Husted backs bill to expand law enforcement concealed-carry rights

“They put their lives on the line every day to serve and protect, and it’s only right that they have the tools they need to continue that service—whether they are on duty, off duty or retired.”

WASHINGTON – Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) joined the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) Reform Act, a bill that would expand the concealed-carry rights of qualified law enforcement officers. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) leads the bill in the U.S. Senate.

“Our law enforcement officers are highly trained and trusted professionals who we rely on to keep our communities safe. They put their lives on the line every day to serve and protect, and it’s only right that they have the tools they need to continue that service—whether they are on duty, off duty or retired,” said Husted.

LEOSA was enacted in 2004 and allows qualified active and retired law enforcement to carry concealed firearms across U.S. state and jurisdictional lines. This federal law overrides most local and state restrictions. As of right now, LEOSA does not allow law enforcement to carry firearms in areas governed by federal law or regulation. The LEOSA Reform Act would amend the original bill to expand law enforcement carrying rights.

Statements of support:

“This common-sense officer safety bill is a priority for the FOP and makes technical changes to the Law Enforcement Officers’ Safety Act (LEOSA) to ensure that no officer will inadvertently put themselves in legal jeopardy. This bill would clarify that the original statute allows qualified active and retired law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms in the same venues as civilian concealed carry permit holders. The bill also extends the exemption to magazine capacity and would allow qualified active and retired law enforcement officers to access services in U.S. Post Offices, Social Security Administration offices, Veterans Affairs offices, and other Federal facilities without disarming or securing their firearm elsewhere. It would also allow States to decide to extend the period between training certifications for qualified retired law enforcement officers from 12 months to 36 months. This legislation would help keep qualified active and retired officers safe, and we offer our sincerest thanks for your vote in favor of this legislation,” said Patrick Yoes, National President, National Fraternal Order of Police.

“On behalf of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, I want to extend our sincere gratitude to Senator Kennedy for reintroducing the LEOSA Reform Act. This legislation is a critical step in ensuring that law enforcement officers who have served their country honorably are able to protect themselves and their families after they retire. The LEOSA Reform Act will correct long-standing barriers, ensuring retired officers can carry concealed weapons across state lines without unnecessary restrictions. This law is not just about enhancing officer safety; it’s about honoring those who have dedicated their careers to safeguarding our communities. We urge Congress to pass this important legislation and stand with those who have stood for justice,” said Mathew Silverman, National President of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association.

“While the purpose of LEOSA has always been clear, several actions at the federal, state, and local level have prevented its proper implementation and altered or watered-down key provisions of the Act. The SBA is grateful for Sen. Kennedy’s continued leadership on the ‘LEOSA Reform Act’ to effectuate Congress’ original intent in passing LEOSA in 2004,” said Vincent Vallelong, President of the NYPD Sergeants Benevolent Association.

“With the rise in targeted violence against law enforcement officers and violent crimes in our communities, allowing all qualified officers and retirees, who have sworn to serve and protect our communities, to be armed in accordance with LEOSA would allow them to respond more efficiently and effectively in emergencies for the safety of themselves and those around them. The LEOSA Reform Act will go a long way to ensuring all qualified off-duty and retired officers across the country can legally carry their firearm under the law. NAPO thanks Senator Kennedy for his leadership and stands with him in support of this important legislation,” said Bill Johnson, Executive Director of the National Association of Police Organizations.

“This legislation prioritizes safety in our communities by empowering active and retired law enforcement officers to continue to protect citizens in areas where criminals are known to victimize innocent lives who are otherwise left defenseless. The LEOSA Reform Act enables those individuals we already trust with our safety to be able to continue to provide that service without being encumbered by well-intentioned, but misguided laws. Criminals, by definition, have no respect for the law. This commonsense legislation removes barriers for those who enforce the law. Handcuffs belong on criminals, not law enforcement who are working to protect their communities. NSSF is grateful to Senator John Kennedy for his leadership to improve safety in our communities,” said Lawrence G. Keane, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, National Shooting Sports Foundation.

“The Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA) applauds Senator Kennedy for his leadership on the LEOSA Reform Act. This vital legislation allows qualified retired and active law enforcement officers to carry firearms across state lines and in public spaces such as national parks, school zones, and other public properties. For law enforcement officers, the ability to carry a firearm across state lines and in public spaces ensures their continued ability to protect and respond effectively, enhancing safety for both officers and our communities,” said Megan Noland, Executive Director of the MCSA.

The LEOSA Reform Act would expand the original bill by allowing qualified officers to carry their concealed firearms in the following locations:

state, local and private property otherwise open to the public;

national parks;

certain federal public access facilities; and

school zones.


Husted honors fallen Ohio Air National Guard members on Senate floor

“I thank my colleagues for hearing their stories this evening, for honoring their service, for celebrating their lives and for mourning their loss alongside a grateful nation.”

View Husted’s remarks here.

WASHINGTON – Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) today delivered a speech on the Senate floor recognizing the service and sacrifice Capt. Seth Koval, Capt. Curtis Angst and Major Sgt. Tyler Simmons who lost their lives in a KC-135 crash in Iraq on March 12, 2026.

The three servicemembers were serving with the 121st Air Refueling Wing based at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, Ohio.

Key excerpts include:

“I come today to request a pause in the political discourse in this chamber, for a moment of reflection.

“As those both in this chamber and across the nation know, last Thursday, March 12, 2026, an American KC-135 refueling aircraft went down in western Iraq.

“The crash claimed the lives of the aircraft’s six crew members.”

. . .

“I would like to take a moment of the Senate’s time this evening to honor three of Ohio’s favorite sons, the airmen who were serving in the Ohio National Guard with the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus.”

. . .

“Let me first speak of one of Ohio’s favorite sons, Captain Curtis J. Angst.

“He was 30 years old from Wilmington, Ohio with ten years of military experience.”

. . .

“His family stated that, ‘Those who knew Curtis remember his steady kindness and the joy he carried with him everywhere he went.’”

. . .

“He will be missed by his wife Mary, his parents and many more friends and family.”

. . .

“Master Sergeant Tyler Simmons was 28 years old from Columbus, Ohio.”

. . .

“His father said that Sergeant Simmons loved airplanes and always had plans for joining the Air Force.”

. . .

“His family says his mother said he loved serving in the military and that he was born for it.

“We mourn today alongside Master Sergeant Simmons’ entire family.”

. . .

“I would like to honor Captain Seth Koval. He was 38 years old from Mooresville, Indiana.”

. . .

“He was a man of devout faith with Jesus as his Lord and Savior.

“He was described as loving, generous, selfless, kindhearted, smart, devoted, and a fixer of all things and a real outdoorsman.

“His loss is one mourned by many, but most of all by his wife Heather, his son and countless other close family members and friends of Captain Seth Koval.”

. . .

“These service members, alongside their three other brothers and sisters in arms, gave the last full measure of devotion to their country last week.

“I thank my colleagues for hearing their stories this evening, for honoring their service, for celebrating their lives and for mourning their loss alongside a grateful nation.”


HYDE-SMITH SUPPORTS BILL TO STOP IMPORTERS FROM GETTING REJECTED FOOD, PRODUCTS TO U.S. CONSUMERS

Cosponsors Bill to Expand FDA Authority to Destroy Products that Fail to Meet U.S. Health & Safety Standards

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today announced that she has cosponsored legislation to crack down on the re-importation of products, including food, previously rejected by the federal inspectors as harmful.

The Destruction of Hazardous Imports Act (S.3213) would grant new authority to the Secretary of Health and Human Services to destroy any products regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that pose significant public health risks. It would also close loopholes that allow importers to “port shop” or attempt reentry of those rejected goods, including contaminated foods, illegal vapes, and unsafe medical products.

“American consumers will be better protected from everything from contaminated seafood to knock-off medications by giving the FDA direct authority to destroy anything that fails to meet U.S. health and safety standards. This would keep those dangerous goods from ever reaching our homes or businesses,” said Senator Hyde-Smith, who also introduced the Safer Shrimp Imports Act well before a recall of “radioactive” shrimp last August.

U.S. Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.) introduced S.3213.

“Americans should never be put at risk because bad actors, especially from companies in Communist China or other adversarial nations, continuously attempt to sneak dangerous and contaminated food and other products back into our country after being rejected,” Senator Scott said. “My bill makes clear that if the FDA says a product is too hazardous for American families, it will not be allowed back into our markets under any circumstances. This gives federal authorities the tools they need to destroy these shipments quickly and keep our supply chain and families safe.”

