, such as phone numbers and home addresses, which, if shared, endangers survivors of spousal abuse.

The Federal Retirement Safety Act protects survivors by directing the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to waive the spousal consent requirement for individuals impacted by domestic and intimate partner violence, similarly to what is already available to others in the event of extenuating circumstances like the death of a spouse or an inability to determine their whereabouts.

“Our bill is a common-sense and critical reform that protects survivors of domestic violence, ensuring they can maintain their privacy from those who have caused them immense and unimaginable harm. I’m deeply grateful to my colleagues for joining me in this effort to advance the safety of everyone in our community,” said Congressman Joe Neguse.

The bill is co-led by Republican Congresswoman Stephanie Bice (R-OK), as well as Democratic Representatives Gwen Moore (D-WI) and Debbie Dingell (D-MI), who also serve as Co-Chairs of the Bipartisan Working Group to End Domestic Violence.

“Survivors of domestic abuse should have the freedom to access their retirement benefits without exposing their contact information to an abusive partner. Our bill secures essential protections to help survivors fully control the benefits they have earned without endangering themselves,” said Congresswoman Gwen Moore.

“Survivors of domestic violence should never have to choose between their personal safety and accessing the retirement benefits they have rightfully earned. Right now, the process can force survivors to share personal contact information with a current or former spouse, which puts survivors at real risk. That is simply unacceptable. This bill creates a clear exemption so survivors can secure their federal retirement benefits without jeopardizing their safety," said Congresswoman Debbie Dingell.

View the Federal Retirement Safety Act one-pager HERE.

Read bill text HERE.

It is endorsed by the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), the National Network to End Domestic Violence, the National Domestic Violence Hotline, Jewish Women International (JWI), Volare (formerly known as the Network for Victim Recovery D.C.), and Futures Without Violence.

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Norton Reintroduces Resolution Calling on Senate to Ratify the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women

WASHINGTON, D.C. – At the start of Women’s History Month, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) introduced a resolution calling on the Senate to ratify the United Nations’ Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). The Convention establishes an agenda for national action to end discrimination against women and ensure the advancement of women in political, social, economic and cultural fields through legislative action and legal protections. It was adopted by the U.N. General Assembly in 1979 and signed by President Jimmy Carter in 1980 but has never been brought before the full Senate for a vote.

Currently, 189 U.N. member states have ratified the Convention. The United States joins Iran, Palau, Somalia, Sudan and Tonga as the only members of the United Nations who have yet to ratify the Convention. In light of the Senate’s inaction, dozens of U.S. cities, counties and states have passed resolutions in support of the Convention’s ratification. D.C. enacted the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women Act in accordance with the principles of the Convention.

“As the first woman to chair the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, I understand firsthand the profound impact ratifying the Convention would have,” Norton said. “During my tenure, I issued the first federal guidelines recognizing sexual harassment as a violation of equal employment laws. Ratification would strengthen the legal foundation for combating gender discrimination in our courts and demonstrate to the world that the United States is fully committed to ending gender discrimination.

“I urge my colleagues in the Senate to finally ratify this important Convention. It is long overdue.”

Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-FL) are original cosponsors of the resolution.

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Pappas and 150+ Lawmakers: Changes to Nursing Student Loans Threaten Profession

Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) joined a bipartisan group of over 150 House and Senate colleagues in calling for the U.S. Department of Education to not make changes to post-baccalaureate nursing degrees that would saddle nurses with more student loan debt.

The lawmakers submitted public comment in response to a notice of proposed rulemaking from the U.S. Department of Education regarding changes to federal student loan programs that declassifies nursing degrees as “professional” and puts them in the same category as “graduate degrees.”

“We write with disappointment over the Department’s decision to omit post-baccalaureate nursing degrees from the regulatory definition of ‘professional degree,’” the bipartisan group of 160 lawmakers wrote. “This will make it harder for nursing students to access the loans that they need.”

“Nurses and nurse faculty make up the backbone of our health system, and post-baccalaureate nursing degrees lead to demonstrated outcomes,” the lawmakers continued. “As such, post-baccalaureate nursing degrees should be treated equally to other accredited post-baccalaureate health profession degrees.”

