Cassidy Hosts “Catch Up with Cassidy” Event in Washington

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) hosted a “Catch Up with Cassidy” event, meeting with constituents from across Louisiana visiting Washington, D.C. The event provided an opportunity for Louisianans to share their priorities, ask questions, and discuss issues impacting their communities.

“I wake up every morning thinking about how I can make Louisiana and our country a better place to live,” said Dr. Cassidy. “It was great to talk with folks back home about how we can keep delivering for our state.”

Attendees included representatives from the Louisiana Fire Chiefs Association, the City of Pineville, the Richland Parish Police Jury, the St. Mary Community Action Agency, the Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Citadel Aviation, and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

See photos from the event below.

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

Richland Parish Police Jury

Louisiana Fire Chiefs Association

St. Mary Community Action Agency

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

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Senators Coons, Cornyn, colleagues introduce Pro Codes Act to protect and improve access to safety standards

WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) today reintroduced legislation to enhance public access to universal safety standards and codes. The Protecting and Enhancing Public Access to Codes (Pro Codes) Act of 2026 ensures safety standards do not lose copyright protection when they are incorporated into law by name so long as they are accessible for free on a publicly available website.

“People across Delaware are protected from electrical and fire hazards because of standards developed by experts in the field,” said Senator Coons.“When those standards are excellent, they should become universal, but that shouldn’t mean a penalty for the non-profit organizations that developed them and stand to lose their intellectual property. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation that will make the public safer by ensuring non-profits know they can develop better standards without fear of losing them.”

“For years, experts developed safety standards that protect Americans from fires and electrical hazards, and it is crucial that these organizations can maintain their copyright protections while making these guidelines available to the public for free,” said Senator Cornyn.“This legislation protects copyrights while allowing these groups to provide these often life-saving safety procedures at no cost to the taxpayer.”

“I am proud to cosponsor this legislation to strike an important balance between respecting intellectual property rights and ensuring that the building, fire, electric, and other standards that keep our communities safe remain accessible, transparent, and up-to-date,” said Senator Hirono.

“I’m proud to support the Pro Codes Act because it protects a commonsense system that keeps Americans safe without costing taxpayers a dime,” said Senator Tillis. “By preserving copyright for standards developers while ensuring free public access to the law, this legislation strikes the right balance between transparency, innovation, and public safety.”

“From wildfires to EV batteries, the safety challenges facing our communities are evolving faster than ever – and the independent standards development system that helps meet these demands is under serious threat. We’re grateful to Sens. Coons, Cornyn, Hirono, and Tillis for introducing the Pro Codes Act to protect the copyrights essential to keeping that system strong,” said Jim Pauley, President and CEO of the National Fire Protection Association.

“Standards development organizations work tirelessly to enhance community resilience and protect the health and safety of communities around the world through the development of life safety codes and standards,” said John Belcik, Chief Executive Officer at the International Code Council. “Our standards development system costs taxpayers nothing and has worked efficiently for over 125 years. Advancing the Pro Codes Act is essential to protecting this transparent and balanced system, the value of which is recognized across the United States. ICC applauds Senators Cornyn and Coons for their leadership in introducing the Pro Codes Act and looks forward to working with them to see this measure enacted into law.”

“The Pro Codes Act will help preserve the effective system relied on by governmental bodies and standards development organizations in a public private partnership that has promoted public safety and facilitated commerce for more than a century. Without effective copyright protections, there is grave risk that these organizations will no longer be able to produce the high-quality codes and standards that the public and lawmakers have come to rely on. The Pro Codes Act makes clear that these codes and standards retain their copyright protection if they are made publicly available once they are incorporated by reference. The Pro Codes Act is a clear win for public safety, transparency, and economic growth. We encourage members of the Senate to support and swiftly pass the bill,” said Copyright Alliance CEO Keith Kupferschmid.

“Consensus-based standards developed by organizations like ASHRAE are essential to protecting public health, safety and sustainability in the built environment. The ANSI process ensures that all relevant stakeholders have balanced input into the process. ASHRAE supports this legislation, which ensures standards development organizations can continue their work while maintaining public access when standards are incorporated into law,” said ASHRAE President Bill McQuade

A one-pager on the Pro Code Act is available here.


Senators Coons, Murkowski introduce legislation to protect Americans from credit repair scams

WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) introduced the Ending Scam Credit Repair Act (ESCRA) yesterday to crack down on fraudulent credit repair organizations that exploit consumers with high fees, false promises, and deceptive practices.

Credit repair organizations (CROs) often claim they can improve a consumer’s credit score by disputing negative information on credit reports or negotiating with creditors. While some legitimate counselors help consumers navigate credit issues, too many bad actors charge upfront fees, promise results they cannot deliver, and take advantage of people already facing financial hardship.

The Ending Scam Credit Repair Act would strengthen protections for consumers by prohibiting CROs from collecting payment until six months after they have provided proof that a consumer’s credit score has improved. The bill would also require CROs to register with a state, increase civil penalties for violations, require stronger disclosures to consumers, and prohibit “jamming,” a tactic in which CROs flood financial institutions with duplicative disputes that can prevent legitimate credit report issues from being addressed.

Companion legislation was introduced in the House by U.S. Representatives Sarah McBride (D-Del.) and Young Kim (R-Calif.).

“Americans are already stretched thin. Improving a low credit score is hard enough without having to navigate predatory companies seeking to lie to you and rip you off,” said Senator Coons. “The Ending Scam Credit Repair Act would protect Americans trying to restore their financial foundation while making it easier for honest businesses to succeed.”

“There are too many predatory operators in the credit repair industry exploiting financially vulnerable Americans with deceptive practices and exorbitant fees,” said Senator Murkowski. “Rebuilding financial stability and improving one’s credit score is often a grueling, time-consuming process. This legislation establishes long-overdue guardrails and accountability to stop bad actors from profiting off those trying to get back on their feet.”

“The credit repair industry is full of many bad actors who prey on Delawareans with low credit scores, offering quick fixes and delivering nothing but empty promises,” said Rep. McBride. “Our bipartisan, now bicameral, Ending Scam Credit Repair Act would stop these scammers from taking advantage of consumers when they are most vulnerable while increasing transparency and accountability. I’m grateful to Senators Coons and Murkowski for introducing the Senate companion bill, and I look forward to working across our respective chambers to get this commonsense solution over the finish line and protect consumers from these harmful practices.”

“Fraudulent credit repair organizations, or CROs, should not get away with scamming hardworking Americans seeking to improve their scores and unlock their American dream,” said Congresswoman Young Kim. “The Ending Scam Credit Repair Act helps consumers and hikes penalties for scammers. I’m thrilled to introduce the bipartisan Ending Scam Credit Repair Act and will continue to work on commonsense policies that empower Americans of all backgrounds to grow their wealth and achieve their dream.”

The legislation responds to widespread abuse in the credit repair industry, where some companies exploit loopholes in current law to charge consumers without delivering any meaningful results. A common warning sign of a scam is when a company asks for payment before providing services or guarantees that it can remove accurate information from a credit report or raise a credit score by a specific amount. Under ESCRA, credit repair organizations would be required to disclose that they do not provide any service that a consumer could not do themselves for free. The bill also creates new standards for communications with furnishers of consumer information in order to streamline legitimate credit repair efforts and reduce abuse.

Additionally, ESCRA would:

Prohibit CROs from requesting or receiving payment until they provide documentation from a consumer reporting agency issued at least six months after completing their service showing that the consumer has been successfully represented

Prohibit CROs from “jamming” financial institutions with duplicative disputes

Require all CROs to register with a state

Increase civil liability to $500 per violation, if greater than the consumer’s actual damages or the amount paid to the CRO

Require CROs to disclose that they do not provide services that consumers could not do themselves for free

Establish requirements for CRO communications with furnishers of consumer information

The Ending Scam Credit Repair is endorsed by the National Consumer Law Center, the American Financial Services Association, National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys, the American Bankers Association, National Association of Consumer Advocates, the Consumer Bankers Association, Delaware Community Legal Aid Society, the Delaware Community Reinvestment Action Council, American Fintech Council, Consumer Action, and the AARP.

