REPRESENTATIVES TORRES, MOORE INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN BILL TO EXPAND FLOOR PLAN FINANCING TAX DEDUCTIONS TO SEMI-TRAILER DEALERSHIPS

Washington D.C. - Representatives Norma Torres (D-CA) and Blake Moore (R-UT) introduced bipartisan legislation to increase access to floor plan financing deductions for semi-trailer dealers.

Current law provides exclusions for dealerships with motor vehicles, recreational trailers, and campers to fully deduct interest paid on floor plan financing, but doesn't extend to semi-trailers. This leaves dealers in a non-parity position with automobile, truck, and recreational trailer dealers despite their shared reliance on floor plan financing.

The Semi-Trailer Tax Parity Act extends the floor plan interest financing deductibility provisions to truck trailers, semi-trailer chassis, and semi-trailer body dealership owners.

"Semi-trailers play a vital part in moving goods through the Inland Empire and to the rest of America," Rep. Norma Torres said. "Yet semi-trailer dealerships are treated differently under the tax code versus other vehicle dealerships, which causes strained finances for business owners and fewer choices for customers. That is why I am co-leading this bill to ensure tax parity for semi-trailer dealers in my district and nationwide.”

“Our federal tax code should be designed to support small businesses and encourage companies to reinvest in their own success. Semi-trailers are a critical component of nearly every sector of the economy and are essential for transporting a wide range of goods, including online orders and life-saving medicines, across the country. I’m proud to introduce the Semi-Trailer Tax Parity Act to allow semi-trailer dealers the same floor plan financing deduction that all other motor vehicle dealerships have access to," Rep. Moore said.

“The National Trailer Dealers Association is grateful for the support of Representatives Moore and Torres in crafting this bipartisan legislation that is critical for floor plan tax parity for semi-trailer dealers,” said Gwendolyn Brown, President of the National Trailer Dealers Association.

“We appreciate Rep. Moore and Rep. Torres sponsoring this bill to bring parity to the deductibility of inventory interest for all motor vehicle dealers. Under the current tax structure, a semi-trailer dealer could lose money and still be required to pay taxes. The Semi-Trailer Tax Parity Act will thankfully resolve this issue for a vital part of the transportation industry,” said Paul Christenson, President of North American Trailer in Utah.

Background:

Under IRC Section 163(j), businesses can generally deduct business interest expenses from their federal taxes by up to 30% of their adjusted taxable income. Because floor plan financing has unique needs, Congress enacted exclusions for motor vehicles, recreational trailers, and campers, allowing dealerships to fully deduct interest paid on floor plan financing.

The Semi-Trailer Tax Parity Act includes truck trailers, semi-trailer chassis, and semi-trailer bodies in the definition of “motor vehicle” under the 163(j) section of the tax code.

Lack of inclusion has resulted in reduced capital for inventory, strained cash flows, reduced inventory levels, and the potential to owe federal taxes for semi-trailer dealerships in years when they have incurred a loss or have no taxable income. This legislation supports and ensures fairness for our locally owned dealerships.


Congressman Mike Turner’s Advocacy Advances New Intelligence Facility at Wright-Patterson AFB

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Mike Turner (OH-10) announced that the U.S. Space Force has approved $370 Million for a U.S. Space Force Intelligence Facility at Wright Patterson Air Force Base and allocated $22.2 Million in funding for architectural and engineering services and construction design.

“I advocated for these funds because this project will strengthen our national security, reinforce Wright-Patt’s strategic importance, and help ensure the Miami Valley continues to play a central role in defending our nation,” said Congressman Turner. “Wright-Patt remains a cornerstone of our national defense, and this funding is an important step forward in advancing its intelligence mission.”

The new facility is planned as a controlled, secure, multi-floor building and will support critical intelligence functions.


Congressman Valadao Launches Bipartisan Caucus to Combat Human Trafficking

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22), joined by Reps. Troy Carter (LA-02), Laurel Lee (FL-15), and Lucy McBath (GA-06), launched the Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus. This caucus is a bipartisan coalition of members committed to advancing legislation and policy initiatives that raise public awareness of human trafficking, strengthen the United States’ prevention and prosecution efforts, hold traffickers accountable, and protect human trafficking victims.

"Human trafficking is a devastating crime that preys on the most vulnerable in our Central Valley communities, and while there’s no silver bullet solution, there are actions we can take to fight back,” said Congressman Valadao. “I’m proud to launch the bipartisan Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus to strengthen support for victims and survivors, improve coordination across federal, state, and local partners, and hold traffickers accountable. This caucus will engage lived-experience experts and key stakeholders to help guide future legislative action, and I look forward to working with my co-chairs to confront this crisis head on.”

"Human trafficking is an urgent threat in communities across our nation, and New Orleans is especially vulnerable as a hub for tourism and major events, leading to an increased rate of trafficking. I’m proud to join my colleagues in launching this bipartisan caucus to strengthen coordination at every level of government and hold traffickers accountable. I am committed to elevating survivor voices, protecting vulnerable populations, and ensuring victims have access to the support and opportunities they need to rebuild their lives," said Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr.

“Human trafficking is an insidious crime that exploits both children and adults and preys on the most vulnerable in our communities,” said Rep. Lee. “I am proud to join the Congressional Combatting Human Trafficking Caucus and work alongside my colleagues to combat this abuse and hold traffickers accountable. Throughout my time in Congress, I have introduced and supported legislation focused on protecting victims and strengthening the tools law enforcement needs to stop traffickers. I look forward to continuing that work through this caucus and advancing policies that help protect vulnerable individuals and bring traffickers to justice.”

“We are proud to launch the Congressional Combating Human Trafficking Caucus, a bipartisan effort to strengthen Congress’s commitment to preventing human trafficking, protecting victims, and holding traffickers accountable,” said Rep. McBath, Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime. “Human trafficking is a grave violation of human rights that demands sustained action at every level of government. Through this caucus, we will work to raise public awareness, advance meaningful legislation, and coordinate closely with federal agencies, advocates, and community partners to confront this crime wherever it occurs. I thank my colleagues for their support on this issue. By bringing together members on both sides of the aisle, we are reinforcing our shared responsibility to combat trafficking and ensure that victims are protected.”

Supporting organizations include the American Hotel & Lodging Association, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, American Gaming Association, Interparliamentary Taskforce on Human Trafficking, Kids in Need of Defense, Polaris, TAT, Protect All Children from Trafficking, the Empowerment Dess Perkins Foundation, Kings County Sheriff’s Department, the Central Valley Justice Coalition, Central Valley Against Human Trafficking, It's a Penalty, 3Strands Global Foundation, Without Permission, Kern Coalition Against Human Trafficking, Kings Community Action Organization, California Commission on Sexual Exploitation, Wellspring Living, and Street Grace.

