Senator Baldwin Votes to Advance Bipartisan Housing Bill that Boosts Housing Supply and Brings Down Costs

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) voted to advance legislation to boost housing supply and bring down costs for Wisconsinites, including new steps to ban large institutional investors from buying up single-family homes. The package passed the Senate 89-10 and now heads to the U.S. House of Representatives. If signed into law, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act would mark the largest legislative housing package in decades.

“Everywhere I travel in Wisconsin, I hear from families struggling to make ends meet as the cost of just about everything continues to rise, including housing. I’m proud to back bipartisan legislation that will not only lower the cost to rent or buy in Wisconsin communities, but also invest in building more homes,” said Senator Baldwin. “This bill also makes important strides toward cracking down on Wall Street investors that buy up single-family homes, lock Wisconsinites out of homeownership, and drive up costs in our neighborhoods. While this bill won’t solve the housing crisis, it’s a step in the right direction and I’m proud to work with my Republican and Democratic colleagues to bring down costs and help more Wisconsinites live and invest in the communities they love.”

The ROAD to Housing Act includes key bipartisan priorities, including a provision banning large institutional investors from buying single-family homes. Senator Baldwin has long-championed efforts to crack down on corporate investors who buy up homes and lock Wisconsinites out of homeownership.

Key provisions of the bill include:

Bans corporate landlords from buying up single-family homes: This housing package includes legislation that would rein in large institutional investor purchases of single-family homes. The legislation will halt large institutional investor purchases of single-family homes – and force those large investors to push new homes they build or rehabilitate back onto the market over time for individual families to buy. These changes will make it easier for families to buy homes and harder for powerful corporate landlords to drive up the cost of rent. Penalties imposed for violations will be used to support housing construction and assistance for first-time homebuyers.

Boosts housing supply to bring down costs: The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act will boost housing supply to bring down costs, including through the first-ever federal incentives for municipalities that successfully build more housing. The package will make it easier and cheaper to build new housing by removing the chassis requirement for manufactured housing; easing financing for modular housing, manufactured housing, and affordable dwelling units; and streamlining construction approval processes and environmental reviews for affordable housing development. It will also help preserve existing supply and convert blighted and underutilized buildings into new housing.

Makes key reforms to increase housing fairness, access, and affordability: The legislation addresses appraisal bias, preserves manufactured housing communities, improves Section 8 inspection policies to get families housed faster, supports homeownership, addresses housing needs of veterans, and improves federal programs to help reduce homelessness.

Includes significant, longstanding policy priorities to build more housing and make it more affordable: These provisions include reforming and reauthorizing the HOME Investment Partnerships program, permanently authorizing the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program, making long-overdue reforms to the Department of Agriculture’s Rural Housing Service to prevent the loss of up to 400,000 affordable homes in rural communities, and creating new funding streams for HUD-certified housing counseling.

Makes Additional Investments in Housing Supply:

Allowing CDBG funds to be used to build new affordable housing, a longstanding priority for local governments and community development organizations.

Authorizing new grants to states and localities to assist with regional planning and implementation efforts associated with affordable housing.

Reauthorizing and updating the HOME program, the largest federal housing block grant program that helps states and communities build new housing, rehabilitate residential property, assist homebuyers, and support renters. Added reforms will help expand access to affordable housing for more families, account for rising housing costs, and allow HOME funds to be used for necessary infrastructure improvements connected to housing developments in small and rural communities.

Requiring annual congressional testimony from the HUD Secretary regarding agency operations, oversight activities, and program performance.

Requiring a GAO study on middle-income housing.

Requiring GAO studies on heirs property, housing for seniors and people with disabilities, and housing near superfund sites.

The bill has support from a robust group of stakeholders and experts including the U.S. Conference of Mayors, National League of Cities, Mayors and CEOs for U.S. Housing Investment, National Governors Association, Bipartisan Policy Center, Manufactured Housing Institute, Enterprise Community Partners, Habitat for Humanity, National Association of Affordable Housing Lenders, National Association of Realtors, LISC, National Consumer Law Center (on behalf of its low-income clients), National NeighborWorks Association, National Low Income Housing Coalition, National Alliance to End Homelessness, Housing Assistance Council, Council for Affordable and Rural Housing, National Rural Housing Coalition, National Housing Law Project, National Council of State Housing Agencies, Grounded Solutions Network, National Housing Resource Center, National Community Stabilization Trust, Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals, ROC USA, UnidosUS, and NABTU.

More information about the bill is available here.

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Senator Banks’ RESIDE Act Passes in the United States Senate

WASHINGTON, D.C, – Today, Senator Banks’ bill, the Revitalizing Empty Structures Into Desirable Environments (RESIDE) Act passed in the United States Senate as part of the 21stCentury ROAD to Housing Act. The bill passed on the Senate floor with a vote of 89 to 10.

This bill would set aside funding within the Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) starting in 2026 for a new pilot program to help communities turn abandoned or run down buildings—like warehouses, factories, hotels, strip malls, and other unused spaces—into new homes for families in Indiana.

Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “Owning a home is such a big part of the American dream. But with prices so high, especially for young people, we have to get serious about building more homes. This bill is a commonsense way to revitalize our communities and give more families a real chance to buy a home.”

Key Provisions of the Revitalizing Empty Structures Into Desirable Environments Act.

· Creates a 4 Year Pilot Program: Using HOME formula funds to redevelop deteriorated property.

· Establishes a Funding Range: Communities can compete for grants between$1 million and $10 million.

· Adds Supplemental Support: These grants are inaddition to existing HOME formula funding.

· Ensures Funds Are Still Available: Based on current funding levels, up to $100 million could be available nationwide each year for this effort.

· Determines Who Can Apply: Only cities, counties, and states already part of the HOME program can apply.

· Includes Eligible Costs: Such as buying abandoned buildings at market price, site clean-up and preparation, weatherization and energy efficiency upgrades, major repairs like plumbing, HVAC, and sewer, construction needed to create affordable homes.

Full bill text can be found here.

Background:

Indiana has 14 “participating jurisdictions” (including the state itself) that receive federal HOME funding for housing. Some examples of vacant or abandoned properties in the state including:

· Gary: An estimated 13,000 abandoned buildings

· Indianapolis: Over 1,800 vacant properties

· Muncie: A local blogger highlighted the demolition of Muncie Mall—this site could be a candidate for redevelopment under the new pilot program.

This bill would ensure that communities such as the ones listed above receive the funding needed to redevelop these spaces into livable and workable places that benefit families across Indiana.

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Americans are Paying the Price for Democrats’ Political Obstruction

“It’s not a question of if the Democrat shutdown is hurting the American people. It is a matter of public record. Democrats are endangering Americans on the ground, in the skies, and even in cyberspace.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) today spoke about why Senate Democrats must join Republicans to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security.

Click HERE to watch Senator Barrasso’s remarks.

Sen. Barrasso’s remarks:

“I come to the Floor this morning having just listened to the Minority Leader talk about the Department of Homeland Security, which the Democrats once again refuse to fund. How can the Minority Leader from New York have forgotten about why we have a Department of Homeland Security in the first place? It was set up after 9/11, after the Twin Towers were hit so that it could never happen again. And yet to sit here and listen to him talk about this component of it or that component, this was a program fundamentally set in place to protect our nation and our citizens from the terror that was rained upon us on 9/11. That’s why the entire Department was brought together and funded.

“And now we hear the Minority Leader say, well, he wants to peel off this part and that part and take the Department apart, as we’re trying to protect the country. And he said something about what the American people are wondering. What the American people are wondering today is why the Democrat Party continues to stand up for illegal immigrant criminals against law-abiding citizens. That’s what I hear in Wyoming. Why in the world are Democrats wanting to stand up for illegal immigrant criminals and not hardworking American citizens?

“So, for the last 27 days, the Democrats have shut down the entire Department of Homeland Security, lock, stock, and barrel. TSA agents are missing their paychecks. Our nation’s infrastructure is more vulnerable to cyberattacks. There have been two terrorist attacks by sympathizers in the last two weeks. The Minority Leader, if you listen to his comments, is completely out of touch with the American people and what people are worried about all across this country. And there they go again. Here we have it.

“Less than five months ago, Democrats shut down the government. The government stayed shut for 43 days. Now, we’ve gotten most of the government funded, but they continue to shut down the Department of Homeland Security for one reason and one reason only: because they want to protect illegal immigrant criminals. Democrats want to defund law enforcement. They want to abolish ICE. They want to turn America into a sanctuary country.

“Yesterday, Democrats once again blocked Republican efforts to reopen the Department of Homeland Security. The White House and Senate Republicans

have made offers and negotiated in good faith. Senate Democrats have not. What we are doing here is critical to the safety and security of the American people. This is funding for America’s Homeland Security.

“This is the Department that oversees the TSA, the Coast Guard, the Secret Service, and America’s cyber defenses. It is the Department that stops drug smugglers and human traffickers. The Department of Homeland Security was created after the September 11 terrorist attacks. Since then, it has been on the front lines in the fight against terrorism and securing the border. That’s the part the Democrats hate. They want an open border. They want people to come in indiscriminately from all over the world. And Joe Biden and the Democrats allowed it, with over 10 million immigrants coming into this country in the four years of the Biden administration.