“Banks help customers build credit every day through transparent products, financial education and long-term support, and this important legislation reinforces those responsible pathways by targeting deceptive credit repair schemes,” said Kirsten Sutton, Executive Vice President of Congressional Relations and Legislative Affairs at the American Bankers Association. “ABA has consistently supported efforts to strengthen consumer confidence in the credit system, and we applaud Senators Coons and Murkowski, and Representatives McBride and Kim, for their leadership in working to ensure consumers are protected.”

“As financial fraud becomes more sophisticated, AFSA supports bipartisan legislation from Senators Chris Coons and Lisa Murkowski to combat credit-repair organization scams, which increasingly harm consumers by charging hundreds of dollars with no positive results. This bipartisan effort will prohibit credit repair organizations from jamming financial institutions with duplicate requests and prevent these entities from taking advantage of consumers who are seeking better financial footing,” said Michael Grimes, Vice President of Congressional Affairs at the American Financial Services Association.

“AARP is committed to ensuring older Americans are financially secure in retirement so they may retire with dignity. Unfortunately, older Americans who have errors or negative marks on their credit report are often locked out of access to credit as they try to address these issues on their credit reports. Making matters worse, credit repair organizations (CROs) may claim to help them erase or fix items on people’s credit reports but instead exploit customers with the promise of a quick credit fix… AARP is pleased to support [this] legislation, which would introduce new rules to shield consumers from misleading and fraudulent practices,” said the AARP.

Read the one-pager here.


Cornyn: Houston to Receive $64M to Bolster Security for FIFA World Cup

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after the FIFA World Cup Grant Program (FWCGP), administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Grant Programs Directorate (GPD), announced that the Host City Committee Task Force for Houston was awarded a federal grant of $64,676,165 to bolster security and public safety preparedness ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup:

“I am proud to have worked with President Trump and my colleagues to secure $625 million in World Cup security funding in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act to reimburse Houston and other host cities for developing a robust public safety apparatus ahead of the 2026 games,” said Sen. Cornyn. “These critical resources will improve law enforcement’s ability to manage crowds, identify potential threats, and respond quickly in emergencies to keep fans, visitors, and athletes safe.”

This public safety grant funding was made possible through the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, which Sen. Cornyn supported. Earlier this year, Sen. Cornyn hosted a roundtable in Dallas to highlight the law enforcement partnerships, security planning, and public safety apparatus in place to prepare for the games and protect fans. The World Cup is expected to have a more than $1.5 billion economic impact and attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to Houston, which is set to host seven FIFA matches at NRG Stadium.

Last spring, Sen. Cornyn sent a letter calling on FIFA officials to ensure they are working to prevent human trafficking before, during, and after the 2026 World Cup and requesting that FIFA share information about the steps it is taking to keep people safe in host cities and what resources they are providing to support communities.

This 2026 FIFA World Cup public safety grant funding will:


Cornyn: North Texas to Receive $50M to Bolster Security for FIFA World Cup

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after the FIFA World Cup Grant Program (FWCGP), administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Grant Programs Directorate (GPD), announced that the Host City Committee Task Force for Dallas was awarded a federal grant of $51,584,327 to bolster security and public safety preparedness ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup:

“I am proud to have worked with President Trump and my colleagues to secure $625 million in World Cup security funding in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act to reimburse Dallas and other host cities for developing a robust public safety apparatus ahead of the 2026 games,” said Sen. Cornyn. “These critical resources will improve law enforcement’s ability to manage crowds, identify potential threats, and respond quickly in emergencies to keep fans, visitors, and athletes safe.”

This public safety grant funding was made possible through the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, which Sen. Cornyn supported. Earlier this year, Sen. Cornyn hosted a roundtable in Dallas to highlight the law enforcement partnerships, security planning, and public safety apparatus in place to prepare for the games and protect fans. The World Cup is expected to have a more than $2 billion economic impact on the region and bring nearly four million visitors to North Texas, which is set to host nine FIFA matches – the most of any host city in the country.

Last spring, Sen. Cornyn sent a letter calling on FIFA officials to ensure they are working to prevent human trafficking before, during, and after the 2026 World Cup and requesting that FIFA share information about the steps it is taking to keep people safe in host cities and what resources they are providing to support communities.

This 2026 FIFA World Cup public safety grant funding will:


Cornyn Praises NASA Soliciting Bids to Move Shuttle Discovery to Houston

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) today praised National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for announcing that they are accepting Requests for Proposal (RFPs) for entities to bid on contracts related to the movement of Space Shuttle Discovery from Virginia to Houston, a significant development in the effort to bring the shuttle to its rightful home in Space City:

“My law authorizing and funding the Space Shuttle Discovery’s movement to Houston is being set into motion thanks to NASA’s announcement, and I applaud Administrator Isaacman for keeping this process moving,” said Sen. Cornyn. “Today is real progress in our mission to bring Discovery home, and I look forward to welcoming the shuttle home to Space City soon.”

Background:

The Senator’s provision was signed into law as part of the Working Families Tax Cuts Act.

Mission Control at NASA’s Johnson Space Center led all of the space shuttle flights throughout the program’s history, and the astronauts who flew aboard the shuttles lived and trained in the area Houston. Four space shuttles were retired from NASA in 2010, and one of them was expected to go on display in the Space City. Congress stated in the NASA Authorization Act of 2010 that the four space shuttles were to be given to states with a “historical relationship with either the launch, flight operations, or processing of the Space Shuttle orbiters or the retrieval of NASA-manned space vehicles, or significant contributions to human space flight.”

Unfortunately, this directive was unlawfully ignored by the Obama administration, who played politics to keep Houston from getting one of the shuttles. Notably, the administration gave one of the four shuttles to New York City, which has not made any major contributions to the nation’s history of space exploration and is not home to a NASA center—unlike Houston. The Space Shuttle Discovery should be transferred to Houston.


Senate Passes Cornyn Bill to End Special Treatment for Congress at Airports

WASHINGTON – Last night on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) spoke about the importance of his bill, the End Special Treatment for Congress at Airports Act, which passed the Senate unanimously and would require Members of Congress to undergo the same Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening procedures as all other airline passengers as well as prohibit the use of federal funds to provide U.S. Senators and House members with expedited or preferential access at airport security checkpoints. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here.

“It’s been 34 days since Democrats chose to shut down the funding of the Department of Homeland Security, jeopardizing America’s safety and well-being.”

“No less than 120,000 DHS employees have missed paychecks, including the hardworking TSA agents and screeners that work at our nation’s airports, who have been working around the clock without pay.”

“As many Americans probably don’t know but most of us in Washington do know, airports around the country allow Members of Congress to bypass the usual TSA security screening process at airports nationwide. In other words, they get to skip the line. This should end today.”

“Members of Congress are getting an unfair perk.”

“We know trust in Congress is at an all-time low, but today, thank goodness, the Senate has taken an important step towards restoring the trust of the people we are here to represent.”


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353

March 20, 2026

Cotton, Huizenga to Lutnick: Stronger Export Controls of AI Chips is Needed

Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, and Representative Bill Huizenga (Michigan-04), today sent a letter to Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick raising concerns about large-scale advanced AI chip smuggling, in light of the recent indictments of Super Micro Computer employees. The lawmakers, both lead sponsors of the Chip Security Act, asked Secretary Lutnick to begin implementing some of their bill’s anti-diversion provisions to prevent Communist China from stealing our most advanced technology and undermining the Trump administration’s current export control policy.

In part, the lawmakers wrote:

“Export enforcement is a notoriously challenging problem, and the various concealment methods demonstrated in past cases show the need for more modern, creative solutions. Our Chip Security Act would require location verification to be implemented for export-controlled advanced chips. While no tool is foolproof, new anti-diversion methods would enable American companies to sell their products with greater peace of mind and open new markets.”

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

March 20, 2026

The Honorable Howard Lutnick

Secretary of Commerce

U.S. Department of Commerce

1401 Constitution Ave NW

Washington, DC 20230

Dear Secretary Lutnick:

We write to you alarmed about yet another case of large-scale chip smuggling. This underscores the need for stronger and more creative approaches to export enforcement.

Multiple investigations, reporting, and testimonies show that there is diversion of advanced chips.

In one U.S. investigation dubbed “Operation Gatekeeper”, authorities disrupted a smuggling ring that was buying Nvidia chips through straw purchasers and stripping the manufacturer's labels before attempting to illegally ship them to China.