"The creation of the Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus is a powerful signal that our leaders in Washington are committed to treating this heinous crime with the urgency it demands. The hotel industry has been a leading voice in prevention through our No Room for Trafficking initiative which trains employees and supports survivors. We’ve long believed that preventing human trafficking requires partnership between the business community and government, and are eager to work more closely with the caucus co-chairs – Representatives David Valadao (R-CA), Laurel Lee (R-FL), Troy Carter (D-LA), and Lucy McBath (D-GA) – and all members of Congress to advance policies that strengthen prevention and support survivors on their path to stability and recovery,” said Rosanna Maietta, President and CEO, American Hotel & Lodging Association.

“The U.S. Chamber and our members are committed to combating human trafficking and we commend Rep. David Valadao, Rep. Troy Carter, Rep. Laurel Lee, and Rep. Lucy McBath for launching the Combating Human Trafficking Caucus. The U.S. Chamber looks forward to working with the Combating Human Trafficking Caucus in the fight to stop this heinous crime," said Rodney Davis, Head of Government Affairs, U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

"The AGA is proud to support the launch of the Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus. Human trafficking is an issue that affects communities in all 50 states and requires strong collaboration across government, law enforcement, and community partners. We look forward to working closely with the Caucus and its stakeholders to advance policies and initiatives that strengthen prevention, awareness, and support for survivors,” said Alex Costello, Vice President, American Gaming Association (AGA).

"Human trafficking does not respect borders, and neither can the response to it. The formation of this caucus sends a clear signal that Congress is ready to match the urgency of this crisis with sustained, bipartisan commitment. Combating human trafficking requires more than good intentions, it requires coordinated legislative action. The launch of this caucus strengthens this coordination,” said Anne Basham, Chair, Interparliamentary Taskforce on Human Trafficking.

"KIND applauds Representatives David Valadao, Troy Carter, Laurel Lee, and Lucy McBath for launching the vital Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus. The unaccompanied children that KIND serves too often face trafficking and other exploitation in their countries of origin and the United States alike. For decades, Congress has worked to address these abuses in a robust bipartisan fashion, including by helping ensure that unaccompanied children have attorneys who identify trafficking risks and guide children’s cooperation as victim-witnesses in the investigation and prosecution of perpetrators. The caucus embodies this bipartisan approach to preventing and combating trafficking. KIND looks forward to engaging with its members on pragmatic solutions that keep children safe and hold bad actors to account," said Wendy Young, President, Kids in Need of Defense.

"We welcome the establishment of this Caucus and are encouraged by its commitment to elevating the experiences and leadership of those most directly impacted by trafficking. Policies are strongest when they are informed by the realities people face in communities across the country, and when survivor insight and credible data guide the path forward. At Polaris, we believe effective policy must center survivors, protect their privacy and dignity, and draw on the best available data and insights from the field. We look forward to engaging with the Caucus as its agenda develops to help ensure these values remain at the forefront of legislative and policy efforts,” said Megan Lundstrom, CEO, Polaris.

"As a non-profit organization that partners with the transportation industry to combat human trafficking, TAT welcomes the establishment of a bipartisan Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus. Since its founding in 2009, TAT has trained over 2.5 million transportation professionals on how to recognize and report human trafficking. We also train law enforcement and facilitate the creation of public-private partnerships. Recognizing that coordinated approaches are essential, TAT supports the Caucus’ goals of elevating the voices of survivors and partnering with experts to advance policies to prevent human trafficking, recover and support survivors, and hold traffickers accountable,” said Esther Goetsch, Executive Director, TAT.

"PACT—Protect All Children from Trafficking—is thrilled to support the reconstitution of the bipartisan Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus. Human trafficking in general, and the commercial sexual exploitation of children in particular, is a terrible crime that transcends national and international borders, and efforts to prevent it must transcend political divisions. PACT looks forward to working with caucus co-chairs David Valadao, Laurel Lee, Lucy McBath, and Troy Carter to advance survivor-centered legislation that strengthens federal anti-trafficking efforts, from supporting the work of federal agencies to prevent trafficking to ensuring accountability for platforms that facilitate exploitation," said Aram Schvey, Senior Director of Policy and Government Relations, PACT.

“The Empowerment Dess Perkins Foundation, is honored to be a part of the Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus, standing in commitment to protecting our youth, vulnerable individuals, and advancing meaningful solutions to end human trafficking. As a survivor, I believe that what happens to one of us should be the business of all of us. I speak for those who cannot, turning my pain into purpose, helping create legislation, and using my voice to advocate for prevention, protection future generations, and hope for survivors everywhere,” said Dess Perkins, CEO, the Empowerment Dess Perkins Foundation.

“As Sheriff of Kings County, I’m fully committed to this coordinated effort to combat human trafficking both locally and across California’s Central Valley. Like many smaller communities, Kings County has been directly impacted by this crime, and I strongly support measures that increase penalties and strengthen collaborative enforcement efforts. Human trafficking is far more widespread than many realize and often goes unreported. I’m grateful to the Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus for taking meaningful action to fight back,” said Dave Putnam, Sheriff, Kings County.

“The Central Valley Justice Coalition is deeply grateful and encouraged by the formation of the bipartisan Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus. Since 2010, the Justice Coalition has been focused on preventing human trafficking through education, partnership, and outreach. We are pleased to see our elected officials giving appropriate priority to prevention and early intervention combined with systemic change and informed by survivor voice. We look forward to future conversations as together we work to bring freedom and flourishing to every member of our community,” said Christa Wiens, Executive Director, Central Valley Justice Coalition.

“Fresno EOC Central Valley Against Human Trafficking is proud to support the launch of the bipartisan Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus. We are encouraged to see leaders coming together to strengthen national efforts to prevent trafficking and support survivors. As a direct service provider and leading organization of the Central Valley Freedom Coalition, a regional collaborative within California’s Central Valley, we recognize the critical role federal leadership plays in advancing victim-centered responses and prevention strategies. We look forward to continued collaboration to ensure all survivors receive the support and protection they deserve,” said Misty Gattie-Blanco, MS, Director for Sanctuary and Support Services, Central Valley Against Human Trafficking.

"We support the launch of the bipartisan Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus and the opportunity it creates to strengthen coordination and prevention across sectors. Our work, delivered in partnership with frontline organizations and informed by lived experience, shows that addressing trafficking and exploitation requires trauma-informed approaches, stronger systems, and sustained collaboration. Human trafficking is a global issue that demands shared accountability, and we are committed to strengthening prevention and supporting vulnerable populations,” said Sarah de Carvalho, CEO, It’s a Penalty.