“The people who work for the Department of Homeland Security are the silent heroes of the nation. They are engaged in the battle to keep our communities safe and secure. They should not be forced to miss their paychecks because Democrats are choosing to play politics.

“Right now, 50,000 TSA agents all around the country are missing their paycheck. This is the third time in six months Democrats have forced TSA agents to work without getting paid. A veteran TSA officer in Phoenix, Arizona, was clear. He said, ‘We are fed up. We’ve had enough.’ And I believe he’s right. All Americans are fed up and have had enough of this political posturing and game-playing by the Democrats.

“A CBS News report this week explains what is happening. Absences by TSA agents have doubled since February 14, when this Democrat-caused shutdown began. More than 300 TSA agents have left the job entirely. Lines at the airport can now last for hours. In some airports, those lines stretched out of the terminal and into parking lots. With spring break travel picking up, families are paying the price. It is the price of Democrats’ political obstruction.

“It is the same concerning story at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. This is the agency that protects our nation’s critical infrastructure, including our energy infrastructure. Since the Democrat shutdown began last month, only one in three staffers at the agency are working. The rest of them are furloughed. Those who are still on the job are working without pay. America is continually under attack in the cyber world. That’s energy, banking, financial institutions, water and utilities, and our military.

“After the strikes on Iran, the pace of cyberattacks against us has accelerated. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps made their intentions clear. They said, Americans ‘will no longer have security anywhere in the world, even in their own homes.’ Imagine the damage Iran could do if they hacked our critical infrastructure. Yet because of the Democrat shutdown, vulnerability scans are on pause. Protective guidance for critical networks is not being issued. Our energy grids, our hospitals, and our state and local governments are all more exposed.

“It’s not a question of if the Democrat shutdown is hurting the American people. It is a matter of public record. Democrats are endangering Americans on the ground, in the skies, and even in cyberspace.

“The American people expect their government to take our nation’s security seriously. Democrats don’t seem to be thinking that way at all. The American people expect Congress to fund the agencies that keep them safe, not that keep safe illegal immigrant criminals. The American people expect us to pay the people who protect our airports, our borders, our networks, and our communities. They expect us to confront threats at home and abroad with urgency.

“The Department of Homeland Security must be funded fully and immediately. And I’m tired of excuses from the Democrats because that’s all they are. Excuses.”

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Blumenthal & Murphy Join Over 40 Senators in Pressing DOD for Answers on School Bombing & Civilian Casualties in Iran

[Hartford, CT] Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) joined 45 of their Senate colleagues in pressing the Department of Defense to provide answers to the American people on the airstrikes on a school in Minab, Iran and civilian casualties in the Trump Administration’s war on Iran, as well as accountability for those responsible.

The letter, led by Senators Van Hollen (D-MD), Kaine (D-VA), Warren (D-MA), Schatz (D-HI), was joined by Senators Schumer (D-NY), Reed (D-RI), Shaheen (D-NH), Hirono (D-HI), Gillibrand (D-NY), Bennet (D-CO), Murray (D-WA), Merkley (D-OR), Heinrich (D-NM), Baldwin (D-WI), Markey (D-MA), Welch (D-VT), Duckworth (D-IL), Alsobrooks (D-MD), Smith (D-MN), Kim (D-NJ), Sanders (I-VT), Gallego (D-AZ), Warnock (D-GA), Durbin (D-IL), Padilla (D-CA), Whitehouse (D-RI), Luján (D-NM), Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Klobuchar (D-MN), Hickenlooper (D-CO), Wyden (D-OR), Peters (D-MI), Kelly (D-AZ), Slotkin (D-MI), Coons (D-DE), Rosen (D-NV), Booker (D-NJ), Ossoff (D-GA), Cortez Masto (D-NV), Schiff (D-CA), Warner (D-VA), Cantwell (D-WA), Hassan (D-NH), Murphy (D-CT), and King (I-ME).

“We write with grave concern regarding the airstrikes on a girls’ elementary school that reportedly killed at least 168 people – mostly children – in Minab, Iran during the opening salvo of U.S. and Israeli operations on Iran on February 28. To be clear, the war against Iran is a war of choice without Congressional authorization. Nonetheless, as these military actions continue, the United States and Israel must abide by U.S. and international law, including the law of armed conflict. There must be a swift investigation into the strikes on this school and any other potential U.S. military actions causing civilian harm, and the findings must be released to the public as soon as possible, along with any measures to pursue accountability,” the Senators begin.

“The results of this school attack are horrific. The majority of those killed in the strikes were girls between the ages of 7 and 12 years old. Neither the United States nor the Israeli Government has yet taken responsibility for this attack,” they note.

“There have also been reports of airstrikes that have hit multiple hospitals, cultural heritage sites, and other critical civilian infrastructure. This includes the use of explosive weapons in major Iranian cities and populated areas, including the capital, Tehran, which is home to approximately 9 million people. As of March 10, 2026, there have been over 1,245 civilians killed and over 12,000 civilians injured in the war, according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA). Massive civilian casualty incidents like the attack in Minab are not only detrimental to the Iranian people, who have already suffered so much at the hands of its own government, but they also undermine U.S. national security interests. These concerns are compounded by the reported use of artificial intelligence tools to select and prioritize targets in Iran,” the Senators stress.

The Senators go on to press for answers to the following questions:

Did U.S. forces conduct the strikes that struck the girls’ school in Minab, Iran on February 28, 2026? If not, did the United States play any role in planning, coordinating, or supporting the strikes?

If U.S. forces carried out the strikes on the school, what was the intended target? What led to the errant strike? At what command level was authorization granted? What weapons and systems were used in the strikes?

What analysis was done to determine the purpose of the building? When was this analysis completed? What measures were implemented to reduce the risk of civilian casualties? What was the intended military objective? Were AI tools used in planning or executing these strikes?

What analysis, if any, led the U.S. military to conclude that the expected civilian harm would not be excessive in relation to the concrete and direct military advantage anticipated?

You said U.S. forces would follow "no stupid rules of engagement." Are you complying with rules to prevent the commission of war crimes? If so, what procedures are in place to implement those rules?

What steps has the U.S. military taken to prevent and mitigate civilian harm in its operational planning and targeting? Was a “no-strike list” established prior to the commencement of U.S. military operations in Iran?

Have any U.S. military operations in Iran utilized, or will any utilize, artificial intelligence tools, and if so, provide specifics of how they are being used and for what purpose? What human verification and redundancy policies are in place, if any, to evaluate the accuracy and legitimacy of AI-generated targets? Please provide a copy of any procedures service members use to verify AI-generated targets and recommend them for execution.

What role do civilian harm mitigation and response (CHMR) staff at CENTCOM play in operational planning and targeting? How has CENTCOM compensated for the reduction in resources dedicated to this effort, including the loss of dedicated civilian harm mitigation teams?

The U.S. has reported that it struck over 1,000 targets in just 24 hours. Given this volume, the compressed timeframe, and the presence of targets in populated areas, what steps and precautions has the U.S. taken to ensure compliance with the laws of war during these strikes? How has the U.S. implemented established CHMR policies and practices?

The full text of the letter is available here.

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Blumenthal Demands Social Security Administration Immediately Implement Support & Assistance for Consumers with Account Issues

[Hartford, CT] — Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) wrote to the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) and the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA) expressing serious concern amid ongoing reports that Connecticut residents are unable to access their accounts.

On June 7, 2025, the Social Security Administration transitioned to a new sign on system and Login.gov and ID.me became the only ways Social Security beneficiaries could access their accounts. This system replaced the previous SSA username and password system and were intended to enhance security and prevent fraud.

However, the implementation has created numerous barriers for beneficiaries including not being able to access their accounts, update their information or complete the identity verification process.

“With nearly 75 million Americans relying on Social Security, it is essential that beneficiaries have reliable and accessible ways to securely manage their accounts. Unfortunately, I have heard from many constituents who report being unable to access their accounts, update contact information, or complete identity verification. Many are unable to receive verification codes, correct outdated phone numbers, or regain access after being locked out – delaying access to critical income,” Blumenthal wrote.

To add insult to injury, when beneficiaries contact SSA about the issues they are often told to go back to Login.gov and are provided no meaningful assistance from the administration to resolve their issues.

“When seeking assistance in person, they are often told SSA staff cannot resolve Login.gov verification issues or update account credentials. These barriers disproportionately affect elderly individuals, people with disabilities, and those with limited digital literacy who may lack the resources or technical knowledge to navigate complex identity verification systems independently,” Blumenthal continued.

In his letter Blumenthal asks SSA and GSA to take swift steps to address these issues, including setting up a dedicated congressional support line, providing clear instructions for beneficiaries to set up Login.gov, and provide robust in person and phone assistance to those in need.

The full letter can be found below and here.

March 12, 2026

The Honorable Edward Forst

Administrator

U.S. General Services Administration

1800 F St., NW

Washington, D.C. 20405

The Honorable Frank Bisignano

Commissioner

Social Security Administration

6401 Security Boulevard

Baltimore, Maryland 21235

Dear Administrator Forst and Commissioner Bisignano,

I write to express serious concern regarding constituent reports of significant difficulties accessing their Social Security accounts following the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) transition to Login.gov and ID.me as the exclusive sign-in options. The current lack of clear support channels, escalation pathways, and coordinated assistance between SSA and the General Services Administration’s (GSA) Login.gov has created a service gap in which constituents are unable to obtain help from either entity, leaving them without meaningful access to essential federal benefits.

