U.S. Senator Katie Britt Joins The National Report on Newsmax

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) joined The National Report on Newsmax to discuss the Democrat-led shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and call to pass Senator John Kennedy’s (R-La.) No Shutdown Paychecks to Politicians Act.

On the Senate staying in Washington to end Democrats’ DHS shutdown and fulfilling its duty to the American people:

“Well, first off, we’re not leaving if this doesn’t get done, I mean, lawmakers need to get ready to actually do their job. I mean, we’ve had 40, 41 days of a Democrat led shutdown. This is the second one of the fiscal year. When you’re looking at people who have stepped forward to say, hey, we want to serve our homeland, we want to protect American citizens from coast to coast, Democrats are finding a way to not pay those individuals. Republicans are saying, let’s get this done. We want to make sure that TSA is fully funded, Coast Guard is fully funded, CISA is fully funded … We’re looking at our law enforcement officers in our interior, we know how important that is, that that is fully funded.

“So we’re working diligently to get that done and we know that that’s important to the American people. And so we’re committed to making it happen. But I hope people get used to staying right here until that happens. We shouldn’t be leaving at all.”

On the possibility of another reconciliation bill:

“Let’s get this done today. Let’s fund all of the department … President Trump was so wise to have us do a reconciliation bill last year. We pre-funded much of this. That gives us a little bit of opportunity to wait and go ahead and start another reconciliation bill as well. I think that bill should be a public safety bill as my colleague Marsha Blackburn has been advocating for, narrowly tailored to make sure that we are keeping Americans safe.”

On her support for passing the No Shutdown Paychecks to Politicians Act:

“Now, let me talk about another thing that Senator Kennedy has been talking about that I am fully supportive of and think if we did, we wouldn’t be in this position right now. And that is stopping the paychecks of my colleagues in this building and across the way in the House if we don’t fund the government … TSA should never be going without their paycheck while we are getting ours. If we were to pass his bill, then I can guarantee you people would be much more eager to come to the table … These men and women come to work every single day to keep our country safe, and if we can’t get in here and do our job, we shouldn’t be receiving a paycheck while they’re not receiving theirs … I am sick of the ‘rules for thee and not for me’, and I think the American people are as well.”

You can watch the Senator’s full interview here.

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U.S. Senators Katie Britt, Raphael Warnock Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Streamline Federal Grants for HBCUs, Host HBCU Presidents in Roundtable Discussion

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) joined Senator Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) in introducing the bipartisan HBCU Research Capacity Act, legislation that would streamline federal funding opportunities for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

To announce the bill, the Senators hosted over 30 HBCU presidents from across the country for a roundtable discussion. Alabama A&M University President Dr. Daniel K. Wims, Alabama State University President Dr. Quinton T. Ross Jr., Drake State Community & Technical College President Dr. Patricia G. Sims, Shelton State Community College President Dr. Jonathan Koh, Lawson State Community College President Dr. Cynthia T. Anthony, Trenholm State Community College President Dr. Kemba K. Chambers, and Bishop State Community College President Olivier Charles were in attendance. During the discussion, the presidents addressed the need for legislation like the HBCU Research Capacity Act and continued support at the federal level.

“It was a privilege to be joined by so many HBCU presidents from across the nation. One of my biggest takeaways from the roundtable was our shared passion for ensuring all HBCUs have the resources available to provide their students with the highest level of opportunity – which I’m committed to continue fighting for,” said Senator Britt. “I am proud to represent the state with the most HBCUs in the nation. As a former trustee to one of Alabama’s 14 HBCUs, I’ve seen firsthand how impactful these institutions are – I am a fierce advocate for their funding, not only in Alabama, but also nationwide. I’m proud to co-lead this commonsense legislation with Senator Warnock, which will help these institutions grow their research capacity and continue paving the way for generations of students.”

“HBCUs are incubators of diverse excellence and have proven their ability time and again to punch above their weight. Despite not always having every tool at their disposal, they continue to make massive contributions to the research and development community. This bipartisan bill will make securing federal dollars for their research efforts that much easier, and I am proud to work alongside another champion of HBCUs in Senator Katie Britt,” said Senator Warnock.

Senator Britt and several Alabama HBCU Presidents.

Despite their significant contributions, HBCUs receive less than 1% of the roughly $60 billion in federal research and development (R&D) funding allocated to colleges and universities. In May 2024, the National Science and Technology Council released a report which identified barriers to R&D funding for HBCUs. Additionally, the report recommended that the federal government improve interagency collaboration to compile grant opportunities for HBCUs.

This bipartisan legislation would establish a federal clearinghouse of all available federal grant opportunities for HBCUs to help them apply for federal funding and best support their missions and students. Specifically, the HBCU Research Capacity Act would amend Title III of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to coordinate with federal agencies to create a centralized website listing these grant opportunities. This website would also share best practices for building research capacity, including recommendations from Federal, State, and local organizations. In addition, the bill would require the Secretary of Education to:

Assign personnel to administer the federal clearinghouse;

Provide a written notification of the federal clearinghouse to HBCUs and Congress; and,

Send an annual report regarding the clearinghouse to Congress and a quarterly update to HBCUs upon their consent.

Senator Warnock, Dr Harry L. Williams, President and CEO of Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), and Senator Britt

Statements of support:

“For too long, federal research investments have been disproportionately concentrated in a select few institutions of higher education,” Dr. Harry L. Williams, Thurgood Marshall College Fund president and CEO, said.“By connecting historically Black colleges and universities with federal research opportunities, the HBCU Research Capacity Act—co-sponsored by Senators Raphael Warnock and Katie Britt—is a major step toward ensuring HBCUs serve as catalysts for expanding America’s portfolio of top-tier research institutions and advancing our nation’s global competitiveness.”

“The UNCF (United Negro College Fund, Inc.) applauds Senators Raphael Warnock (GA) and Katie Britt (AL) for introducing the HBCU Research Capacity Act. Creating a federal clearinghouse to assist HBCUs is a step toward improving access to research funding and breaking down long-standing barriers. At the same time, more must be done to ensure HBCUs—especially those that will never be R1 institutions, yet contribute immeasurably by supplying the prepared students necessary for other HBCUs to become R1s—are fully included in building research capacity. There is no doubt that this bill should be passed, but it can’t be where the work of modernizing the research capacity of HBCUs ends.”

“America’s future depends on our ability to tap into every reservoir of talent available. The HBCU Research Capacity Act is the key to unlocking that potential, transforming institutional capacity into life-changing discoveries. Investing in the research capabilities of HBCUs—and the scholars who lead them—will yield generational dividends. We must ensure that the next George Washington Carver has the tools to thrive in the 21st century. On behalf of the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS), I am proud to enthusiastically endorse this act,” said Timothy W. Eaton, Ph.D., President of the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS).

The HBCU Research Capacity Act is endorsed by the United Negro College Fund, Thurgood Marshall College Fund, the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Education, and the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools.

You can read the full text of the bill here.

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Budd, Ernst Lead Abraham Accords Defense Cooperation Act to Deter Iranian Aggression Across the Middle East

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Ted Budd (R-N.C.) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, introduced the Abraham Accords Defense Cooperation Act today, which would require the U.S. Secretary of Defense to establish a defense cooperation initiative to strengthen regional defense partnerships between Abraham Accords countries and encourage other Arab nations to join the normalization agreements. Additionally, this bill would establish a funding stream for military cooperation amongst Abraham Accords countries to deter aggression from Iran and its proxies across the Middle East.

“Many of our Arab allies in the Middle East, such as Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), signatories of the Abraham Accords, remain in the crosshairs of Iranian missiles and drones. Iran continues to carry out attacks not only on regional Arab allies but is also intentionally targeting American military installations in the region and our ally Israel. For far too long Iran—the world’s greatest sponsor of state terror—and its proxies have threatened U.S. national and economic security while also disrupting peace in the Middle East. By bolstering defense cooperation among Abraham Accords countries, we can strengthen regional partnerships and fortify deterrence against Iranian aggression,” said Senator Budd.

“The Abraham Accords delivered what Iran fears most, a united front committed to peace instead of chaos. As co-chair of the bipartisan Abraham Accords Caucus, I have been proud to build upon the success of the Accords through my DEFEND Act and now through the Abraham Accords Defense Cooperation Act to unite our partners against Iran-backed terror. When our partners are prepared to deter the Iranian regime and its proxies, our world and our homeland are safer,” said Senator Ernst.

Read the full bill text HERE.

BACKGROUND

The historic Abraham Accords, negotiated by the United States in 2020, set the stage for a renewed era of cooperation in the Middle East. These diplomatic agreements sought to bolster stability and security in the Middle East by formalizing normalization agreements between Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Morocco, Sudan, and, most recently, Kazakhstan in 2025.

To build on the success of this historic agreement, the Abraham Accords Defense Cooperation Act:

Requires the Secretary of Defense to establish an initiative to bolster defense cooperation with Abraham Accords countries.

Requires the Secretary of Defense to prioritize deterring aggression by Iran and its proxies while also enhancing regional planning and cooperation among Abraham Accords countries, including:

Counter-unmanned aircraft system capabilities, ground-based air defense, special operations force development, and joint air or naval military exercises, among other appropriate military capabilities as directed by the Secretary.

Requires the Secretary of Defense to submit a report to the Senate Armed Services Committee, setting forth a strategy for achieving these objectives and a budget request for carrying out this initiative.