In another case, four men built a black-market network to route Nvidia chips through Malaysia and Thailand to eventually reach China. The ringleader was arrested days before he was set to become the chief technology officer of a cloud company.

Early last year, Singapore officials raided more than 20 locations suspected of diversion activity and charged three individuals who were falsifying paperwork to conceal that Nvidia chips, officially destined for Malaysia, were illegally heading to China.

Megaspeed, a Singapore-based spin-off of a Chinese government-owned cloud company, imported over $4.6 billion worth of Nvidia hardware and is now under investigation for potential violations of U.S. export controls.

According to a U.S. official, DeepSeek’s latest model was trained on Nvidia Blackwell chips, likely clustered in a data center in an autonomous region of China.

Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security Jeffrey Kessler said, “we catch significant smuggling and illicit exports, but we’re concerned it’s just the tip of the iceberg.”

Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement David Peters recently testified, “yes, there is chip smuggling, it is going on…it is among our top enforcement priorities.”

Most recently, the Department of Justice unsealed an indictment revealing Super Micro Computer employees, including a co-founder, have been charged with smuggling billions of dollars of Nvidia chips to China through an unnamed shell company. The perpetrators even built “dummy” servers, removed labels and stickers from the original servers containing Nvidia chips using hair dryers, and reaffixed them to the dummy servers to fool auditors. Every instance of chip smuggling undermines U.S. export policy and erodes America’s advantage in the race for technological dominance.

Export enforcement is a notoriously challenging problem, and the various concealment methods demonstrated in past cases show the need for more modern, creative solutions. Our Chip Security Act would require location verification to be implemented for export-controlled advanced chips. While no tool is foolproof, new anti-diversion methods would enable American companies to sell their products with greater peace of mind and open new markets.

The world’s compute infrastructure must be built on American technology, requiring us to export chips at scale, while keeping smuggling efforts at bay. While we work to get the Chip Security Act passed into law, we respectfully request that you begin implementation of some of the provisions in the bill, including requiring technical anti-diversion solutions for advanced chips.

Sincerely,

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353

March 20, 2026

Cotton Introduces Bill to Replenish Strategic Petroleum Reserve

Washington, DC — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced legislation to replenish the strategic petroleum reserve (SPR) after years of misuse and neglect under the Biden administration. The Strategic Petroleum Accumulation and Reserve Tax Alignment Act (SPARTA) Act will use revenue collected from clean electricity tax credits to support the SPR.

“America’s strategic petroleum reserve is crucial to protecting our national security and responding to energy emergencies. Unfortunately, it has been depleted after years of misuse under Joe Biden. My bill will replenish this crucial energy stockpile and shield Arkansans from paying high prices at the pump for years to come,” said Senator Cotton.

Text of the bill can be found here.

The Strategic Petroleum Accumulation and Reserve Tax Alignment Act would:

Take revenue from clean electricity tax credits and put it towards Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR).

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Cramer, King Take Action to Address Federal Debt, Introduce 3% Resolution

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Years of unfettered mandatory federal spending have resulted in a ballooning national debt. To address this, a bipartisan group of lawmakers in Washington has introduced a bill to set a sustainable target for federal spending. U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND), member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, and Angus King (I-ME) teamed up to introduce the 3% Resolution to support the goal of reducing the federal budget deficit to 3% of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030.

“It sure doesn’t take an economist to recognize the fiscal path we’re on is unsustainable, we all know that,” said Cramer. “Congress controls the purse and it’s long past time we address this imbalance of our ledgers. It is not going to happen without laser focus on economic growth and a willingness to look at every facet of the federal budget. Our 3% Resolution is a roadmap to what I consider fiscal sustainability, and I’m looking forward, and plead with my colleagues to work together on both sides of the aisle and both sides of the Capitol, as we focus our efforts to deliver greater economic growth, for our country, for our people, and ultimately, our fiscal situation.”

“Restoring fiscal discipline isn’t about politics—it’s about responsibility,” said King. “Our 3% Resolution sets a clear, achievable target to benchmark progress on the deficit to stabilize our economic growth trajectory. Sound economic policy will take members of both parties working together to evaluate spending and revenues to create a better future for the next generation.”

Last month in a Senate Banking Committee hearing, Cramer and Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent discussed the resolution and the need to reduce the budget deficit through decreased government spending. While the debt to GDP ratio has been reduced to 5.4%, Bessent explained, “My target is something that begins with a 3 by the end of President Trump’s term [in 2029].” Bessent echoed Cramer’s comments on working both sides of the ledger, saying “as we bring down government spending, it will bring down rates and bring down inflation.”

“The best way to tackle a daunting fiscal challenge is to set a clear, achievable goal and then build a practical plan to reach it,” said Maya MacGuineas, President of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget.“Senators Cramer and King, joined by Senators Peters and McCormick, are taking an important step by putting forward a 3 percent deficit-to-GDP target to help stabilize the nation’s fiscal trajectory. We hope their colleagues will come together to meet this moment and begin the real bipartisan work of putting our budget on a more sustainable path.”

“The nation’s large and growing debt hurts everyday Americans — driving up costs for families and weighing down future growth,” said MicheleStockwell, President of BPC Action. “By rallying around a 3%-of-GDP deficit target, Senators Cramer, King, McCormick, and Peters are charting a bipartisan path toward a brighter economic future. BPC Action urges Congress to get serious about our unsustainable debt and adopt this goal.”

U.S. Senators Dave McCormick (R-PA) and Gary Peters (D-MI) joined Cramerand King as cosponsors. U.S. Representative Bill Huizenga (R-MI-04)introduced similar legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.


Crapo Joins Ernst, Smith to Honor Women in Agriculture

Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo joined Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Tina Smith (D-Minnesota) in leading a bipartisan resolution to designate March 21, 2026, as “National Women in Agriculture Day” to honor the critical contributions of women in agriculture.

The Senate unanimously passed the resolution, which highlights the more than 1.2 million women producers across the United States and recognizes their essential roles as farmers, educators, innovators and leaders throughout the agriculture industry.

“Many extraordinary women have been instrumental in our nation’s storied agricultural history,” said Senator Crapo. “Their contributions to feeding and strengthening our communities deserves to be celebrated, and this resolution recognizes the important role female producers continue to play in shaping the future of agriculture.”

“Women have always been at the heart of American agriculture,” said Senator Ernst. “Growing up on a family farm, I saw firsthand the vital role women like my mother played, and today my sister continues that legacy. From family farms to cutting-edge agribusiness, women are leading, innovating, and helping feed and fuel the world. I’m proud to lead this resolution to recognize and support the women who are breaking barriers and shaping the future of agriculture.”

“Agriculture is the backbone of Minnesota’s economy, and women have always played an essential role in this sector,” said Senator Smith. “I’m proud we have introduced this bipartisan resolution to designate a day during Women’s History Month and National Agriculture Week to recognize the achievements of the women across the country who have been the key to our agricultural success.”

“In Kansas and across the country, countless women play an important role in agriculture, managing family farms, educating the next generation of producers and supporting our rural communities,” said Senator Moran. “As we recognize National Women in Agriculture Day, we thank them for their hard work, resilience and dedication to keeping our agriculture industry strong and investing in the future of rural America.”

“Women play critical roles at every level of agriculture from family farms and agribusinesses to research institutions and public service,” said Senator Boozman. “I’m honored to recognize their contributions, elevate their voices, and support policies that ensure women farmers and agricultural leaders can continue to thrive for generations to come.”

“As a lifelong rancher in the Cowboy State, I’m no stranger to what it means to be a woman in agriculture,” said Senator Lummis. “The early mornings, the backbreaking work, and sleepless nights with calves in your bathtub just trying to keep them alive—it’s all a part of what goes into the life of a farmer and rancher. Women in ag are the heart and soul of our communities, and I am proud to join my friend, Senator Ernst, to celebrate the passion of women farmers and ranchers throughout our nation.”

“Women play a vital role in American agriculture, driving innovation, strengthening rural communities, and helping feed our nation and the world,” said Senator Tillis. “I’m proud to support this resolution designating National Women in Agriculture Day to recognize their contributions and ensure the next generation of women leaders continues to thrive in this critical industry.”

“Agriculture is Montana’s number one economic driver and protecting and promoting Montana ag is one of my top priorities in Congress,” said Senator Daines. “Our farmers and ranchers work hard to feed Montana, the nation, and the world. I’m glad to join Senator Ernst in introducing the Women in Agriculture Resolution to recognize the contributions of women in farming, ranching, and agriculture.”