“Human trafficking cannot be addressed without centering the expertise of survivors and the organizations working alongside them every day. The formation of the Congressional Combating Human Trafficking Caucus signals a meaningful commitment to bipartisan leadership and survivor-informed policymaking. At 3Strands Global Foundation, we believe prevention, protection, and accountability must work together, and we look forward to partnering with members of Congress to advance solutions that strengthen communities and ensure survivors are not only heard, but empowered to help shape the policies that impact their lives," said Ashlie Bryant, CEO and Co-Founder, 3Strands Global Foundation.

"Since 2012 Without Permission has served 1,162 survivors of sex trafficking throughout Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties, 732 of those were children under the age of 18. Without Permission has three pillars, Prevention, Restoration, and Justice. In Prevention alone we have educated over 50,000 students. In Restoration we work to restore the survivors and support their families on their healing journey. Our Justice department works with District Attorneys, Law Enforcement agencies, and collaborates to provide trainings and education for further victim support and prevention. Without Permission exists to end sex trafficking and we are thrilled and honored to support the Combatting Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus. We believe this Caucus will make a huge difference in the fight against Human Trafficking," said Clint Rangel, Director of Prevention, Without Permission.

"The Kern Coalition Against Human Trafficking (KCAHT) stands in staunch support of victims and survivors of human trafficking through coordinated, community-based action. Since 2012, KCAHT has led a multidisciplinary approach that unites law enforcement, service providers, and community partners to deliver survivor-centered solutions and disrupt exploitation. KCAHT supports the Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus and its commitment to advancing evidence-based policy, strengthening prevention and enforcement efforts, and elevating survivor voices at the national level. We commend the Caucus for its bipartisan leadership and focus on practical, survivor-informed solutions. We stay committed to working alongside federal, state, and local leaders to drive meaningful policy, expand access to critical services, and hold traffickers accountable. Thank you for your continued leadership and dedication to combating human trafficking across the United States," said Dustin Contreras, Co-Director, Kern Coalition Against Human Trafficking.

"Kings Community Action Organization is proud to support the Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus and its bipartisan commitment to strengthening prevention, protection, and prosecution efforts nationwide. The caucus’s focus on elevating survivor voices, improving coordination across all levels of government, and advancing evidence based policies reflects our shared mission to protect vulnerable populations and hold traffickers accountable. We look forward to collaborating on initiatives that promote safety, justice, and meaningful support for all impacted by trafficking," said Joey Cox, M.A, Director of Intervention, Prevention, and Support Services, Kings Community Action Organization.

"The California Commission on Sexual Exploitation is proud to support the launch of the bipartisan Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus. This effort represents a critical step toward strengthening national coordination to prevent trafficking, protect survivors, and hold perpetrators accountable. We commend the leadership of the caucus founders for prioritizing this urgent issue and fostering collaboration across sectors. We look forward to supporting the caucus’s work to advance meaningful policies and solutions that address human trafficking in all its forms," said Dr. Tiara King, CEO, California Commission on Sexual Exploitation.

"The formation of the Congressional Combating Human Trafficking Caucus is a critical step forward in our nation's fight against one of the most heinous crimes imaginable. We are grateful to Rep. Valadao, McBath, Lee, and Carter for standing together in this bipartisan effort. At Street Grace, we know that lasting change requires bold policy, survivor-centered solutions, and unwavering political will and this caucus represents all three. We look forward to partnering with Congress to ensure that every child is protected and every trafficker is held accountable." said Bob Rodgers, CEO, Street Grace.

Caucus priorities include:

Highlighting legislation that advances evidence-based prevention, programs, and other initiatives to combat human trafficking, including sex and labor trafficking.

Supporting and enhancing the work of federal agencies to prevent trafficking, disrupt financial networks, improve data collection, hold perpetrators accountable, and protect trafficking survivors.

Promoting sustained coordination among federal, state, and local partners to address trafficking ahead of large-scale events.

Advancing policies that ensure access to economic stability, legal remedies, and supportive services for victims of human trafficking.

Protecting youth and vulnerable populations through online safety safeguards, early intervention, and accountability for platforms that facilitate exploitation.

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Rep. Gabe Vasquez Leads Sweeping Energy Bills Relief Act to Lower Utility Bill Prices for Hardworking New Mexicans

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On March 18, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) announced a new bill to cut energy costs, modernize the electric grid, and protect consumers from politically driven decisions that drive up prices. Rep. Vasquez introduced the Energy Bills Relief Act alongside Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49), which comes as New Mexicans are feeling the strain of rising electricity costs.

Under the current Administration, average electricity prices in New Mexico have increased nearly nine percent, and in 2025 alone, at least one utility serving New Mexico enacted a rate hike totaling more than $328 million, affecting more than 500,000 customers. According to reports and filings, additional rate hikes could increase the average residential bill for New Mexicans living in the southeastern part of the state by as much as $100 per month.

“Hardworking New Mexicans are doing everything they can to stay ahead, but rising utility bills are pushing family budgets to the brink,” said Vasquez. “We can’t keep passing the cost of an aging grid, political games, and unchecked infrastructure demands onto families. This bill is about putting consumers first and making energy affordable again.”

The Energy Bills Relief Act takes a multi-pronged approach to bring down prices for hardworking New Mexicans, including:

Restoring clean energy tax credits and repealing harmful provisions of the Republican tax law that have contributed to higher prices

Expanding the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and reauthorizing the Weatherization Assistance Program, helping seniors and working families reduce their monthly bills

Investing $2.1 billion in modernizing transformers and grid technology to address the aging infrastructure driving price spikes

Cutting red tape to speed up the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) processing of interconnection requests to bring more affordable energy online faster

Granting new authority to FERC and the Department of Energy (DOE) to strengthen transmission capacity and build a more disaster-resilient grid

Preventing politically motivated terminations of DOE and EPA grants and the termination of specific energy projects, like wind and solar

Unlocking New Mexico’s geothermal potential by giving the Bureau of Land Management cost recovery authority to process more permits

The legislation is endorsed by the League of Conservation Voters, Moms Clean Air Force, Earthjustice, Natural Resources Defense Council, Climate Action Campaign, Sierra Club, and the Southern Environmental Law Center.

Lowering utility bills for New Mexicans is a core pillar of Rep. Vasquez’s Affordability Agenda, a concrete plan to address the affordability crisis facing hardworking New Mexicans. Rep. Vasquez has:

Rolled out bipartisan legislation to cut red tape and reduce energy costs for families, such as the Create Expedited Reviews to Transform American Infrastructure Now (CERTAIN) Act.