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Capito, Cornyn, Blackburn, Husted Introduce Bill to Unleash Domestic Investments for U.S. Companies

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), and Jon Husted (R-Ohio) introduced the Ensuring Better Interest Treatment and Deductibility (EBITDA) Act. The legislation builds on the Working Families Tax Cuts Act’s—also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill—pro-growth policy by restoring globally competitive interest deductibility standards and unleashing domestic investment for U.S.-headquartered companies. Companion legislation is being introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representative Ron Estes (R-Kan.).

“U.S. based companies are at a disadvantage when competing in global markets for leveraged acquisitions, as foreign-headquartered rivals often benefit from more favorable interest deductibility rules and can therefore finance transactions more efficiently,” Senator Capito said. “This bill will help ensure pro-growth policy by increasing globally competitive interest deductibility standards and will help unleash domestic investments for U.S. companies.”

The legislation is supported by: the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Celanese, Asurion, Dell Technologies, Illinois Tool Works, and the American Chemistry Council.

“H.R. 1 was the investment of a generation in America’s manufacturers. Thanks to the leadership of President Trump and this Congress, the U.S. tax code is now set up to drive manufacturing investment and job creation. A critical component of H.R. 1’s pro-manufacturing agenda was the restoration of a pro-growth interest deductibility standard, a longtime NAM priority given debt financing’s importance for capital-intensive sectors like manufacturing,” Connor Rabb, Senior Director for Tax Policy for NAM, said. “The Ensuring Better Interest Treatment and Deductibility (EBITDA) Act from Sen. Capito and Rep. Estes would build on this progress, setting the stage for job-creating investments across the industry. Manufacturers strongly support the EBITDA Act, and we commend Sen. Capito and Rep. Estes for their leadership in making America the best place in the world to make things.”

“The Ensuring Better Treatment and Deductibility Act is an important step toward preserving a competitive, pro-growth tax environment for American companies. Restoring a more balanced approach to interest deductibility – consistent with longstanding standards – will help businesses invest in long-term growth and compete globally. Asurion applauds Senators Capito, Cornyn, Blackburn, and Husted for introducing this important legislation,” Asurion said.

“Dell Technologies supports the Ensuring Better Interest Treatment and Deductibility Act (EBITA) because it enhances financing flexibility for U.S. businesses. We appreciate Senator Capito, Representative Estes and their colleagues for working to advance this legislation,” Tom Vallone, Senior Vice President of Taxes at Dell Technologies, said”

“Senator Capito’s leadership recognizes that tax policy plays a critical role in U.S. competitiveness and in keeping the United States the world’s most attractive place to invest and borrow. Modernizing Section 163(j) will help strengthen American competitiveness by lowering financing costs for capital-intensive manufacturers and encouraging more investment, innovation, and job creation here at home,” the American Chemistry Council said.

BACKGROUND:

In July, President Trump signed into law the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, which provides major business tax benefits, including making the 20% Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction permanent, restoring 100% bonus depreciation for investments, and increasing the Sec. 179 deduction cap to $2.5 million and increasing limits on business interest deductibility. Because of the hard work of President Trump and Congress, the U.S. tax code has finally put American businesses first and will help increase U.S. manufacturing. However, U.S. businesses are prevented from including global income (Subpart F income, GILTI inclusions, and Section 78 gross-up amounts) from their Adjusted Tax Income (ATI), which undercuts the restoration of the EBITDA standard. This anti-competitive provision shrinks the ATI base and reduces allowable interest deductions, even when such global income is fully subject to U.S. tax. This limitation undercuts the key pro-growth outcome in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act.

The Ensuring Better Interest Treatment and Deductibility Act (EBITDA) would build upon the pro-U.S. business policies in OBBB by repealing the ATI limitation exclusion of global income, allowing U.S. companies to remain competitive on the world stage.

Full text of the EBITDA Act can be found here.

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Cassidy Calls on Senate Democrats to Stop Inflicting Pain, End the DHS Shutdown

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) delivered a speech on the U.S. Senate floor, calling on Senate Democrats to fund the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

“At some point, [Senate Democrats] have to be willing to make an agreement,” said Dr. Cassidy.

“You should consider the pain that you are exacting upon fellow Americans, upon people who are not getting paid for six weeks even though they have bills to pay,” said Dr. Cassidy.

Cassidy’s remarks as prepared for delivery are below:

Mr. President,

Someone asked me today, since Senate Democrats keep moving the goalpost on DHS funding, what’s the level of frustration amongst Republicans?

You know what I said?

“Ask the American people how frustrated they are!”

Senate Democrats are hurting Americans for their own gain.

The lines at the airport get longer.

Just look at the people lined up at the airport in New Orleans.

If you’re one of the people waiting in line at the airport, you should call up a Senate Democrat and ask them to end this shutdown.

The rate of call-outs from TSA staff exceeded 40 percent over the weekend.

They’re calling out because they’re driving an Uber or Lyft to pay the bills.

Iran gives us more reasons to guard our borders and coasts.

Yet Democrats say no every time.

By the way, we HAVE a solution—a solution that Democrats initially agreed to, first when they negotiated the bill, and then once more!

And now, they’ve moved the goalpost again.

Clearly, they care more about appeasing their left-wing base than they do about solving this problem for the American people.

It is greedy, it is dangerous, and it is totally un-American.

They are intentionally inflicting pain on the people in this country who are just trying to make a living and do the right thing.

When we, Republicans, the White House, try meeting Senate Democrats halfway—even MORE than halfway—they still won’t budge!

And the American people suffer the consequences.

The TSA agent I spoke to at Louis Armstrong Airport in New Orleans—he is desperate for his paycheck.

Troops and officers trying to keep our country safe and prevent Iranian cyber-attacks—they are stretched thin.

Folks traveling, trying to get back home or to a wedding or a funeral—they can’t!

They’re showing up five hours early for a flight, just to miss it by ten minutes because the security line is so backed up.

By the way, DHS includes FEMA—pretty important for Louisiana!

We don’t know when the next hurricane could hit.

But we know that Hurricane Season starts 10 weeks from now.

The funds have GOT to be in place in case the worst happens.

If it does, if a storm hits our state and homes flood, FEMA won’t be able to help.

Senate Democrats know this. And if they wanted to fix it, they would.

So when you start to wonder, “I wonder how frustrated politicians are?”

Try asking an everyday American how frustrated they are.

Protect our country and pay our people.

Fund DHS.

With that, I yield the floor.

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Cassidy Presents Plan to Save Social Security, Protect Benefits at Budget Hearing

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) outlined his plan to save Social Security in light of looming benefit cuts at a U.S. Senate Budget Committee hearing. Cassidy’s proposal would protect benefits for current and future retirees and strengthen the program’s long-term solvency.

“Everyone watching—everyone sitting here—if they live to be retirement age will be affected by Social Security … This is just not luxury income. This is what people need to live,” said Dr. Cassidy.

“The question is, Mr. Chairman and Mr. Ranking Member, are we going to fulfill our obligations to the American people in a way which is actually both politically and by policy viable to fix social [security]—not just now, but for future generations,” continued Dr. Cassidy.

Background

In August, Cassidy introduced a resolution designating August 14th as National Save Social Security Day, commemorating the 90th anniversary of the Social Security Act and highlighting the program’s role in providing retirement security for generations of Americans.

Cassidy released a statement following the most recent Social Security Trustees’ annual report, which predicts that Social Security will become insolvent by 2033.

Cassidy’s plan to save Social Security infuses money into the program by creating a sovereign wealth fund—separate from the Social Security Trust Fund—which would consistently deliver benefits to those currently enrolled in Social Security and ensure the program remains solvent for future generations.

Cassidy released the inaugural Bill on the Hill video, where he asked Capitol Hill visitors from across the country their thoughts on the looming benefit cuts to Social Security and presented his plan.

Cassidy has discussed his plan at a public forum with AARP and delivered a keynote speech at the National Institute on Retirement Security’s (NIRS) 15th Annual Retirement Policy Conference on the future of Social Security.

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Cornyn, Capito Introduce Bill to Unleash Domestic Investments for U.S. Companies

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) joined Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), along with Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Jon Husted (R-OH), in introducing the Ensuring Better Interest Treatment and Deductibility (EBITDA) Act, which would restore globally competitive interest deductibility standards and unleash domestic investment for U.S.-headquartered companies:

“Thanks to the historic Working Families Tax Cuts Act championed by President Trump, Republicans delivered a number of pro-growth provisions for hardworking Americans, including increasing limits on interest deductibility so businesses can reinvest in their employees,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This legislation builds on Republicans’ success by allowing U.S. businesses to account for their full global earnings when calculating their taxable income and interest deductibility to level the playing field, improve access to capital, and ensure American companies can compete in the global marketplace.”

Background:

In July, President Trump signed into law the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, which provides major business tax benefits, including making the 20% Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction permanent, restoring 100% bonus depreciation for investments, increasing the Sec. 179 deduction cap to $2.5 million, and increasing limits on business interest deductibility. Because of the hard work of President Trump, Senator Cornyn, and his colleagues in Congress, the U.S. tax code has put American businesses first and will help increase U.S. manufacturing. However, U.S. businesses are currently prevented from including global income from their Adjusted Tax Income (ATI), undercutting the restoration of the EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) standard. This shrinks the ATI base and reduces allowable interest deductions, even when such global income is fully subject to U.S. tax.