While the FDA currently has the jurisdiction to destroy any imported medical devices and medications that pose a health risk to the public, that authority does not extend to imported food products that fail to meet U.S. health and safety standards. S.3213 grants that authority and streamlines the destruction process to keep hazardous products out of American communities, rather than returning those products to the foreign shipper to try to re-import.

U.S. Representative Mike Ezell (R-Miss.) cosponsored companion legislation (HR.2715), which was introduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Representative Clay Higgins (R-La.). The Senate and House bills are supported by the Southern Shrimp Alliance.

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Senator Justice Celebrates National Agriculture Week

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Jim Justice released a statement in honor of National Agriculture Week:

“I am beyond proud to recognize the hard work of our West Virginia farmers who keep our communities strong. Our farmers are the most productive engine imaginable. Even with the hardships they face right now, including high input costs and low commodity prices, they keep feeding this country because they absolutely love it. I can tell you just this—our agriculture sector is absolutely critical to America’s economy. Nothing is more important than our family farm; their dedication drives our state and the nation forward, and they deserve our gratitude not just this week but every day,” said Senator Jim Justice.

BACKGROUND:

National Agriculture Week is March 15-21, 2026.

In 2026, there are about 365,000 head of cattle in West Virginia.

In 2025, West Virginia has approximately 22,500 farms operating across 3,500,000 acres of land in the state.

In 2025, West Virginia had around 3,900,000 turkeys.

In 2024, the state produced approximately 83.1 million broiler chickens.

The state’s sheep inventory totals about 36,000 head.

West Virginia agriculture generates nearly $1 billion in annual cash receipts, primarily from the livestock and poultry industries.

2022 Census of Agriculture Data:

Around 98% of farms in West Virginia are classified as small farms.

The average farm size in the state is 156 acres.

Family-owned and operated farms account for approximately 93% of all farms in West Virginia.

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Kaine Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Pharmacy Access for Active-Duty Servicemembers & Their Families

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, (D-VA) and Tom Cotton (R-AR) introduced the Rx Access, Choice, Cost Equity, and Supply Stability (Rx ACCESS) Act, legislation to enhance pharmacy access for active-duty servicemembers and their families. The Rx ACCESS Act would require that independent pharmacies participating in the TRICARE program be fairly reimbursed, thus ensuring that TRICARE beneficiaries have continued access to the medication they need.

“We have an obligation to our servicemembers and their families to ensure they have access to high-quality health care,” said Kaine. “This bipartisan legislation is critical to ensuring active-duty military members and families can get the prescription medication they need, and I’ll be working with my colleagues to get it passed.”

“Our active-duty troops and their families make extraordinary sacrifices for our nation, yet they often face difficulties accessing essential prescription medications,” said Cotton. “Our bill will ensure that active-duty military families can access their prescriptions at pharmacies of their choice.”

The Rx ACCESS Act would:

Require pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to reimburse pharmacies participating in TRICARE:

The actual cost of the drug; or

The national average drug acquisition cost.

Ensure pharmacies are paid a dispensing fee equal to the Medicaid dispensing fee.

Direct the Comptroller General to conduct an annual audit of TRICARE PBM data related to:

Prescription drug reimbursement rates, and;

Adequacy of TRICARE retail pharmacy network access with respect to continuity of care and geographic accessibility.

The full bill text is available here.

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Kelly, Lummis Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Cut Red Tape for Small Water Projects

Today, Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) introduced the Community Water Project Acceleration Act to help local communities speed up delivery of locally-led water infrastructure projects. The bill would streamline federal review requirements for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Civil Works projects with limited federal funding, building on a model already used for federal highway projects.

Kelly has helped secure resources for over twenty small-scale water projects across Arizona as a key negotiator of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) in both 2022 and 2024. But many projects’ local sponsors have raised concerns that even straightforward projects face delays of months, if not years, before funding can be accessed due to lengthy assessments and red tape.

“In Arizona and across the West, communities need reliable water infrastructure and shouldn’t have to wait months or even years to put federal funds to use because of unnecessary red tape,” said Kelly. “This is a commonsense fix that makes it easier, not harder, for local projects to move forward faster while protecting the environment.”

“Washington’s permitting delays have real consequences for western communities that depend on reliable water infrastructure. There is no reason local water projects should face years of federal review when the funding and local support are already in place, and every month of unnecessary delay is a month rural communities across the west go without the water system it needs to thrive. Our legislation cuts through that bureaucracy by applying a model already proven in federal highway projects and is exactly the kind of practical, results-driven legislation western states deserve,” said Lummis.

See whatArizonaleaders are saying in support of the legislation:

“Buckeye applauds Senator Kelly’s leadership in advancing this commonsense change to streamline the environmental review process for water infrastructure projects funded through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Arizona Environmental Infrastructure Program. This improvement will help move critical water projects forward more efficiently, including Buckeye’s project to replace equipment at our Central Water Reclamation Facility. By reducing unnecessary delays, this change will save valuable time and resources as we work to strengthen Buckeye’s water infrastructure,” said Buckeye Mayor Orsborn.

“Superior was fortunate to receive funding from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to restore Queen Creek. However, four years later, we still await the completion of the environmental review for this important project. With costs increasing year after year, this delay has limited the reach of the federal funds we received. Superior appreciates Senator Kelly’s work to cut the red tape in the Arizona environmental infrastructure program and clear the way for this project and so many others across the state to proceed more quickly to construction,” said Superior Mayor Beisch.

“This legislation is a welcome improvement to the Arizona environmental infrastructure program under the Army Corps of Engineers. Due to the lengthy environmental review process, Flagstaff has had to reallocate funds it has received under this program to other projects because we simply could not wait. These changes will go a long way to expediting critical water projects in Flagstaff and across Arizona, and we thank Senator Kelly for championing this important effort,” said Flagstaff Mayor Daggett.

“The Buckskin Sanitary District appreciates this important change to the Arizona environmental infrastructure program to help expedite the environmental review of these small, but important water projects across Arizona. With limited resources, the District is always looking to stretch the federal funds it receives further, and this legislation will help do just that by making sure project funds go to construction versus lengthy and cumbersome environmental reviews. This small, but needed change, will level the playing field for projects under the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, bringing it on par with other federal agencies that already have this authority. Senator Kelly’s leadership is addressing this challenge is deeply appreciated,” said BoardChairmanJeff Daniel of the Buckskin Sanitary District.

Background:

The Community Water Project Acceleration Act would create a categorical exclusion from National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review requirements for certain Army Corps Civil Works projects when:

The federal contribution to the project is less than $6 million; or

Federal funding makes up less than 15 percent of the total project cost.

The bill would apply only to projects where the work is being conducted by a non-federal sponsor.


King, Risch Seek to Correct Veteran Burial Benefits Disparity Through Bipartisan Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME), member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and Jim Risch (R-ID) are introducing bipartisan legislation to correct a disparity in funeral and burial benefits for veterans who die from service-connected injuries when compared to non-service related causes. The Veteran Burial Benefit Correction Act would make sure that veterans who pass away due to service-related causes get the recognition they deserve for the sacrifices they made by receiving higher burial benefits compared to non-service-related deaths.

In 2020, Congress passed legislation that increased burial benefits for non-service-connected deaths and tied them to inflation. As a result, the benefit amount for non-service-connected deaths now exceeds that for service-connected deaths, which is capped at $2,000. The Veteran Burial Benefit Correction Act corrects this imbalance by increasing service-connected benefits from $2,000 to $3,000 and tying them to the same inflation adjustment as the non-service-connected benefit.

“Veterans who die as a result of their service to our nation deserve to be honored appropriately, and their families deserve our full support,” said Senator King. “Our Veteran Burial Benefit Correction Act corrects an unintended disparity between service and non-service related deaths to even out the burial benefits for these veterans who served our country. On behalf of a grateful nation, it is the least we can do for these families.”

“Our nation’s veterans answered the call to serve and made unimaginable sacrifices for our freedoms,” said Senator Risch. “My Veteran Burial Benefit Correction Act ensures our veterans who are injured or wounded during their service are laid to rest with honor and dignity.”

Representing one of the states with the highest rates of military families and veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. In March, Senator King was honored by The American Legion with its 2026 Distinguished Public Service Award. Last year, Senator King was honored by the Disabled American Veterans as its 2025 Legislator of the Year. He was also recognized by the Wounded Warrior Project as the 2024 Legislator of the Year for his “outstanding legislative effort and achievement to improve the lives of the wounded, ill, and injured veterans.” On the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), he works to ensure American veterans receive their earned benefits and that the VA is properly implementing various programs. Earlier this year, he introduced the TAP Promotion Act which would allow accredited representatives from Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs), or other organizations, to participate in TAP classes to help transitioning servicemembers file Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) claims. Additionally, he introduced the Ensuring Benefits for Disabled Veterans Act, which would address an unfair rule in federal law that creates unnecessary delays when veterans with service-connected disabilities attempt to access earned education and employment benefits.