On June 7, 2025, Login.gov and ID.me became the only sign-in options to access Social Security online services, replacing the previous SSA username and password system.[1] While these platforms are intended to enhance security and prevent fraud, their implementation has created unintended barriers that limit access for many beneficiaries. [2] With nearly 75 million Americans relying on Social Security, it is essential that beneficiaries have reliable and accessible ways to securely manage their accounts.[3]

Unfortunately, I have heard from many constituents who report being unable to access their accounts, update contact information, or complete identity verification. Many are unable to receive verification codes, correct outdated phone numbers, or regain access after being locked out – delaying access to critical income. When seeking assistance in person, they are often told SSA staff cannot resolve Login.gov verification issues or update account credentials. These barriers disproportionately affect elderly individuals, people with disabilities, and those with limited digital literacy who may lack the resources or technical knowledge to navigate complex identity verification systems independently.

These access challenges are further compounded by significant staffing reductions at SSA field offices. Despite the growing number of Americans relying on Social Security benefits, the Trump administration reduced SSA staff by thousands. In 2025 alone, more than 11% of personnel were cut—the largest staffing reduction in the agency’s history.[4] Connecticut constituents have reported being told to visit SSA field offices for assistance with Login.gov or ID.me issues, but staff often do not have clear guidance or protocols for resolving these problems. In many cases, constituents are left without a solution or are referred back to Login.gov, which does not provide a designated point of contact for resolving technical issues. This combination of limited field office capacity and unclear procedures results in miscommunication, prolonged delays, and frustration for beneficiaries who are trying to access essential benefits.

To address these urgent constituent access issues, SSA and GSA should implement a robust support infrastructure and clear guidance for both beneficiaries and congressional offices, including:

A Dedicated Congressional Support Line

GSA should establish a dedicated congressional support phone line for Login.gov to allow congressional offices to escalate constituent cases, receive timely technical assistance, and help resolve urgent benefit access issues.

Clear Written Guidance and Alternative Access Pathways

GSA and SSA should provide clear, accessible instructions for beneficiaries for Login.gov, including step-by-step directions for accessing accounts, guidance for resolving verification problems, and alternative verification methods for instances when Login.gov is not functioning properly.

In-Person and Direct Assistance

Constituents, particularly older adults and individuals who are not technologically proficient, should have access to in-person assistance that goes beyond appointment scheduling. SSA field office staff should be able to provide hands-on support to help constituents access their accounts, complete identity verification, and manage benefits on-site.

Phone-Based Support for Constituents

SSA and GSA should offer a direct phone support option for beneficiaries who are experiencing issues with Login.gov and cannot travel to an SSA office, including elderly individuals, people with disabilities, and those with limited digital literacy, to provide real-time assistance for accessing benefits.

Given the critical importance of Social Security benefits, it is imperative that beneficiaries have timely and effective access to support when encountering Login.gov or ID.me account issues. Clear escalation channels, staff guidance, and alternative access options are essential to protect access for vulnerable populations.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

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Booker, Capito, Sewell, Rogers Reintroduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Address Wastewater Needs of Low-Income Households

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) as well as U.S. Representatives Terri Sewell (D-AL) and Mike Rogers (R-AL) reintroduced the bipartisan, bicameral Rural Decentralized Water Systems Reauthorization Act, legislation that would expand and strengthen the USDA Rural Decentralized Water Systems Program to provide support for low- and moderate-income households to install or upgrade their water well and wastewater systems.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over one million U.S. residents lack access to safely managed sanitation – meaning that their homes do not have an adequate method for disposing of human waste. The Rural Decentralized Water Systems Reauthorization Act would reauthorize the Rural Decentralized Water Systems Grant Program through 2031, increase the maximum subgrant or loan amount from $15,000 to $20,000, and target funding through subgrants to individuals earning 60 percent or less of the median nonmetropolitan household income for the area. Additionally, the bill would reinstate eligibility for loans to individuals earning up to 100 percent of the area median income and allow subgrant funding to include the cost of a performance warranty for individually owned household’s decentralized wastewater systems.

“Hundreds of thousands of homes across the U.S. lack access to basic sewage systems, with many left with no option but to straight-pipe raw sewage directly into their back yards.” said Senator Booker. "Many New Jerseyans in low-income households are dealing with broken or outdated wastewater systems, and this bill will help provide better access to wastewater infrastructure for families who desperately need it.”

“Strengthening infrastructure across West Virginia has long been a top priority for me,” Senator Capito said. “This legislation will improve home water systems in our state and reauthorize the Rural Decentralized Water Systems Grant Program, a program that has delivered real results for West Virginians. This legislation is also included in my Farm Bill priorities this year, and I look forward to continuing my work to move it forward.”

"Access to proper wastewater systems in rural America remains an overlooked environmental issue of our time. As a longtime champion of wastewater funding that helps rural Alabamians, I am proud to join Senators Booker and Capito, and Congressman Mike Rogers, to reauthorize this grant program. As Congress considers agriculture funding in the Farm Bill, I support inclusion of this legislation that will ensure every community has the support needed to maintain clean, safe wastewater systems,” said Congresswoman Sewell.


Booker Statement on Senate Passage of Bipartisan Housing Affordability Legislation

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) released the following statement after voting to support the Senate passage of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, bipartisan legislation aimed at addressing the nation’s housing affordability crisis:

“We are facing an affordability crisis in this country, and families across New Jersey are struggling and feeling the pressure of rising housing costs. For years, I have worked in Congress to expand access to affordable housing and increase opportunities for homeownership, and this bill builds on those efforts and takes an important step forward in lowering housing costs and increasing housing supply for New Jerseyans.

“This bipartisan legislation will help communities build more homes and make meaningful reforms to ensure fairness in the home appraisal process. It also strengthens federal programs that help communities recover from disasters and invest in safer, more resilient housing. Additionally, the legislation takes steps to curb large corporate investors from driving up the cost of homes which makes it harder for working families to realize the dream of homeownership.

“While more work remains, this legislation represents meaningful progress. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure every New Jerseyan has access to a safe and affordable place to call home.”


Senate Passes Comprehensive Housing Package with Boozman Bill Supporting Veteran Home Ownership

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) applauded Senate passage of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act — a legislative package designed to help Arkansans achieve the American dream of homeownership that also includes the Veterans Affairs Loan Informed Disclosure (VALID) Act of 2025 championed by Boozman and Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD).

The VALID Act would ensure veterans are fully informed about their financing options, including eligibility for the homebuying assistance benefit earned through their service in uniform. In 2025, only 10 to 15 percent of eligible veterans reported utilizing VA home loans with advantages that include no down payment, no private mortgage insurance and interest rates that are often lower than conventional Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans.

“Lowering the cost of housing is crucial to help Arkansans keep more money in their pockets and reach key personal and financial milestones. Our veterans particularly deserve that support, yet VA loans are significantly underutilized, demonstrating a clear need to go further in making them aware they qualify for assistance purchasing a home or securing greater savings throughout the life of a mortgage,” said Boozman. “I’m pleased this bipartisan legislation is one step closer to becoming law so more Americans, and especially those who have served and sacrificed in our nation’s uniform, have the opportunity to own a home, put down roots and help grow prosperity.”

The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act addresses obstacles to homeownership through supporting new home construction by private industry, reducing regulation and streamlining outdated review processes, protecting local and state jurisdiction, and delivering reforms to federal housing programs.

Specifically, the package supports these priorities by:


U.S. Senator Katie Britt, Colleagues Pass Comprehensive Housing Legislation, Includes Several Britt-Led Priorities

‘[A] great first step to addressing the affordable housing crisis in our country’

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.), a member of the Senate Banking Committee and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation, and Community Development, today joined her Senate colleagues in passing the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act in an 89-10 vote.

“There is no doubt our nation faces an affordable housing crisis, and for many hardworking individuals and families, the American Dream of homeownership is completely out of reach. As Chair of the Housing, Transportation, and Community Development Subcommittee, advancing this legislation reaffirms my commitment to exploring innovative ways to increase the country’s housing stock, while eliminating costly leftwing regulations and streamlining longstanding inefficiencies within our federal housing agencies. I’m pleased to join my colleagues in advancing critical legislation that includes several of my priorities to empower more Americans and Alabamians with the opportunity to own a home,” said Senator Britt.

The comprehensive housing package takes important steps to increase access to affordable housing for Americans across the country by expanding and preserving housing supply, improving housing affordability, increasing oversight and efficiency of federal regulators and housing programs, and accelerate local leaders’ efforts to improve housing affordability.

Several bills Senator Britt introduced were among those included in this legislative package, including the Helping More Families Save Act, the Housing Supply Expansion Act of 2025, the Housing Unhoused Disabled Veterans Act, along with nearly a dozen additional proposals the Senator has supported or cosponsored. Senator Britt also helped to secure a study on the implementation of work requirements for certain recipients of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) assistance.

Last year, Senators Britt and Jack Reed (D-R.I.) introduced the Helping More Families Save Act. This legislation establishes a pilot program to expand participation in HUD Family Self Sufficiency Program – the only HUD program focused solely on moving families off of government assistance and toward economic independence.