“I am proud to support this resolution recognizing National Women in Agriculture Day,” said Senator Justice. “Across West Virginia, women are the backbone of our family farms and communities, and they absolutely deserve to be celebrated today and every day. These are the mothers, wives, sisters, and daughters who truly keep our operations running. Their hard work, grit, and dedication are what make the agricultural industry strong, and I am endlessly grateful for all they do.”

“As a cattle rancher and Mississippi’s first female Commissioner of Agriculture, I know firsthand the grit and dedication that women bring to agriculture. This resolution is a proud reminder that female producers across the nation are shaping the future of American agriculture. These women strengthen the backbone of rural America,” said Senator Hyde-Smith. “As we celebrate 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, I am honored to stand alongside female farmers and ranchers around the world who feed, clothe, fuel us.”

"Agriculture is the heart and soul of what we do in Nebraska,” said Senator Ricketts. “Throughout our state’s history, women have made significant contributions to Nebraska agriculture. I’m proud to be the son of a farm girl. My grandmother and mom helped keep the Volkmer family farm running. This year, and every year, I’m grateful for their contributions. This resolution recognizes the contributions women in agriculture have made in Nebraska.”

“National Women in Ag Day recognizes the critical role women play in sustaining and advancing our nation’s agriculture industry,” said Senator Hoeven. “In North Dakota, women are a driving force behind the state’s economy, leading operations, pioneering research, and shaping policy. Their contributions are vital to the strength, resilience, and continued success of rural America.”

“Women play a vital role as producers, educators, leaders, and mentors within agriculture in Wyoming and throughout our country,” said Senator Barrasso. “In Wyoming, we know that when agriculture is strong, so are our rural communities. That’s why I am proud to cosponsor this resolution to help ensure that women professionals and leaders in agriculture receive the recognition and celebration they deserve.”

“Across Alabama and our nation, women in agriculture are the backbone of our communities, working tirelessly to feed and clothe America’s families,” said Senator Britt. “On National Women in Agriculture Day, I’m proud to join my colleagues in honoring their grit, dedication, and lasting legacy they will leave on the next generation of farmers. I remain committed to supporting and empowering these leaders whose voices strengthen their industry and help shape the future of agriculture.”

Representatives Kat Cammack (R-Florida) and Angie Craig (D-Minnesota) led an identical resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives.

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Durbin Denounces Republicans’ Voter Suppression Legislation On The Senate Floor

Durbin: “This legislation is Trump’s crown jewel in a grand scheme to rig the results of the upcoming midterm election”

WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, denounced Republicans’ SAVE America Act, legislation that is designed to prevent Americans from exercising their fundamental right to vote. Under the SAVE America Act, which requires proof of citizenship to register to vote, driver’s licenses and other government-issued IDs, including a REAL ID, alone would not be sufficient. According to a nonpartisan study by the Brennan Center and the University of Maryland, more than 21 million Americans who are eligible to vote—or about one out of every ten voting age citizens—do not have documents readily available to prove their citizenship.

“Did you hear what the President said about this piece of legislation? It’s entitled the SAVE America Act. How important it is to him? Earlier this week, on social media, President Trump said ‘[o]nly sick, demented, or deranged people in the House or Senate could vote against THE SAVE AMERICA ACT.’ And then he threatened… to sink any Republican who doesn’t fall in line. Here’s what he said, ‘[I] WILL NEVER (EVER!) ENDORSE ANYONE WHO VOTES AGAINST’ this legislation,” Durbin said.

Durbin continued, “What’s going on here? What is it about this bill that the President is so exercised about? Why is he saying these outrageous and exaggerated things? I’ll tell you—because this legislation is the crown jewel in a grand scheme to rig the results of the upcoming midterm election.”

Addressing Republicans’ manufactured argument that American elections are not secure because noncitizens are voting, Durbin explained that federal law already bans noncitizens from participating in American elections and that cases of illegal voting are extremely uncommon.

“Let’s just look at some facts. Let’s pick a period of time. How about from 1999 to 2023, 24 years in American history. Every two years we have an election cycle… 80 to 100 million [people] are going to register in those two-year cycles. So, in the period of time between 1999 and 2023, 24 years, 12 different election cycles, and millions of people registering to vote in the United States, how many were discovered to be falsifying their country of origin and to be illegal and unqualified to vote? Take a guess. Seven million, right? No. Well, 700,000. No. How about 700? No. Seventy-seven people were found to try to falsify where they were from to vote in the 24-year period of time. Seventy-seven in 24 years,” Durbin said.

Durbin continued, “We’ve got the cleanest, most accurate elections in the world. We ought to be proud of it. There’s only one man who disagrees with that. He happens to be the President. He still has this Big Lie concept that he won in 2020. He’ll go to his grave believing he won in 2020. But he didn’t. He lost fair and square. He just can’t accept defeat. It’s beyond him.”

Durbin went on to outline the specific provisions in the bill that would prevent Americans from exercising their right to vote, including rejecting common IDs to register to vote and penalizing married Americans who changed their last names.

“You want to register to vote? Present your passport. Well, guess what—more than half of Americans don’t have a passport. You say, go buy a passport then. What does that take and involve? $165 fee to pay for a passport in this country. If you want it expedited, it’s another $60. So in order to vote, you have to pay for a passport,” Durbin said. “It’s kind of like a poll tax, isn’t it?”

Durbin continued, “The second thing you can produce is a birth certificate to show you were born in the United States. Do you know where yours is? I don’t know where mine is. It’s in a box somewhere in the bedroom. I’ll have to go looking for it. If I find it, I’m okay. My wife’s got a problem with hers—it has her maiden name on there. She got married to me a few years back… and she doesn’t identify by her maiden name any longer. To prove she was born here, she’ll have to do fancy footwork with documents to prove it.”

Durbin concluded, “Why are we changing the rules? Why are we creating obstacles? Why are we forcing people to spend hundreds of dollars to go buy a passport so they can register to vote? … [this] should come to an end with a big ‘no’ vote on this floor. I’ll be voting no.”

Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.

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Durbin Outlines Various Obstacles Americans Would Face When Attempting To Register To Vote Under The Republicans’ SAVE America Act

WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, outlined the various obstacles that Americans would face when attempting to register to vote under Republicans’ SAVE America Act, legislation that is designed to prevent Americans from exercising their fundamental right to vote. Under the SAVE America Act, which requires proof of citizenship to register to vote, driver’s licenses and other government-issued IDs, including a REAL ID, alone would not be sufficient. According to a nonpartisan study by the Brennan Center and the University of Maryland, more than 21 million Americans who are eligible to vote—or about one out of every ten voting age citizens—do not have documents readily available to prove their citizenship.

Durbin said, “What this proposal [the SAVE America Act] would do is [create] a dramatic change in registering to vote in America. Let me be specific. With this proposal, the proof that you have to present of your identity when you register to vote changes dramatically. When you look at the second page of [the bill], they start listing what you have to bring in to prove that you are eligible to vote. The first suggestion is a passport. Well, half of the people in America, roughly half, own a passport and half do not… Creating this as a standard [showing a passport to vote] in the election in November… can you imagine what’s going to happen at the passport office?”

“The second opportunity you have to prove you’re really an American is to present your birth certificate. [There’s a] problem. [It] turns out a substantial number of Americans don't have a birth certificate, and they have to obtain one [under the SAVE America Act]. And secondly, there’s a problem with a birth certificate if it reflects a maiden name of a woman before she was married. There has to be a change made there,” Durbin continued.

Durbin concluded by highlighting the Supreme Court case, Harper v. Virginia Board of Elections, and the cost of obtaining a passport—which is one of the documents that would allow someone to register to vote if the SAVE America Act passes.

Durbin said, “In Harper v. Virginia Board of Elections, the Supreme Court declared that any poll tax was unconstitutional. The nation had already ratified the Twenty-Fourth Amendment, which declared citizens’ right to vote in federal elections ‘shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State by reason of failure to pay any poll tax or other tax.’ The Harper case involved the poll tax in the State of Virginia. You know how much the poll tax was in Virginia when that case was decided? One dollar and fifty cents. Compare that to going out to have a passport issued to you and paying $165.”

Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.