The lawmakers’ comment outlines their concerns over the rule’s omission of post-baccalaureate nursing degrees from the regulatory definition of “professional degree,” meaning they would be classified as a “graduate degree.” If this omission is adopted during this rulemaking, the proposed definition threatens more debt for post-baccalaureate nursing students, as student loans are currently capped for new borrowers at $20,500 annually and $100,000 in the aggregate for “graduate” programs and $50,000 annually and $200,000 in the aggregate for “professional” programs.

The bipartisan public comment is supported by 60 organizations, including the American Association of Colleges of Nursing; American Association of Nurse Practitioners; American Nurses Association; American College of Nurse-Midwives; Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses; National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners; National Council of State Boards of Nursing; and the National League for Nursing. A full list of supporting organizations can be found by clicking here.


Congressman Patronis Urges Democrats to Pass DHS Funding Amid Military Strikes in Iran

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following Saturday’s U.S.-led military operation that killed Iran’s supreme leader and several senior officials, Congressman Patronis praised President Trump and called on Senate Democrats to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security to protect the homeland. During this moment of heightened global tension, Congress faces a clear choice, move swiftly to protect our country or risk the safety of the American people.

The operation, dubbed Operation Epic Fury, marked the most significant U.S. military engagement involving Iran in decades and, according to administration officials, targeted high-level leadership responsible for directing terror operations.

“The United States demonstrated unmistakable strength with decisive military action against Iran. For decades, the Iranian regime has been an adversary of America while oppressing its own people. Under the leadership of President Trump, Secretary Rubio and Secretary Hegseth, the message is clear,” said Congressman Patronis. “America will defend its interests, its allies, and global stability. This is peace through strength in action.”

In the wake of these actions, and evolving security threats, Congressman Patronis is urging Democrats in Congress to immediately pass full funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), stressing that protecting the homeland must remain a bipartisan priority. Congressman Patronis continued, “For four years, President Biden was asleep at the wheel, leading by autopen while enabling one of the worst border crises in American history. With growing national security threats abroad, we cannot afford weakness at home. That’s why Senate Democrats must work to finish what House Republicans started and fully fund the Department of Homeland Security, the agency on the front lines of counterterrorism, border enforcement, and protecting the American people. The safety of the American people should never be used as a political bargaining chip.”

The Senate remains in gridlock over a House-passed bill to reopen and fund DHS, an agency responsible for TSA, ICE, Border Patrol, the Coast Guard, and the Secret Service. Amid the 2026 funding lapse, furloughs, missed paychecks, flight disruptions, and the temporary suspension of Global Entry spark concerns at home and abroad.


Ross, Raskin, Khanna Demand Answers on Ghislaine Maxwell’s Transfer To “Club Fed”

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02), House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jamie Raskin (MD-08), and Congressman Ro Khanna (CA-17), author of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, announced a new inquiry regarding the controversial transfer of convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell to a minimum-security prison facility, often referred to as "Club Fed." In a letter to the Bureau of Prisons (BOP), the lawmakers are demanding complete information and all documents regarding Maxwell’s transfer.

Last month, while Attorney General Pam Bondi testified before the House Judiciary Committee, she admitted to Congresswoman Ross for the first time that she did not authorize Maxwell’s transfer and doesn’t know who did. Attorney General Bondi’s testimony revealed serious questions as to who authorized Maxwell’s transfer given that she should be ineligible for transfer as a convicted sex offender. Any refusal or failure to turn over documents related to Ghislaine Maxwell’s transfer is a direct violation of the Epstein Files Transparency Act (EFTA).

The lawmakers outlined that there must be recorded documents approving Maxwell’s transfer, according to BOP policy:

They wrote, “There is no exception in the EFTA for documents related to the incarceration of Ms. Maxwell. And yet, in the 3.5 million documents produced so far, there does not appear to be a single record documenting her transfer or who authorized it. These documents exist: in fact, per BOP policy, Ms. Maxwell, as a sex offender, should never have been eligible for transfer to a minimum-security facility in the first place. To arrange such a transfer, BOP must have processed detailed paperwork justifying the extraordinary move out of her original prison facility to the camp.”