Led efforts to reduce energy waste through the introduction of his bipartisan Waste Heat to Wattage Act.

Led the New Mexico delegation in demanding that the Administration immediately fund the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) as New Mexico families prepared for colder temperatures this winter amidst sharply rising energy costs.

Signed on as a proud member of the Lowering Utility Bills Caucus, which launched in January to tackle the affordability crisis in electricity, gas, and water costs.

Condemned the administration’s decision to cut $135 million in Department of Energy funding for projects in New Mexico, including $56 million in canceled investment for oil and gas modernization efforts in New Mexico’s second district.

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Rep. Gabe Vasquez Statement on Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Cesar Chavez

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On March 18, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) released the following statement on the sexual abuse allegations against Cesar Chavez:

"The accounts of sexual abuse and rape involving Cesar Chavez are abhorrent and appalling, and I condemn his actions in the strongest terms possible. The survivors who came forward must be heard, supported, and taken seriously. This moment demands real accountability, including removing his name from our schools, streets, and other public landmarks. The movement Chavez helped advance belongs to the people and to the farmworkers, not any one person, and confronting the truth is necessary to move forward with justice, compassion, and integrity."

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Walkinshaw, Moylan Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Reduce Delays for Veterans with PTSD and Brain Injuries

Washington, D.C. — Congressman James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11) and Congressman James C. Moylan (GU-00) introduced the Streamline Upgrades for Veterans Act, legislation to help ensure veterans living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or traumatic brain injury (TBI) receive timely consideration when seeking relief related to their military discharge status. The Government Accountability Office found inconsistent adjudication timelines of discharge upgrade requests across the services.

Veterans, particularly those suffering from PTSD or TBI, often rely on discharge upgrades to access VA health care, housing assistance, and other earned benefits. Prolonged adjudication delays can leave veterans waiting years for relief.

The bill would prevent reductions in staffing at military review boards through December 31, 2030, and require the Department of Defense to submit a report to Congress on how long it takes to review cases involving veterans seeking to appeal their discharge tied to PTSD or TBI. The legislation would also require a public summary of that report to be posted online by both the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

“Veterans carrying the effects of trauma and invisible wounds deserve a system that works as efficiently as possible as they seek fair reviews of their military discharge status,” said Congressman Walkinshaw. “That means adequate staffing, timely reviews, and a clear look at the bureaucratic hurdles standing in their way. Veterans answered the call to serve our country, and it is our responsibility to make sure the system works for them when they come home.”

“Our veterans should never have to fight another battle just to receive the benefits they earned through their service,” said Congressman Moylan. “When delays stretch into years, especially for those suffering from PTSD and traumatic brain injuries, the system is failing them. This bill takes a critical step toward accountability, transparency, and faster decisions for those who need it most.”

Under current law, protections against reducing personnel assigned to service review agencies expired at the end of 2025. This legislation would extend those protections for five additional years to help preserve the staffing needed to process these cases.

The bill also directs the Department of Defense to examine differences in review times across military departments, report on the number of personnel assigned to these cases, and provide recommendations to help speed up the process. The Secretary of Defense would also be required to brief Congress on the report’s findings, and an executive summary would be made publicly available online.

The Streamline Upgrades for Veterans Act was referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.

The legislation is endorsed by the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Read the bill text here.

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Webster Votes to Pass Balanced Budget Amendment

Washington, D.C. — Florida Congressman Daniel Webster, R-Clermont, voted to pass H.J.Res. 139, legislation proposing an amendment to the Constitution requiring the federal government to operate under a balanced budget.

“This amendment would ensure that spending is aligned with revenues, requiring lawmakers to make the same tough decisions about government spending that as families and small businesses make every day.,” said Rep. Webster. “For two years, Congress has adopted budgets that have reduced spending year to year, but much more work is needed to restore fiscal responsibility. A Balanced Budget Amendment would require every Congress from here on out to more responsibility manage the nation’s finances.”

H.J.Res 139 would force our country to live within its means by requiring all spending bills passed not exceed total revenues.

Webster added, “I have long advocated for a return to a more responsible budget process, and I believe that commitment starts with personal responsibility. That is why I have reduced my congressional salary and office budget every year, returning the savings to the Treasury as a small but meaningful step toward restoring fiscal responsibility.”

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Wittman Introduces Counting Aluminum Net Surplus (CANS) Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) introduced the Counting Aluminum Net Surplus (CANS) Act — legislation that requires the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the U.S. Geological Survey, to conduct an ongoing study assessing how much aluminum is disposed of in U.S. landfills and how aluminum scrap moves through domestic and international markets.

“This Global Recycling Day, I am proud to introduce the CANS Act — which will reduce waste and promote resource efficiency, ” said Rep. Wittman. “This legislation is not only critical for conservation and recycling efforts, but also for defense supply chain security and U.S. economic competitiveness. I look forward to supporting the CANS Act as it moves through the legislative process.”

Why It Matters:

Supply chain security: Aluminum is critical for defense, transportation, and manufacturing.

National security: Reducing exports of aluminum scrap limits reliance on foreign entities of concern.

Economic competitiveness: Improved recycling supports U.S. manufacturers and domestic jobs.

Environmental benefits: Diverting aluminum from landfills reduces waste and promotes resource efficiency.

“Every year, nearly $1.2 billion worth of aluminum is lost in landfills across the country. Aluminum is too valuable a resource to bury underground and remove from our supply chain. The CANS Act will give policymakers the clear, transparent data necessary to strengthen domestic recycling and support American manufacturers while cutting waste and improving supply chain resilience. Ball Corporation is grateful to Congressman Wittman for his leadership on this issue, and we look forward to working closely with him to advance this policy in the months ahead.” - John Campbell, Vice President, Government Relations, Ball Corporation

“The Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI) applauds Congressman Wittman for introducing the Counting Aluminum Net Surplus (CANS) Act of 2026. This bill will assess how much aluminum is being lost to landfills or exported instead of being recycled domestically,” said CMI President Scott Breen. “By studying aluminum disposal and recycling flows, policymakers will have actionable data to boost U.S. recycling systems and keep valuable materials, like aluminum, in the domestic supply chain. Improving aluminum recovery and keeping recyclable materials in the United States ultimately will help strengthen American manufacturing and protect our national food security.”