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Ernst, Smith Honor Women in Agriculture

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.), members of the Senate Agriculture Committee, led a bipartisan resolution to designate March 21, 2026, as “National Women in Agriculture Day” to honor the critical contributions of women in agriculture.

The Senate unanimously passed the resolution, which highlights the more than 1.2 million women producers across the United States and recognizes their essential roles as farmers, educators, innovators, and leaders throughout the agriculture industry.

“Women have always been at the heart of American agriculture,” said Senator Ernst. “Growing up on a family farm, I saw firsthand the vital role women like my mother played, and today my sister continues that legacy. From family farms to cutting-edge agribusiness, women are leading, innovating, and helping feed and fuel the world. I’m proud to lead this resolution to recognize and support the women who are breaking barriers and shaping the future of agriculture.”

“Agriculture is the backbone of Minnesota’s economy, and women have always played an essential role in this sector,” said Senator Smith. “I’m proud we have introduced this bipartisan resolution to designate a day during Women’s History Month and National Agriculture Week to recognize the achievements of the women across the country who have been the key to our agricultural success.”

In the House, Representatives Kat Cammack (R-Fla.) and Angie Craig (D-Minn.) led an identical resolution.

“Agriculture is a cornerstone of Florida’s economy, and women are helping lead the way,” said Rep. Cammack. “Women in agriculture are cultivating the next generation of leaders, safeguarding our food supply, and proving that food security is national security. I’m proud to lead this effort with my colleagues in recognizing the grit, leadership, and relentless dedication of America’s female producers in strengthening our nation’s agricultural industry.”

“Women have always played an important role in American agriculture,” said Rep. Craig. “Every day in our country, women go to work as farmers, ranchers, producers, researchers and agribusiness leaders. Whether they are setting the agenda in board rooms or planning next year’s crop, women have made an indelible imprint on American agriculture, and I am proud to lead this bipartisan resolution in their honor.”

“In Kansas and across the country, countless women play an important role in agriculture, managing family farms, educating the next generation of producers and supporting our rural communities,” said Senator Moran. “As we recognize National Women in Agriculture Day, we thank them for their hard work, resilience and dedication to keeping our agriculture industry strong and investing in the future of rural America.”

“Women play critical roles at every level of agriculture from family farms and agribusinesses to research institutions and public service,” said Senator Boozman. “I’m honored to recognize their contributions, elevate their voices, and support policies that ensure women farmers and agricultural leaders can continue to thrive for generations to come.”

“As a lifelong rancher in the Cowboy State, I’m no stranger to what it means to be a woman in agriculture,” said Senator Lummis. “The early mornings, the backbreaking work, and sleepless nights with calves in your bathtub just trying to keep them alive—it’s all a part of what goes into the life of a farmer and rancher. Women in ag are the heart and soul of our communities, and I am proud to join my friend, Senator Ernst, to celebrate the passion of women farmers and ranchers throughout our nation.”

“Women play a vital role in American agriculture, driving innovation, strengthening rural communities, and helping feed our nation and the world,” said Senator Tillis. “I’m proud to support this resolution designating National Women in Agriculture Day to recognize their contributions and ensure the next generation of women leaders continues to thrive in this critical industry.”

“Many extraordinary women have been instrumental in our nation’s storied agricultural history,” said Senator Crapo. “Their contributions to feeding and strengthening our communities deserves to be celebrated, and this resolution recognizes the important role female producers continue to play in shaping the future of agriculture.”

“Agriculture is Montana’s number one economic driver and protecting and promoting Montana ag is one of my top priorities in Congress,” said Senator Daines. “Our farmers and ranchers work hard to feed Montana, the nation, and the world. I’m glad to join Senator Ernst in introducing the Women in Agriculture Resolution to recognize the contributions of women in farming, ranching, and agriculture.”

“I am proud to support this resolution recognizing National Women in Agriculture Day,” said Senator Justice. “Across West Virginia, women are the backbone of our family farms and communities, and they absolutely deserve to be celebrated today and every day. These are the mothers, wives, sisters, and daughters who truly keep our operations running. Their hard work, grit, and dedication are what make the agricultural industry strong, and I am endlessly grateful for all they do.”

“As a cattle rancher and Mississippi’s first female Commissioner of Agriculture, I know firsthand the grit and dedication that women bring to agriculture. This resolution is a proud reminder that female producers across the nation are shaping the future of American agriculture. These women strengthen the backbone of rural America,” said Senator Hyde-Smith. “As we celebrate 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, I am honored to stand alongside female farmers and ranchers around the world who feed, clothe, fuel us.”

"Agriculture is the heart and soul of what we do in Nebraska,” said Senator Ricketts. “Throughout our state’s history, women have made significant contributions to Nebraska agriculture. I’m proud to be the son of a farm girl. My grandmother and mom helped keep the Volkmer family farm running. This year, and every year, I’m grateful for their contributions. This resolution recognizes the contributions women in agriculture have made in Nebraska.”

“National Women in Ag Day recognizes the critical role women play in sustaining and advancing our nation’s agriculture industry,” said Senator Hoeven. “In North Dakota, women are a driving force behind the state’s economy, leading operations, pioneering research, and shaping policy. Their contributions are vital to the strength, resilience, and continued success of rural America.”

“Women play a vital role as producers, educators, leaders, and mentors within agriculture in Wyoming and throughout our country,” said Senator Barrasso. “In Wyoming, we know that when agriculture is strong, so are our rural communities. That’s why I am proud to cosponsor this resolution to help ensure that women professionals and leaders in agriculture receive the recognition and celebration they deserve.”

“Across Alabama and our nation, women in agriculture are the backbone of our communities, working tirelessly to feed and clothe America’s families,” said Senator Britt. “On National Women in Agriculture Day, I’m proud to join my colleagues in honoring their grit, dedication, and lasting legacy they will leave on the next generation of farmers. I remain committed to supporting and empowering these leaders whose voices strengthen their industry and help shape the future of agriculture.”

“As you say grace for dinner on National Women in Ag day, remember and be thankful not just for the food on your plate but also for the thousands of women who worked to get it there: in the fields, in trucks and combines, laboratories, offices, homes, and processing facilities,” said Senator Cramer. “Working in agriculture is not an easy or glamorous way to make a living, but it’s one of the most fulfilling, and women’s contributions across the board have kept us on track as we grow the crops to meet the needs of a growing world.”

“From sunup to sundown, women in agriculture are often handling every part of the job,” said Senator Marshall. “On any given day, that can mean managing the books, working livestock, and making the decisions that keep an operation running. Across Kansas and the country, their strength and steady leadership are at the center of countless farms. This resolution recognizes the tireless work they do every day to keep rural America running.”

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Gallego, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Protect Small Businesses from Corporate Gouging, Lower Prices for American Families

WASHINGTON – Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), John Fetterman (D-PA), and Peter Welch (D-VT) introduced the Fair Prices for Local Businesses Act to bring down prices for American families and support small businesses by cracking down on corporate price discrimination.

“When suppliers can charge small businesses more than big corporations for the exact same products, local shops shut down, a handful of companies run the market, and families end up paying more at the checkout line,” said Senator Gallego. “This bill gives regulators the tools they need to hold big retailers accountable and make sure local businesses have a fair shot to compete. By leveling the playing field, we can bring prices down for American families.”

Small businesses nationwide – from small town grocers to big city restaurants – are forced by mega-corporations to pay higher prices for identical products and pass those higher prices on to customers. Existing laws are supposed to stop big corporations from using their size to force suppliers into charging smaller businesses more, so they can undercut those competitors and clear the market for themselves. But over the last four decades, the Executive Branch and the courts have mostly looked the other way and refused to enforce these laws. Communities paid the price as huge corporations used price discrimination to crush small businesses, with more than 100,000 small retailers shutting their doors in the last few decades, hollowing out local economies and creating food deserts in poor and rural areas.

Under the leadership of Lina Khan, the FTC exposed how the world’s biggest corporations illegally conspire to drive up costs on mom-and-pop businesses. In one case, the FTC uncovered how Pepsi and Walmart allegedly colluded to drive up the price of Pepsi products at grocery stores that compete with Walmart. These mega-corporations still benefit from a wide range of legal loopholes that stall enforcement and disincentivize small businesses from fighting back. The Fair Prices for Local Businesses Act would strengthen and modernize our price discrimination laws to level the playing field for small businesses and ensure mega-corporations can be held accountable.