The lawmakers emphasized that the American people and Epstein’s survivors deserve answers about Maxwell’s transfer:

“The victims of Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, and their associates deserve full transparency in this matter,” wrote the lawmakers. “The American people are entitled to know why Ghislaine Maxwell was transferred to a minimum-security facility, in apparently direct violation of existing BOP policy.”

Full text of the letter is available here.

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Rep. Scholten Announces More Than $1 Million in Community Project Funding for Grand Valley State University

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Representative Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03) announced Grand Valley State University (GVSU) will receive $1,031,000 in federal support through the Community Project Funding (CPF) process. The funding will be used to establish the West Michigan Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence (AI) Consortium. Congresswoman Scholten spoke at GVSU last month to celebrate the funding.

“West Michigan should be leading the way in how artificial intelligence is developed and used, and that starts with investing in people and institutions we trust,” said Rep. Scholten. “This funding will help GVSU bring together educators, industry, and public partners to build AI systems that are ethical, secure, and transparent while preparing students for good-paying jobs and strengthening our region’s economy. I’m proud to support this work and to continue delivering federal investments that ensure West Michigan remains at the forefront of responsible innovation.”

“The West Michigan Trustworthy AI Consortium is just one example of the power of our Blue Dot ecosystem,” GVSU President Philomena V. Mantella said. “By bringing expert researchers, resources and industry partners together to work with our students, Grand Valley will explore ethical ways to harness AI to enrich our lives and build a brighter future for our country.”

“The West Michigan Trustworthy AI Consortium represents a commitment to doing artificial intelligence the right way,” GVSU College of Computing Dean Marouane Kessentini said. “At a time when AI is rapidly transforming our economy and society, this initiative focuses on building AI systems that are responsible, transparent, secure and worthy of public trust.”

Specifically, the funding will be used for hardware and computing resources, software, licensing, and cloud services. The overarching goal is to position West Michigan as a national leader in responsible AI research and innovation, strengthening U.S. competitiveness and security in emerging technologies.

Each year, Congress considers appropriations bills that fund the federal government, and Community Project Funding (CPF) is part of that process. The House Appropriations Committee allows Members of Congress to request these resources for a limited number of local projects, which reflects Rep. Scholten’s ongoing work to bring federal investment back to Michigan’s Third Congressional District.

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'Significant Security Vulnerabilities': Stefanik, Scott Sound Alarm on China-Backed Company for Misleading Customers, Targeting Military Consumers

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY) and Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) sent a letter to Department of Commerce (DOC) Secretary Howard Lutnick and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr, urging a formal investigation into the CCP-sponsored Anker Innovations for inviting potential foreign surveillance into Americans' homes and targeting military consumers.

"Anker, through its Eufy brand, has a documented history of significant security vulnerabilities related to its security camera business and has been accused of misleading the public about these issues. In 2025, the State of New York secured a $450,000 settlement from companies distributing Eufy home security products after finding that “video streams from the cameras were not always securely encrypted and could be accessible to anyone with the relevant link without authentication," the lawmakers wrote.

" . . . Anker offers many of these systems on U.S. military exchange websites, and for direct sales. Anker also provides up to a 20% discount on its Eufy products to current and former U.S. military, their spouses and dependents. While these are retail sales, rather than direct Department of War procurement, the FCC has previously noted that the presence of high-risk network-connected devices in sensitive physical locations can constitute a security risk," they continued.

As senior Members of the House Armed Services Committee and Senate Armed Services Committee, respectively, Stefanik and Scott also requested that the DOC and FCC respond to questions concerning Anker Innovation’s ownership structure and whether its products transmit data to servers located in China.

Today's letter highlights Stefanik's broader policy priority to combat CCP influence that poses heightened risks to U.S. national security and consumer safety.


687 Members of the National Academies Back Rep. Haley Stevens’ Impeachment Articles Against RFK Jr.

WASHINGTON, D.C. –687 members of the National Academy of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences, and National Academy of Engineering, including 10 Nobel Laureates, publicly endorsed the Articles of Impeachment against RFK Jr. introduced by Representative Haley Stevens (D-MI).

Signing in their individual capacities, the members issued a clear warning: science and public health are under attack.