Additionally, Senator Britt joined Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), and Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) to introduce the Housing Unhoused Disabled Veterans Act (HUDVA) to ensure disabled veterans experiencing homelessness maintain access to crucial housing support. “This commonsense bill would simply exclude disability benefits from HUD’s annual income calculation, so disabled veterans are not unfairly disqualified from accessing these vital services,” Senator Britt said on introduction.

Senator Britt also recently joined Senators Gallego, Padilla, Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) in introducing legislation to remove the permanent chassis requirement on manufactures homes to allow for expanded production. “The Housing Supply Expansion Act of 2025 updates current law to reflect modern housing needs and reduces red tape to make housing more affordable for Americans,” Senator Britt noted.

During a Banking Committee markup of the previous ROAD to Housing Act, Senator Britt also delivered remarks, noting that the legislation, “is a great first step to addressing the affordable housing crisis in our country. Most people say that part of their American Dream would be owning their own home. So, whether it is the cost and affordability of that first home, whether it is a heap of regulations that keep a developer from moving, or whether it’s just inefficiency in our federal programs … this is multi-faceted. We are going to have to tackle this in many ways, there’s no simple solution, but this is absolutely a great first step.”

The legislation will now move to consideration in the House of Representatives.

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U.S. Senator Katie Britt Joins America’s Newsroom on Fox News as Democrats’ DHS Shutdown Nears One Month

‘Democrats are more interested in political theater and gamesmanship than they are about the citizens they serve’

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) joined America’s Newsroom with Bill Melugin on Fox News to discuss Democrats’ continued political theater throughout their Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown.

On Republicans’ repeated efforts to fully fund DHS and pay every hardworking man and woman protecting our nation and the American people.:

“Look, Democrats are using the safety and security of American citizens as a political pawn. And at the end of the day, the truth is, we went down to the floor yesterday to try to pay our TSA officers. We tried to pay our Coast Guard members. We tried to pay the people at the border who were interdicting fentanyl and the people who were going after child traffickers. Do you know who blocked that? Democrats. Because Democrats are more interested in political theater and gamesmanship than they are about the citizens they serve.

…

“If Democrats actually cared about reforms, do you know what they would do? They would vote yes to get on that bill, they would bring amendments, and we would have an open and honest debate in front of the American people. They’re actually not interested in that. They’re interested in playing politics. They know that ICE and CBP continue to operate without any of the things they’re asking for, and they actually don’t care. We want to pay TSA officers. We want to pay the people in the entire Department of Homeland Security because our priority is the people and not politics.”

On Democrats’ refusal to set aside their pollical theater and join Republicans in putting the American people first:

“[T]he last offer the White House sent over was now 14 days ago. We have heard nothing from Democrats. We have asked them to sit down with the White House, with Republicans, so that we can have a conversation about how to move forward to the American people. They have actually denied us that opportunity. So, you cannot sit here and say you’re looking for a pathway forward if you refuse to have a conversation and or return paper to the very people who can help create that pathway … So, we’re going to keep fighting … But there actually has to be talks … And I encourage our Democratic colleagues to come to the table and put people over politics and stop playing theater right there on the Senate floor.”

You can watch the full interview here.

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U.S. Senator Katie Britt Joins The Will Cain Show on Fox News to Discuss Her Strong Support for the SAVE America Act, Calls on Colleagues to Join Her

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) joined The Will Cain Show on Fox News to discuss the SAVE America Act. Senator Britt spoke on the importance of requiring voter ID to ensure election security and integrity and urged Americans to hold Democrats accountable for blocking this bill.

On her support for the SAVE America Act:

“…[W]e have to focus on the fact that this is what America wants, and this is what America deserves. Look, there is nothing more fundamental than Americans having faith in their elections. That is what allows our democracy to continue to flourish … We show ID for literally everything else. To pick up your tickets to go into a football game, or to get on an airplane or a mortgage or to get a paycheck. We just saw in New York, [Mayor] Mamdani … he needed two forms of ID to allow you to shovel snow. We just saw [Senator] Jon Ossoff in Georgia demand you show an ID to come into his campaign event. So clearly, Democrats understand the importance of that. Now, what they don’t what they don’t want to do, though, in this instance, is make sure that these elections are free and fair. And we got to call them on it…

“[O]ver 70% of Democrats actually agree that we should have voter ID, that we should protect their vote. So, the question is, why are they running away from it? You heard Chuck Schumer, he said the quiet part out loud. There are tons of, whether it’s illegal immigrants or people who should no longer be on a voter roll that are on there, that he’s afraid will be kicked off. Well, I have news for you, Chuck: Americans want their elections to be American citizens only, and we in the United States Senate are going to continue to fight for that.”

On making the case for the SAVE America Act to her colleagues on a pathway forward to pass this critical legislation:

“But what I do know is we’re making the case internally to our conference and truly trying to make it to our Democratic colleagues. Please do not let them off the hook. There are a number of them that are up for reelection in red and purple states … every Democratic candidate should have to answer this question. We’re going to keep working for a pathway forward.”

On working with the Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) on pathways forward, including the talking filibuster:

“One of the things that Senator Lee and I have talked about specifically is how do we guard the floor? … What do we do in the scheduling? We’re working those kinks out. The other question is, how do we make sure we keep all Republicans together when amendments come down the pipeline, amendments of things that we would like to vote for but need to keep off in order to keep this narrowly tailored and focused. So I know that those things are being worked out. I am committed to doing those things to get this across the finish line, and I hope that my other colleagues will join me… We cannot let Chuck Schumer win the day.”

You can watch the full interview here.

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Capito Joins Colleagues in Introducing Resolution Honoring Girls Scouts of the USA

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) joined colleagues in introducing a resolution recognizing the 114th birthday of the Girl Scouts of the USA and celebrate its historic legacy of empowering girls and building powerful female leaders across the country.

“Girl Scouts of the USA continues to instill self-confidence, resilience, and a sense of adventure in all young women,” Senator Capito said. “As an alum myself, it’s wonderful to see this tradition and legacy of leadership continue to inspire the next generation of young women. I am proud to cosponsor this resolution recognizing the 114th anniversary of the Girl Scouts and look forward to seeing their good work encouraging lifelong leadership skills in young women for generations to come.”

“I still use the leadership skills that I developed in the Girl Scouts as a young woman in my daily life,” Senator Duckworth said. “For 114 years, Girl Scouts of America has instilled the values of service and how to always ‘be prepared’ in generations of girls, empowering them to lead wherever they go—in business, science, public service and beyond. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution to commemorate and honor this historic organization.”

In addition to Senators Capito and Duckworth, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Angus King (I-Maine), and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) also introduced the resolution.

Full text of the resolution can be found here.

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Capito Leads Colleagues in Letter Opposing Foreign Practices Undermining American Steelworkers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) led colleagues in writing a letter to Amy Karpel, Chair of the U.S. International Trade Commission, pushing back against efforts by foreign nations to manipulate and undercut the American rebar industry and its workers.

Specifically, the letter requests that the U.S. International Trade Commission review antidumping (Ad) and countervailing duty (CVD) cases against Algeria, Bulgaria, Egypt, and Vietnam and ensure our trade laws are fully enforced.

“American companies and workers can out compete companies from any other country. However, American rebar producers deserve to compete on a fair and level playing field. As your important work on these investigations continues, we urge you to carefully review the evidence presented and fully enforce our trade laws. It is imperative that unfairly traded imports do not undermine American rebar producers and the thousands of workers they support,” the senators wrote.

“We thank Senator Capito for her leadership in advocating for strong enforcement of our trade laws,” said Randy Spicer, Executive Vice President of Bar and Engineered Bar at Nucor Corporation.“Ensuring a level playing field is essential for the Nucor team and is critical to sustaining American manufacturing and the domestic rebar industry.”

In addition to Senators Capito and Gallego, U.S. Senators Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), and Katie Britt (R-Ala.) also signed the letter.

Full text of the letter can be found here or below:

Dear Chair Karpel:

We write regarding the antidumping (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) cases against Algeria, Bulgaria, Egypt, and Vietnam for the unfairly traded imports of steel reinforcing bar (“rebar”). These trade cases are critical to push back against efforts to manipulate the global market and undercut the American rebar industry and its workers. We thank the Commission for its investigation and urge the vigorous enforcement of U.S. trade remedy laws.

Rebar is a simple product, but it plays an essential role in our economy, with the domestic rebar steel industry supporting thousands of good-paying jobs in 29 states. Rebar is the backbone of construction, strengthening our nation’s buildings, roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure. Domestic steel producers are making significant investments to expand the country’s rebar production, including plant openings and expansions from 2022 to 2025 totaling nearly $2 billion and 2,680,000 tons in additional capacity. These efforts, however, are being undermined by unfairly traded imports fueled by significant government subsidies, including indirect subsidies in the form of lax labor and environmental standards. According to an OECD study, non-OECD countries, including Algeria and Egypt, provided seven times more grants per unit of steelmaking capacity in 2021 compared to the U.S. and other OECD countries. These subsidies have allowed importers to target the U.S. market and price rebar below market value 84 percent of the time, capturing significant market share at the direct expense of American manufacturers.