The Ensuring Better Interest Treatment and Deductibility (EBITDA) Act would build upon the pro-U.S. business policies in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act by repealing the ATI limitation exclusion of global income, allowing U.S. companies to remain competitive on the world stage.


Cornyn, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Prevent Illegal Aliens from Receiving Commercial Driver’s Licenses

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Ted Budd (R-NC), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), and Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) today introduced the Dalilah’s Law Act, which would create new criminal and civil penalties for illegal aliens who obtain or use Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL) as well as the Democrat-led states that issue CDLs to these criminals, delivering on President Trump’s State of the Union remarks calling on Congress to take action before any more American lives are threatened or lost on our roadways due to unvetted, untrained illegal alien commercial drivers:

“It is reprehensible that innocent Americans like Dalilah Coleman continue to pay the price for Democrats’ open-border policies, which have led to illegal aliens – who cannot speak English or read our road signs – dangerously operating massive commercial vehicles on our roadways,” said Sen. Cornyn. “Our bill would build on President Trump’s State of the Union remarks honoring Dalilah to put an end to this pull factor and hold illegal alien drivers and the sanctuary states that enable them accountable.”

“Far too many innocent Americans have faced life-altering consequences due to the actions of illegal aliens and the negligence of sanctuary states. A five-year-old little girl is now living with significant injuries because an illegal alien recklessly drove an 80,000-pound commercial vehicle after being issued a CDL by the state of California. This cannot happen again. I am proud to join Senator Cornyn in introducing the Dalilah’s Law Act to ensure that no state bypasses necessary driver vetting requirements when an illegal alien attempts to obtain a CDL,” said Sen. Budd.

“The Dalilah’s Law Act is about protecting American families and ensuring safety of everyone on our highways and I applaud Sen. Cornyn’s commitment to this issue,” said Sen. Capito. “Commercial drivers carry an enormous responsibility, and there must be clear, consistent standards for those allowed behind the wheel. Sen. Cornyn’s effort closes dangerous loopholes and reinforces the principle that the rule of law and public safety must always come first.”

“Every American who shares a road with an 80,000-pound commercial truck deserves to know that driver earned that license legally,” said Sen. Lummis. “Wyoming families understand that federal transportation dollars come with responsibilities, and handing CDLs to people who have no legal right to be in this country is a betrayal of the public trust. Proud to partner with Senator Cornyn to keep our roads and Americans safe.”

Background:

In 2024, Partap Singh, an illegal alien from India, caused a multi-car pileup while driving a commercial 18-wheeler in California. Even though he was an illegal alien, California still issued Singh a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), allowing him to operate the semi-truck. The crash resulted in five-year-old Dalilah Coleman suffering life-altering injuries. Sadly, Dalilah is not the only American who has been killed or injured by illegal aliens operating commercial vehicles after sanctuary states issued them CDLs.

Building on President Trump’s State of the Union remarks calling for Congress to pass legislation to hold states who issue CDLs to illegal aliens accountable, the Dalilah’s Law Act would:


Cornyn, GOP Colleagues Call On Trump Administration to Reinstate the Protect Life Rule

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), along with Senators Ted Budd (R-NC), Steve Daines (R-MT), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jim Risch (R-ID), Jim Banks (R-IN), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), sent a letter led by Senator Todd Young (R-IN) encouraging the Trump administration to reinstate the Protect Life Rule, which would ensure Title X family planning funds cannot be used by clinics that provide abortions or abortion referrals. The Protect Life Rule was proposed and finalized by the first Trump administration in 2019, but in 2021, the Biden administration rescinded the rule and withheld funds from at least two states for refusing to refer women for abortions. Reinstating this rule will prevent American taxpayer dollars from funding abortions and protect innocent lives.

Excerpts of the letter are below, and the full letter can be found here.

The lawmakers wrote to President Trump and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: “We write to express our deep appreciation for your steadfast commitment to the pro-life cause and for the meaningful victories your Administration has delivered on behalf of the most vulnerable among us.”

“During your first term in March 2019, your Administration proposed and finalized the Protect Life Rule. That Rule ensured that Title X family planning funds could no longer flow to clinics that perform, promote, or refer for abortions, and required clear physical and financial separation between Title X-funded projects and abortion facilities,” they continued.

“While the Biden-Harris Administration moved swiftly to undo this progress by rescinding the Rule, we stand ready to support your Administration in reinstating the policy by promulgating a new proposed rule with the same objective,” they wrote.

“The American taxpayer should not be forced to be complicit in the taking of innocent life. We thank you for your continued leadership on behalf of the unborn,” they concluded.


Cornyn, Klobuchar, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Bring Child Predators to Justice

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and Katie Britt (R-AL) today introduced the Child Predators Accountability Act, which would ensure that law enforcement can continue to charge and prosecute child sexual abusers for producing child sexual abusive material (CSAM) that depicts a minor who is asleep, unconscious, or otherwise passive:

“Any sick human being who takes advantage of an innocent child while they’re asleep or unconscious must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said Sen. Cornyn. “By closing legal loopholes being exploited by criminals, this legislation would make abundantly clear that these heinous individuals can and should be brought to justice for the crime of child pornography and prevent any offender from evading tougher penalties on a technicality.”

“We must do everything we can to protect our children from online exploitation and sexual abuse, including closing loopholes in existing law that prevent the prosecution of abusers,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “Our bipartisan legislation will ensure that those who abuse children are held fully accountable.”

“Congress must protect children from abuse and ensure all predators are held accountable for their disgusting crimes,” said Sen. Grassley. “By closing this legal loophole, the bipartisan Child Predators Accountability Act makes clear that child exploitation will never be tolerated, and anyone who uses children in any sexually exploitative context will face justice.”

“One of our most important duties in Congress is to be a voice to the voiceless and protect the most vulnerable among us—our children,” said Sen. Britt. “This bipartisan effort would help ensure no child predators slip through the cracks and that justice is deservedly served to these heinous individuals. I’m tremendously grateful for my colleagues’ leadership on this, and I hope it is passed by the Senate expeditiously and signed into law.”

This legislation is endorsed by Raven, National Children’s Alliance (NCA), Rights4Girls, National District Attorneys Association (NDAA), Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies (ASCIA), and Major Counties Sheriffs Association (MCSA).

Background:

In August 2017, law enforcement arrested Matthew Howard on suspicion of possession of child pornography. A subsequent search of Howard’s computer uncovered a trove of child pornography, including at least two videos where Howard produced sexually explicit content depicting his nine-year-old niece. Howard subsequently pled guilty to possessing pornographic images of other minors, but contested the charges related to producing child pornography involving his niece, on the basis that she was asleep and therefore did not “engage” in any sexually explicit conduct. The district court rejected Howard’s argument, but in United States v. Howard, the Seventh Circuit court agreed and reversed the child pornography convictions, holding that a perpetrator does not violate the production of child pornography statute if the minor victim is a passive participant in the sexual offender’s explicit conduct. This court decision sets up a dangerous legal precedent. If other judges apply the same logic to future cases, it could threaten prosecutions for offenders who surreptitiously film minors without their knowledge when they are sleeping, drugged, or otherwise unconscious.

Sen. Cornyn’s legislation would address this issue by amending current law to clarify that the passive engagement of a child in sexually explicit conduct violates federal law prohibiting the production of child pornography. This legislation is in accordance with what most previous courts have long held and interpreted current law to mean.

The Child Predators Accountability Act would amend current law by:


Cornyn, Padilla Bill to Protect Americans from Russian Lawfare Passes Senate Judiciary Committee

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Alex Padilla (D-CA) released the following statements after their Protecting Americans from Russian Litigation Act, which would protect American companies who have been unfairly targeted in foreign jurisdictions, particularly Russian courts, for their good faith compliance with U.S. sanctions and export controls following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, passed the Senate Judiciary Committee:

“American companies who rightfully stopped doing business in Russia following Putin’s invasion of Ukraine should not be punished or subjected to Russian lawfare,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This legislation would close a legal loophole that has been abused by Russian courts to unfairly target American businesses for complying with U.S. sanctions meant to weaken Putin’s war regime and ensure our corporations are not held liable for Russia’s actions.”

“As Putin continues his war on Ukraine, we cannot let Russia exploit American courts for retaliatory lawsuits against companies complying with U.S. sanctions and export controls,” said Sen. Padilla. “Whether it’s Russia today or another foreign adversary tomorrow, shielding American companies from legal harassment at home and abroad is a commonsense, bipartisan priority that defends our national security and protects the effectiveness of our sanctions regime. Today’s committee passage is an important first step, and I will keep working with Senator Cornyn to ensure this fix becomes law.”

Background:

In response to Russia’s February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the United States imposed sanctions and export controls on Russia. Acting in good faith, U.S. companies wound down their operations and ceased work in Russia to comply with these measures. As a result, numerous suits have been brought against U.S. companies in Russian courts, with some facing hundreds of millions of dollars in potential damages. Russia has sought to enforce these judgments in other jurisdictions.

U.S. law currently provides no protections for enforcements of these types of foreign judgments. Under current law, Russian litigants can use these Russian court decisions as the basis to sue American companies in U.S. federal court or in international courts of arbitration.

This legislation would protect American businesses by closing the loophole in federal law that allows enforcement of foreign judgments, effectively ending Russian lawfare on American businesses.