“As [Rep. Haley Stevens] has stated: ‘Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has turned his back on science, on public health, and on the American people – spreading conspiracies and lies, driving up costs, and putting lives at risk.’ He has done this by (e.g.) cutting funding for lifesaving research, withholding funds for previously approved biomedical research, restricting access to vaccines, removing experts from the CDC’s advisory panels, misrepresenting scientific findings, approving the use of chemotherapy drugs to treat autism without FDA due process regarding risks to children’s health, and endangering pregnant women by raising unnecessary alarms about Tylenol, all without established evidence.”

The continued momentum behind these Articles, now backed by hundreds of leading scientists, physicians, engineers, and Nobel Laureates, demonstrates the growing, bipartisan recognition that we need to protect public health and restore scientific integrity and that RFK Jr. must be removed from office.

Click here to see the full list of scientific endorsers.

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Ruling Reaffirms the Right and Duty of All Members of Congress to Conduct Unannounced Inspections Amid Alarming Reports of Abuse

Washington, D.C. — A federal court today ordered the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to restore Members of Congress’s unannounced visits to conduct oversight of detention facilities. The ruling enforces federal law and reaffirms Congress’s authority to investigate detention conditions and ensure accountability, including during a lapse in appropriations.

After the court stayed a DHS policy requiring Members of Congress to provide prior notice of oversight visits to ICE facilities in December, and following the fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen by a federal agent in Minnesota, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem secretly reinstated the requirement through a previously undisclosed memorandum. The memo came to light only after multiple Members of Congress were denied entry to an ICE facility in Minnesota despite presenting a valid court order.

On February 2, 2025, the court granted a motion for a temporary restraining order in the lawsuit, Neguse et al. v. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement et al., following unlawful denials of entry under the new DHS memo. Those denials of entry directly interfere with Congress’s right and duty to investigate detention conditions, ensure compliance with the law, and respond to rising reports of abuse and violence inside detention centers.

Shortly thereafter, the plaintiffs sought relief to restore oversight authority to all Members of Congress.

Today’s ruling does exactly that, reaffirming every Member’s ability to enter detention facilities in real time and investigate conditions that include overcrowding, shackling, denial of medical care, and lack of access to counsel.

The plaintiffs include Rep. Norma Torres; Assistant Democratic Leader Joe Neguse; Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Rep. Adriano Espaillat; Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member Rep. Bennie G. Thompson; Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Rep. Jamie Raskin; House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Ranking Member Rep. Robert Garcia; House Homeland Security Committee Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement Ranking Member Rep. J. Luis Correa; Rep. Jason Crow; Rep. Veronica Escobar; Rep. Dan Goldman; Rep. Jimmy Gomez; Rep. Raul Ruiz; ; and Rep. Kelly Morrison.

In a joint statement, the plaintiffs said:

“Despite the Trump administration’s unlawful attempts to obstruct Members of Congress from carrying out essential oversight on behalf of the American people, a federal court has once again affirmed our clear right to conduct unannounced visits to detention facilities. Oversight is not optional — it is a fundamental responsibility we carry out on behalf of the American people. As communities continue to suffer the tragic consequences of this administration’s cruel and inhumane immigration policies, we remain committed to upholding transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.”

The Members of Congress are represented in this suit by Democracy Forward Foundation and American Oversight.

“The president continues to try to convince the American people not to believe what they can see: a government abusing its power behind closed doors,” said Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward. “The Trump-Vance administration’s effort to hide detention conditions and block congressional oversight is not just an optics strategy — it is an attempt to evade accountability for policies that are cruel, unlawful, and deeply unconstitutional. Today’s ruling makes it clear that Secretary Noem cannot operate detention facilities in the shadows or silence elected officials who are doing their jobs. The court has once again affirmed that oversight is not optional, transparency is not negotiable, and human rights do not disappear at the doors of a detention center.”

“We applaud today’s ruling, which delivers the unmistakable message that the Trump administration cannot dodge oversight simply because accountability is inconvenient,” said Chioma Chukwu, Executive Director of American Oversight. “Congress’s authority to conduct oversight of immigration detention facilities isn’t optional — it’s the law. As more reports of abuse and deaths in ICE custody surface, oversight becomes a moral imperative — essential to protecting both human life and preserving constitutional order. The court’s decision also makes clear that the administration cannot evade accountability by repackaging the same misconduct and calling it by a different name — not today, not tomorrow, not ever."