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Klobuchar Statement on Release of Federal Funds for Blatnik Bridge Project

Senator Klobuchar recently called on the Administration to release the funds for the Blatnik Bridge replacement project

MINNESOTA – Today, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar issued a statement on the release of federal funds for the Blatnik Bridge. This comes after Senators Klobuchar, Smith, and Baldwin called on the Administration to release funding they had been withholding to replace the aging Blatnik Bridge.

“A safe and reliable Blatnik Bridge is critical for Minnesota’s economic future and for people across our entire region,” said Klobuchar. “Replacing this bridge will help Minnesotans who rely on it every day to get to work or to visit friends and family. We made the case to two Administrations on why this funding is so crucial, and now this incredibly important project can move forward without further unnecessary delays and increased costs.”

The Blatnik Bridge is a vital connection between Duluth, Minnesota, and Superior, Wisconsin, with over 33,000 vehicles passing through daily and 265,000 trucks transporting nearly $4 billion in goods annually. Since the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Klobuchar has been advocating for federal funds to replace the Blatnik Bridge.

Full text of the letter from Klobuchar, Smith, and Baldwin is available here.

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After Weak Live Nation-Ticketmaster Antitrust Deal, Klobuchar Introduces Legislation to Ensure Antitrust Settlements Benefit Consumers, Workers, and Small Businesses—Not Special Interests

Legislation is supported by antitrust enforcers from both sides of the aisle

Companion legislation is being introduced in the House by Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jamie Raskin

WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Amy Klobuchar introduced the Antitrust Accountability and Transparency Act to strengthen review of antitrust settlements and ensure they protect consumers, workers, and small businesses.

“When the government prosecutes antitrust violations, the goal should be to uphold the law, lower prices, and protect consumers and small businesses. In the recent settlement between the Department of Justice and Live Nation, it is clear the American people got the raw end of the deal. This bill—which has support from antitrust enforcers from both sides of the aisle—ensures that courts have the tools to independently review settlements and approve only those that benefit the American people,” said Klobuchar.

This legislation is cosponsored by Senate Judiciary Ranking Member Dick Durbin and Senators Cory Booker, Mazie Hirono, Richard Blumenthal, Peter Welch, Sheldon Whitehouse, Elizabeth Warren, and Chris Murphy.

Companion legislation is being led in the House by Rep. Jamie Raskin, Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee.

“Strengthening our antitrust laws to put consumers and competition first must be a priority,” said Senator Durbin. “As the Trump Administration continues to undermine antitrust enforcement, our bill provides much needed reforms to protect our workers and ensure transparency.”

“The enforcement of our antitrust laws should protect consumers, workers, and small businesses, not allow powerful corporations with the best lobbyists to get off with a slap on the wrist. Amid reports of the Trump Administration’s backroom deals and favoritism for the politically connected, it's time to strengthen transparency and oversight to ensure the Department of Justice is pursuing settlements in Americans’ interests,” said Senator Booker. “This legislation puts teeth into the review process so that courts, state attorneys general, and the public have a stronger role in scrutinizing settlements rather than merely deferring to a government that is looking out for the well-connected and powerful corporations, not everyday Americans.”

“When there’s a bad merger deal, it’s consumers and small businesses who foot the bill—facing higher prices and fewer choices as a result,” said Senator Welch. “Any backdoor corporate settlement needs to face real scrutiny before it’s allowed to move forward. We need stronger antitrust laws that protect hardworking families.”

“Robust antitrust enforcement is critical to preventing massive corporations from further stacking the deck against working people and small businesses. For too long, these mega corporations have been allowed to consolidate market power without legally required public-input. By increasing transparency in merger settlements and creating stronger review processes for antitrust cases, the Antitrust Accountability and Transparency Act will help ensure antitrust laws are actually enforced as Congress intended to protect consumers,” said Senator Hirono.

“Under Donald Trump, antitrust enforcement has become a growing cesspool of corruption. Giant mergers look like the newest way for Donald Trump to play political favorites while slashing choices and jacking up prices for Americans. This bill will protect consumers and workers by making sure the government doesn’t let giant companies like Ticketmaster or HPE off the hook based on influence-peddling,” said Senator Warren.

“This bill helps safeguard the integrity of antitrust enforcement, so often sacrificed under Trump. It gives consumers, workers and small businesses a voice and place in antitrust discussions, so their interests aren’t eclipsed by big corporations. The Trump Administration has corruptly favored businesses that serve the President’s interests over proper enforcement of antitrust laws—leading to higher prices for consumers and lower wages for workers, all in the interest of political favors and patronage. The Antitrust Accountability and Transparency Act empowers courts to ensure settlements are consistent with the purpose of antitrust laws—lowering prices, increasing choice, and protecting workers,” said Senator Blumenthal.

“The Antitrust Accountability and Transparency Act restores the idea that antitrust enforcement must serve the people—not conglomerates and special interests with Beltway lobbyists. When evaluating mergers and settlements, the Trump Administration has sidelined independent expertise and cut backroom deals that will hurt consumers, workers, and small businesses. This bill helps guarantee that antitrust settlements will advance the core mission of our laws: to promote healthy competition, lower prices, foster innovation and support American workers and our democracy. I’m proud to lead this legislation with Senator Klobuchar to renew integrity, transparency, and public trust and purpose in the enforcement of our antitrust laws,” said Rep. Raskin.

“These amendments make clear that courts have both the authority and the obligation to do more than rubber-stamp government settlements. Antitrust violations should not end in weak settlements that leave the public holding the bag," said Jonathan Kanter, former Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust.

“These proposals are welcome additions to strengthen judicial review of merger settlements and ensure voluntary dismissals are not used to circumvent review,” said Roger Alford, former Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust.

“The Tunney Act intended to ensure that antitrust enforcement was merits-based. Recent developments suggest that the sunlight it demanded could be easily evaded. It’s time for an update to protect the rule of law. This bill does just that,” said Bill Baer, former Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust.

Recently, the Justice Department, over the objection of its own Antitrust Division, settled a merger in enterprise networking markets only a few days before trial. The settlement led to the firing of two antitrust officials. One of those officials, Roger Alford, warned that the Administration is engaged in a “pay-to-play approach to antitrust enforcement” and that “the Department of Justice is now overwhelmed with lobbyists with little antitrust expertise going above the Antitrust Division leadership seeking special favors.”

Notably, even President Trump’s own Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust Gail Slater was ousted, reportedly in part, because of her resistance to inappropriate pressure by Justice Department leadership over antitrust matters, including the case against Live Nation-Ticketmaster, which was recently settled mid-trial without the knowledge of the lawyers trying the case in court.

These controversies highlight the need to empower courts to ensure settlements are consistent with the antitrust laws’ purpose of lowering prices, increasing choice, and protecting workers.

The Antitrust Accountability and Transparency Act protects consumers, workers, and the integrity of antitrust enforcement by making the following reforms to the Tunney Act:

Apply Review to the Federal Trade Commission. Currently, the Tunney Act applies only to the Justice Department. This made sense when the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) was led by a truly bipartisan, independent Commission with removal protections. But with the firing of FTC commissioners, the time is ripe to extend Tunney Act review to the FTC;

Bolster disclosure requirements. The Act requires (1) the government to explain how the proposed settlement remedies antitrust issues; (2) the government to disclose previous settlement offers and the process for reviewing those offers; (3) the disclosure of side-deals not included in the four corners of a consent decree; and (4) the parties to disclose all communications related to the settlement.

Hold-Separate Provisions. Currently, after a settlement courts may move forward with a merger by combining assets before courts finish reviewing a settlement. Once this occurs, courts are frequently reluctant to order parties to “unscramble an egg” even if a settlement is problematic because doing so is costly and disruptive. To remedy this without creating undue delays for businesses, the Act creates a hold-separate requirement for up to 90 days to allow the court to review public comments and government responses. A court may allow the hold-separate period to lapse or, upon showing the settlement may pose problems, extend the hold-separate order as necessary.

Strengthen Court Review. In addition to the public interest standard, the Act also requires courts to ensure the settlement terms (1) do not pose a material risk of allowing a merger or other business conduct to continue that threatens to violate the antitrust laws; and (2) are reasonably related to the antitrust concerns, preventing the government from using antitrust as leverage in others, unrelated matters. Courts are also required to base their decisions on reasoned analysis and evidence, and need not defer to the government.