“Every year, thousands of tons of recyclable aluminum end up in landfills, material that should become new products and create economic value. The CANS Act brings the data we need to see where aluminum is being lost so we can capture more of it, recycle it, and keep it working in the American economy. When we recover valuable materials instead of burying them, we strengthen supply chains, create jobs, and build a more resilient domestic manufacturing system." - Anthony Tusino, Senior Director of Public Policy & Government Affairs at The Recycling Partnership


Wittman’s Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act Passes House of Representatives

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Rob Wittman’s (VA-01) Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2025 (H.R. 556) was passed by a vote of 215-202 in the U.S. House of Representatives. This legislation will prohibit the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture from banning the use of lead ammunition or tackle on federal lands and waters unless such regulation is consistent with state law and supported by science. The measure now moves on to the Senate.

“As a lifelong hunter and recreational fisherman, I understand the importance of balancing conservation with preserving access for sportsmen,” said Rep. Wittman. “The Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2025 achieves that balance by ensuring future generations of hunters and anglers can continue to participate in these activities while promoting responsible stewardship. By preventing executive overreach in the future, this legislation is critical to preserving access for sportsmen and women who rely on traditional lead fishing tackle and ammunition, and it reinforces the use of sound science in decision-making. I am pleased that the House has passed this legislation, and I look forward to seeing it advance to the Senate.”

“House passage of the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act wouldn’t have been possible without Rep. Wittman’s leadership,” said Glenn Hughes, President of the American Sportfishing Association. “H.R. 556 ensures that decisions about the use of fishing equipment are grounded in science and respect the role of state fish and wildlife agencies. Maintaining access to affordable fishing equipment is critical for the 58 million Americans who fish and the jobs and economic activity supported by the recreational fishing industry.”

“The Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act represents a critical step forward in ensuring that America’s sportsmen and women can continue to access our public lands and waters using traditional, affordable fishing tackle and ammunition,” said Taylor Schmitz, Senior Vice-President of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation. “By grounding federal decision-making in sound science, protecting state wildlife management authority, and preventing arbitrary restrictions on fishing tackle and ammunition, this legislation protects both outdoor traditions and the conservation funding they support.”

Background:

Congressman Wittman originally introduced this legislation in response to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) decision to enter settlement negotiations with activist litigants like the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) over a lawsuit regarding the use of traditional ammunition and lead on over 3 million acres of federal land. In October 2023, the Biden-Harris administration issued a final rule to prohibit the use of lead ammunition and tackle in eight national wildlife refuges. The concern over the potential ban of lead ammunition and tackle is due to the fact that lead ammunition is easier and cheaper to make and more readily available for consumers. Banning its use would make hunting less accessible by increasing the financial barriers for sportsmen and women. Earlier this spring, Department of Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s Secretarial Order mimicked the legislation and Congressman Wittman applauded that step.

The bill is supported by the American Sportfishing Association, National Shooting Sports Foundation, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, Safari Club International, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, and National Rifle Association.


Alsobrooks Votes Yes AGAIN on War Powers Resolution

TRAVEL ALERT: To receive the latest security alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate, we encourage all Maryland constituents abroad to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), follow the U.S. Department of State – Security Updates for U.S. Citizens channel on WhatsApp (click the link) and follow the Department of State on social media at @TravelGov. Constituents can also find alerts at the Embassy’s website and on Travel.State.gov. Marylanders in the Middle East who need to reach the State Department can call Consular Affairs 24/7 at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad) and +1-888-407-4747 (from the United States and Canada).

March 18, 2026

WASHINGTON, DC — Senator Alsobrooks (D-Md.) released the following statement after voting for Senator Booker’s War Powers Resolution:

“Earlier this month, I voted for Senator Kaine’s War Powers Resolution to end the President’s war with Iran. Tonight, I voted for Senator Booker’s War Powers Resolution to end the President’s war with Iran.

“What hasn’t changed is the fact that there is neither a rationale nor a strategy for this war.

“What has changed is that gas prices have dramatically spiked, and more Americans have been killed in this unauthorized, illegal war of choice.

“War is always paid for by working class Americans. An affordability crisis is already gripping the nation, and it’s clear this President does not care.

“End the war. Save American lives. Lower our costs.”

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Baldwin, Colleagues Force Vote on Trump’s Illegal War in Iran

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and her colleagues Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) forced the Senate to vote on the Trump Administration’s ongoing unconstitutional war in Iran. The vote on one of their War Powers Resolutions comes after Baldwin and her colleagues stated that they would use these resolutions to force debate and additional votes if Republican leadership did not move swiftly to arrange public committee hearings with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Senator Baldwin voted to stop the illegal war, but Senate Republicans stood with President Trump and defeated the effort.

“Donald Trump is breaking laws and breaking his promises to the American people. Instead of an affordable country at peace, costs are up and we are careening into another open-ended war. This war is just not what the American people signed up for – and it’s our job to stop it,” said Senator Baldwin. “Americans need some answers to why we are in this war, how we are getting out, and why President Trump is focused on a war thousands of miles away instead of addressing the high cost of living. Until we get those public hearings, expect more of these votes and more attention on this war of choice.”

It has been nearly three weeks since President Trump chose to launch his war with Iran that has resulted in the death of at least thirteen and injury of more than 200 U.S. servicemembers. Yet, Leader Thune has yet to announce or hold a single public hearing to receive testimony from the Secretaries of State or Defense under oath. Since the war began, Senators Baldwin, Kaine, Booker, Murphy, Schiff, and Duckworth all introduced War Powers Resolutions, which demand congressional approval before any further attacks are carried out. The resolutions are privileged, meaning they can be brought to the Senate floor for a vote by any senator after ten calendar days of filing.

Today, Senator Baldwin and her colleagues also hosted a conversation with a group of veterans, service members, and military families about the impact of President Trump’s illegal war in Iran.

Immediately following the initial strikes on Iran, Senator Baldwin released a statement condemning this unauthorized military action and demanding that President Trump come to Congress before launching the United States into another potentially open-ended war. Earlier this month, Senator Baldwin also took to the Senate floor in support of a War Powers Resolution to rein in this President. Additionally, Senator Baldwin co-sponsors the No War Against Iran Act to prohibit the use of federal funds for any use of military force in or against Iran without specific Congressional authorization.

Watch Senator Baldwin's remarks on the Senate floor here.

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Baldwin Successfully Pushes Trump Admin to Release $1 Billion for Blatnik Bridge

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) announced that she has successfully pushed U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Sean Duffy to release the more than $1 billion for the Blatnik Bridge replacement project. Baldwin has championed the reconstruction of the Blatnik Bridge project, including leading her colleagues in calling on Secretary Duffy to release this funding just two weeks ago.

“There is no good reason these funds should have been held up in the first place, and I am glad we forced the Trump Administration to do right by Wisconsin. Rebuilding this bridge will mean that billions of dollars’ worth of products can get to market efficiently, families can get to work on time, and millions of travelers get to their destinations safely,” said Senator Baldwin. “Wisconsin’s economy and the safety of families across the Midwest can’t wait any longer for this bridge to be rebuilt – so let’s get to work.”