Cortez Masto, Alsobrooks, Hagerty Introduce Deposit Insurance Legislation

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), and Cindy Hyde-Smith introduced the Main Street Depositor Protection Act, bipartisan legislation that would allow the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to raise its cap on deposit insurance.

“The small businesses that support our neighborhoods deserve peace of mind that the bank accounts they use for payroll and purchases will be insured,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “Increasing the insurance coverage levels on bank accounts that don’t generate interest is a commonsense way to ensure America’s main street is also protected if their bank unexpectedly fails.”

“I am proud to have worked with Senator Hagerty to introduce our updated Main Street Depositor Protection Act with Senators Cortez Masto, Hyde-Smith, Gallego, and Banks. This bipartisan legislation would require a data driven process to increase deposit insurance coverage levels for business checking accounts at most banks and credit unions. Our small businesses are the backbone of the American economy, and they often rely on community banks and credit unions. Responsibly raising the deposit insurance threshold will protect employees and businesses in times of crisis and strengthen our overall financial system,” said Senator Alsobrooks.

“The banks that serve Main Street must have the same chance to succeed as the banks that serve Wall Street. This bipartisan, bicameral bill advances the Administration’s priority of preserving the central role of regional and community banks in the financial system of the future. It’s narrowly targeted to address a very specific concern that manifested itself during the Silicon Valley Bank collapse — a run on non-interest bearing transaction accounts typically used to make payrolls by small businesses that are very important customers for our local and regional banks,” said Senator Hagerty.

The full text of the legislation can be found here.

Senator Cortez Masto is a champion for Nevada’s small businesses. Last year, the Senator introduced bipartisan legislation to ensure America’s small businesses can compete in the 21st Century economy and bipartisan legislation to make it easier for the Securities and Exchange Commission to collect information on small businesses. Additionally, Cortez Masto introduced a bipartisan bill to require the Small Business Association to provide annual awards to state and local governments that streamline the process of small business formation. She also stood with small businesses in Southern and Northern Nevada to highlight the devastating impacts the chaos of the Trump Administration’s tariffs have had on the cost of operating small businesses and on the American economy itself. In D.C., she hosted a spotlight hearing to speak with small business owners about the squeeze they are feeling from the tariffs.

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Cortez Masto Proposes Bill to Lower Costs for American Families

The American Homes First Act would invest an additional $1 Billion into LIHEAP, which is one of the most successful energy cost-reducing programs available to working families

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) introduced legislation to invest an additional $1 Billion into the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), one of the most successful programs aimed at reducing energy costs for working families. The American Homes First Act would do so by redirecting $1 billion from President Trump’s Board of Peace to LIHEAP.

“As Americans rapidly see prices go up at the pump, they’re looking for ways to keep the rest of their monthly costs down,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “LIHEAP has been one of the most successful cost-saving programs in our nation’s history. Instead of giving President Trump a $1 billion blank check to fund a ‘Board of Peace’ that has offered no transparency about how it is investing its money, let’s focus on helping American families afford their monthly power bill.”

LIHEAP provides federally funded assistance to reduce the costs associated with home energy bills, energy crises, weatherization, and minor energy-related home repairs. In FY2024, LIHEAP helped more than 17,000 Nevada households and nearly 6 million American households. Recent projections show that Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) will cause working families to face a 9-18% power bill increase on average by 2035.

Established earlier this year, the Trump-controlled Board of Peace is a project that aims to oversee American involvement overseas. To fund it, the State Department made $1 billion available from previously appropriated funding without consulting Congress. So far, the Trump Administration has presented no credible plan for how the money will be spent, has not been reported to have actually transferred funds directly to Gaza despite its pledge, and has effectively created a ‘slush fund’ for President Trump that experts agree will do little to support humanitarian or peace efforts globally.

Read the bill here.

Senator Cortez Masto has consistently worked to lower Nevadans’ energy costs. Earlier this year, Cortez Masto introduced the Lowering Home Energy Costs Act to help everyday Americans lower their energy costs by putting money back into their pockets if they make their homes more energy efficient. The Senator also introduced a resolution under the Congressional Review Act to overturn an IRS rule that makes it harder for wind and solar energy companies to claim vital tax credits and raises energy costs.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353

March 26, 2026

Cotton, Schumer Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect Americans’ Data from Foreign Adversaries

Washington, DC — Senate Republican Conference Chairman Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York) today introduced bipartisan legislation to protect Americans from national security threats that are introduced by foreign-controlled robots.

The American Security Robotics Act will prohibit the federal government from procuring and operating unmanned ground vehicles made by foreign adversaries, specifically Communist China. Robotics companies tied to the Chinese Communist Party and the Chinese military are increasingly selling their products to American research labs, universities, law enforcement, and even targeting consumers who are purchasing robots for personal use.

Advanced Chinese robotics contain backdoors that enable data exfiltration and risk remote-hijacking, threatening American’s privacy and national security. America can’t allow our adversaries to establish a foothold in our homes, law enforcement agencies, and broader robotics industry, particularly as these platforms provide a connection to the physical world as the AI algorithms that power them are rapidly advancing.

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (New York-21) introduced companion legislation in the House.

“Robots made by Communist China threaten Arkansans’ privacy and our national security. Our bill will ban the federal government from buying and operating these devices made in countries that wish us harm,” said Senator Cotton.

“The Chinese Communist Party has shown that they are willing to lie and cheat to get ahead at the expense of the American people and our national security. They are running their standard playbook – this time in robotics – trying to flood the U.S. market with their technology, which presents real security risks and threats to Americans’ privacy and American research and industry. We must protect our country from these threats, starting with a ban on the federal government buying this CCP technology,” said Senator Schumer.

“One of America’s greatest strengths is the ingenuity of our people—our visionaries, inventors, engineers, and dedicated workers. We must continue to promote and propel America’s robotics superiority while safeguarding our privacy and national security from adversaries. This is why I am introducing bicameral, bipartisan legislation with my colleague Senator Cotton,” said Congresswoman Stefanik.

Text of the bill can be found here.

The American Security Robotics Act would:

Ban federal government from procuring and operating unmanned ground vehicle systems manufactured by foreign entities of concern, including humanoid robots and autonomous patrol technology.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353

March 26, 2026

Cotton to Bessent: Temporarily Allow On-Road Use of Red Diesel to Help Arkansas Farmers

Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urging a temporary suspension on federal penalties for on-road use of red diesel fuel. Arkansas farmers are required to buy taxed highway diesel when using public roads, costing an extra 24 cents per gallon on every highway mile.

In part, Senator Cotton wrote:

“I write to urge the administration to implement a temporary moratorium on federal penalties for on-road use of red diesel fuel. American farmers continue to face a cost crisis that threatens the survival of family farms across the country. A penalty waiver for the duration of the current disruption to global energy markets would provide immediate relief at minimal cost to the federal government.”

Full text of the letter may be found here and below.

March 26, 2026

The Honorable Scott Bessent

Secretary of the Treasury

U.S. Department of the Treasury

1500 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Washington, D.C. 20220

Dear Secretary Bessent,

I write to urge the administration to implement a temporary moratorium on federal penalties for on-road use of red diesel fuel. American farmers continue to face a cost crisis that threatens the survival of family farms across the country. A penalty waiver for the duration of the current disruption to global energy markets would provide immediate relief at minimal cost to the federal government.

Thankfully the Trump administration made $12 billion available through the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program, but we must examine all options that may be available to assist farmers. Unfortunately, Arkansas led the country with 33 Chapter 12 bankruptcy filings in 2025, more than double the prior year. The gap between farm input costs and prices received hit a 10-year high in early 2026. Row crop producers in Arkansas expect to lose hundreds of dollars per acre on cotton, corn, rice, and soybeans this year.

Fuel is one of the largest variable costs on any farm operation. Farmers use tax-exempt red diesel in their fields, but the moment they drive a truck on a public road to haul grain, livestock, or inputs, they must buy taxed highway diesel. Electric vehicles pay no federal fuel excise tax and contribute nothing to the Highway Trust Fund while using the same roads. The federal government spent billions subsidizing electric vehicles while farmers absorb rising fuel costs on shrinking margins.

As Iranian aggression threatens the flow of petroleum through the Strait of Hormuz, a penalty moratorium would save farmers 24 cents per gallon on every highway mile.

A nation that cannot feed itself cannot defend itself. And if we continue to lose family farms, we will depend on foreign producers for the food on our tables. Lifting the red diesel penalty is a small step the administration can take today to keep our family farms operational for generations to come.

Sincerely,

Tom Cotton

United States Senator

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Cramer Announces Staff Transition, Names Micah Chambers Chief of Staff

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) today announced Chief of Staff Mark Gruman will depart his office on April 3, after accepting a position in the private sector. Micah Chambers will take over as his new Chief of Staff after serving as Cramer’s Legislative Director, a position Mary Silverthorn will assume.

Gruman has served as Chief of Staff since 2013, overseeing operations in Cramer’s Washington, D.C., office and helping implement his legislative and communications strategy. Gruman also worked for Cramer when he served as public service commissioner.

“Mark has been with me since my days on the Public Service Commission and has been my Chief of Staff ever since we got fully staffed up in the House,” said Cramer. “He helped create a culture in our office of hard work and dedication to serving North Dakotans and advancing our priorities in Washington. Mark has been an invaluable advisor and leader and I’m grateful for the many years he’s spent with me at the PSC and in Congress.”