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Walkinshaw, Pallone Press Trump Admin Over Tax Filing Failures Impacting Retirees

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11) and Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) are leading members of Congress in demanding immediate action from the Trump Administration after retirees across the country reported they never received their required Form 1099-R tax documents from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and were unable to reach live assistance to resolve the issue. When OPM fails to deliver required tax documents or provide live assistance, retirees are left at risk of filing late, incurring IRS penalties, or losing access to refunds they rely on to cover everyday expenses.

In a letter to Trump’s OPM Director Scott Kupor, the lawmakers pressed for answers after constituents said they did not receive their Form 1099-R, the document required to report federal retirement income, despite OPM’s stated policy that physical copies would be mailed to annuitants without an email address on file after January 31.

“It is unacceptable for the federal agency responsible for the tax documentation of millions of retired Americans to fall short in providing timely, reliable service to all of them. We strongly urge you to address this serious gap in support and ensure that every impacted retiree can obtain the documents they need to file their taxes,” the lawmakers wrote.

Constituents report waiting well beyond the two-week delivery window communicated by OPM. Many who attempted to contact the agency’s Retirement Services helpline encountered jammed phone lines, excessive wait times, or were unable to reach a representative at all.

In their letter, the members requested detailed information on how many 1099-R forms remain unmailed, current call wait times, customer service performance metrics, and what corrective actions OPM plans to implement.

The letter is also signed by Wesley Bell (MO-01), Donald S. Beyer, Jr. (VA-08), J. Louis Correa (CA-46), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), and Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10).

Full text of the letter is here and below:

Director Scott Kupor

U.S. Office of Personnel Management

1900 E Street NE

Washington, D.C. 20415

Director Kupor,

We write regarding the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) online platform, Retirement Services Online (RSO), and the significant difficulties our constituents have encountered when requesting physical copies of their tax documents. We urge you to immediately expand support services for impacted retirees who require access to their own tax documents.

Each year, OPM states that it will mail physical Form 1099-R documents to any annuitant who does not have an email address on file after January 31.[1] Despite this policy, we have heard from numerous constituents who still have not received their Form 1099-R or annuity statements, even after waiting well beyond the maximum two-week delivery window communicated by your staff.

Many of these individuals subsequently attempted to contact OPM through your phone help line but were unable to reach a representative. This has been a persistent and deeply frustrating problem for retirees who call repeatedly without ever receiving assistance. OPM is required to provide retirees with their tax documents and there is absolutely no justification for your failure to uphold this basic service.[2]

We are requesting the following information to ensure our constituents are receiving the best possible service from your office:

What is the current status of mailing Form 1099-R to retirees, including statistical information on how many have yet to be mailed?

What is the current average call and wait times at the Office of Retirement Services’ help line?

Does OPM collect customer service satisfaction data for the ORS help line and, if so, what metrics does OPM use to gauge successful outcomes?

What measures, if any, is OPM planning to take to ameliorate these issues and improve its overall customer satisfaction with the retirees it serves?

It is unacceptable for the federal agency responsible for the tax documentation of millions of retired Americans to fall short in providing timely, reliable service to all of them. We strongly urge you to address this serious gap in support and ensure that every impacted retiree can obtain the documents they need to file their taxes.

We look forward to your timely response.

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Wasserman Schultz Announces More Than $1 Million for Vital Alzheimer’s, Cancer, Addiction, Chronic Disease Treatment to FAU

Davie, FL – Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) joined Florida Atlantic University (FAU) President Adam Hasner, Vice President of Research Gregg Fields, FAU researchers, and Parkinson’s Foundation of Florida Executive Director Karen Lopez to announce a $1.03 million federal investment to improve drug delivery to patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, brain cancers, addiction, and other chronic diseases.

To watch the full press conference, click here.