Unfortunately, unfairly traded rebar imports from the subject countries increased 23.5 percent from 2022 to 2024, causing rebar prices to drop significantly over the time period from $1.03/kg to $0.59/ kg, resulting in sharp declines in profitability for the domestic industry as well as underutilization of existing assets and delay of new investments. This profitability decline and underutilization demonstrated that the U.S. rebar industry has been materially injured by unfair imports from these subject countries.

American companies and workers can out compete companies from any other country. However, American rebar producers deserve to compete on a fair and level playing field. As your important work on these investigations continues, we urge you to carefully review the evidence presented and fully enforce our trade laws. It is imperative that unfairly traded imports do not undermine American rebar producers and the thousands of workers they support.

Thank you for your time and consideration of this important matter.

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Cassidy Advances Senate Legislation to Make Housing More Affordable, Secures Three Key Louisiana Priorities

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) issued the following statement after voting for the Renewing Opportunity in the American Dream (ROAD) to Housing Act. The package includes Cassidy’s priorities to support veterans, boost disaster recovery, and make housing affordable again. All are major Louisiana priorities that Cassidy worked to secure.

“Families are working hard, doing everything right, and still can’t afford a home,” said Dr. Cassidy. “The wins I helped secure in this bill help make that dream of homeownership achievable.”

Provisions Cassidy helped champion for Louisiana in the ROAD to Housing Act:

Legislation to fix a broken disaster recovery system that has left Louisiana families waiting too long for help. The legislation strengthens HUD’s disaster recovery grants, improves federal coordination, and establishes a dedicated office to ensure communities can rebuild faster and stronger.

Legislation to ensure disabled veterans’ benefits don’t count against them when applying for housing assistance. The legislation includes provisions to support other related housing needs.

Legislation to unlock additional private capital for affordable housing and community development in rural Louisiana communities. This legislation is market-driven, deregulatory, and directly beneficial to the state.

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Senators Collins, Kim, McCormick, Gillibrand Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Seniors from Scams

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins, Andy Kim (D-NJ), Dave McCormick (R-PA), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) this week introduced the Senior Security Act. The bipartisan legislation would help stop financial predators from scamming America’s seniors and protect seniors’ savings by creating a Senior Investor Task Force within the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and strengthening protections and safeguards for senior investors.

“As a Senator representing the oldest state in the country, I have consistently worked to fight fraud and financial exploitation targeted at older Americans,” said Senator Collins. “This bipartisan bill would ensure that the Securities and Exchange Commission has the expertise needed to coordinate the efforts of state authorities and regulators to reduce the risk of senior investors being defrauded.”

“Scammers are preying on our seniors, stealing billions of dollars from Americans’ hard-earned retirement savings. Aging with dignity and security shouldn’t be too much to ask for in our country. We need this legislation and task force to take targeted and thorough action to confront these crimes and stand up for our nation’s seniors,” said Senator Kim.

“Pennsylvania seniors deserve to be protected from scammers looking to steal their retirement savings,” said Senator McCormick. “I’m proud to work across the aisle to give the Securities and Exchange Commission stronger tools to crack down on fraud and ensure our seniors are not targets of financial scammers.”

“Senior investors deserve to be protected, especially as scammers increasingly target older Americans, robbing them of their hard-earned savings and stealing their personal information,” said Senator Gillibrand. “As the top-ranking Democrat on the Senate Aging Committee, I’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact these scams have on older Americans and their families, and how far too often federal agencies remain unprepared to address the specific needs of older populations. Our Senior Security Act would establish a dedicated task force to better protect investors over the age of 65 and help create the stronger protections that our seniors and their families deserve. I am proud to introduce this legislation and will fight to get it across the finish line.”

According to the Federal Trade Commission, financial fraud was estimated to cost seniors as much as $81.5 billion in 2024 alone, primarily through investment scams. The Senior Security Act would establish the Senior Investor Taskforce at the SEC to:

Identify challenges that senior investors encounter, including problems associated with financial exploitation and cognitive decline;

Identify areas in which senior investors would benefit from changes at the Commission or the rules of self-regulatory organizations;

Coordinate, as appropriate, with other offices within the Commission and other taskforces that may be established within the Commission, self-regulatory organizations, and the Elder Justice Coordinating Council;

Consult, as appropriate, with state securities and law enforcement authorities, state insurance regulators, and other federal agencies; and

Submit a required biennial report to Congress that includes:

A summary of recent trends and innovations that have impacted the investment landscape for senior investors;

A summary of initiatives that have concentrated on senior investors and industry practices related to senior investors;

Key observations, best practices, and areas needing improvement, involving senior investors identified during examinations, enforcement actions, and investor education outreach;

A summary of the most serious issues encountered by senior investors, including issues involving financial products and services; and

Recommendations for such changes to the rules or guidance of the Commission and self-regulatory organizations and such legislative actions to resolve problems encountered by senior investors.

Click here for the complete text of the bill.

U.S. Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-05) and Ann Wagner (R-MO-02) also introduced the Senior Security Act in the House of Representatives where it passed unanimously.

The Senior Security Act has been endorsed by AARP. Click here to read AARP’s full endorsement of the legislation.

While Senator Collins served as the Chair of the Senate Aging Committee from 2015 to 2021, there were 25 hearings held in seven years to examine scams affecting older Americans. The committee continues to release an annual Fraud Book outlining the top 10 scams reported to the Committees Fraud Hotline.

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Sens. Collins, King, Rep. Golden Demand IRS Reopen Bangor and Augusta Tax Assistance Centers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, and U.S. Representative Jared Golden are calling on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to immediately reverse the closure of its Augusta and Bangor Tax Assistance Centers (TAC).

TACs are physical offices that offer assistance to Mainers who lack stable internet access, need help navigating technology, or otherwise need in-person assistance. With the Presque Isle TAC having previously been shuttered and Downeast Maine long lacking its own TAC, some Northern Mainers already travel hundreds of miles to access IRS services in Bangor. If the Bangor and Augusta offices — the only TACs in Maine’s Second Congressional District — were to remain closed, a resident of Fort Kent would face a roughly ten-hour, 600-mile trip to Maine’s only remaining TAC in South Portland.

The trio recently contacted the IRS after receiving reports from constituents that the TACs they planned to use this filing season had closed. Following confirmation of the closures from the agency, the lawmakers are now making the case that rural Maine deserves the same quality of assistance as those living in the southern part of the state.

“TACs provide critical services to rural communities and seniors,” the lawmakers wrote. “[...] We ask that you restaff and reopen the TACs in Bangor and Augusta in a timely manner, and work with the Maine Congressional Delegation on a longer-term strategy to avoid future prolonged disruptions to these services in Maine.”

In addition to asking for a long-term plan to reopen the Presque Isle TAC, the lawmakers are also pressing the IRS for answers on how the federal hiring freeze affected TAC staffing in Maine, whether Mainers who are unable to access tax assistance will receive an extended deadline to file, and what the agency’s plans are to help affected Mainers in the meantime.

Last year, the IRS rolled back a previously scheduled closure of its Bangor TAC after outreach from Maine’s delegation.

Click here to read the letter in full.

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Senator Coons celebrates Senate passage of bipartisan housing package to expand supply and lower costs

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) today celebrated passage of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, bipartisan legislation designed to increase the nation’s housing supply and improve affordability for families across the country. Senator Coons and the vast majority of his colleagues voted to pass the legislation by a vote of 89–10.

The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is the largest legislative housing package in 30 years. The bill contains a range of proposals that will do everything from offering flexible funding for communities committed to building more housing to cutting red tape to get homes built faster. The comprehensive housing package includes a measure introduced by Senator Coons: the Choice in Affordable Housing Act, aimed at streamlining rental assistance programs for affordable housing.

“America is in a housing crisis, and we need a homebuilding boom,” said Senator Coons. “I’m proud to have supported the ROAD to Housing Act to address the biggest cost for many families, and I’ll keep working with whomever I can to make Delaware a more affordable place to live. I urge the House to pass this as soon as possible so Congress can start delivering relief on American families’ number one cost.”

The package includes Senator Coons’ Choice in Affordable Housing Act with Senator Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), which aims to reduce bureaucratic barriers that discourage landlords from participating in the Housing Choice Voucher program. By cutting unnecessary red tape, the bill helps make it easier for landlords to rent to families using housing vouchers and expands access to safe, affordable housing.

While it was not included in the final bill, Senator Coons also introduced the Housing Tariff Exclusion Act as an amendment to the broader housing package. He originally introduced the legislation earlier this year with U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.). The legislation would exclude key homebuilding materials from President Trump’s tariffs in order to lower the cost of building homes. The amendment would automatically exempt many homebuilding materials from current and future tariffs and establish a process allowing importers to apply for tariff exclusions on additional materials.


Cornyn, Blackburn Introduce Bill to Prevent Fraudsters from Sending Suitcases of Cash to Somalia to Fund Terrorists

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) today introduced the Stop Somali Currency Airport Smuggling through Hawalas (CASH) Fraud Act, which would target hawalas, an informal system Somalis and individuals from other Muslim-majority countries use to transfer money, by expanding the disclosure requirements for non-citizens who are transporting cash from the U.S. to high-risk countries like Somalia:

“For decades, people who are not U.S. citizens have used the archaic, untraceable hawala banking system to ship hundreds of millions of dollars back to their homelands with little oversight,” said Sen. Cornyn. “As the now-exposed Somali fraud empire in Minnesota has proven, more transparency is desperately needed to ensure large amounts of currency transported out of the U.S. to high-risk countries like Somalia are not being used for nefarious or even terroristic purposes, and this legislation would provide just that.”