“For decades, corporations have been allowed to break the law and rig the system to make small businesses pay higher prices for the exact same products,” said Senator Murphy. “Their goal was to crush the competition so they could hoard even more profit and power, even if that meant decimating local economies and raising prices on families. Small businesses are the lifeblood of a community and they should be able to compete with these soulless mega-corporations on equal footing. This bill would end the disastrous, price rigging lawlessness by providing both small businesses and federal regulators with a larger set of legal tools to punish corporations that run these schemes.“

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, yet for far too long they’ve been forced to compete with massive corporations who use their power to squeeze out local competitors. The Fair Prices for Local Businesses Act will ensure accountability by giving local retailers a chance, strengthening competition, and ultimately delivering better prices for consumers. I’m proud to support this legislation to level the playing field for our local businesses,” said Senator Blumenthal.

“High costs are crushing working families and small businesses,” said Senator Fetterman. “The Fair Prices for Local Businesses Act would level the playing field and make sure small businesses can buy products on the same terms as big corporations.”

“Vermont’s small businesses are the backbone of our economy, but they can’t compete when they’re forced to pay more than big retailers for the same goods and services. That kind of price discrimination squeezes local businesses and raises costs for consumers,” said Senator Welch. “The Fair Prices for Local Businesses Act helps level the playing field and holds bad actors accountable.”

The Fair Prices for Local Businesses Act would:

Repeal the “meeting competition” defense: Under current law, price discrimination is legal if the supplier is meeting a competitor’s price to the retailer. Massive retailers would no longer be able to squeeze all their competing suppliers for special deals, creating competition that brings down prices at retailers large and small alike.

Hold power buyers accountable: Big retailers are rarely held accountable for receiving illegal price discrimination because plaintiffs must prove they did so knowingly. The bill would eliminate the “knowingly” requirement for retailers with more than $100 billion in annual sales, because these huge corporations should know how suppliers price their products.

Expand the law to cover services, not just goods: Local shops and restaurants would no longer pay higher costs for services like delivery apps, point of sale systems, and credit card swipe fees.

Set minimum damages to equal the cost of price discrimination: The bill would simplify damage awards for victims of price discrimination to at least match the higher prices they had to pay.

The Fair Prices for Local Businesses Act is endorsed by the Open Markets Institute, Small Business Majority, Farm Action Fund, American Booksellers Association, Independent Restaurant Coalition, American Economic Liberties Project, Antimonopoly and Finance, National Supermarket Association, Main Street Competition Coalition, and RAFI.


Gillibrand, Colleagues Introduce Legislation To Reauthorize And Expand The Delaware River Basin Restoration Program

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), along with eight Senate Democratic colleagues, introduced the Delaware River Basin Restoration Reauthorization Act, legislation to reauthorize the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program (DRBRP), which provides key funding to improve water quality, reduce flooding, and enhance safe recreation across New York, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey.

“Ensuring the long-term health of the Delaware River Basin is an investment in New York’s future and essential to sustaining the communities and small businesses from the Catskills to New York City that rely on it every day,” said Senator Gillibrand. “By reauthorizing and expanding this program, we can strengthen water quality, reduce flooding, and support safe outdoor recreation while safeguarding drinking water and protecting this vital resource for future generations.”

The Delaware River Basin directly supplies drinking water to 13 million people and supports a $25 million water-based economy, generating 600,000 jobs and $10 billion in annual wages across the region. As the headwaters of the Delaware River, communities in New York benefit from the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program through strengthened economies, improved health, and greater access to the outdoors.

Senator Gillibrand was joined on the legislation by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and U.S. Senators Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Chris Coons (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), John Fetterman (D-PA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD).

The lawmakers’ Delaware River Basin Restoration Reauthorization Act would:

Extend program authorization through 2033 to ensure long-term conservation and restoration efforts.

Expand the official definition of the Basin to include Maryland, officially recognizing its ecological and economic contributions to the watershed.

Prioritize projects that serve small, rural, and disadvantaged communities, ensuring equitable access to federal conservation resources.

The legislation is endorsed by the Friends of the Upper Delaware, the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed, the Delaware Nature Society, Ducks Unlimited, The Nature Conservancy, the National Parks Conservation Association, the National Audubon Society, the Appalachian Mountain Club, the National Wildlife Federation, the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, the American Rivers Action Fund, PennFuture, the Friends of the Wissahickon, the Pocono Heritage Land Trust, the American Sustainable Business Council, and the Riverways Collaboration.

The full text of the legislation can be found here.

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Senator Gillibrand, Congressman Riley Call On USDA To Quickly Release FY25 And FY26 Cost Share Funding For The National Organic Certification Cost Share Program

The Senator and Congressman Calls for the Full Reimbursement Levels Authorized in the 2018 Farm Bill

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Congressman Josh Riley (D-NY) called on U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins to promptly release Fiscal Year 2025 and Fiscal Year 2026 funding for the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP) at the full reimbursement levels authorized in the 2018 Farm Bill.

In a letter to Secretary Rollins, Gillibrand and Riley wrote, “FY25 OCCSP funds still have not been released, and accordingly it is imperative that the U.S. Department of Agriculture open applications for both FY25 and FY26 expeditiously to provide farmers in this growing industry the certainty and support they need.”

The members highlighted that demand for organic products has surged in recent years, with sales more than doubling over the past decade. Despite this growth, farmers continue to face challenges transitioning from conventional to organic production.

The OCCSP, administered by the USDA’s Farm Service Agency, helps offset these costs by covering up to 75 percent of organic certification expenses. Eligible expenses can include application and inspection fees, costs related to international equivalency requirements, inspector travel, user fees, sales assessments, and postage.

Gillibrand and Riley urged Secretary Rollins to release both FY25 and FY26 funding without delay so that New York’s organic farmers can continue feeding our state and the nation.

New York consistently ranks among the top ten states in organic agricultural production, with more than 1,400 certified organic farms. National demand for organic food has continued to grow, reaching $71.6 billion in sales in 2024. The OCCSP supports both existing organic farmers and those transitioning into organic dairy and specialty crop markets, helping New York producers meet this rising demand.

The full letter can be read HERE.

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Grassley, Thune Introduce Legislation to Bring Transparency to Fertilizer Prices

WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) joined Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) to introduce the Fertilizer Transparency Act of 2026, bipartisan legislation that would provide American producers with timely and accurate information on prices for fertilizer and fertilizer products in response to longstanding concerns over rising input costs. Grassley is a lifelong family farmer and a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee.

The bill would require the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to collect and publish data on fertilizer prices from manufacturers on a weekly basis. Currently, USDA conducts an annual voluntary survey on the prices that producers pay for inputs.

“Family farmers are suffering under high input costs that are pushing the ag economy to the brink. By requiring weekly reports on phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium, our bipartisan legislation will shine a light on fertilizer markets and promote much-needed transparency and competition in the ag economy,” Grassley said.

“South Dakota’s producers have been facing some pretty fierce economic headwinds over the past few years,” Thune said. “Higher prices for fertilizer – and the uncertainty surrounding costs – have only strained their budgets even further. This legislation would empower producers with better information about fertilizer pricing so they can make cost-effective choices when it comes to purchasing key inputs for their crops.”

“The Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) sincerely appreciates Senator Grassley for once again championing support for corn farmers and demanding transparency in the fertilizer industry,” said Iowa Corn Growers Association President Mark Mueller, who farms in Waverly, Iowa. “Each year, the fertilizer industry dictates the terms when Iowa corn farmers purchase inputs. We cannot sustain these conditions, and this legislation will bring fairness and transparency to a key input needed by corn growers to produce a high yielding crop. The input price continues to be unbalanced in the cost of production for Iowa’s corn growers.”

In addition to Grassley and Thune, the legislation is cosponsored by Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.).

In September, Grassley and Baldwin reintroduced the Fertilizer Research Act. Their bipartisan legislation would require USDA to conduct a thorough and comprehensive study on competition and trends in the fertilizer market and their subsequent impacts on price.

Click HERE for text of the legislation.


Q&A: SAVE America Act

Q: What is the SAVE America Act?