Empower State Attorneys General. The bill empowers state attorneys general by allowing them to intervene in Tunney Act hearings as a matter of right rather than spending their limited resources fighting to have a court even consider their perspective.

Voluntary Dismissals. Currently, there is no review process for voluntary dismissals. Where the federal government chooses to voluntarily dismiss a case (rather than settling), the Act creates a process by which state attorneys general can step into the shoes of the federal government and continue the case.

The bill is endorsed by Jonathan Kanter (former Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust), Bill Baer (former Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust), Roger Alford (Former Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust); Tim Wu (Former White House as special assistant to the president for technology and competition policy) Randy Stutz (President of the American Antitrust Institute), Bill Kovacic (former Republican Chair of the FTC), Gene Kimmelman (former Deputy Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust), John Newman (Former Deputy Director, Federal Trade Commission), Professor Darren Bush, Public Knowledge, Open Markets Institute, and the American Economic Liberties Project.

Senator Klobuchar has long led efforts to strengthen America’s antitrust laws and support enforcement.

She leads the Competition and Antitrust Law Enforcement Reform Act to give federal enforcers the resources they need to do their jobs, strengthen prohibitions on anticompetitive conduct and mergers, and make additional reforms to improve enforcement.

In January 2023, Klobuchar and Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) organized a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing after reports of significant service failures and delays on Ticketmaster’s website in November left fans unable to purchase concert tickets for Taylor Swift’s new tour.

Following the hearing, in February 2023, Klobuchar sent evidence from the hearing to the Department of Justice (DOJ) and called on the DOJ to continue examining Live Nation and Ticketmaster’s anticompetitive conduct.

In April 2023, Klobuchar and Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced the Unlock Ticketing Markets Act to improve competition in live event ticketing markets by empowering the Federal Trade Commission to prevent the use of excessively long multi-year exclusive contracts that lock out competitors, decrease incentives to innovate new services, and increase costs for fans.

In December 2023, Klobuchar and Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) introduced bipartisan Fan First Act to address flaws in the live event ticketing system by increasing transparency in ticket sales, protecting consumers from fake or dramatically over priced tickets and holding bad actors who engage in illegal ticket sale practices accountable.

In 2022, Senator Klobuchar’s bipartisan legislation to increase resources for antitrust enforcers became law along with legislation she sponsored to allow state enforcers to keep antitrust cases in the courts they choose through the State Antitrust Enforcement Venue Act.

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ICYMI: Luján on MSNOW Highlighting Push to Deliver Justice for Epstein Survivors and Investigate Horrific Crimes at Zorro Ranch

Luján Passed Landmark Legislation to Release the Epstein Files, Now Leading Push to Audit the DOJ’s Total Failure to Comply With the Law

Watch Senator Luján’s Interview

Washington, D.C. – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) joined Symone Sanders-Townsend, Alicia Menendez, and Michael Steele on MSNOW’s the Weeknight to discuss his push to deliver justice for victims of Jeffrey Epstein’s horrific crimes. During the interview, Senator Luján discussed his call for an independent audit of the Department of Justice (DOJ)’s practices in redacting the Epstein files and commitment to ensure full transparency and accountability for the American people. Senator Luján passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act into law.

Regarding Senator Luján’s push for an independent audit and report to Congress about the DOJ’s practices in redacting information of the public release of the Epstein Files:

“The question in this audit is abundantly clear. It’s a very simple letter. There’s 12 items on here that say you need to ask some answers and specific questions here. And what it’s saying is, who did the Department of Justice appoint to do this? What did the Department of Justice tell them to do? Which political names did you tell the folks doing the work to cover up or protect them and not put them in? And why in the world, if this was done correctly, were the victim’s name is not redacted. There was one mistake after another here.”

Senator Luján highlighted efforts being taken in New Mexico to investigate Epstein’s crimes and deliver justice for victims:

“One, the Attorney General of New Mexico, Raúl Torres, is moving forward with that investigation. Number two, the New Mexico State Legislature, under the leadership of State Representative Andrea Romero, working with the governor of the state, Michelle Lujan Grisham, they passed legislation to create the Truth Commission. So, there’s two different sets of eyes that are going to be looking at what went, of what happened at Zorro.”

Senator Luján also discussed viewing the unredacted Epstein files and the crimes that occurred at Zorro Ranch:

“I mean, it’s just disgusting what was going on there. And the fact that someone decided to pull back to protect some people is what I’m guessing. There’s a question that I have about who, who was covering up for whom, and who got the benefit here. But this is just disgusting.”

Senators Luján and Merkley introduced and passed into law the Epstein Files Transparency Act to ensure full transparency for the American people, accountability for those involved with Epstein, and justice for victims.

Last week, Senator Luján called for an independent audit and report to Congress about the DOJ’s practices in redacting information of the public release of the Epstein Files. Senator Luján also visited the DOJ to view the unredacted Epstein files.

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Lummis, Luján Declare 2026 as ‘International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists’

Washington, D.C.—Senate Western Caucus Chair Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) today joined Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) in introducing a bipartisan resolution declaring 2026 as the “International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists,” to celebrate our nation’s stewards of land.

“America’s pastoralists manage, conserve, and protect more than 700 million acres of land across our nation,” said Lummis. “These ranchers keep our domestic food supply secure and rural communities strong, raising the beef, lamb, and livestock that feed America. The quiet work of our nation’s pastoralists deserves to be commended, and I am proud to lead this recognition alongside Senator Luján.”

“I’m proud to partner with Senator Lummis to recognize the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists. Rangelands make up a vast majority of New Mexico and are critical to our economy, culture, and way of life,” said Luján. “Our ranchers and pastoralists care for these lands with generations of knowledge and practices that strengthen food security, support rural communities, and reduce wildfire risk. This resolution recognizes their essential role and encourages continued research and education to sustain our rangelands for future generations.”

“The International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists honors the unsung work of those who manage, study, cultivate, and protect millions of acres of America’s treasured landscapes. Pastoral management of livestock is alive and well across the country, as grazing animals are carefully managed to provide food and fiber from resilient ecosystems. From rancher to researcher, rangeland conservationist to shepherd, everyone does their part and PLC thanks all of those who are part of this special culture on grasslands and rangelands around the globe,” said Kaitlynn Glover, NCBA Executive Director of Natural Resources and PLC Executive Director.

“The Society for Range Management (SRM) applauds the bipartisan introduction of the Senate resolution recognizing 2026 as the “International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists.” Rangelands cover nearly one-third of the United States, providing food and fiber, wildlife habitat, water resources, carbon storage, recreation, and energy, while anchoring rural economies and cultures. Pastoralists and ranchers play a critical role as land stewards, applying generational knowledge and science-based grazing to sustain healthy, resilient rangeland ecosystems. By formally recognizing 2026, the Senate resolution underscores the economic, social, and ecological importance of these lands and the people who manage them, and encourages expanded education, research, and outreach on sustainable rangeland management. From the early stages, SRM is proud to have helped champion this effort, working with partners, agencies, and congressional offices to support both the United Nations designation and complementary recognition in the United States. We thank Senators Lummis and Luján for their leadership and look forward to collaborating with Congress, agencies, land managers, producers, scientists, and local communities to make 2026 a catalyst for long-term investment in resilient rangelands and thriving pastoral communities.” — Society for Range Management

U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-NV), Mike Crapo (R-ID), John Curtis (R-UT), Steve Daines (R-MT), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), and Mike Rounds (R-SD) are co-sponsors of the resolution.

Background:

– This resolution highlights the importance of U.S. rangelands, which cover about 770 million acres, roughly 36% of U.S. land, supporting biodiversity, wildlife habitat, water resources, carbon storage, recreation, and energy production.

– Rangelands are essential for domestic production of beef, lamb, wool, hides, and other livestock products, with significant use of federal grazing land.

– Pastoralists and ranchers are key land stewards who use generational knowledge, science-based management, and adaptive grazing practices to promote ecological resilience and reduce wildlife risks.

– The United Nations designated 2026 as “International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists.”

Click here to read the full resolution.

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Markey, Massachusetts Delegation Raise Alarm over NIH Director’s Congressional Testimony, Dispute Scale of NIH Clinical Trial Disruptions Under Trump

Letter Text (PDF)

Washington (March 17, 2026) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Subcommittee on Primary Health and Retirement Security, today led members of the Massachusetts Congressional delegation—Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Representatives Richard Neal (MA-01), Jim McGovern (MA-02), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Katherine Clark (MA-05), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), and Bill Keating (MA-09)—in writing to National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Dr. Jayanta Bhattacharya in response to his February 3, 2026, testimony before the HELP Committee.