Earlier in the month, Senator Baldwin led Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) in calling on Secretary Duffy to release the $1.05 billion, as further delay could result in increased costs for the project. Additionally, the call came as the Trump Administration has attempted to illegally cut funding for infrastructure projects as a tool for political retribution on other states and threatened to block the opening of a bridge between Michigan and Ontario last month.

The funding for the bridge replacement comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Senator Baldwin voted for, and all of Wisconsin’s Congressional Republicans voted against it. The Blatnik Bridge is a vital connection between Duluth, Minnesota, and Superior, Wisconsin, with over 33,000 vehicles passing through daily and 265,000 trucks transporting nearly $4 billion in goods annually.

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Senator Banks, President Trump Attend Dignified Transfer of 6 Servicemembers KIA

Dover, DE — Today, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) joined President Donald J. Trump for the dignified transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force Base for 6 servicemembers killed in action during Operation Epic Fury.

Footage from Senator Banks and President Trump’s arrival at Dover AFB here.

All six crew members of a KC-135 Air Force refueling aircraft were killed in a plane crash over western Iraq on March 12th, 2026.

The Department of War identified Captain Seth R. Koval, a 38-year-old Purdue graduate from Mooresville, Indiana as one of the fallen. Captain Koval’s military career began in 2006 when he enlisted as a machinist with the 122nd Fighter Wing of the Indiana Air National Guard in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Most recently, he served as a KC-135 Instructor Pilot assigned to the 166th Air Refueling Squadron, 121st Air Refueling Wing, at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, Ohio.

Capt. Koval is survived by his wife Heather and their young son, his parents Robert and Debora Koval, his brother Caleb Koval, and his sister Hayley Koval.

Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “Captain Seith Koval and the five other servicemembers who gave their lives made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. Their courage and selflessness will never be forgotten. I am keeping his loved ones in my prayers, asking for comfort and strength in the midst of this profound loss, and I am praying for the safety of all those who continue to put their lives on the line to defend our country.”

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Barrasso: American Elections Should be Decided by American Citizens

“As Democrats come to this Floor and fight to let illegal immigrants vote, they are simultaneously defunding American security. That’s right. Democrats would rather stand with illegal immigrants than vote to protect law-abiding citizens.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) today emphasized his support for ensuring only American citizens vote in American elections. He also discussed how Republicans are putting Americans first while Democrats prioritize illegal immigrant criminals.

Click HERE to watch Senator Barrasso’s remarks.

Sen. Barrasso’s remarks as prepared:

“Ten million illegal immigrants flooded into our country when Joe Biden was president. That is the last time Democrats were in charge of the United States Senate. Democrats now want those same illegal immigrants to have an impact on the elections in our country. Democrats are the party of open borders and illegal voters.

“Last week, the Department of Homeland Security arrested an illegal immigrant who voted in every federal election since 2008. He voted in Pennsylvania, a swing state decided by razor-thin margins. Every single time he voted, he signed a federal form. The form stated, ‘I am a citizen of the United States.’ Every single time, he signed yes. Every single time, he lied. He is not a citizen. He knew it was a crime for him to vote. He voted anyway because he could get away with it.

“That is fraud. That is a federal crime. And it happens over and over again. The reason it happens over and over again is that Democrats fight every single effort to stop it. That includes the bill before us today – the SAVE America Act.

“Yesterday, Republicans put every single Democrat in this chamber on the record. Now, all of America knows that Republicans support voter ID and Democrats do not. The SAVE America Act requires two things. One – Show a photo ID in order to vote. Two – Show proof of citizenship to register to vote. That is common sense.

“I believe only citizens of our country should be allowed to vote in our elections. I also believe you should have to show a photo ID to vote. The great majority of Americans agree with me. That’s regardless of which political party they belong to. The American people overwhelmingly agree. American elections should be decided by American citizens.

“Do you know what the Minority Leader called that on this Floor on Monday afternoon? He called it, ‘Fringe.’ Let me tell you what is fringe. Nineteen states and Washington D.C. issue driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants without proof of citizenship. In many of these same states, obtaining a driver’s license automatically registers someone to vote. No citizenship checks. No additional steps. No questions asked. No accountability. By the way, those 20 jurisdictions represent nearly 240 votes in the Electoral College.

“Look at the state of Oregon. Oregon hands out driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants. When people get a driver’s license in Oregon, they are registered automatically to vote. As a result, from 2021 until 2024, hundreds of illegal immigrants were added onto Oregon’s voter rolls. It is now 2026. Oregon is still scrambling to clean up the disaster it created.

“This is chaos Democrats continue to defend. This is the problem that will be prevented by the SAVE America Act.

“As Democrats come to this Floor and fight to let illegal immigrants vote, they are simultaneously defunding American security. That’s right. Democrats would rather stand with illegal immigrants than vote to protect law-abiding citizens.

“There have been 4 terror attacks on American soil in the past two weeks. People have died. What have Senate Democrats done about it? Last week, Senate Democrats came to this Floor and refused to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security. Blood is on their hands.

“Fully funding the Department of Homeland Security is the best way to keep Americans safe. Yet for more than a month, Democrats have practiced the politics of pain.

“Democrats have defunded bomb prevention training classes. There have been several bomb attacks on American soil in recent weeks. That includes the bombing attempt in New York City. Yet right now, because of the Democrat shutdown, only one third of the instructors in the Office for Bombing Prevention are on the job. Training classes have been cancelled.

“Democrats are also withholding paychecks from TSA agents. Many TSA agents live paycheck to paycheck. All are working without pay. Increasingly, they’re not showing up for work. Record numbers have quit. The problem is made worse because of the first Democrat shutdown in October. Travelers across the country have been waiting in security lines for hours. Democrats keep voting to make the wait times even longer.

“Whether it comes to the safety of our citizens or the safety of our elections, Democrats put illegal immigrants first and American citizens last. Republicans and most Americans reject the Democrats’ far-left extremism. Republicans will continue to put American citizens first at the border, in our communities, and at the ballot box.”

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Bennet Joins King, Cramer, Colleagues on Bipartisan Bill Expanding Veterans’ Access to Benefits

Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet joined U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), both members of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), and 24 of their Senate colleagues, as a co-sponsor of the TAP Promotion Act. This bipartisan bill would provide support to veterans in the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) applying for the entitlements they earned in service. Specifically, the TAP Promotion Act would allow accredited representatives from Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs), or other accredited organizations, to participate in TAP classes to help transitioning service members file Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) claims.