Chambers has served as Cramer’s Legislative Director since 2019, managing the senator’s policy team and legislative portfolio. Prior to joining Cramer’s office, he worked at the Department of Interior during the first Trump administration. He also served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director for U.S. Congressman Ryan Zinke (R-MT-01).

“Micah has an incredible track record as my Legislative Director and it has prepared him to seamlessly step up and serve as my Chief of Staff,” Cramer continued. “He has an intuitive understanding of how to talk about and implement North Dakota-first policies and shares my commitment to providing top-notch constituent service in our state office.”

Silverthorn is a North Dakota native who has been with Cramer since 2019. She has focused primarily on banking and financial policies, as well as tax and budget issues. She came to Washington, D.C. in 2017, where she began working for Senator John Hoeven (R-ND) after graduating from the University of Minnesota-Duluth with a degree in Political Science.

“Mary is not just my trusted advisor on complex banking issues, she is also a mentor to those around her,” Cramer said. “She has developed a well-earned reputation for hard work and steady leadership on Capitol Hill and throughout the financial services industry, but her heart and soul remain grounded in reality thanks to her North Dakota roots.”

Cramer was elected to his second Senate term in 2024 and serves on the Armed Services, Environment and Public Works, Veterans’ Affairs, and Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committees.


ICYMI: Sen. Cramer Op-Ed: The Highway Trust Fund drives our economy

WASHINGTON, D.C. – For over 25 years, expenditures from the Highway Trust Fund have exceeded its revenues. In 2024, there were $57 billion in expenditures, but only $43 billion in incoming revenues. Over the last 15 years, Congress has transferred money from the Treasury General Fund – to the tune of $275 billion – while punting on the source of the problem. Offloading the burden on all taxpayers in the form of federal debt – rather than sticking with the “user pays” model Eisenhower envisioned – is not a solution.

As Congress prepares to debate and negotiate the surface transportation reauthorization, U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) penned an op-ed in The Washington Times to suggest a solution to the Highway Trust Fund shortfall.

The Highway Trust Fund Drives Our Economy

The Washington Times – March 26, 2026

Whether North Dakotans are delivering crops to the local elevator or loading the family into a minivan for a road trip, well-maintained roads are essential. At the center of it all is the National Highway System (NHS), the network which moves people and freight across the nation.

Highways are the heartbeat of interstate commerce, a constitutional duty of the federal government. More goods are transported by truck than by rail, air, water and pipelines combined. Our economy is driven by the free flow of goods across our patchwork of roads and highways.

However, the Highway Trust Fund faces a structural funding shortfall, threatening the long-term ability of states to maintain and modernize transportation infrastructure. When President Dwight Eisenhower established the interstate system in the 1950s, the Highway Trust Fund was a “pay as you go” model where users of the road system paid for its maintenance and construction through taxes on gasoline, diesel and tires.

As a result, the fund is based on the deceptively simple principle of “user pays.” Since 1993, Americans have contributed 18.3 cents to the Highway Trust Fund for every single gallon of gasoline. As cars have become more efficient or drivers switch to hybrid or electric vehicles (EVs), the result is fewer dollars flowing to the fund all while road use is increasing. More users and less revenue is not sustainable.

For over 25 years, expenditures from the Highway Trust Fund have exceeded its revenues. In 2024, there were $57 billion in expenditures, but only $43 billion in incoming revenues. Over the last 15 years, Congress has transferred money from the Treasury General Fund – to the tune of $275 billion – while punting on the source of the problem. Offloading the burden on all taxpayers in the form of federal debt – rather than sticking with the “user pays” model Eisenhower envisioned – is not a solution.

How do we stay true to “user pays” and ensure the long-term solvency of the Highway Trust Fund?

First, all highway vehicles should contribute. If they drive on it, they pay for it. According to the Argonne National Laboratory, Americans purchased approximately 1.2 million battery electric vehicles in 2024 alone, the vast majority of which were in California. In plain terms, a Fargo mom taking her kids to hockey practice in a Suburban is paying into the highway system while coastal elites who can afford EVs are getting a free ride from the federal government down Sunset Boulevard. The disparity is real.

One widely discussed solution is a federal registration fee for EVs dedicated to the Highway Trust Fund. In fact, 39 states have already implemented registration fees for EVs, recognizing these vehicles use the system but do not contribute through gas taxes. At a minimum, this framework would reduce the Highway Trust Fund shortfall and ensure EVs pay their fair share. A $200 annual fee, for each of the 5.7 million EVs in the nation could add over $1.14 billion to the fund every year.

But I think we can – and should – consider broader policy solutions.

While some suggest a per-mile fee, tracking mileage is fraught with practicality and privacy concerns. One option could be supplementing or replacing the gas tax with an annual registration fee based on weight. Every vehicle in America, from pickup trucks to EVs to hybrid sedans, pays a fee straight to the Highway Trust Fund based on its weight.

Doing nothing is not an option.

We have become way too familiar with robbing Peter to pay Paul in Washington, and it’s time to put Highway Trust Fund bailouts in the rearview mirror.

As we debate, negotiate and pass a surface transportation reauthorization this year, I am hopeful my colleagues and I can correct course and stabilize the fund.

Our ability to repair, update, and build out new roads depends on a sustainable “user pays” system.

The American economy is built on the durability of our infrastructure and investments across the NHS is a necessity.


Crapo Joins Colleagues in Requesting Briefing on Joint Task Force to Hold Perpetrators of Oct. 7 Attack Accountable

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) this week joined his colleagues in requesting that United States Attorney General Pam Bondi and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel convene a briefing on the Joint Task Force October 7 (JTF) to update Congress on efforts to investigate and prosecute terrorist networks such as Hamas. He was joined by Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kansas), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Ashley Moody (R-Florida), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Rick Scott (R-Florida.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), Katie Britt (R-Alabama), Steve Daines (R-Montana), Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia), John Hoeven (R-North Dakota) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee).

In light of the recent string of violent incidents and terror attacks with antisemitic motivations, the Senators also requested the task force provide recommendations for legislative action to further strengthen efforts to identify terrorist support networks and monitor potential domestic radicalization.

“Ensuring that the perpetrators of this attack are brought to justice is a necessary step in not only upholding the rule of law but protecting American interests,” wrote the Senators. “We write to express our strong support for the joint task force and to request a congressional briefing on its progress and future priorities. Specifically, we would appreciate additional information regarding the number of individuals or entities held accountable to date, the number of investigations currently underway, and any recommendations the task force may have for congressional action.”

“The events of October 7 underscored the ongoing and evolving nature of the global terrorist threat and the risks it poses to the United States, our allies, and our national security,” continued the Senators. “In recent weeks, a series of violent incidents and terror attacks with antisemitic motivations or links to extremist rhetoric, both abroad and here at home, have further reinforced the urgency of this work.”

Full text of the letter can be found here and below.

Dear Attorney General Bondi and Director Patel:

We write to commend the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for your leadership in responding to the October 7 terrorist attack and the global threats that followed. The effort to support regional stability and pursue accountability for those responsible reflects the strong attention with which this Administration has approached the aftermath of that attack.

We were particularly encouraged by the establishment of the Joint Task Force October 7 (JTF) in February 2025. Ensuring that the perpetrators of this attack are brought to justice is a necessary step in not only upholding the rule of law but protecting American interests. We write to express our strong support for the JTF and to request a congressional briefing on its progress and future priorities. Specifically, we would appreciate additional information regarding the number of individuals or entities held accountable to date, the number of investigations currently underway, and any recommendations the task force may have for congressional action.

The events of October 7 underscored the ongoing and evolving nature of the global terrorist threat and the risks it poses to the United States, our allies, and our national security. In recent weeks, a series of violent incidents and terror attacks with antisemitic motivations or links to extremist rhetoric, both abroad and here at home, have further reinforced the urgency of this work. While these incidents may not be directly connected to one another or to October 7, they reflect a broadening threat environment. The coordination among federal law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and state and local partners in response to these threats demonstrates the strength of our institutions when they work together toward a common goal. When fully utilized, these partnerships can disrupt and dismantle terrorist networks such as Hamas.

We are encouraged by the task force’s focus on identifying terrorist support networks, monitoring potential domestic radicalization, and holding those who provide aid or resources to extremist organizations accountable under U.S. law. The arrest of Mahmoud Amin Ya’qub Al-Muhtadi in Lafayette, Louisiana, for his alleged involvement in the Hamas-led attack highlights the reach and importance of this work.

The JTF serves an important role in targeting the areas where the United States has the greatest leverage: cutting off financing, disrupting logistical networks, enforcing legal accountability, and coordinating with international partners. Although Hamas operates primarily overseas, it depends on transnational networks for funding, propaganda, and legitimacy, all of which intersects with U.S. financial systems and jurisdictions. Through coordinated prosecutions, asset seizures, and intelligence sharing, the task force can directly degrade the operational capacity of Hamas and other terrorist networks and discourage future assistance.

Please know you have our continued support as you advance this mission and ensure the necessary resources are deployed. The men and women of the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation perform difficult work on behalf of the American people, and their commitment in the wake of October 7 deserves recognition.