During the hearing, Senator Markey asked Director Bhattacharya whether any clinical trials had been disrupted or stopped because of NIH grant terminations since he was confirmed. The Director acknowledged that there were disruptions to “some clinical trials,” but claimed that only “roughly about a dozen” trials were impacted.

In response, Senator Markey referenced a peer-reviewed research letter published in JAMA Internal Medicine that found that NIH’s grant terminations disrupted 383 clinical trials, affecting more than 74,000 trial enrollees across the country. When questioned about the letter, Director Bhattacharya refuted the findings of the peer-reviewed study, claiming that the findings were “inaccurate” and “not reality,” without providing evidence to support his claim.

The lawmakers wrote, “When NIH unilaterally terminates an active, competitively awarded grant before its period of performance is complete, the agency is leaving trial participants without continuity of care and researchers without the resources to conclude their work. Terminating grants mid-trial also wastes a significant amount of the public dollars already committed to that research—in this case, likely hundreds of millions in unexpended award funds that will never produce the results they were intended to generate. ... The integrity of NIH’s testimony before Congress and the safety of tens of thousands of patients who trusted the federal government when they volunteered for clinical research demand complete and accurate answers. This administration has claimed to be eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse—yet terminating grants mid-trial wastes funding already invested, abandons patients exposed to experimental treatments without a clear resolution, and leaves dedicated researchers in the lurch. NIH-funded clinical trials are how our country has reduced suffering, discovered cures, and maintained its position as the world leader in medical research. Your actions have put all of that at risk.”

The lawmakers requested answers by March 31, 2026, to questions that include:

The complete list of NIH grants terminated since January 20, 2025, including the grant number, principal investigator, institution, associated clinical trial identifier, and the reason for termination provided to the grantee.

The number of clinical trials that were disrupted or terminated as a direct or indirect consequence of NIH grant terminations since January 20, 2025, along with the total number of patients enrolled in those trials at the time of termination.

A detailed explanation of the methodology and data underlying the Director’s testimony that only “a dozen” clinical trials were disrupted, including a specific, evidence-based response to the methodology and findings of the JAMA Internal Medicine report.

A description of what steps NIH has taken, or plans to take, to protect the safety and continuity of care for patients who were enrolled in clinical trials at the time their funding was terminated.

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

Urge transparency from Meta on its plan to integrate technology as Americans’ concerns over mass surveillance heighten

Letter Text (PDF)

Washington (March 17, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, and Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) today wrote to Chairman and CEO of Meta Mark Zuckerberg demanding transparency on the company’s plans to integrate facial recognition into its smart glasses. Although facial recognition may offer real benefits for blind and visually impaired users, Meta’s history of failing to protect user privacy raises serious questions about its plan to deploy this technology in its smart glasses. Smart glasses — often indistinguishable from regular glasses — are designed to be worn throughout the day as its user passes hundreds, if not thousands, of people. In a single day, the user could scan thousands of faces, with no practical way for a bystander to consent or even know about such real-time identification.

Despite abandoning facial recognition technology across its platforms in 2021 over ethical concerns, Meta is reportedly yet again working to deploy this privacy-invasive technology. An internal memo revealed Meta intends to release this technology during the current dynamic political environment to avoid public scrutiny.

In the letter, the senators wrote, “Despite Meta’s desire to minimize public attention on this product, the deployment of smart glasses equipped with facial recognition technology threatens Americans’ privacy rights and civil liberties, and therefore warrants close scrutiny....The widespread deployment of facial-recognition-enabled smart glasses also risks accelerating the normalization of mass surveillance in the United States. Federal agencies are already using facial recognition tools to identify individuals engaged in lawful protest activity and potentially to assemble databases of those exercising their First Amendment rights. This abuse of facial recognition tools demonstrates how easily real-time identification technologies can be repurposed to discourage political expression, target vulnerable communities, and chill lawful dissent. Embedding facial recognition into consumer wearables would vastly expand this surveillance infrastructure, enabling continuous, decentralized identification of members of the public without their knowledge or consent. The deployment of facial recognition technology in smart glasses risks entrenching a system in which Americans are routinely scanned, catalogued, and analyzed as they move through daily life — an outcome fundamentally incompatible with a democracy.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Ranking Member Markey Applauds House Passage of Legislation to Reopen Small Business Innovation Programs

Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act passes House of Representatives, to become law

Bill Text (PDF) | One-Pager (PDF)

Washington (March 17, 2026) – Small Business Committee Ranking Member Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) released a statement following House passage of bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs for five years. Thanks to Ranking Member Markey’s leadership, the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act protects the merit-based competitive nature of the programs, prevents small businesses from being immediately kicked out of the program, and ensures that the smallest small businesses can access the programs. The legislation is expected to become law, which would re-open the SBIR/STTR programs and keep them authorized through September 30, 2031.

“Today’s passage of the bipartisan Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act is a win-win-win-win—for American small businesses, for workers, for the innovation economy, and for the communities they serve. This bill is a more than $4 billion shot in the arm for our innovation economy in Massachusetts and around the country. The federal government and the American people deserve to have access to the most innovative technologies. The SBIR/STTR programs have invested in technologies that we take for granted—from the world’s smallest heart pump to GPS. Thanks to this five-year reauthorization, small businesses—our most nimble allies in the innovation economy—can continue to supply agencies with the best ideas to solve our toughest challenges.

“While this legislation does not include every improvement I would like to see, it will reopen these essential programs after an unnecessary and harmful lapse and help small businesses plan for the future. We must work to make these programs permanent because entrepreneurs and innovators should be in the lab focusing on their work—not worrying about what is happening in Washington.”

The SBIR/STTR programs are essential to the innovation ecosystem, awarding more than $77 billion to 33,000 small businesses to spur life-changing inventions such as the world’s smallest heart pump, continuous glucose monitors for Type-1 diabetics, and breakthroughs in treating diseases such as HIV, COVID-19, cancer, and Alzheimer’s. Massachusetts small businesses are ranked 2nd nationally in the SBIR/STTR program, with more than 2,600 small businesses winning over $9 billion in SBIR/STTR awards to develop and commercialize innovative technologies.

Thanks to Ranking Member Markey’s leadership, the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act:

Reauthorizes the SBIR/STTR programs for five years. Ranking Member Markey delivered the assurance small businesses need to take the necessary risks to invest their time and resources in developing technologies that will one day solve the problems of tomorrow by reauthorizing the program for five years.

Rejects lifetime caps and preserves merit-based competition in the SBIR/STTR program. More than 3,700 U.S. small businesses, including nearly 300 in Massachusetts, will continue to have full access to more than $4 billion in SBIR and STTR funding every year because of Ranking Member Markey’s defense of the innovation economy.

Protects the STTR program and research institutions’ ability to participate. Ranking Member Markey fought against proposed cuts to the STTR program, ensuring that innovation and collaboration between small businesses and research institutions, such as Harvard University, Tufts University, and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Massachusetts, can continue to thrive.

Ensures all SBIR funding is retained. Ranking Member Markey fought to ensure that any agency that is unable to spend their Fiscal Year 2026 SBIR/STTR funding due to the extended lapse will be authorized to carry over such funding into Fiscal Year 2027. This will ensure that no funding is lost as a result of the programs’ lapse.

Maintains strong foreign due diligence requirements and requires transparency from agencies. Ranking Member Markey successfully extended the 2022 bipartisan foreign due diligence program and secured guidelines for agencies to notify small businesses when they’ve been flagged for potential foreign risk, allowing small businesses to mitigate such risks and remain competitive for SBIR/STTR funding.

Ranking Member Markey fought hard to reauthorize and improve the SBIR/STTR programs, fighting tirelessly against changes that would harm the success of small businesses and weaken the programs' proven track record.

Earlier this month, Ranking Member Markey passed the bipartisan Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act out of the Senate by voice vote to reauthorize the SBIR/STTR programs.

In December, Ranking Member Markey went to the Senate floor to advocate for the passage of a temporary bipartisan, bicameral extension to reopen the SBIR/STTR programs and allow them to operate while reauthorization negotiations continued.

In September, Ranking Member Markey returned to the Senate floor to pass a bipartisan, bicameral one-year extension of the SBIR/STTR programs but was blocked by Senate Republicans.

Earlier in September, Ranking Member Markey went to the Senate floor to pass the SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act of 2025 and defend small businesses but was blocked by Senate Republicans.

In August, Ranking Member Markey hosted a listening session at MIT to hear directly from Massachusetts’ research and innovation small businesses and industry leaders about the importance of the SBIR/STTR programs.

In May, Ranking Member Markey introduced the SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act of 2025 to permanently authorize and expand the SBIR/STTR programs.