The Department of Defense offers TAP at over 300 installations around the world, helping prepare service members for civilian life. Since TAP classroom instructors are not legally allowed to help veterans fill out benefits paperwork, having an accredited representative physically present in TAP classrooms would ease and simplify the process as service members transition to veteran status. Service members can file BDD claims and complete medical evaluations before leaving service. The TAP Promotion Act would accelerate claims decisions and close gaps transitioning service members face in accessing essential care like mental health counseling and medication management once they officially leave service.

“Our veterans – including the over 400,000 who call Colorado home – have sacrificed so much to keep us safe,” said Bennet. “We must ensure they receive the care and resources they need. The TAP Promotion Act is a critical step, and I will continue to support programs that address the challenges service members face during their transition to civilian life.”

“Every year approximately 200,000 servicemembers transition out of military service into civilian life, whether the servicemember is finishing their first deployment, or retiring,” said King. “The TAP Promotion Act would allow these servicemembers to connect with an informed, VA accredited representative who can mentor them in the process of applying for and receiving the benefits they earned. Thanks to my colleagues for understanding the importance of serving our veterans—just as they have served us throughout their careers.”

“The Transition Assistance Program, otherwise known as TAP, is one of the most important tools we have to help service members prepare for life after the military,” said Cramer. “But, of course, information alone isn’t enough. It takes people. State and county Veterans Service Officers are often the first ones to help veterans access benefits that veterans themselves have earned. I think it’s important to always remember that—they’ve earned these benefits. What our bill does is it makes sure they are part of the process from the start and not brought in after a veteran is already out the door.”

“No service member should walk out the gate on their final day in uniform without a clear path to the care and benefits they earned. The TAP Promotion Act ensures that VA-accredited representatives can participate in TAP briefings and assist with Benefits Delivery at Discharge claims, helping prevent unnecessary delays in compensation, mental health care, and other critical services. This is a practical, bipartisan fix that improves oversight, strengthens transition outcomes, and honors our nation’s commitment to those who served. The VFW is proud to support Senators King and Cramer in advancing this important legislation,” said VFW National Legislative Service Associate Director Joy Craig.

In addition to Bennet, King, and Cramer, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), John Curtis (R-Utah), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Ashley Moody (R-Fla.), David McCormick (R-Pa.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), and John Fetterman (D-Pa.) cosponsored the bill.

The text of the bill is available HERE and below.

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ICYMI: Bennet Slams Trump’s Inconsistent Messaging, Failure to Heed Intelligence Community’s Assessments on Unauthorized War with Iran

Video of Bennet’s Full Line of Questioning is Available HERE

Washington, D.C. — Today, Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, questioned President Trump’s intelligence agency leaders, including Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, John Ratcliffe, about President Trump’s failure to act on the Intelligence Community’s assessments regarding a war with Iran. His remarks came during the Committee’s Annual Worldwide Threats Assessment Hearing.

“President Trump has offered no credible justification for the imminent threat, no clear goals, no strategy or timeline [for the war with Iran]. His message keeps changing, I think, in really damaging ways. President Trump said Iran’s nuclear facilities had been ‘totally obliterated’ in June 2025. But when he launched this latest war, he said we need to ‘eliminate the imminent nuclear threat of those totally obliterated nuclear facilities.’

“President Trump has threatened to seize Iranian oil and demanded our allies reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He said that, ‘I’m demanding that these countries come in and protect their own territory, because it’s their territory. It’s the place from which they get their energy.’ By the way, he wasn’t just asking for our allies to protect or to bail them out in the Straits of Hormuz. He was asking China to bail them out in the Straits of Hormuz. And then he said, ‘maybe we shouldn’t even be here at all because we don’t need it. We have a lot of oil. And he [Trump] said ‘we do not need the help of anyone.’

“President Trump has declared ‘we’ve won the war, we won it in the first hour.’ But then he said ‘we’re not leaving until the job is finished.’ He said that there is ‘practically nothing left to bomb,’ but then threatened to bomb Iran again ‘just for fun.’ I think words that probably have never come out of a military leader[’s mouth] in the history of the United States of America. It shouldn’t come out of the mouth of a civilian leader.

“President Trump said he will end the war ‘when I feel it, feel it in my bones, and any time I want to end it, it will end.’ But Director [Ratcliffe], the war is not ending. […]

“President Trump said ‘We are not the policeman of the world.’ He ran on that. And now he has turned us into the world’s policeman, into its jury, into its judge, into its executioner. And just because we have the most advanced military in the world, it doesn’t mean that we should be in a perpetual war all around the world.”

Bennet has consistently fought to rein in President Trump’s unauthorized war with Iran. Earlier this month, Bennet voted for a War Powers Resolution that would require President Trump to remove U.S. troops from waging war in or against Iran without explicit Congressional authority; he voted for a similar War Powers Resolution in June 2025. Senate Republicans blocked both. Additionally, Bennet recently joined his Democratic colleagues to demand the Department of Defense investigate whether the United States was responsible for airstrikes on a school in Iran – which killed at least 168 people, mostly children – as well as other civilian casualties in the Trump Administration’s unauthorized war.

In December 2025, Bennet voted – for the first time in his career – against the National Defense Authorization Act because of his grave concerns about President Trump’s actions and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s lawless Department of Defense.

During last year’s Worldwide Threats Hearing, Bennet criticized CIA Director Ratcliffe over concerns that senior Trump Administration officials shared classified information over a Signal chat. Since March 2025, Bennet has called for Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard to resign, citing her false comments to Congress that classified information was not shared in that Signal chat. Bennet reiterated this call to Gabbard after she released a hyper-partisan report by the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence on Russia’s intervention in the 2016 presidential election, which exposed sensitive intelligence sources and put U.S. interests at risk. In January 2025, Bennet also fiercely questioned Gabbard during her DNI confirmation hearing.

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Blackburn Releases Discussion Draft of National Policy Framework for Artificial Intelligence

TRUMP AMERICA AI Act Would Unleash AI Innovation While Protecting Children, Creators, Conservatives, and Communities from Harm

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released a discussion draft of her legislative framework to codify President Trump’s executive order to create one rulebook for artificial intelligence (AI) that protects children, creators, conservatives, and communities from harm while ensuring the United States wins the global race for AI supremacy:

“Instead of pushing AI amnesty, President Trump rightfully called on Congress to pass federal standards and protections to solve the patchwork of state laws that has hindered AI innovation,” said Senator Blackburn. “Now, Congress must answer his call to establish one federal rulebook for AI to protect children, creators, conservatives, and communities across the country and ensure America triumphs over foreign adversaries in the global race for AI dominance. The TRUMP AMERICA AI Act is the solution America needs.”