# # #


Curtis, Slotkin, Young, Schiff Lead Bipartisan Bill to Stop Insider Trading from Government Officials on Prediction Markets

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators John Curtis (R-UT), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Todd Young (R-IN), and Adam Schiff (D-CA) introduced the bipartisan Public Integrity in Financial Prediction Markets Act of 2026. The bill prohibits federally elected officials and government employees from using insider information to bet on a prediction market contract.

Multiple news reports around the Iran conflict note elected and government officials at all levels are privy to confidential information that could appear on a prediction market. This legislation would ban them from using material non-public information of any kind on any event contract.

“Public service should not be a pathway to private gain,” said Senator Curtis. “Our bipartisan legislation ensures that insider trading rules apply to prediction markets and removes any ambiguity in how those rules are enforced—underscoring a basic expectation that those entrusted with sensitive information cannot use it for personal profit.”

“No one should be profiting off the information and knowledge gained as a public servant, period,” said Senator Slotkin. “This bill is an important first step in placing common sense rules around prediction markets, and it has real teeth to ensure those who break these rules face real consequences. I am proud of our bipartisan coalition, and I thank Senators Young, Schiff and Curtis for working with me to move this important bill forward.”

“Public service should never be a pathway to personal profit based on insider information,” said Senator Young. “Recent activity in prediction markets has raised real concerns that individuals with access to sensitive, nonpublic information could exploit that advantage for financial gain. Our bill will prohibit elected officials, staff, and executive branch employees from trading prediction market event contracts based on information acquired as part of their official duties. This is a sensible step to protect taxpayers and promote integrity in government.”

“The prediction markets industry can’t be left alone to self-police,” said Senator Schiff. “That’s why we need strong rules to protect against elected officials exploiting insider information to profit on prediction markets. I’m proud to join this bipartisan effort to crack down on this insidious form of insider trading.”

Details of the Public Integrity in Financial Markets Act of 2026:

Covered individuals: President, Vice President, Members of Congress, employees of the House of Representatives and Senate, political appointees (including the President’s cabinet), employees of an Executive agency or independent regulatory agency.

Insider information: Any information that a reasonable investor would consider important in making a decision related to a prediction market contract and is not publicly available.

Covered transactions: The purchase, sale, or exchange of any prediction market contract that is offered on a U.S. or foreign domiciled platform.

Penalties: Any covered individual who violates the prohibition shall be fined the greater of either $500, or the amount equal to double the profit made in the transaction.

Enforcing body: No later than 180 days after the date of enactment the Office of Government Ethics, Select Committee on Ethics, and Committee on Ethics of the House of Representatives will: impose and collect penalties, establish procedures and standards, issue rules and guidelines in consultation with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission—and publish such information on a website.

Reporting Requirements: No later than 30 days after a covered transaction over $250, the covered individual must submit a report to the supervising ethics office and include the number of contracts purchased, price of contract, date and time of transaction, name of contract, position taken on contract, name of trading platform used, profit or loss made on transaction. If the contract is not settled within 30 days of purchasing the contract an additional report shall be submitted after the contract closes or covered persons exit the position.


Duckworth Meets with PsiQuantum Leadership, Reinforces Support for Illinois’s Quantum Future

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today met with PsiQuantum Interim CEO Victor Peng to discuss federal support for quantum growth in Illinois and progress on the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP), of which PsiQuantum is an anchor tenant. A photo from today’s meeting is available on the Senator’s website.

“Illinois is already a hub of agriculture, manufacturing and transportation, and we’re becoming a national and international leader for quantum technology,” Duckworth said. “Investment in quantum can enhance our national security, help cure diseases, bend the curve on climate change, protect our financial system and so much more – and I’m eager see these advancements help bolster the strength of our state and region’s manufacturing. It was great to meet with PsiQuantum today to learn more about their progress in Chicago and discuss how we can keep supporting quantum technology advancement at the federal level.”

Duckworth has been a staunch advocate for bringing investment in quantum to Illinois. In the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, Duckworth included language recognizing the importance of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) program, which aims to help the US build a commercially useful Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computer by 2033. This provision recognizes the importance of the development of the first FTQC, which is being built at the IQMP in Chicago.

As a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Duckworth is committed to helping bring international investment into Illinois, especially in the quantum space. Last year Duckworth traveled to Taiwan to underscore Illinois’s preparedness for additional international investments.

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Durbin Honors The Late Robert Mueller During A Senate Judiciary Committee Executive Business Meeting

Durbin: “Given his contempt for Robert Mueller, it is no surprise that President Trump would pick the current leader of the FBI—Kash Patel. By any measure, Kash Patel does not have the experience, judgment, or temperament of Robert Mueller.”

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, delivered an opening statement during today’s Senate Judiciary Committee executive business meeting honoring the late former Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director, Robert Mueller. Durbin praised Mueller for his service to our country as a Marine during the Vietnam War. He earned both a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart for his service.

During his opening, Durbin also highlighted the stark contrast between the integrity of Director Mueller and President Trump’s FBI Director, Kash Patel. Patel has spent his time as Director weaponizing the FBI, firing dozens of career law-enforcement agents simply because they were assigned to work on investigations of President Trump’s misconduct, and displaying embarrassing conduct at the Olympic Games, among various other actions.

Key Quotes:

“In 2001, President George W. Bush nominated Mr. Mueller to serve as Director of the FBI. In 2011, President Obama asked to extend his term by two years. The vote to do that was extraordinary— [the vote] was 100 to nothing in favor of Mr. Mueller on the floor of the Senate.”

“Director Mueller led the FBI at a tumultuous time, helping to secure our nation after the worst terrorist attack in our history. He, more than any single individual, was responsible for modernizing the FBI to combat the threats [that we face in] the 21st century.”

“After 9/11, I was proud to work with him [Director Mueller] on a bipartisan basis to help update the FBI’s antiquated computer systems. We didn’t always agree, but I always respected him. He was a patriot and a person of honesty and integrity.”

“In 2017, Director Mueller answered the call to service one last time. Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein—a Trump nominee—appointed Mr. Mueller to serve as Special Counsel to investigate Russia’s efforts to interfere in the 2016 election. This to Donald Trump was the unforgiveable sin. As a result, when Mr. Mueller died last week, President Trump responded ‘Good. I’m glad he’s dead.’”

“Given his contempt for Robert Mueller, it is no surprise that President Trump would pick the current leader of the FBI—Kash Patel. By any measure, Kash Patel does not have the experience, judgment, or temperament of Robert Mueller… But Patel has the one quality that authoritarians prize above all—a willingness to do whatever he is asked to do, regardless of what the law requires. To no one’s surprise, Mr. Patel has spent the last year weaponizing the world’s preeminent law enforcement agency to serve the interests of one person—President Trump. This makes us all less safe as a nation.”

“He has fired dozens of career law enforcement agents simply because they were assigned to work on investigations of President Trump’s misconduct. Patel has installed MAGA loyalists as political appointees in key career positions. He has imposed loyalty tests, requiring FBI officials to undergo polygraph exams about whether they have criticized him. And he has commandeered FBI aircraft to support his jet-setting lifestyle.”

“Most recently, Director Patel reportedly fired at least six FBI agents because they were assigned work related to President Trump’s mishandling of classified documents. These terminations were seemingly to save face with President Trump after Patel’s embarrassing appearance chugging beer at the Olympic Games.”

“Several of the fired agents were part of a global counterintelligence squad whose responsibilities include investigating espionage and cyber threats from Iran. In other words, Director Patel has weakened the FBI’s ability to counter Iranian threats at the exact time the threats are highest.”

“This Committee has spent many years debating the merits of the Mueller report. But surely, we can agree that President Trump’s attack on this honorable man is unacceptable and pathetic, and that Kash Patel’s efforts to undo Director Mueller’s legacy and weaponize the FBI have gone too far.”

Video of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.

Audio of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.

Footage of Durbin’s opening statement is available here for TV Stations.

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Durbin Meets With PsiQuantum Leadership

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with Victor Peng, Interim CEO of PsiQuantum, an anchor tenant of the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) in Chicago. During the meeting, Durbin and Mr. Peng discussed Illinois’ position as a leader in quantum computing, as well as PsiQuantum’s plans to develop a utility-scale quantum computer using silicon photonics technology.

“Illinois is leading the charge when it comes to quantum computing, and it’s critical that we continue to invest in R&D to keep the momentum up,” Durbin said. “Today, I spoke with Victor Peng from PsiQuantum, an anchor tenant at Chicago’s IQMP campus, about how the federal government can be a champion for quantum technology, which is poised to revolutionize our national security and economy.”

Photos of the meeting are available here.

Durbin has been a strong supporter of advancing quantum research. In February, Durbin introduced the DOE Quantum Leadership Act. The legislation, which is endorsed by PsiQuantum, would reinvigorate research and development (R&D) projects at DOE by authorizing more than $2.5 billion in funding over the next five years—well above the $625 million for DOE related programs laid out in the now-expired National Quantum Initiative Act of 2018.

Last July, he visited MxD in Chicago to discuss integrating quantum technology into manufacturing processes. He also joined Illinois leaders to announce the new partnership between the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and Illinois—Quantum Proving Ground—to promote quantum computing research, development, and manufacturing in the state. In June 2024, Durbin met with Dr. Stefanie Tompkins, Director of DARPA, to discuss Illinois’ role in R&D in the defense industry.