“We cannot allow illegal aliens to walk out of our airports with suitcases full of cash they may have stolen from American taxpayers,” said Sen. Blackburn. “The Stop Somali CASH Fraud Act would strengthen TSA regulations and empower Customs and Border Protection to vet these cash exports and stop illegal aliens from funding threats to our national security.”

Background:

Hawalas are part of an informal banking system in Muslim communities that became popular in Somalia in the early 1990s after civil war broke out and led to the collapse of many major government institutions, including the banking system. The civil war also caused many Somalis to move to other countries, such as the United States. Once in the U.S., Somalis would use mainstream financial institutions to transfer money as part of the hawala system back to their families in Somalia, but that largely ended in 2011 when two Somali women in Minnesota were convicted of sending al-Shabab terrorists more than $8,500 through the hawala system. Because of this, transfers through the present-day hawala banking system exclusively deal in cash and are largely untraceable, making the system ripe for fraud. It is well-known among the public and U.S. Transportation Security Agency (TSA) that the Minnesota Somali community has been enlisting couriers to fly from the U.S. to Somalia with suitcases full of undisclosed amounts of cash under the guise of the hawala system for years.

Current law requires individuals departing or entering the U.S. with more than $10,000 in cash to file FinCEN Form 105. Unfortunately, the form as written is not detailed enough to ensure such funds are not being sent overseas to fund terrorism and is often filled out at the time of departure, often preventing authorities from halting suspicious cash movements. Sen. Cornyn’s legislation would foster greater transparency and ensure money transported out of the U.S. under the hawala system is traceable.

The Stop Somali Currency Airport Smuggling through Hawalas (CASH) Fraud Act would strengthen FinCEN Form 105 disclosures for non-citizens and for money that is going to countries of concern, including state sponsors of terrorism and countries identified as a high-risk country according to the U.S. Department of State, by requiring:


Cornyn Supports TREY’S Law to Safeguard Child Abuse Survivors’ Right to Tell Their Stories

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) yesterday cosponsored the Terminating Restrictive Enforcement of Youth Settlements (TREY’S Law), which would void non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) that silence survivors of child sexual abuse. The bill is named in honor of Dallas native Trey Carlock, who was silenced by an NDA after enduring a traumatizing civil litigation process against a Christian summer camp for children, Kanakuk Kamps, over abuse he endured by a former camp director.

“No survivor of child sexual abuse should be subjected to damaging NDAs that strip their First Amendment right to tell their stories and speak out about the heinous crimes they’ve endured,” said Sen. Cornyn. “Trey’s Law is a commonsense measure that would protect the voice of survivors and ensure full transparency in child abuse cases, and I applaud Trey’s family for turning this tragic loss into advocacy for other children.”

Background:

TREY’S Law voids any NDA provision that prevents a victim or anyone else with knowledge from disclosing sexual abuse of a minor. This legislation would:

Prevent the use of NDAs to silence survivors of child sexual abuse and trafficking;

Make any NDA provision unenforceable if it prohibits or restricts someone from disclosing the sexual abuse of a minor or facts related to that abuse;

And ensure these protections apply regardless of when the NDA was signed, whether before a dispute arose or as part of a civil settlement agreement.

The bill, introduced by Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) and also cosponsored by Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Katie Britt (R-AL), Peter Welch (D-VT), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH0, is named in honor of child abuse survivor Trey Carlock, a resident of Dallas, Texas, who was silenced by an NDA, was retraumatized by a civil litigation process against Kanakuk Kamps, and ultimately died by suicide at age 28. The litigation process was related to crimes committed by Pete Newman, a former director of Kanakuk Kamps, who was convicted of sexual abuse, and groomed and sexually abused Trey and others. In 2010, Newman was convicted on multiple counts of child sexual abuse involving at least 57 victims.

Trey was required to file civil litigation by the age of 23 due to Texas’ civil statute of limitations for child sexual abuse cases at the time of his abuse, which became known publicly through a 2009 criminal investigation. Kanakuk’s settlements with “John Does” like Trey included restrictive NDAs that silenced victims and concealed what Kanakuk knew about the abuse.

Before he died by suicide, Trey told a therapist, “They will always control me, and I’ll never be free.” His story has inspired others to speak out about institutional abuse and advocate for NDA reform to prevent victims of childhood sexual abuse or trafficking from telling their stories.

This legislation is endorsed by the National Children’s Alliance, Protect Our Children, Tim Tebow Foundation, American Association for Justice, and Joyful Heart Foundation.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353

March 12, 2026

Cotton Introduces Bill to Ban Chinese Nationals from Handling U.S. Military Equipment

Washington, DC — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced legislation to ban Communist Chinese nationals from operating trucks carrying Department of War (DoW) cargo. The Trucking Security and CCP Disclosure Act requires the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to establish and maintain a registry for handlers cleared to transport DoW freight.

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

“Communist China continues spying on American military technology by exploiting truck drivers handling Department of War cargo. My bill will require anyone handling military freight to be properly vetted to ensure our adversaries cannot gain access to valuable information,” said Senator Cotton.

“Most Americans would be shocked to learn that U.S. law does not already prohibit Communist China's military from receiving transportation contracts tied to American defense projects. This bicameral legislation closes that loophole by establishing a clear firewall between the Chinese Communist Party and Department of War contracts. American tax dollars should never benefit our greatest adversary at the expense of U.S. national security,” said Representative Stefanik.

Text of the bill can be found here.

The Trucking Security and CCP Disclosure Act would:

Require trucking companies carrying Department of War (DoW) cargo to certify that they have no ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) or Chinese companies that pose a threat to national security.

Require the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to establish and maintain a registry for carriers that pass extensive national security checks and are cleared to handle DoWfreight.

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Senate Passes Housing Bill With Broad Bipartisan Support, Includes Cramer-Authored Provisions

***Click here for audio.***

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Housing markets in the United States have struggled for decades with stubborn inflation, making the goal of homebuying much harder to attain. A comprehensive bill aimed at increasing housing supply to meet consumer demand is making its way through Congress and has Republicans and Democrats hopeful for change. The bill, called The 21st Century Renewing Opportunity in the American Dream (ROAD) to Housing Act, includes two provisions authored by U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), who serves on the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee. In a vote of 89 to 10 today, it passed the Senate and now advances to the U.S. House of Representatives.

The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is the result of the first housing markup in the Banking Committee held in over a decade, which passed unanimously out of the committee last year. The legislation is a comprehensive overhaul of U.S. housing policies and is intended to use market forces and regulatory reform to make home ownership more attainable.

“By reducing red tape and tackling roadblocks, we are really making the dream of home ownership a more accessible reality for Americans,” said Cramer. “The passage of this bill, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, is the result of the whole Banking Committee, from Chairman Tim Scott to Elizabeth Warren, working together to pass over three dozen housing reforms, that include my Appraisal Industry Improvement Act and the Choice in Affordable Housing Act that I introduced. Comprehensive housing reform is long overdue and we should have gotten to it sooner. I encourage the House to please take this bipartisan momentum that we’ve created in the Senate and get this bill across the finish line and to the President’s desk.”

Cramer’s provisions address the appraisal workforce shortage and streamline inspections for new landlords.

Rural communities in North Dakota and across the country are experiencing an appraiser shortage, leading to delays for appraisals and extending the homebuying process for purchasers and sellers. North Dakotans have experienced an average wait time of 21 days for home appraisals, while the national average is between six to nine days. Cramer introduced the Appraisal Industry Improvement Act alongside U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) last year, which supports building the appraiser workforce to lessen transaction delays. The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act includes this bipartisan provision.

The legislation also includes a portion of Cramer’s and U.S. Senator Chris Coons’ (D-DE) Choice in Affordable Housing Act to reduce U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development inspection delays. This section allows units financed through other federal housing programs to automatically satisfy voucher inspection requirements if inspected within the past year. Additionally, it reduces duplication and administrative burden for new landlords to request pre-inspections to increase access to housing for voucher holders and encourage landlord participation.

Two bills Cramer cosponsored are in the bill. One is the Community Investment and Prosperity Act and the Rural Housing Service Reform Act. The Community Investment and Prosperity Act increases the Public Welfare Investment cap from 15% to 20%, to enhance banks’ capacity to make investments in affordable housing. The last time Congress raised the cap on “public welfare investments” was in 2006 as part of the Financial Services Regulatory Relief Act of 2006. This increased investment will help supply the demand for affordable housing.

The other bill, the Rural Housing Service Reform Act, led by U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-SD) and Tina Smith (D-MN), expands housing opportunities by offering loans, grants, and rental assistance to rural communities across the country. Rural communities only saw a 1.7% increase in the number of housing units between 2010 and 2020, with almost half of states seeing a decrease in the number of rural units available. The bill also makes critical reforms to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Housing Service programs, including allowing Section 521 Rental Assistance to continue even after a Section 515 mortgage matures. Under current law, when a Section 515 mortgage expires, the associated rental assistance ends as well. These updates will allow affordable housing units to stay available even after a mortgage with USDA is paid off.