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Senator Markey, Colleagues Introduce Equal Tax Act to Close Tax Loopholes for the Wealthy

Bill Text (PDF) | One-Pager (PDF)

Washington (March 17, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Subcommittee on Primary Health and Retirement Security, today introduced the Equal Tax Act, legislation that would put working people first and close tax loopholes for the wealthy. The bill would create equal tax rates for all forms of income for individuals with incomes over $1 million. Cosponsors in the Senate include Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.). The legislation was previously introduced in the House by Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03).

“Teachers, nurses and millions of working people are the ones who keep our country running, but our tax code rewards wealth over work,” said Senator Markey. “The Equal Tax Act brings fairness to our tax code by requiring millionaires and billionaires to pay taxes on investment income the same way working people pay taxes on income from their labor. I’m proud to work with Congresswoman Ramirez on this legislation that brings fairness to our tax code by rewarding work every bit as much as wealth.”

“Over and over again, we have seen how Musk, Bezos, Zuckerberg, Trump, and other billionaires have extorted tax benefits from the American people. For far too long, they have exploited an unfair tax system that makes the rich richer at the expense of working families. It is time we ensure that the ultra-wealthy pay their fair share. I am excited to work with Senator Markey in the bicameral introduction of the Equal Tax Act to build a fairer tax system that ensures working families have everything they need to thrive,” said Congresswoman Ramirez.

“It’s time to unrig our broken tax system so that wealthy investors and shareholders start paying their fair share, just as millions of working Americans do every day,” said Senator Booker. “This commonsense legislation is about restoring tax fairness by ending subsidizes for the wealthiest taxpayers and creating a fair economy where Americans who work for a living can start getting ahead again.”

The legislation would prevent individuals with incomes over $1 million dollars from exploiting the lower preferential tax rate through:

Limiting the lower preferential tax rate for long-term capital gains and dividends to incomes under $1 million

Ending the stepped-up basis loophole and disrupting the “buy, borrow, die” strategy used by the wealthy to avoid taxation - by treating capital gains as realized at the time of gift or death, with exclusion allowances of up to $1 million in gains

Enacting a lifetime limit of $1 million on the use of like-kind exchanges for real estate gains

Limiting the pass-through deduction to incomes under $1 million

Protecting family farms and small businesses

“For decades, we have been playing a game of Economic Jenga where we pull from the bottom and the middle, load it all on top, and then wonder why the whole thing is about to fall down. We end up with an unfair system that allows oligarchic wealth to concentrate in the hands of a few individuals. That’s because right now in America, our tax code makes people who have jobs and work for a living pay far higher tax rates than people who make money from investments, or inheritances. The money that investors like me make from our money should not be taxed any less than the money millions of Americans make through their sweat. Closing tax loopholes through provisions found in the Equal Tax Act would ensure that the ultra-rich pay income taxes just like all Americans who work for a living and have taxes deducted from their paychecks every week. The Patriotic Millionaires are thrilled to see Senator Markey take an important step forward in reducing historic, extreme, and democracy-destabilizing levels of economic inequality in America,” said Morris Pearl, Board Chair of Patriotic Millionaires.

“For far too long, our tax code has rewarded wealth over work. Nurses, teachers, and construction workers pay taxes on every paycheck, while billionaires can often pay lower rates because much of their income comes from capital gains and dividends. The Equal Tax Act takes an important step toward restoring fairness by ensuring that income from wealth is taxed more like income from work. By limiting special tax breaks for massive investment gains and closing loopholes like stepped-up basis this proposal helps build a tax system that works for working people, not just the wealthy few. The AFL-CIO supports efforts like Senator Markey’s to make our tax code more just and to ensure everyone pays their fair share,” said Jody Calemine, Director of Advocacy at the AFL-CIO.

“The federal tax system should be fair; it is not as wealth is routinely rewarded over work. This has been exacerbated by the current administration. We need to reverse these failed, trickle-down policies because handing the rich tax breaks benefits no one but the rich. The Equal Tax Act is a key piece of the puzzle, and we urge Congress to pass it,” said Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).

“Working people struggling to make ends meet should not be paying a higher tax rate than wealthy investors,” said Lee Saunders, President of AFSCME. “For too long, billionaires have benefitted from a rigged tax system that lets them line their pockets at the expense of working families. The Equal Tax Act will ensure everyone pays their fair share to support the public services that keep our communities strong. I want to thank Senator Markey for introducing this critical legislation.”

The Equal Tax Act is endorsed by the AFL-CIO; American Federation of Teachers; AFSCME; Responsible Wealth; Voices for Progress; Americans for Tax Fairness; Institute for Policy Studies, Global Economy Project; National Women’s Law Center Action Fund; United for a Fair Economy; Coalition on Human Needs; Oxfam America; Public Advocacy for Kids (PAK); NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice; Equal Rights Advocates; Americans for Financial Reform; People’s Action; Housing Action Illinois; Accountable.US; American Friends Service Committee; MomsRising; the National Association of Social Workers; and Patriotic Millionaires.

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Moreno Honors Three Ohio Service Members Killed in Iraq

WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) delivered a Senate Floor speech honoring the life, service, and sacrifice of three Ohio National Guard members—Curtis Angst, Tyler Simmons, and Seth Koval—who were killed in a KC-135 crash in Iraq on March 12, 2026.

“We are absolutely the luckiest people on earth to live here in the United States of America,” said Senator Moreno. “We enjoy the blessings of liberty every day, but on days like today it is important for us to remember why we can live with these liberties. It is because of the selfless sacrifice of young men and young women, but in this case, three young men, that gave their lives for that. They signed up, as my colleague said, without hesitation. They served honorably, and with incredible sacrifice they gave the ultimate to this nation. These three Ohioans were the most courageous and selfless individuals of our great nation.”


Moreno Slams Tax Breaks to PE Giant for Data Center Project Creating Just 10 Jobs

WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) sent a letter to the Carlyle Group criticizing the company for accepting a $4.5 million state tax break for a data center expansion project in Northeast Ohio. Despite Carlyle’s investment, the project will only create ten new jobs and possibly increase energy costs for hardworking Ohioans.

“When corporations like Carlyle demand massive amounts of electricity to fund their projects, it’s everyday Ohioans who get stuck with the bill. Without protections, these costs are quietly dumped onto families and small businesses through higher utility rates, while taxpayers are left to subsidize grid upgrades necessary to accommodate private projects,” wrote Senator Moreno. “So why are hardworking Ohio taxpayers being asked to subsidize a project that creates so few jobs while a global private equity powerhouse gets a free ride? It’s unfair, it’s unnecessary, and it’s time to call it what it is: a bad deal for the people of Ohio.”

Read the full letter HERE or below.

March 16, 2026

Ohio Tax Credit Authority

Ohio Department of Development Office

77 South High Street, 29th Floor

Columbus, Ohio 43215

The Carlyle Group

1001 Pennsylvania Ave NW

Washington, D.C. 20004

To Whom It May Concern:

I write regarding the Ohio Tax Credit Authority’s recent decision to approve a $4.5 million sales tax exemption to Ark Data Centers (Ark”)—a company owned by The Carlyle Group (“Carlyle”) to help fund a $136 million expansion of data center facilities in Akron and Independence. Despite the millions of dollars being thrown at this project, it will only create ten new jobs. Think about that for a moment: a private equity giant like Carlyle, which has $477 billion in assets under management, gets millions of dollars in tax breaks courtesy of Ohio’s taxpayers. In return, we get a grand total of ten jobs. That’s not economic development; that’s a sweetheart deal for Wall Street while everyday Ohioans are forced to foot the bill.

According to the Ohio Department of Development, the ten new full-time positions will generate $1.1-$1.5 million in annual payroll. In exchange, Ark will receive a 50 percent state sales tax exemption on data center equipment for the next decade. While I applaud companies that choose to expand their presence in Ohio, the financing for this deal is unjustified: a $4.5 million subsidy for only ten jobs amounts to $450,000 in incentives for Ark per employee. That is ridiculous when you consider what $4.5 million could do for Ohio families instead.

Worse, these data center tax breaks are costing the state dearly. That’s money that could go toward schools, roads, or helping the communities hit hardest by rising costs—not padding the profits of a firm that’s already swimming in cash.

And it doesn’t stop at taxes. When corporations like Carlyle demand massive amounts of electricity to fund their projects, it’s everyday Ohioans who get stuck with the bill. Without protections, these costs are quietly dumped onto families and small businesses through higher utility rates, while taxpayers are left to subsidize grid upgrades necessary to accommodate private projects.