“I’m beyond thrilled to announce that I was able to secure more than $1 million in federal funding for FAU to purchase Focused Ultrasound Technology for their new NeuroInnovate Center. Whether it’s from personal experience, or through a friend or family member, so many of us are touched by chronic diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, brain cancers, or addiction. But armed with science, we are not defenseless against them, and the focused ultrasound technology at this NeuroInnovate Center will be one of the powerful weapons in our fight,” said Wasserman Schultz. “Funding research and advances like this are always difficult, yet the threats to that work, at the federal level, are the worst they’ve ever been in my lifetime. And all my years on the House Appropriations Committee have taught me how to ensure the work of the greater good can be, and should be, done right here at home.”

This vital technology will advance the use of focused ultrasound treatment at FAU’s NeuroInnovate Center, and includes collaborations with Delray Medical Center and the West Palm Beach VA.

Focused ultrasound is an emerging non-invasive therapeutic technology that employs high-frequency soundwaves to precisely target areas of the body that are hard to reach or are sensitive to other surgical procedures. Focused ultrasound has shown to be effective in reducing tremors associated with Parkinson’s disease and helping temporarily open the blood-brain barrier for improved drug delivery to treat Alzheimer’s and brain cancers. Over 180 focused ultrasound clinical applications are currently in development.

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Baldwin, Murkowski Bipartisan Bill to Protect Our Shoreline Communities Passes Out of Senate

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) announced her Digital Coast Act passed out of the Senate. This bipartisan bill, which is co-led by Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), will help coastal communities better prepare for storms, cope with varying water levels, and plan for future economic development. The bill reauthorizes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Digital Coast Program, which Baldwin and Murkowski previously spearheaded efforts to reestablish the program in 2020.

“Wisconsin is defined by our waters, from the Mighty Mississippi to our Great Lakes which have shaped our coastal communities, our economy, and our way of life. I’m committed to protecting these resources and giving the communities that rely on them the tools to confront the challenges they face,” said Senator Baldwin. “I’m proud to lead this bipartisan legislation that will help Wisconsin’s coastal communities prepare for disaster, keep our waters clean and safe, and help us plan for the future.”

“As we confront the escalating impacts of climate change, it is crucial our coastal communities remain equipped with the tools and data they need to adapt and thrive,” said Senator Murkowski. “The Digital Coast Program has proven to be a vital resource in this effort, providing essential information and support for our local leaders to make informed decisions.”

NOAA currently assembles and hosts the Digital Coast Project, a collaborative online database of the most up-to-date coastal information and makes it available to both the public and private sectors. Digital Coast also provides tools for coastal communities to decipher and use the high-tech mapping data to make accurate decisions and smart investments in coastal communities.

The Digital Coast Act reauthorizes the program and ensures that communities will continue to have the data to make smart choices for economic development, shoreline management, and coastal restoration. The bill supports further development of the current project, including increasing access to uniform, up-to-date data, to help communities get the coastal data they need to respond to emergencies, plan for long-term coastal resilience, and manage their water resources.

Companion legislation in the U.S. House by Representatives has also advanced out of the House Committee on Natural Resources, teeing it up for a vote. The legislation is endorsed by Coastal States Organization, American Planning Association, Association of State Floodplain Managers, National Association of Counties, National Society of Professional Surveyors, U.S Geospatial Executives Organization (U.S. GEO), Surfrider Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, National States Geographic Information Council, National Estuarine Research Reserve Association, Quantum Spatial Inc., Wisconsin Society of Land Surveyors, and Digital Coast Partnership Advocacy Coalition.

Full bill text is available here.

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Bennet, Hickenlooper, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Preserve Free, Easy Tax Filing for Americans

The Direct File Act would reverse Trump Administration decision to cancel Direct File, building on widely successful pilot

Denver — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet, Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee’s Subcommittee on Taxation and IRS Oversight, and John Hickenlooper joined U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Chris Coons (D-De.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, and over 150 lawmakers to introduce the Direct File Act. This legislation would reverse the Trump Administration’s decision to end the highly successful Direct File program — which allowed taxpayers to file their taxes online, for free, and directly with the government — and make the program permanent.

“The Direct File Act will ensure easy, quick, and free tax filing services remain available to Coloradans,” said Bennet. “President Trump’s decision to end this critical program comes at the expense of taxpayers across the country and only succeeds in increasing costs for Americans. Coloradans deserve a modern tax filing experience, and this legislation will ensure that this program is made permanent.”