Last summer, Durbin joined Illinois leaders in celebrating the newly-announced location of the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park’s (IQMP) location at USX on the South Side of Chicago and the announcement of the quantum campus’ first anchor tenant, PsiQuantum. Illinois plans to invest $500 million into the new quantum campus to attract Fortune 500 companies and startups in quantum computing.

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Ernst on Dems’ DHS Delays: Call Chuck Schumer

WASHINGTON – On day 41 of Democrats forcing hardworking Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents to work without pay, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) called on Democrats to join Republicans and fully fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Ernst shared a direct message with folks who have missed paychecks or flights because of Democrats’ shutdown: Call Chuck Schumer and ask him to stop his delay tactics.

Watch Ernst’s full remarks here.

Full remarks:

“For 41 days, Democrats have kept the Department of Homeland Security shut down.

“Forty-one days.

“This is on top of Chuck Schumer’s 43-day shutdown last fall.

“Thanks to Senate Democrats, right now, 50,000 TSA agents have been working without pay since February 14.

“No wonder they are quitting – so far, 480 and counting!

“Democrats walked out on TSA. Because of them, it hasn’t been a surprise that TSA agents have walked out of their jobs.

“An agent in Indiana hasn’t seen a full paycheck since Valentine's Day. She is now doing her grocery shopping at a food pantry.

“One married couple who both work as TSA agents at the Orlando International Airport have two young children.

“When faced with no income coming in, the husband started working as a DoorDash driver in his spare time and is considering resigning from TSA.

“These are just a few of the hardworking folks who this shutdown is hurting.

“My Democrat colleagues seem to forget that bills are due and expenses must be paid each month regardless of the political games they want to play with government funding.

“All because Democrats wanted to create chaos under President Trump.

“It’s sad folks.

“They hate this president more than they love America and the men and women who protect our homeland.

“It’s clear Democrat priorities have been all wrong.

“My Democrat colleague Chris Murphy said the quiet part out loud the other day.

“He said, quote, ‘The people we care about most: the undocumented.’

“Folks, the people every elected representative should care the most for should be their constituents…the American people!

“But that sums up Democrats’ DHS shutdown: They would rather make a political point than do their jobs.

“While we have been waiting on them to come to their senses, Democrats created the longest wait times in TSA history and also caused 660 cancelled flights.

“So, if you have been stuck standing in line at the airport for a few extra hours, call Chuck Schumer – we have literally been waiting on him to pass this bill.

“Angry, tired, frustrated because of delays? Call Chuck Schumer.

“Missed a flight? Call Chuck Schumer.

“And if you missed a paycheck because of Democrats’ shutdown, right here folks: call Chuck Schumer.

“Because Republicans presented him with compromises to make sure folks get paid and we can keep Americans safe.

“But he has been like Lucy with Charlie Brown’s football.

“Democrats claimed they just wanted a few reforms, but when a deal is right in front of them, Schumer moves the ball.

“Well not today, Charlie!

“Look, folks, we need to get this done.

“Not only because it’s the right thing to do for hardworking Americans who earned their paychecks, but because safety and security are on the line.

“After Democrats shut down DHS, including the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, an American company faced a cyberattack from Iran.

“Meanwhile, teens brought explosives to a New York City protest – Schumer’s home state – and were charged with attempting to provide material support to ISIS.

“If that wasn’t a wakeup call, I don’t know what is.

“But while Schumer has his own bodyguards and members of Congress have funding for personal security, Democrats are leaving our homeland and our communities vulnerable.

“Enough of the Washington double standards.

“Republicans have stood ready and willing to fund DHS.

“We voted for it – Republicans voted for it – 11 times!

“Meanwhile, Democrats voted down our efforts every single time.

“While our Democrat colleagues have refused to join us – and end unnecessary pain for thousands of Americans – President Trump is pushing through the politics and is paying our TSA agents, bringing wait times down, and keeping our citizens safe.

“Now, Democrats must join us in doing their jobs and actually fund the rest of DHS to fully protect our homeland.

“There is no time to delay.”

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Gallego, Banks Introduce GAMES Act

WASHINGTON – Last week, Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Jim Banks (R-IN) introduced the GAMES Act to remove the one-year, post-discharge limitation on veterans’ participation in Department of War (DoW) adaptive sports programs to enable more people to participate.

“Adaptive sports programs give veterans a way to stay active, manage PTSD, and find community. But right now, veterans can only access these programs for one year after discharge. As an Iraq veteran, I can tell you that it takes a lot longer than one year to heal,” said Senator Gallego. “I’m proud to introduce this bill to make sure more veterans can access the programs that help them get back on their feet.”

“Adaptive sports are proven to be very beneficial for veterans. The GAMES Act cuts red tape so more veterans can join programs that help improve their physical and mental health,” said Senator Banks.

Veterans who participate in sports and regular exercise report higher self-esteem, lower levels of depression and anxiety, and reduced stress. Overall, physical activity is associated with decreased symptoms of PTSD.

The Department of War (DoW) operates the Warrior and Invictus Games and other adaptive sports programs for servicemembers and veterans. These programs are limited to current servicemembers injured in the line of duty and veterans with service-connected disabilities who participated in adaptive sports during their military service who have discharged within the last year. The GAMES Act would remove this one-year, post-discharge cap.

“Wounded Warrior Project applauds Senator Banks and Senator Gallego for introducing the GAMES Act, which expands access to the Warrior and Invictus Games for more wounded veterans. This bill reflects a growing recognition that competitive and community-based adaptive sports play a vital role in the long-term health and reintegration of our nation’s wounded warriors. We urge the 119th Congress to pass this bipartisan bill and send it to the President’s desk,” said Jose Ramos, Vice President of Government and Community Relations at Wounded Warrior Project.


Gallego Calls on Export-Import Bank to Boost Domestic Manufacturing and Nuclear Energy Investment, Advances Push to Codify Make More in America Initiative

WASHINGTON – During a Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs hearing today, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) questioned Export-Import Bank (EXIM) President and Chairman John Jovanovic on the bank’s investments in Arizona small businesses and nuclear energy and secured support for efforts to strengthen EXIM’s Make More in America Initiative (MMIA).

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

On EXIM’s Make More in America Initiative’s Success and Future Growth:

Gallego: “EXIM has been a very powerful tool here in Arizona. For the last decade, the bank has authorized $460 million in financing, including transactions with small businesses. And the Make More in America initiative is really key to small businesses. But I don’t want to just lock in on what it is today. I want to strengthen it. […] My understanding is so far there’s about twelve transactions that have completed under the MMIA to date. That seems kind of low. Are we seeing a demand problem, as in like small businesses are not finding the program? Or is it a supply program on the finance approval side? Where is the bottleneck?”

Jovanovic: “Honestly, it’s been just a sense of timing. […] When we inherited the program it was only a year old. The first thing we did is to throw it into high gear. We doubled the amount of transactions done in MMIA and our pipeline is four times larger. We are actively looking for ways to make it a priority. And by the way, it fits into nearly every one of our four strategic priorities. It is helping exporters in America win. A lot of this has to do with energy security. Nearly all of it has to do with supply chain security. And we are starting to see more transactions, Senator Gallego, that touch on the industries of the future, whether it is artificial intelligence, dual use technology, advanced manufacturing.”

Gallego: “And how many are currently in the pipeline would you say?”

Jovanovic: “We inherited a program where there was 500 million dollars worth of authorizations, give or take. Today, the pipeline is nearly $8 billion, 16 times larger than what we inherited, and we want it to grow even more. And by the way it is always helpful to know how many opportunities we have, but it is also important to know the size, because sometimes these are the largest transactions that require a tremendous amount of due diligence but employ the greatest number of people.”

On the importance of investing in domestic nuclear projects like small nuclear reactors (SMRs):

Gallego: “I am very much interested in SMRs. As you know, Arizona is a nuclear state. We have 30% of nuclear generation actually comes from one power plant. I think the deployment of SMRs can be a very big game changer on the green side, making sure we have low carbon energy, as well as the economic side, having baseload energy that is consistent and can ramp up as demand grows. Can you explain what is the intersection between EXIM and SMRS and how we can work together to get that industry growing?”


Senator Gallego Statement on EPA Announcement to Lower Gas Prices

WASHINGTON – Today, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the department would issue a temporary emergency fuel waiver to allow nationwide sales of E15 and remove all federal impediments to selling E10. This comes after Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) called on the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy to take proactive steps to protect Arizona consumers amid rising gas prices.

“Costs are already too high, and the last thing Arizonans need is more pain at the pump. Ten days ago, I pushed the administration to take immediate action to address rising gas prices across our state and urged the EPA to temporarily waive the summer-blend fuel requirements to help bring prices down faster,” said Senator Gallego. “They listened, and today the EPA and Department of Energy issued a temporary fuel waiver that will help lower gas prices and bring some relief to Arizona families. This is exactly the kind of immediate action we should be taking to help working families and businesses.”

The administration’s decision will work to alleviate gas prices by temporarily waiving summer-blend fuel requirements, a move that will directly lower what Arizonans pay at the pump by expanding the pool of available fuel to local retailers.


Gillibrand, Colleagues Press For Answers On AI Companies’ Engagements With DOD

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee and Senate Armed Services Committee, joined five Senate Democratic colleagues in pressing six generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) companies for answers regarding their engagements with the Department of Defense (DoD), the rules under which DoD can access and use their technology, and the internal controls that exist in the event their technology is misused by DoD. The senators’ letters come after the Trump administration’s unprecedented decision to designate Anthropic as a supply chain risk following a dispute over DoD’s demand to use Anthropic’s AI systems with zero restrictions, including to surveil Americans and incorporate large language models into fully autonomous weapons.