That is why President Trump’s Ratepayer Protection Pledge is so important: it ensures that companies building and operating data centers pay the full cost of the power and infrastructure they require, rather than offloading those expenses onto the public. Major companies-including Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Oracle, Meta, OpenAl, and xAI-have already embraced this principle by committing to build, bring, or buy their own energy resources and to cover the cost of necessary grid upgrades. Taxpayers deserve accountability and a clear return on investment when public resources support private projects.

So why are hardworking Ohio taxpayers being asked to subsidize a project that creates so few jobs while a global private equity powerhouse gets a free ride? It’s unfair, it’s unnecessary, and it’s time to call it what it is: a bad deal for the people of Ohio.

Given these concerns, I urge Carlyle to do the right thing: voluntarily give up this $4.5 million subsidy, immediately sign onto President Trump’s Ratepayer Protection Pledge, and commit to creating more jobs through the data center expansion. Make no mistake: Carlyle doesn’t need the cut, and I won’t stand by while Ohio families’ pocketbooks get sold out for a superficial press release.

Sincerely,


Murkowski and Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Help Students Better Connect with Higher Education Funding

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) introduced legislation to help young people pursuing higher education afford college. The State Based Education Loan Awareness Act would make it easier for higher education institutions to inform students of financial aid opportunities offered by non-profit, state agency lenders.

“Paying for college is already complicated and expensive for students and their families,” said Senator Murkowski. “Our goal should be to make sure they have clear, complete information about the most affordable options available to them. State-based lenders often offer competitive, low-cost loans, and this legislation restores transparency so students can access the option that works best for them.”

“The reality of paying for college is tough and it’s important for students and families to understand the costs and have accurate and complete information about their financial options,” said Senator Reed. “Far too many students are unaware about additional resources state agencies can provide. This bill will help to shine a light on additional low-cost options to help pay for college.”

“Students should be able to pay for college without taking on insurmountable debt,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This legislation connects families with low-cost student loan options to ensure they don’t have to pay a dollar more than they need to.”

"With the cost of secondary education rising across the board, it’s critical that students have access to all the resources available to help them to save money and afford tuition,” said Senator Shaheen. “In New Hampshire, we have one of the highest student loan burdens in the country so it’s critical for colleges and universities to be able to offer the full range of options and the best information to help students pay for their education and achieve the skills needed to find success – and that’s what our bipartisan bill would accomplish.”

“We applaud Sen. Murkowski for her ongoing efforts to help students and families afford college,” said Gail daMota, President of the Education Finance Council (EFC). “For students who’ve exhausted their federal loan, grant and scholarship options but still have a gap to fill, their most affordable option may be a nonprofit and state-based education loan. The State Based Education Loan Awareness Act will ensure students have the information they need to make informed borrowing decisions about their postsecondary pursuits. On behalf of EFC member organizations, our hope is for them to both achieve their academic goals and position themselves for financial success.”

“Senator Murkowski’s leadership in Washington, DC will mean more students and families in Alaska will benefit from the services offered by the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE),” said Kerry Thomas, Executive Director of Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education. “The State Based Education Loan Awareness Act removes federal barriers that currently inhibit the flow of information about lower cost loans to students who are making important financial decisions about their postsecondary goals. By enabling colleges and universities in Alaska to showcase how mission-driven organizations like ACPE are helping students afford college with competitive interest rates and strong borrower protections, this legislation will go a long way to making students more aware of responsible borrowing options. Being able to access clear information about all their options puts students in a better position to make the right financial decisions for their future.”

Background

When the Higher Education Act (HEA) was last reauthorized in 2008, new provisions were included to prevent institutions of higher education (IHE) from steering students toward private lenders through the use of “preferred lender lists” in exchange for benefits to the institution. While this helped put an end to a system that benefited lenders and institutions over students, state agency lenders were included in the definition of “private lender,” which prevented families from learning about all the low-cost student loan options available to them.

The State Based Education Loan Awareness Act would allow IHEs to inform families about state agency loan options if:

The loans are authorized, established, or chartered under State law or otherwise approved by the State;

The state agency lender offers one or more loans with interest rates and fees that are at least as favorable as those of the federal Direct PLUS Loan;

The information is made available only to borrowers who have been advised by the IHE:

That they should exhaust all federal education loans before accepting a state agency lender’s loan; and

Of the interest rates, fees, and benefits of federal education loans, including income-driven repayment options, opportunities for loan forgiveness, forbearance and deferment options, interest subsidies, and tax benefits.

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Murphy, Casar Introduce Bicameral Bill To Ban Prediction Markets On Government Actions, War, and Events Ripe For Rigging

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and U.S. Representative Greg Casar (D-Texas-35) on Tuesday unveiled the Banning Event Trading on Sensitive Operations and Federal Functions (BETS OFF) Act, bicameral legislation to ban wagering on government actions, terrorism, war, assassination, and events where an individual knows or controls the outcome. Because many of these “event contracts” are traded on offshore prediction markets, the bill also amends existing laws against illegal gambling to enforce these rules by shutting down payment systems to illegal online platforms and imposing criminal penalties for people in the U.S. who promote, manage, own, or supervise these businesses domestically. The bill is co-sponsored by U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) and Representatives Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.-03), Gabe Amo (D-R.I.-01) and Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.-12) in the House.

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

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

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

“America is facing a crisis of corruption, and today’s bill is about cracking down on one of the most dangerous new forms of corruption infecting our government,” said Casar. “Too often, prediction markets are becoming yet another place for rich and powerful people to cash in on insider information. This bill will put a stop to that."

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

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

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

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

The bill is endorsed by: VoteVets, American Economic Liberties Project, Win Without War, Americans for Financial Reform, Public Citizen, Groundwork Collaborative, and Center for International Policy Advocacy.

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

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

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

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

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


Murray Joins Cortez Masto, Durbin, Senate Democrats in Demanding DHS Reduce Delays for DACA Renewals

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Dick Durbin (D-IL), and 38 of their Democratic colleagues in a letter to outgoing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Joseph Edlow demanding the Department reduce the delays in processing renewal applications under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Created in 2012, DACA protects individuals who came to the United States as children from deportation. DACA recipients across the country are experiencing increasing delays in renewing their status.

“DACA has allowed hundreds of thousands of Dreamers an opportunity to pursue higher education and meaningful careers while remaining in the only home they have ever known,” wrote the Senators. “Delays in processing DACA renewals are increasing the instability and uncertainty that DACA recipients already face. These delays can have profound consequences. When renewals are not processed before expiration, recipients lose employment authorization and, in many cases, their jobs. Employers experience workforce disruptions, including in sectors such as health care and education and in small businesses. Hundreds of thousands of U.S. citizen children have a parent with DACA, and when their work authorization lapses due to slow renewals, families endure heightened financial instability.”

The Senators also call attention to the increased risk of detention and deportation faced by DACA recipients when their renewal applications are not processed before their status expires. According to the Department, as many as 270 DACA recipients have been detained and 174 have been deported.

“DACA recipients contribute billions of dollars annually to the national economy and serve vital roles in our communities. Administrative delays in DACA renewals undermine not only individual stability but also broader economic resilience,” concluded the Senators. “To reduce these disruptions and risks for DACA recipients, we urge you to reduce processing times for DACA renewal applications and reduce the volume of pending cases through timely renewals.”

In addition to Senators Murray, Cortez Masto, and Durbin, the letter was also signed by Senators Alsobrooks (D-MD), Baldwin (D-WI), Bennet (D-CO), Blumenthal (D-CT), Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Coons (D-DE.), Duckworth (D-IL), Fetterman (D-PA), Gallego (D-AZ), Gillibrand (D-NY), Heinrich (D-NM), Hickenlooper (D-CO), Hirono (D-HI), Kaine (D-VA), Kelly (D-AZ), Kim (D-NJ), King (I-ME), Klobuchar (D-MN), Luján (D-NM), Markey (D-MA), Merkley (D-OR), Ossoff (D-GA), Padilla (D-CA), Reed (D-RI), Rosen (D-NV), Sanders (I-VT), Schatz (D-HI), Schiff (D-CA), Shaheen (D-NH), Slotkin (D-MI), Smith (D-MN), Van Hollen (D-MD), Warner (D-VA), Warnock (D-GA), Warren (D-MA), Welch (D-VT), Whitehouse (D-RI), and Wyden (D-OR). Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), President Trump’s nominee to replace Secretary Noem, also received a copy of this letter.