“Returning to Direct File will make filing taxes free and easy for millions of Americans,” said Hickenlooper. “Getting rid of Direct File puts working people last.”

“It’s a no-brainer: Americans should be able to file their taxes easily and for free. Donald Trump canceled Direct File after giant tax prep companies spent millions lobbying to protect their profits,” said Warren. “We’re fighting to lower costs for families by bringing Direct File back and making it the law of the land.”

“Direct File helped hundreds of thousands of American taxpayers file their taxes quickly, easily, and for free – so of course President Trump and Republicans killed it. This year, those Americans will have to go back to expensive tax preparation services owned by President Trump’s donors. This legislation would bring back Direct File, because tax season is already hard enough without having to pay a company to pay your taxes,” said Coons.

“Trump and the Republicans shut down the IRS Direct File program because they’re bought and paid for by the tax software industry and don’t have a problem with middle-class taxpayers getting ripped off every spring,” said Wyden. “This bill is a promise that Democrats are going to restore Direct File the next time we’re in charge of the IRS, and in the meantime, it’s a shame that the Trump administration is a threat to any public service that saves Americans time, hassle and money.”

The average American taxpayer spends eight hours and $160 each year filing their taxes with tax prep companies. In 2024, the IRS launched Direct File to save families time and money. 94% of users described their experience as “excellent” or “above average,” and more than 70% of taxpayers said they would use Direct File if they were eligible. If fully implemented, Direct File was projected to save families up to $23 billion annually in fees, time, and tax credits.

Despite Direct File’s success, the Trump Administration ended the program after extensive lobbying efforts by tax prep companies. This decision contradicts recommendations from the independent Government Accountability Office and Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, ultimately raising costs for Americans and making the tax filing experience even more burdensome.

In addition to directing the IRS to establish and operate a free online tax preparation and filing program, the Direct File Act would:

Prohibit the IRS from entering into agreements that restrict its ability to provide free online tax preparation or filing services.

Direct the IRS to publish an annual report on use levels, patterns of usage, and ways to improve access to Direct File.

Direct the IRS to enable seamless integration between state tax filing systems and Direct File, including through information sharing and a new grant program for states.

Reduce tax fraud by getting third-party income information to the IRS earlier in the tax season, allowing the agency to verify this information before issuing refunds.

“A free, direct e-filing tax return system is a fundamental taxpayer right,”said Nina Olson, Executive Director of the Center for Taxpayer Rights and former National Taxpayer Advocate. “Just as the government designs and printed paper tax forms for years, so should it design and maintain a user-friendly electronic filing option for individual taxpayers.”

“Americans across the country are struggling with high costs and having trouble making ends meet, so it’s especially frustrating that we no longer have the option to use the free Direct File online filing software developed by the IRS,” said Susan Harley, managing director of Public Citizen’s Congress Watch division. “The Direct File Act would put back in place this commonsense cost saving option for filers and once and for all ensure that corporations aren’t allowed to keep their stranglehold on tax filing. Public Citizen and our partners applaud Senator Warren, Representative Sherman, and their colleagues for their leadership on this critical issue.”

The bill is endorsed by 115 unions, advocacy groups, and national organizations, including Public Citizen, Americans for Tax Fairness, Economic Security Project Action, Groundwork Collaborative, AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers (AFT), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Communications Workers of America, Americans for Financial Reform, National Consumer Law Center (on behalf of its low-income clients), Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), Main Street Alliance, Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, P Street, Patriotic Millionaires, Institute for Policy Studies – Program on Inequality, MoveOn, UnidosUS, 20/20 Vision, Advancing CT Together, Alliance for Retired Americans, Allons Babies, Americans for Democratic Action (ADA), Colorado Consumer Health Initiative, Colorado Fiscal Institute, Community Change Action, Demand Progress, Fair Share America, Financial Empowerment Network, Futures Without Violence, In the Public Interest, Income Movement, Jobs with Justice, LIFT Inc, MakingChange, Inc, Meals4Families, Mothers Outreach Network, My Money Story, National Association of Social Workers, National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, National Organization for Women, National Rural Social Work Caucus, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, Oxfam America, Public Good Law Center, RootsAction, SiX Action, Social Work Grand Challenge to Reduce Extreme Economic Inequality, State Innovation Exchange, Strong Economy For All Coalition, The Arc of the United States, Touch Stones Financial Wellness Services, Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice, United for a Fair Economy, United for Respect, = Vesta Prosperity, Voices for Progress, Women Employed, and Young Invincibles.