“Artificial intelligence will shape the future of our economy and our national security, and the United States should be leading the world in developing it responsibly. But the Trump administration’s reckless push to strip away safeguards and punish companies that insist on basic guardrails puts Americans’ privacy and our national security at risk,” said Senator Gillibrand. “That’s why we are demanding answers from these companies about how their technology is being used and what protections are in place to prevent misuse. It is critical that tech giants take steps to ensure AI strengthens our security and our economy without putting the American people in harm’s way.”

In addition to Senator Gillibrand, the letters to the GenAI companies were signed by Senators Mark Warner (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Chris Coons (D-DE). The letters were sent to xAI, OpenAI, Alphabet, Meta, AWS, and Microsoft AI.

In the letters, the senators expressed their support for the modernization of national security technologies that ensure the U.S. is defense-ready and benefiting from collaboration with the country’s leading AI innovators. However, they stressed the need to anticipate the potential failures of transformative technologies like AI and whether those potential failures stem from intentional misuse or insufficient oversight. The senators are concerned about the apparent retaliation by the Trump administration against private sector partners seeking to ensure the existence of adequate safeguards, particularly against the backdrop of DoD’s AI Strategy that appears to downplay longstanding AI governance measures.

“Recent developments concerning the Department of Defense’s approach to AI suggest a troubling disregard for the kinds of safeguards in place to ensure that AI is being adopted with robust accountability. For instance, while foundational documents – such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Framework, the Office of Management and Budget’s Memorandum on Accelerating Federal Use of AI through Innovation, Governance, and Public Trust, and the Final Report of the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence – underscore the central role of governance in effective AI utilization, the Department of Defense’s January 9th Artificial Intelligence Strategy for the Department of War [sic] is conspicuously silent on this fundamental mission-enabler. While the Strategy’s emphasis on rapid adoption of commercial capabilities represents a legitimate objective, its clear disregard for mechanisms to ensure proper legal oversight (as well as meaningful test, evaluation, and validation technical safeguards) undermines U.S. security and American values,” the senators stated.

The senators continued,“A recent highly-publicized dispute between the Department and a leading American AI firm further suggests that this inattention towards – or even deliberate flouting of – AI governance may represent a systemic problem. Specifically, the Department recently rejected an existing vendor’s request to memorialize a restriction on the use of its models for fully autonomous weapons or to facilitate bulk surveillance of Americans. These concerns are not unreasonable: against the recent backdrop of DoD lethal activity in Latin America – with the routine sidelining of military attorneys and the subversion of longstanding norms on the use of lethal force – the Department’s aggressive insistence of an ‘any lawful use’ standard provides unacceptable reputational risk and legal uncertainty for American companies.”

“Equally concerning, Defense Secretary Hegseth has taken an extraordinary and unprecedented step to designate a leading American tech company as a supply-chain risk to national security, with the ostensible intent of intimidating those prospective and existing government commercial and academic partners who might seek to ensure adequate safeguards for AI in military operations. An American company fulfilling its contractual duties to the Department of Defense, while exercising its prerogative to ensure its products are lawfully, ethically, and appropriately used by the Department of Defense, is not a risk to national security or to America’s supply chain. While the ultimate responsibility for establishing robust and binding mechanisms to ensure lawful, appropriate, and effective AI rests with Congress, in the interim it is reasonable for commercial providers to ensure that products with outsized impact are governed with appropriate compliance mechanisms. Ultimately, strong AI governance for military and intelligence activity ensures the safety of servicemembers, the nation, and our allies and partners, while promoting clear and predictable norms in the face of less scrupulous adversaries,” the senators added.

The senators concluded the letters with a list of questions that will bring transparency to the required human oversight of AI models being used by DoD, the legal guidelines in place to ensure that AI models are not conducting domestic mass surveillance of Americans, the circumstances in which AI technology companies could acquiesce to any unlawful uses of their products by DoD and what responsibility they would have to notify Congress of said unlawful use, and what oversight AI technology companies would have of DoD’s military judgements, decision-making, or operations. The senators requested a response from the companies by April 3, 2026.

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

As some of Congress’s most vocal proponents for the modernization of national security missions with transformative technology, we have actively sought to ensure that the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community are equipped with capabilities drawn from the nation’s leading innovators. These mission users – whose work has been guided by longstanding norms, legal procedures, and accountability mechanisms – benefit greatly from close collaboration with America’s leading AI and advanced compute providers.

Correspondingly, American companies generate enduring public trust when Americans associate their products with efforts that enhance national security in effective, ethical, and lawful ways. At the same time – particularly against the backdrop of numerous pressures on those longstanding norms, procedures, and accountability mechanisms – it is imperative to anticipate potential failure modes for transformational technologies like AI, whether stemming from intentional misuse or insufficient oversight.

Recent developments concerning the Department of Defense’s approach to AI suggest a troubling disregard for the kinds of safeguards in place to ensure that AI is being adopted with robust accountability. For instance, while foundational documents – such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Framework, the Office of Management and Budget’s Memorandum on Accelerating Federal Use of AI through Innovation, Governance, and Public Trust, and the Final Report of the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence – underscore the central role of governance in effective AI utilization, the Department of Defense’s January 9th Artificial Intelligence Strategy for the Department of War [sic] is conspicuously silent on this fundamental mission-enabler. While the Strategy’s emphasis on rapid adoption of commercial capabilities represents a legitimate objective, its clear disregard for mechanisms to ensure proper legal oversight (as well as meaningful test, evaluation, and validation technical safeguards) undermines U.S. security and American values.

A recent highly-publicized dispute between the Department and a leading American AI firm further suggests that this inattention towards – or even deliberate flouting of – AI governance may represent a systemic problem. Specifically, the Department recently rejected an existing vendor’s request to memorialize a restriction on the use of its models for fully autonomous weapons or to facilitate bulk surveillance of Americans. These concerns are not unreasonable: against the recent backdrop of DoD lethal activity in Latin America – with the routine sidelining of military attorneys and the subversion of longstanding norms on the use of lethal force – the Department’s aggressive insistence of an “any lawful use” standard provides unacceptable reputational risk and legal uncertainty for American companies.

Equally concerning, Defense Secretary Hegseth has taken an extraordinary and unprecedented step to designate a leading American tech company as a supply-chain risk to national security, with the ostensible intent of intimidating those prospective and existing government commercial and academic partners who might seek to ensure adequate safeguards for AI in military operations. An American company fulfilling its contractual duties to the Department of Defense, while exercising its prerogative to ensure its products are lawfully, ethically, and appropriately used by the Department of Defense, is not a risk to national security or to America’s supply chain. While the ultimate responsibility for establishing robust and binding mechanisms to ensure lawful, appropriate, and effective AI rests with Congress, in the interim it is reasonable for commercial providers to ensure that products with outsized impact are governed with appropriate compliance mechanisms. Ultimately, strong AI governance for military and intelligence activity ensures the safety of servicemembers, the nation, and our allies and partners, while promoting clear and predictable norms in the face of less scrupulous adversaries.

Furthermore, the unprecedented designation of an American company, especially under such a weak policy and legal rationale, as a risk to the national security of the United States creates uncertainty among our allies and partners. Many of these countries are looking to incorporate American technology into their own national security and other government functions, and the specter of the Secretary utilizing a very serious sanction against more American companies, seemingly out of a sense of pique, will harm American companies in these global markets.

Your company has reportedly agreed in principle to have your AI model deployed for military purposes or to facilitate such deployment, subject to an “any lawful use” standard. Accordingly, we respectfully request your response to the following questions by April 3, 2026:

Which specific models has your company made available to the Department of Defense, including Combat Support Agencies? Please specify the computing environments, and associated classification levels (via classified courier, if necessary).

Have the models made available to the Department of Defense been trained or tested to deploy lethal autonomous warfare without human oversight or to conduct bulk surveillance of Americans? If so, please specify the training or testing that was conducted, and provide the results of any such training or testing.

Does provision of your product include a contractual requirement for a human on the loop for autonomous kinetic operations? If not, please provide a clear rationale.

Does provision of your product include any specific, legally enforceable protections ensuring your AI model is not used to conduct bulk surveillance on Americans in violation of the law? If so, please specify which laws these provisions explicitly reference. If not, please provide a clear rationale.

What additional forms of AI governance – including documentation, testing and validation, auditability, and performance monitoring – do you ensure through contractual or technical controls for products used in high-impact national security contexts?

Under what circumstances would your company acquiesce to any unlawful uses of its product by the Department of Defense?

To the extent that your contract permits appropriately cleared Forward Deployed Engineers, does your company have internal company reporting mechanisms or procedures to enable cleared staff to alert uncleared corporate leadership of potential misuse? Provide documentation sufficient to substantiate any such asserted mechanisms or procedures.

Under what circumstances would your company inform appropriate Congressional Committees of unlawful or unethical use of your products by the Department of Defense? If there is a contractual limitation on notifying Congress, please indicate such a mechanism and provide documentation sufficient to substantiate that limitation.

Does your model Usage Policy provide you with special capabilities to control, oversee, second-guess, impede, or intervene in the Department of Defense’s military judgments, decision-making, or operations?

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

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