The full letter is available HERE and below:

Dear Secretary Noem and Director Edlow:

We write to express serious concerns regarding delays in the processing of renewal applications under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Across the country, DACA recipients are reporting significant processing delays for their renewal applications. Many applicants who filed their renewals on time and in accordance with agency guidance are experiencing prolonged adjudication periods that extend beyond their current period of deferred action and employment authorization. We urge you to take all steps within your power to process renewal applications in a timely manner and protect the DACA recipients who rely on this program and who contribute so much to this country.

DACA has allowed hundreds of thousands of Dreamers an opportunity to pursue higher education and meaningful careers while remaining in the only home they have ever known. Delays in processing DACA renewals are increasing the instability and uncertainty that DACA recipients already face. These delays can have profound consequences. When renewals are not processed before expiration, recipients lose employment authorization and, in many cases, their jobs. Employers experience workforce disruptions, including in sectors such as health care and education and in small businesses. Hundreds of thousands of U.S. citizen children have a parent with DACA, and when their work authorization lapses due to slow renewals, families endure heightened financial instability.

Most concerningly, a lapse in DACA can result in an increased risk of being detained and even deported by federal immigration officials. Our offices have heard examples of constituents whose DACA has lapsed due to renewal delays being picked up by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). A DACA recipient whose only change of circumstance is a pending renewal application should not be at risk of their entire life being thrown into chaos due to indiscriminate immigration enforcement.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has also failed to provide clear notice as to policies or procedures that may be worsening this issue. For example, in helping our constituents address DACA renewal delays, some casework staff have been told that requests to expedite renewals will only be considered for recipients who work in the health care industry. While DACA health care workers are essential to the functioning of our local communities, they are by no means the only DACA recipients whose cases meet the agency’s criteria to expedite a renewal.

Many casework staff have also been informed that USCIS has frozen DACA renewal processing for individuals from 39 countries subject to President Trump’s national security proclamations. This decision, which has not been publicly announced, could indefinitely delay the DACA renewal of thousands of beneficiaries, subjecting them to potential detention and removal to countries where they did not grow up.

To better understand and address these concerns, we request detailed responses to the following questions:

What is the current average processing time for DACA renewal applications?

What steps is USCIS taking to ensure that timely filed renewal applicants do not experience lapses in employment authorization? What is the timeline for executing those steps?

What changes have been made to USCIS’s policies, procedures, and guidance regarding DACA renewals since January 20, 2025?

What are USCIS’s policies, procedures, and guidance regarding requests to expedite DACA renewals?

What steps does USCIS plan to take to ensure that renewals filed earlier than 150 days in advance of expiration are processed in a timely manner?

Does USCIS provide information to ICE regarding individuals’ DACA expiration dates?

Does USCIS provide information to ICE regarding individuals’ pending DACA renewals?

Does USCIS otherwise share information with ICE regarding DACA holders or facilitate the arrest, detention, or removal of DACA holders or individuals with renewals for DACA pending? If so, please describe this information sharing and/or facilitation in detail.

How many individuals with DACA renewal pending have been detained?

How many remain in immigration custody?

How many have been removed?

How many pending DACA renewals have been filed as of March 1, 2026 that are subject to the adjudicative hold for countries listed in Presidential Proclamations 10949 and 10998?

How many pending DACA renewals have been filed as of March 1, 2026, that are subject to any other adjudicative holds? Please provide the number per type of adjudicative hold.

DACA recipients contribute billions of dollars annually to the national economy and serve vital roles in our communities. Administrative delays in DACA renewals undermine not only individual stability but also broader economic resilience.

To reduce these disruptions and risks for DACA recipients, we urge you to reduce processing times for DACA renewal applications and reduce the volume of pending cases through timely renewals. We request a written response by April 17, 2026. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

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Senator Murray Slams Republicans’ Efforts to Make it Harder and More Expensive for Americans to Vote

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

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

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

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

***WATCH: Senator Murray’s floor remarks***

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, took to the Senate floor to slam Republicans for trying to ram through the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act to make it harder and more expensive for Americans to register to vote and cast their ballots.

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

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

“When it comes to broken promises, it seems like Trump and Republicans have raised every price they ever said they would lower.

“[They raised] costs on groceries with Trump’s sweeping tariffs—the largest tax increase on working families in American history. They sent energy costs higher by cancelling clean energy projects. They sent gas prices skyrocketing by starting a new war in the Middle East, and they let health care premiums skyrocket for patients doubling, tripling, and more through sheer indifference!

“And now, desperate to avoid the wave of angry voters who Republicans had promised lower prices and no new wars, Republicans are even going to raise the cost of voting.

“Because their SAVE Trump Act would nickel and dime Americans who are just trying to vote but have to slog through one new Republican roadblock after another. Under Republicans’ bill, one of our citizens’ most basic freedoms now comes with a price and it comes with a lot of brand-new hurdles that serve no purpose but to trip people up.

“Some folks will have to shell out for a copy of their birth certificate. Some will have to get a passport— and that is $165 by the way. Some folks will have to travel hours away to register in person, costing time, travel fare, or maybe gas costs—which Trump is sending through the roof.

“And that’s not the half of it. Just consider all the people who will face new challenges to vote—for no good reason.

“If you are a student who just moved to start college, Republicans will make it harder for you to vote. Because if this bill passes, you will need to show a photo I.D. and proof of citizenship in every single state—but a student I.D. won’t count. Many Tribal I.D.’s also won’t be enough under the new Republican restrictions.

“If you are a married woman who changed her last name, like me and the overwhelming majority of moms across the country, Republicans will make it harder for you to vote. Because you would now have to bring an ID, proof of citizenship, and some additional paperwork showing your name change. That could affect 70 million people.

“If you are a senior who just moved into a new nursing home and has mobility issues. Republicans will make it harder for you to vote. Because you can no longer just register online or by mail. You now have to show up in person to show your papers.

“Voting will also be harder for rural families far from any place where they could show their papers and register in person. In Washington state—we have lots of families who might have to take a ferry just to register to vote.

“Or heaven forbid you are someone living abroad maybe working for an American company, or working at a nonprofit, or even serving our nation as a diplomat, you may just have to buy a flight all the way back home so you can register.

“And the inconvenience doesn’t stop at registration. Because Republicans would make voting by mail harder for everyone as well. They are going to require you to photocopy your IDs when you apply for that mail in ballot, and they are going to require another photocopy when you send in your mail in ballot. At least—as long as Trump doesn’t get his wish to scrap mail in voting altogether!

“And if you are someone who doesn’t know where your birth certificate is, or doesn’t have easy access to it, or if you are one of the half of Americans who doesn’t have a passport—that is 146 million people—you are going to have to pay fees and fill out a lot of paperwork.

“And what is the Republican plan for when the State Department gets flooded with a record-breaking number of passport applications by the way? Because there is no money for surge capacity in this bill! What are Americans supposed to do when their paperwork gets delayed for weeks on end? Or heaven forbid—this President slow walks it.

“Oh—and by the way, under the Save Trump Act there’s a perfectly awful chance that you do everything right and still get robbed of your vote by Republicans. Because this bill pushes states to rely on a DHS verification tool—that just frankly is a dumpster-fire.

“States that tried it—got results with huge errors, where DHS was wrongly saying many citizens were not citizens. The Trump Administration tool—has already wrongly advised states to purge lawful voters from the voter rolls.

“But the biggest problem with this bill goes to its roots, because the biggest problem is that Republicans’ whole premise is built on a lie.

“Trump has been lying for years about our elections. Lying about winning in 2020. Lying about winning in states like California. Lying about crazy conspiracies that have been debunked time, and time again.

“He’s been debunked by Republican election commissioners. He has been debunked by thorough news investigations and carefully conducted audits. He has been debunked by million-dollar legal cases where other liars were sued for defamation. That has not stopped Trump.

“And instead of calling out the lies—like so many of them once actually did, first Republicans started ignoring them, and then they started normalizing them, and now—many of them are repeating the lies and conspiracies.

“M. President—our elections are free, and they are fair. That is beyond question. Anyone who values our democracy—should be shouting that from the rooftops.

“But instead of defending our democracy, instead of defending our elections from misinformation, and conspiracies, and a President who has stated quite directly he wants to take control over the elections, Republicans are joining Trump in the same sort or ruse he pulled to rile people up on January 6th.

“The biggest fraud here is: Republicans who know their agenda is unpopular, Republicans who know that when entrusted by the voters to fulfill their promises, all they’ve done is break them—raising prices, starting new wars, Republicans who know they will not keep their majorities in a free and fair election, and so they are pushing for this bill instead.

“M. President, this is not how elections work.This is not how America works. In this country we fight for change—with our voices and our votes.

“And if Republicans think, for a second Democrats will let them take away people’s votes, they better buckle up—because you can bet we will use our voices to block this bill, for as long as it takes.”

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