In addition to Bennet, Hickenlooper, Warren, Coons, and Wyden, 36 Senators cosponsored the legislation, including: Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.)

The text of the bill is available HERE. A summary of the bill is available HERE.

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Blackburn Introduces Legislation to Increase Reporting on Illegal Alien Crime Nationwide

“Joe Biden’s open border allowed millions of illegal aliens to flood our country, and all Americans deserve to know how many have been charged or convicted of crimes in their communities,” said Senator Blackburn. “The Migrant Crime Reporting Act would ensure that states have the tools and resources to collect data on illegal alien crime and report it.”

MIGRANT CRIME REPORTING ACT

Tennessee state law currently requires the Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference to compile data every year on migrant crimes in Tennessee.

The Migrant Crime Reporting Act would incentivize other states to do the same by:

o Awarding grants to any eligible state who has prepared a report during the previous fiscal year; and

o Requiring that report to be published on a state government-operated, publicly available website and submitted to the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security.

Under this legislation, an individual would be considered a “migrant” for purposes of compiling this migrant crime report if the individual cannot provide an:

o Official birth certificate issued by a state, jurisdiction, or territory of the United States or a United States government-issued certified birth certificate;

o Valid, unexpired United States passport;

o Certificate of citizenship; or

o Certificate of naturalization.

Click here for bill text.

ENDORSEMENTS


Blumenthal Statement on Iran

[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) released the following statement:

"War must always be a last resort and never a first choice. The Trump Administration seems to be engaging in a war of choice that rejects opportunities for diplomacy. A nuclear-armed Iran is unacceptable and Iran's malign activies throughout the region pose a severe danger, but President Trump has failed to explain to the American people his objectives, end game, or exit strategy—risking another forever war. This attack fits a patten of unilateral action without accountability to the American people. I believe that Congress should come back into session, demand answers on behalf of Americans, and act on the Iran War Powers Resolution. My foremost concern is the safety and wellbeing of the men andf women in our armed forces and their families who are in harm's way."

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ICYMI: U.S. Senator Katie Britt Attends Judge Hal Mooty’s Investiture Ceremony

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) recently attended and delivered remarks at the Investiture Ceremony of Harold D. Mooty III as U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Alabama. Senator Britt led the presentation and reading of the commission during the ceremony. The Honorable Madeline H. Haikala, Chief Judge United States District Court Northern District of Alabama, presided over the ceremony.

Various local, state, and federal officials were in attendance to celebrate the investiture. The ceremony was made even more special by Judge Mooty’s daughter writing the invocation and his son leading the Pledge of Allegiance.

Judge Mooty was nominated to be a district judge for the Northern District of Alabama by President Donald J. Trump in August of 2025. He was confirmed by the Senate by a vote of 66-32. Judge Mooty’s confirmation vote received the most bipartisan support of any judicial nominee at this point in the 119th Congress.

Senator Britt and Judge Mooty | Allison Jansen Photography

“What an honor to take part in such a special moment for Judge Mooty and his friends and family, the Northern District, and the entire state of Alabama. It was truly a wonderful ceremony, centered around Judge Mooty’s inspiring call to service and life’s purpose. Having known Judge Mooty for 24 years, I have seen firsthand his relentless pursuit of excellence, commitment to the rule of law, deep sense of justice, and dedication to our great state, all of which will serve him exceptionally well in this new role. I look forward to seeing him apply our laws fairly, uphold the Constitution, and serve with distinction as a federal district court judge,” said Senator Britt.

“Hal Mooty’s elevation to the federal court not only is a reflection of his great intellect, strong work ethic, and dedication to Justice, it also serves to reinforce our confidence in our federal judiciary to have a person of Judge Mooty’s integrity on the bench,” said Montgomery Academy’s James Rye, who also delivered remarks at the event.

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