A: The U.S. Senate is debating an election integrity bill called the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act. Only U.S. citizens are eligible to vote in America. The bill would strengthen voter registration rules to ensure only U.S. citizens may register to vote in a federal election. I’m a co-sponsor of the bill and have long supported free, transparent and accurate elections. After the previous administration allowed more than 12 million people to illegally enter our country, safeguarding the ballot box is top of mind to millions of law-abiding citizens across America. This legislation would ensure noncitizens cannot register to vote, help prevent voter fraud and ensure every ballot cast is legitimate. Losing public trust in the outcome of elections would be a death knell for our fragile American experiment.

The SAVE America Act would put in place two common sense measures to boost public confidence in election outcomes. First, it would require Americans to show proof of citizenship when registering to vote. Second, it would require voters to show a government-issued photo ID when voting. Requiring a photo ID ensures the person who is registered to vote in that election is the person actually casting the ballot. Americans already are asked to show photo ID when they open a bank account, board an airplane, buy cold medicine or sign up for government benefits. Showing a photo ID when voting is common sense. In fact, 36 states have voter ID, including Iowa. Voter turnout in Iowa has remained strong since the passage of voter ID laws nearly a decade ago. Strengthening election integrity is sacred to our system of self-government. Notably, 80% of Americans support voter ID. That’s saying something when so many issues divide our society today. I spoke on the Senate floor in support of the SAVE America Act and encouraged my colleagues to pass this legislation without delay.

Q: How can applicants registering to vote show proof of citizenship?


PASSED THE SENATE: Major Bipartisan Housing Affordability Package, Including Wall Street Home Purchase Ban and Senator Hassan-Supported Bills

WASHINGTON, DC – In case you missed it, the U.S. Senate last week passed the bipartisan ROAD to Housing Act, a major housing affordability package that provides funding to help build more homes for the middle-class, cuts home construction red tape, and makes it easier for veterans to buy homes. The package includes a measure to ban Wall Street funds from buying up single-family homes, as well as several pieces of legislation that Senator Hassan cosponsored and helped advance. The Senate passed the package 89-10.

“The housing crisis hurts New Hampshire families, stretches budgets thin, and denies people the stability that owning their own home can provide,” said Senator Hassan. “This bipartisan bill takes important steps forward to build more homes that people can afford and stops big Wall Street funds from buying up people’s homes. The strong bipartisan support for this package is a sign of the urgent need to address our country’s housing crisis, and I urge my colleagues in the House to take up and pass this bill.”

The legislation, which must now be considered in the House of Representatives, includes a suite of measures to help speed up the construction of more middle-class housing. Namely, it streamlines review processes and removes regulatory barriers to speed up housing construction, while rewarding communities that meet housing construction goals with more funding. It also improves the federal housing programs that are already working to get affordable housing built, and it gives state and local governments new tools to address the housing challenges in their communities. Additionally, the bill takes steps to keep large institutional investors from buying up single-family homes.

The package includes a number of bills that Senator Hassan co-sponsored, including:

The Housing Supply Expansion Act, which makes manufactured homes more affordable for families

The PRICE Act, which provides funding to manufactured housing communities for important infrastructure upgrades and weatherization

The VA Home Loan Awareness Act, which helps veterans learn about the VA home loan benefits that may be available to them when buying a home

The Streamlining Rural Housing Act, which cuts red tape and unnecessary barriers that often delay new construction and drive housing costs even higher

Senator Hassan has worked to address affordability and availability of housing in New Hampshire, including by pushing to expand the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit to help increase access to affordable housing. Of the many visits she has made to affordable housing communities, she most recently, in January, visited a senior housing community in Newmarket that prioritizes low-income Granite State seniors.

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Senators Peters and Hassan Call for DHS to Fully Collect and Retain All Noem & Lewandowski Records

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Maggie Hassan (D-NH), a senior member of the Committee, are calling on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to confirm that the agency has complied with federal law and retained all government records from outgoing DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and her advisor Corey Lewandowski.

“We are writing to request confirmation that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has preserved all official records created by Secretary Kristi Noem and Mr. Corey Lewandowski during their tenure at DHS,” wrote Senators Peters and Hassan in their letter to DHS’s General Counsel, James Percival II. “Given serious allegations of misconduct by these officials, we are seeking your assurance that DHS has collected their electronic devices and preserved all potential records.”

The Senators highlighted that DHS has had repeated problems with records retention, including among Department leadership during the first Trump Administration. The Senators also reminded DHS that “any messages pertaining to government business that are created or received on the personal devices of Mr. Lewandowski and Secretary Noem are federal records, and DHS must preserve them as though they were transmitted on a government device.”

Finally, the Senators highlighted that Secretary Noem and Mr. Lewandowski face a wide range of misconduct allegations and that the preservation of these records is critical for any investigations.

Click here or see below for the full text of the letter:

We are writing to request confirmation that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has preserved all official records created by Secretary Kristi Noem and Mr. Corey Lewandowski during their tenure at DHS. Given serious allegations of misconduct by these officials, we are seeking your assurance that DHS has collected their electronic devices and preserved all potential records.

DHS has had repeated problems with records retention, including among its most senior officials. At the end of the first Trump Administration, DHS lost text messages belonging to former Acting Secretary Chad Wolf and Acting Under Secretary Ken Cucinelli. More recently, DHS claimed that it no longer retains text messages belonging to Secretary Noem, Mr. Lewandowski, and others. This potential violation of public records laws led to litigation in which DHS acknowledged that it does, in fact, save text messages, but employees are responsible for taking screenshots, which must then be saved to DHS systems. Further complicating comprehensive records retention, sources have alleged that Mr. Lewandowski used his personal phone to conduct government business. As you know, any messages pertaining to government business that are created or received on the personal devices of Mr. Lewandowski and Secretary Noem are federal records, and DHS must preserve them as though they were transmitted on a government device.

Secretary Noem and Mr. Lewandowski face a wide range of misconduct allegations. For example, Secretary Noem allegedly funneled $143 million to an advertising company owned by her former campaign advisor and the husband of the then-DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs. Mr. Lewandowski allegedly reviewed all DHS contracts worth more than $100,000 before final approval by Secretary Noem. Recent reporting has raised the concern that Mr. Lewandowski used his position to steer contracts to his personal connections — a concern that President Trump apparently shares. Some of these contracts are the subject of ongoing litigation or Congressional investigation. Ongoing challenges with records retention at DHS, however, raise the risk that this and other alleged misconduct may not be able to be fully investigated.

Given past compliance issues at DHS, we stress your obligation to ensure that all federal records belonging to Secretary Noem and Mr. Lewandowski, and particularly those that are subject to pending or anticipated litigation, Congressional inquiries, or FOIA requests are preserved and not destroyed or removed. By April 3, 2026, please confirm whether, prior to their departure, DHS preserved all potential records for Secretary Noem and Mr. Lewandowski, including any records that may exist on their personal devices. Please describe the processes for doing so, including any auditing or validation of such records, as well as any gaps or irregularities that DHS identified in records belonging to Secretary Noem or Mr. Lewandowski, either as part of off-boarding or responding to prior records requests.

Thank you for your prompt attention to these matters.

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Heinrich Introduces New Legislation to Cut Taxes for New Mexico Workers

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) announced the introduction of the Working Americans’ Tax Cut Act, legislation he cosponsored to provide much-needed tax relief for New Mexico workers who are facing increased prices for groceries and everyday essentials due to President Trump’s unlawful foreign tariffs. This comes as New Mexico families are already paying more for energy due to Trump’s illegal war in Iran and when the Trump administration is attacking American-made clean energy — worsening the nation’s affordability crisis.

According to the Economic Policy Institute’s Family Budget Calculator, a single filer needs to earn $45,087 annually, a joint filer $60,718, and a family of four $105,685 to cover basic living expenses in the Albuquerque Metro Area.

The Working Americans’ Tax Cut Act provides much needed tax relief for working New Mexicans – whether they are a single adult, a head of household, or a married couple filing jointly – by reducing their federal income taxes based on their income to help ensure they can afford their cost of living expenses and put food on the table. Furthermore, it funds the reduction in federal income tax liability for hardworking Americans by ensuring that the wealthiest Americans pay their fair share of taxes.

“The cost of everything is going up — from groceries to gas to electric bills. And thanks to Trump’s illegal tariffs and reckless war in Iran, they’re about to get even higher. Working families in New Mexico deserve a break,” said Heinrich. “This legislation helps keep hard-earned money in the pockets of working people. While President Trump and Republicans in Congress give massive tax breaks to billionaires, Democrats are working to give families in New Mexico and across the country a permanent tax cut that will make life more affordable.”