Crapo Congratulates Idaho Delegates to United States Senate Youth Program

Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) welcomed Idaho’s delegates to the 64th annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) held March 7-14, 2026, in Washington, D.C. Lola Ann Barron, of Post Falls, and Caleb Fernando Torgenson, of Hayden, were selected from among Idaho’s top student leaders to participate in the 104-student national delegation.

“Congratulations to Lola and Caleb for working hard and being chosen to serve as Idaho’s delegates,” said Crapo. “They have demonstrated a strong commitment to bettering the communities around them. Their representation of our great state in this highly competitive program highlights the abilities of Idaho youth, and I look forward to their continued success.”

To access higher resolution downloadable photos from the event, please click HERE.

Lola Barron, a senior, serves as the Student Body President at Post Falls High School. She gained firsthand experience with democratic processes through the American Legion Auxiliary Idaho Girls State and Girls Nation programs. Lola also completed 120 hours in a hospital pilot program to support nurses and improve patient experiences, and she serves as a peer tutor and mentor for Spanish-speaking students in her community. After graduation, she plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in biology on a pre-med track, with the long-term goal of becoming an Obstetrician-Gynecologist and working at a teaching hospital.

Caleb Torgenson, a senior at Coeur d'Alene High School, serves as the Vice Chair of the Student Advisory Group, where he works with the School Board on district policy changes. A leader in his school's theatre department, he has performed in four productions and competed in four State Drama tournaments. Caleb holds a 4.346 grade point average and earned four perfect scores on his Advanced Placement exams last spring. He is also active in his community, from choreographing lightsaber fights for school events to volunteering as a local library mascot. Caleb plans to study political science in college and pursue a career in public policy or elected office.

In addition to Lola and Caleb, Madelyn Buehler, of Meridian, and Chayse Van Eps, of Terreton, were chosen as the two alternates to this year’s program.

During the program week, the student delegates will attend meetings and briefings with senators, the President, a justice of the Supreme Court and other high-level officials.

In addition to the experience, each of the delegates will receive a $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship. The scholarship and program week in Washington, D.C., are fully funded by the William Randolph Hearst Foundation. All transportation, meals and accommodation are provided. No government funds are used for the program.

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U.S. Senate Passes 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act

Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo voted in favor of final passage of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, sweeping bipartisan legislation aimed at expanding access to affordable housing and lowering costs for Idaho families seeking to achieve the American Dream of homeownership. The Senate passed the bill by a vote of 89-10.

“Lack of affordable housing is one of the top concerns I hear from Idahoans during meetings throughout the state,” said Crapo. “Cutting unnecessary red tape will help address the housing supply shortage, making it easier to build and buy homes and bringing the dream of homeownership within reach for more Americans.”

The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act contains several measures to address overregulation contributing to excessive costs and construction and zoning delays. The legislation also modernizes federal housing programs while generating no new government spending.

As a senior member of the U.S. Senate Banking Committee, Crapo played a key role in shaping the comprehensive reforms package.

The Senator led or co-sponsored several provisions included in the final housing bill, including:

The Housing Supply Expansion Act: Would modernize the federal definition of “manufactured housing” to include modular or prefabricated homes built without a permanent chassis, expanding consumer access to more efficient and cost-effective designs.

The Rural Housing Services Reform Act: Would modernize and streamline the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Housing Service to improve homeownership opportunities in rural areas.

The Reducing Homelessness through Program Reform Act: Would cut red tape and encourage local solutions to address homelessness, including reforms to the Housing Choice Voucher Program and improved coordination among local entities to deliver integrated support.

The Housing Unhoused Disabled Veterans Act: Would permanently exclude veterans’ disability payments from annual income for housing assistance eligibility under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program.

The Helping More Families Save Act: Would create a pilot escrow account program to automatically enroll families in HUD’s Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program.

The legislation was introduced by Senators Tim Scott (R-South Carolina) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts), Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Banking Committee, and an earlier version of the legislation advanced out of Committee unanimously. It awaits further consideration by the U.S. House of Representatives.

View the Senate Banking Committee’s fact sheet on the legislation HERE.

Full text of the bill is available HERE, and a section-by-section summary is available HERE.

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Working Families Tax Cuts Drive Investment to Local Communities

Washington, D.C.—In addition to preventing the largest tax hike in American history, the Working Families Tax Cuts advanced by U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) are encouraging domestic investment in communities across Idaho. Policies like the New Markets Tax Credit, Low-Income Housing Tax Credit and the Opportunity Zone program have helped to attract capital, create jobs, and finance housing in rural and distressed areas. With new enhancements on top of the permanent renewal of those programs, hardworking American families have opportunities to get ahead no matter where they live.

“These policies have resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars flowing into Idaho, creating long-term, productive investments in rural communities across the state,” said Crapo. “Permanently extending and enhancing these provisions will help create more good-paying jobs for Idaho families and build a strong foundation for additional economic development.”

Key wins:

Permanent extension of the New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) encourages more private investment in low-income communities.

In Rupert, Idaho, Pipeline Plastics opened a new manufacturing facility, employing more than fifty people, thanks to the NMTC.

Permanent renewal and enhancement of the Opportunity Zone program will create over $100 billion in domestic investment.

Qualified rural opportunity funds will receive a 30 percent step-up in basis, three times the amount available to other funds.

Permanent expansion of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit will give over one million additional American families access to affordable housing.

What they are saying:

“Achieving permanence for the NMTC provides certainty to thousands of businesses and investors and delivers more jobs, business opportunities and capital to high-impact investments prioritized by local communities. Our partnerships with local businesses and community organizations across the country can now continue to help Americans most in need to prosper.” – New Markets Tax Credit Coalition

"Southern Idaho has become one of the most successful rural regions in the country, and programs like the New Markets Tax Credit and the Trump Administration's Opportunity Zones are a big reason why. With Senator Crapo’s support of these important tools, we’ve been able to attract investment, create jobs, and transform communities across the Magic Valley. The results speak for themselves—Southern Idaho is thriving." – Idaho State Senate President Pro Tempore Kelly Anthon

“The Housing Credit provisions in the reconciliation bill will finance well over a million more affordable homes in the U.S. – a profound impact at a time of staggering need. We applaud this effort to take an unprecedented step toward resolving a crisis that continues to affect millions of Americans.” – Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition

Click HERE to learn more about how the Working Families Tax Cuts invest in community development.

Click HERE to learn more about the Finance Committee provisions in the Working Families Tax Cuts.

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Sen. Cruz Statement on Voting Against 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) released the following statement after voting against the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act:

“Lowering housing costs for all Americans is a priority for this Republican Congress, but this bill falls far short of that goal.

“Although this legislation prevents the Federal Reserve from issuing a central bank digital currency (CBDC), it only pauses the development until December 31, 2030. My Anti-CBDC Act takes the correct approach by permanently prohibiting the Federal Reserve from ever issuing a CBDC, directly or indirectly.

“I agree with President Trump that large banks should not be buying single-family homes. Unfortunately, this legislation goes beyond that principle and restricts those hoping to build new rental housing for Americans by requiring build-to-rent homes to be sold within seven years. Restricting the supply of newly built rental units should not be enshrined in law.

“Additionally, giving the Department of Housing and Urban Development authority to develop zoning and land-use frameworks raises serious concerns. Washington bureaucrats should not dictate zoning decisions for local communities like my hometown of Houston.

“The bill also risks giving a future Democratic administration the ability to impose policies like a rent moratorium by granting the Treasury Secretary broad authority to rewrite key provisions through the regulatory state.

“I remain optimistic that House Financial Services Chairman French Hill can address these significant concerns through the conference process. I look forward to working toward a final product that actually makes housing more affordable for all Americans instead of expanding the government’s authority to regulate who buys homes.”


What They Are Staying: Fiscal Commission Act

Legislation to strengthen U.S. fiscal health and stabilize the nation’s finances draws widespread support

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators John Curtis (R-UT) and Angus King (I-ME) today announced key stakeholder support for their Fiscal Commission Act. The legislation, introduced earlier this month, would create a bipartisan, bicameral fiscal commission tasked with finding legislative solutions to stabilize spending and decrease the national debt, which now exceeds $38.8 trillion. Joining Curtis and King as cosponsors of the legislation are Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Chris Coons (D-DE), Todd Young (R-IN), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and Mark Warner (D-VA).