Specifically, the Working Americans’ Tax Cut Act will give major tax relief to working families by:

Eliminating federal income taxes for New Mexicans earning under $46,000, the national median cost of living.

Providing a significant tax cut for individuals earning between $46,000 and $80,500, with larger benefits for heads of household and married couples.

Providing larger exemptions for families.

Heads of household: up to $64,400 (140% of the single exemption).

Married couples filing jointly: up to $92,000 (200% of the single exemption).

These family exemptions would also phase out gradually at higher income levels, but many families would still receive meaningful tax cuts.

Heads of household: tax relief between $64,400 and $112,700 in income.

Married couples: tax relief between $92,000 and $161,000 in income.

For example, a family of four earning $95,000 would typically receive a tax cut of about $6,000.

Phasing out the exemption gradually for higher incomes, beginning at 175% of the median cost of living for a single adult with no children.

Even during the phase-out, people in this income range would still pay less in taxes than they do under the current system.

For example, a single person earning $50,000 would typically receive a tax cut of about $2,800.

The legislation is fully paid for and avoids raising the national debt by ensuring the wealthiest pay their fair share through a tiered surtax on income above a million dollars.

The legislation is led by U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Andy Kim (D-N.J.). Alongside Heinrich, the bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Angus King (I-Maine), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.). In the House, the legislation is led by U.S. Representative Don Beyer (D-Va.).

The Working Americans’ Tax Cut Act is endorsed by the AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Americans for Tax Fairness, Community Change Action, Demos, Get Out the Vote PAC, Indivisible, Institute for Policy Studies, MoveOn, National Education Association (NEA), NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, Oxfam US, Patriotic Millionaires, People’s Action, Public Citizen, Social Security Works, Strong Economy for All Coalition, SURJ, Take on Wall Street, and United for a Fair Economy.

A summary of the bill is here.

The text of the bill is here.

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Husted bill to require photo ID to vote blocked from passage

“And passing this provision that I offer tonight that’s part of the SAVE America Act is right for election integrity.”

View Husted’s remarks here.

WASHINGTON – Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) today brought a bill to the Senate floor that would require voters to present photo identification when voting, seeking its passage by unanimous consent—a process that expedites consideration of legislation in the United States Senate.

Senate Democrats objected, blocking the bill from receiving a vote.

Husted’s remarks include:

“I believe I have something tonight that will provide some common ground that hopefully we can all support.”

. . .

“I come to this conversation having been twice elected and entrusted as the chief elections officer of the state of Ohio, as being elected their Secretary of State.

“I oversaw elections, presidential elections in 2012 and 2016, as well as midterm elections in 2014 and 2018, and many primaries, local elections, special elections, ballot initiatives, on and on and on.”

. . .

“I made my mission clear in that role to make Ohio a place where it is easy to vote and hard to cheat.

“And many other states do it right.

“They have voter ID laws, they properly maintain the voter rolls.

“However, other states do not do that.”

. . .

“I know for me in the last week, I’ve had to provide an ID to enter a government building, an ID to rent a car, an ID to stay at a hotel.

“But many other things we commonly do in life, whether that’s someone going to the local store to buy alcohol or tobacco, you name it.

“Lots of reasons that people have to supply IDs.”

. . .

“I’ve heard my Democrat colleagues say that they don’t oppose photo ID laws.

“Heard Senator Schumer say, ‘our objection as Democrats is not to a photo ID.’

“Heard Senator Fetterman say he supports a photo ID law.”

. . .

“The voter under this legislation could present a photo ID of any of the following: a state issued driver’s license that includes a photo ID and an expiration date, state ID that has a photo of the individual and an expiration date, a valid U.S. passport, a valid military ID or a valid tribal ID that includes a photo of the individual and an expiration date.”

. . .

“It’s proven effective because many states already do it.

“We certainly do it in Ohio.”

. . .

“So, I hope my colleagues on the other side of the aisle realize I really do support a photo ID law, because this legislation is the simple, easy, proven way to do it.

. . .

“The American people support it by an 80/20 margin.

“And as I’ve been saying for more than a decade and a half, it is possible to make it both easy to vote and hard to cheat.”

. . .

“Passing voter ID requirements is common sense.

“And passing this provision that I offer tonight that’s part of the SAVE America Act is right for election integrity.

“And it’s the right thing to do for voter confidence.

“And I urge a yes vote.”

View Husted’s full remarks here.


HYDE-SMITH, COLLEAGUES EXAMINE BARRIERS TO U.S. NUCLEAR ENERGY EXPANSION

Miss. Senator Highlights Cost Overruns, Supply Chain Concerns as Grand Gulf Facility Expansion Considered

VIDEO: Senator Hyde-Smith Questions Witnesses on Barriers to Expanding U.S. Nuclear Energy Generation.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) on Thursday cited the prospect of cost overrun concerns as a significant barrier to expanding U.S. nuclear energy production, including the idea of adding capacity at the Grand Gulf Nuclear Station in Claiborne County.

Hyde-Smith questioned witnesses about reducing cost overruns and construction disruptions at a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing called to examine U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) implementation of President Trump’s May 2025 nuclear energy executive orders.

“The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is currently undertaking the process to renew an existing early site permit at Grand Gulf, which could make Grand Gulf an ideal location for a future advanced reactor,” Hyde-Smith said.

“I continue to hear concerns about cost overrun risks being a factor outside the project’s control. These issues range from nuclear regulatory changes to workforce and to supply chain constraints, to many things. In the decades since the United States became a leader in commercial nuclear energy, we have seen a reduction in nuclear manufacturing capabilities and secure nuclear supply chains,” Hyde-Smith added. “What are your thoughts on how we can work to re-shore the nuclear supply chain in a way that would decrease the cost overruns and construction disruption issues that might deter utilities and developers from building new reactors in the United States?”

Idaho National Laboratory Director Dr. John C. Wagner testified that initial costs for building new advanced reactors will be more costly than those that follow, while acknowledging that related U.S. manufacturing capacity declined in recent decades.

“As you rightly framed in the question, we have atrophied in our supply chain and our ability to build these things and our workforce – just about every aspect that we need, particularly for building large nuclear reactors,” Wagner said. “We saw that play out in the Vogle experience, where the cost escalated from an initial estimate around $14 billion to over $30 billion. Each utility board doesn’t want to have that situation play out in their system.”

Theodore J. Garrish, Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy, called cost overruns one “stumbling block” toward meeting President Trump’s challenge to build new innovative reactors with speed and efficiency, even as DOE actively engages the private sector and other federal agencies with nuclear energy expertise to deploy the next generation of nuclear reactors.

“The overrun question is one of the issues, that’s one of the stumbling blocks, going forward that we need to deal with. One of the issues that I think that we have to do is we have to incentivize on-budget, on-time activities from the industry that’s building these reactors. Currently there is very little incentive to reduce costs,” Garrish testified. “We are working diligently right now with the industry to see what methods can be undertaken. There are pieces of legislation that are out now currently before the Congress on the question on overruns.”

The witnesses also discussed the value in leveraging DOE nuclear energy programs and technology to build new nuclear reactor capacity in the United States.

While the United States continues to have the largest commercial nuclear power industry with 94 operating reactors that account for roughly 20 percent of total U.S. electricity output, the nation has lost its supply chain and manufacturing capacity since stopping the construction of new reactors years ago. Today, Russia and China control a large portion of global nuclear supply chains and manufacturing capacity as they escalate reactor construction and export programs.

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Olive Branch mayor seeks federal funds to widen highway, bridge

By Peyton Taylor

Olive Branch Mayor Ken Adams said he presented requests to Mississippi’s congressional delegation for federal funding to widen Mississippi Highway 305 and the two-lane Craft Road bridge over U.S. 78 and I-22.

Adams said the presentations were made to Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, Sen. Roger Wicker, Rep. Trent Kelly and senior staffers for Rep. Mike Guest.

In a post, Adams said the bridge on Craft Road needs to be widened to address traffic and safety concerns. He said the funding requests were intended to support those improvements.

Adams said he was grateful for the opportunity to meet with the delegation and for the work the Mississippi congressional delegation does for the state and DeSoto County.