What They Are Saying:

“Congress should review and update activities throughout the federal budget. A well-designed fiscal commission like Senators Curtis and King’s Fiscal Commission Act can help Congress rebuild trust, start looking at everything, and move toward more responsible stewardship. Ideally, it would lay the foundation for Congress to embrace a more holistic and effective regular order for budgeting.” — Americans for Prosperity, Kurt Couchman, Senior Fellow in Fiscal Policy

“The growing national debt is raising costs for American families, while federal interest payments on our debt are crowding out our ability to invest in critical programs. This unsustainable dynamic risks further weakening the U.S. economy if Congress fails to act. BPC Action applauds Senators Curtis, King, Tillis, Coons, Young, Kaine, Cassidy, Shaheen, Cramer, and Warner for leading the Fiscal Commission Act and urges Congress to pass this legislation, which will bring together federal policymakers and experts to negotiate achievable ideas to rein in deficits that both sides can advance.” — Bipartisan Policy Center Action, Michele Stockwell, President

“I commend Senators John Curtis (R-UT) and Angus King (I-ME) for introducing the Senate companion to the bipartisan House Fiscal Commission Act, championed by Representatives Bill Huizenga (R-MI) and Scott Peters (D-CA). With interest costs on America’s debt exceeding what the government spends on national defense, as debt is on track to exceed the size of the U.S. economy next year, it is urgent that members of Congress address the growing US debt crisis, before bondholders force legislators to take far worse austerity measures or push the Fed to allow inflation to run rampant.” — Cato Institute, Romina Boccia, Director of Budget and Entitlement Policy

“We’re more indebted today as a share of the economy than we’ve ever been outside of a war. Now more than ever, we need a bipartisan commission to address our unsustainable fiscal path. We need a venue where honest dialogue can occur, where our elected officials can talk to—not past—each other, and where the difficult but necessary choices of budgeting are allowed to finally happen. A bipartisan commission creates the opportunity for lawmakers to begin fixing the debt. We commend Senators Curtis (R-UT) and King (I-ME), along with all the other cosponsors of the Fiscal Commission Act, for taking this important step toward fiscal sanity.” — Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, Maya MacGuineas, President

“Financing our $38 trillion debt is driving up interest costs, crowding out private investment, and increasing the risk of inflation and long-term economic stagnation. If left unchecked, it threatens our economic stability and national security. A bipartisan fiscal commission with meaningful authority and expedited consideration of its recommendations can help break through the gridlock that has stalled progress for too long. We thank lead sponsors Senators John Curtis and Angus King as well as the eight bipartisan cosponsors for championing the bipartisan Fiscal Commission Act. With a companion bill already introduced in the House that has garnered more than 40 bipartisan cosponsors, Congress has a real opportunity to confront our nation’s growing debt.” — Concord Action, Dr. Carolyn Bourdeaux, Executive Director

“With the national debt as large as our entire economy and Social Security facing insolvency, we need a dedicated approach to solving our fiscal challenges. A bipartisan fiscal commission would enable lawmakers to develop a comprehensive plan to secure our nation’s economic future. As interest costs now exceed $1 trillion per year, the time to act is now—for the next generation.” — Peter G. Peterson Foundation, Michael A. Peterson, CEO

“PPI commends Senators King and Curtis for introducing the Fiscal Commission Act. Creating a bipartisan fiscal commission is a commonsense step toward addressing our long-term budget challenges. While it won’t solve the problem overnight, it provides a structured forum for lawmakers to discuss practical, sustainable solutions before the cost of inaction grows even larger.” — Progressive Policy Institute, Ben Ritz, Vice President of Policy Development

“Rapidly rising interest costs, looming Social Security and Medicare trust fund shortfalls, and inadequate tax revenues all underscore the urgent need for a fiscal commission. Putting our fiscal house in order will also help lower interest rates and ease inflation. Senators Curtis (R-UT) and King’s (I-ME) Fiscal Commission Act is a critical step toward addressing our nation’s long-term fiscal challenges.” — Third Way, Zach Moller, Senior Director of the Economic Program

“Lawmakers must get serious about the unsustainable path our national debt is on. We cannot keep kicking the can down the road and leaving the next generation to pay the bill. The Fiscal Commission Act offers a commonsense, bipartisan, bicameral way to bring Democrats and Republicans to the same table, level with the American people about the tough choices ahead, and put forward balanced, responsible solutions that protect working families and put our fiscal house in order. But this effort must lead to real action—not just another report that gathers dust.” — Former Senator Joe Manchin

“It is unconscionable for the U.S. to continue unchecked borrowing and leave the bill for our grandchildren to pay. We must be honest about the unsustainable path we’re on and take action. The Fiscal Commission Act would bring both parties together to start working on real bipartisan solutions before it’s too late, and I appreciate the leadership of Senators Curtis and King to advance this legislation.” — Former Senator Mitt Romney

Background:

The national debt now exceeds $38.8 trillion, which is approximately 124% of the entire U.S. economy. Both parties are to blame—fiscal policies enacted by both Democrats and Republicans have led to soaring annual budget deficits, which totaled $1.7 trillion in calendar year 2025 alone. It’s projected that the federal government will spend more than $1 trillion on interest on the debt alone in 2026, making it a larger expenditure than Medicare and national defense, and second only to Social Security.

The Fiscal Commission Act:

The legislation would establish a 16-member bipartisan, bicameral commission consisting of 12 elected officials and four outside experts.

The Speaker of the House, House Minority Leader, Senate Majority Leader, and Senate Minority Leader each appoint four individuals to the Commission, of which three must be members from their respective chambers and one must be an outside expert.

The Commission would produce a report and propose legislation aiming to improve the long-term fiscal condition of the Federal Government, stabilize the ratio of public debt to GDP within a 15-year period, and improve the solvency of Federal trust funds over a 75-year period.

The Commission would be required to vote on approval of the report and legislative language by May 17, 2027.

Any report or legislative language produced by the Commission must be approved by a majority of the 12 elected official members, with at least two being from each party.

If the Commission approves proposed legislative language, it would receive expedited consideration in both chambers.

While 60 votes would be required to invoke cloture prior to final passage in the Senate, only a simple majority would be needed for the motion to proceed, which would be privileged.


Daines in Senate Indian Affairs Committee: Complete the Fort Belknap Water Settlement, Support Montana’s Hi-Line

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today spoke with the Department of the Interior Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Scott Cameron in a Senate Indian Affairs Committee hearing. The two discussed the necessity of completing the Fort Belknap water rights settlement and supporting irrigation and infrastructure on the Milk River.

Watch the full exchange HERE.

Daines on the importance of the Fort Belknap water rights settlement:

Daines: The Fort Belknap have waited over a century to settle their water rights. In fact, they are the original tribe that led to the Winters Doctrine. They completed their settlement negotiations decades ago and have been waiting for Congress to do its job and ratify the Compact. Assistant Secretary Cameron, is ratifying an Indian water settlement an effective way to avoid decades of litigation, which would cost the government millions of dollars?

Cameron: Yes sir, absolutely.

Daines and Cameron discussed the importance of the Milk River along Montana’s Hi-Line:

Daines: I want to focus on the costs of not completing settlements, especially for farmers and ranchers. Montana’s Hi-Line is semi-arid, It’s a drought-prone region of the state. Many people, when they think of Montana, they think of Brad Pitt with a fly rod, in A River Runs Through It. And yes, we have beautiful rivers and I grew up with a fly rod in my hand until Brad Pitt ruined it for the rest of us. When you look at the Hi-Line, what you’re seeing here is spring wheat production by county. Our average rainfalls are in the 14-16 inches there. Further north up in the highlands, it’s even dryer, 12-14 inches of annual rainfall. Compare that to Washington D.C. or Seattle, which, by the way get, about the same amount of rain. They get about 40 inches of rain. Montana gets 12-14 in the Hi-Line. It is the Milk River that is the life blood of the region. It provides irrigation for 140,000 acres and drinking water for 20,000 people. As you can see, the Milk River Basin is among the most productive areas for spring wheat in the country. The same is true for winter wheat and barley. The Milk River Basin is served by the Milk River Project, an over 100-year-old irrigation project that diverts water from the St. Mary River and carries it across the Hi-Line, the northern edge of Montana. But due to drought and aging infrastructure, the Project is breaking down and delivering less and less water to irrigators. You know what they say in Montana, whiskey is for drinking and water is for fighting. That’s really true. The Project already suffered one catastrophic blowout, leaving thousands with limited irrigation and drinking water. It cost hundreds of millions of dollars to repair. There’s a saying- there’s never enough money to do it right, and always enough money to do it over. And there’s an example. The tribe is a senior water right holder. The Milk River Basin is overleveraged. Put plainly, there are more paper water rights than wet water on the ground. Without a settlement, junior water rights holders, like the farmers and ranchers, face a huge amount of uncertainty. When water rights work, it’s the date when you receive them. The older the claim, the stronger and more senior the water claim. Assistant Secretary Cameron, there are tens of thousands of unresolved claims along the Milk River. If we move to litigation instead of settlement, farmers and ranchers across the Hi-Line could lose their ability to irrigate. My question is, what might the future cost of NOT ratifying the water compact be, especially if wheat and barley producers don’t have settled water allocations?

Cameron: The implications are serious.

Daines and Cameron discussed the FBIC settlement:

Daines: I appreciate it. Adding insult to injury is our wheat and barley prices are in the tank. Our farmers are losing money right now, with higher input costs with fertilizer. It’s truly some of the toughest times we’ve seen in farm country out in Montana that I can remember. One last question Mr. Cameron. In your testimony you said the Administration supports building off past models of success for negotiating settlements. A great example was when I and the Montana delegation worked closely with the first Trump administration to get the CSKT water compact finished back in 2020. How can I get your support for the Northern Montana Water Security Act and finish Montana’s final Indian water settlement?

Cameron: I’m very familiar with the passage of that previous legislation. I can commit to finding a path forward.

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