TRUMP AMERICA AI ACT

Below is a summary of how The Republic Unifying Meritocratic Performance Advancing Machine intelligence by Eliminating Regulatory Interstate Chaos Across American Industry (TRUMP AMERICA AI Act) would protect the “4 Cs” (children, creators, conservatives, and communities) from exploitation, abuse, and censorship and ensure American AI companies can innovate without cumbersome regulation. This framework includes bipartisan legislation Senator Blackburn has previously introduced, the Kids Online Safety Act and NO FAKES Act, to protect children and creators.

Protecting Children

Places a duty of care on AI developers in the design, development, and operation of AI platforms to prevent and mitigate foreseeable harm to users.

Sunsets Section 230.

Requires covered online platforms, including social media platforms, to implement tools and safeguards to protect users under the age of 17 against online harms. Specifically, this would:

Require covered platforms to exercise reasonable care in the design and use of features that increase minors’ online activity to prevent and mitigate harm to minors (e.g., mental health disorders and severe harassment).

Require covered platforms to provide certain safeguards to minors, such as protections for minors’ data; tools for parents of minors, such as access to minors’ privacy settings; and a mechanism for account holders and visitors to report harm to minors on the platform.

Prohibit covered platforms from conducting market or product research on children under the age of 13 and may only conduct research on those under the age of 17 with parental consent.

Require covered platforms to provide users notice when using algorithms and permit users to switch to an algorithm that does not rely on user-specific data.

Establishes requirements for companies providing AI chatbot and companion services to protect kids.

Enables the U.S. Attorney General, state attorneys general, and private actors to file suit to hold AI system developers liable for harms caused by the AI system for defective design, failure to warn, express warranty, and unreasonably dangerous or defective product claims. If an AI system deployer substantially modifies an AI system or intentionally misuses an AI system contrary to its intended use, the deployer could also be held liable.

Protecting Creators

Makes clear that an AI model's unauthorized reproduction, copying, or processing of copyrighted works for the purpose of training, fine-tuning, developing, or creating AI does not constitute fair use under the Copyright Act.

Protects the voice and visual likenesses of individuals and creators from the proliferation of digital replicas without their consent. Specifically, this would:

Hold individuals or companies liable if they distribute an unauthorized digital replica of an individual’s voice or visual likeness.

Hold platforms liable for hosting an unauthorized digital replica if the platform has knowledge of the fact that the replica was not authorized by the individual depicted.

Helps creators, musicians, artists, writers, and others access the courts to protect their copyrighted works if and when they are used to train generative AI models. Specifically, this would:

Promote transparency about when and how copyrighted works are used to train generative AI models by enabling copyright holders to obtain this information through an administrative subpoena.

Ensure that subpoenas are granted only upon a copyright owner's sworn declaration that they have a good faith belief their work was used to train the model, and that their purpose is to protect their rights.

Sets new federal transparency guidelines for marking, authenticating, and detecting AI-generated content. Specifically, this would:

Require the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to develop guidelines and standards for content provenance information, watermarking and synthetic content detection.

Direct NIST to develop cybersecurity measures to prevent tampering with provenance and watermarking on AI content.

Require providers of AI tools used to generate creative or journalistic content to allow owners of that content to attach provenance information to it and prohibits its removal.

Authorize the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and state attorneys general to enforce the bill's requirements.

Protecting Conservatives

Combats the consistent pattern of bias against conservative figures demonstrated by AI systems by requiring third-party audits to prevent discrimination based on political affiliation.

Codifies President Trump's executive order preventing woke AI in the federal government by only allowing agency heads to procure large language models that are truthful in responding to user prompts seeking factual information and that are neutral and do not manipulate responses in favor of ideological biases.

Protecting Communities

Requires certain companies and federal agencies to issue reports on AI-related job effects, including layoffs and job displacement to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) on a quarterly basis.

Directs the U.S. Secretary of Energy to enter into agreements with owners and operators of data centers to protect consumers from rate increases and adverse impacts of data center development. If a covered entity declines to enter into such agreements, they will be deemed ineligible for such federal incentives and assistance as the Secretary shall identify.

Establishes an “Advanced Artificial Intelligence Evaluation Program” within the U.S. Department of Energy to evaluate advanced AI systems and collect data on the likelihood of adverse AI incidents, such as loss-of-control scenarios and weaponization by adversaries.

Empowering AI Innovation

Promotes partnerships between government, business, and academia to advance AI research. Specifically, this would:

Authorize the Center for AI Standard and Innovation at NIST, which develops guidelines and standards with the private sector and federal agencies.

Create new AI testbeds with National Laboratories.

Create grand challenge prize competitions to spur private sector AI Innovation.

Create international alliances on AI standards, research, and development.

Establishes the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) to remove barriers to essential tools and infrastructure that power artificial intelligence research and development. Specifically, this would:

Make computing resources, massive datasets, and advanced infrastructure required to perform cutting-edge research in AI available to students, researchers, non-profits, small businesses, and academic institutions as a shared resource.

Establish a formal governance structure for NAIRR to oversee operations, manage federal and private resource contributions, select an independent operating entity through a transparent bidding process, and ensure adherence to strict standards of privacy, ethics, scientific integrity, and national security.

Require NAIRR be built using donated resources from both federal agencies and the private sector.

Click here to read the discussion draft of the TRUMP AMERICA AI Act.

Click here to read the section-by-section summary of the TRUMP AMERICA AI Act.

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Blumenthal-Led Bill to aid Recovery of Nazi-Confiscated Art Passes House Unanimously

[Hartford, CT] — As the Democratic lead in the Senate for the Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery (HEAR) Act, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) released the following statement after the bill passed the House unanimously. The bill now heads to the President’s desk.

“The theft of art by the Nazi regime was more than a pilfering of property—it was an act of inhumanity,” said Blumenthal. “Our bipartisan effort seeks to strengthen measures to bring long overdue justice to families whose cherished art was brazenly stolen by the Nazis.”

The bill, co-led by Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) and joined by Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), John Fetterman (D-PA), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Katie Britt (R-AL) Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Peter Welch (D-VT), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Dave McCormick (R-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), Chris Coons (D-DE), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Rick Scott (R-FL), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), and Raphael Warnock (D-GA), passed the Senate unanimously on December 10, 2025.

Background:

Nazi Germany’s campaign of annihilation and genocide against the Jewish people in the Holocaust included massive theft of property, including hundreds of thousands of works of art. Despite post-war efforts by the United States and allies to return Nazi-looted art and renewed efforts since the late 1990s, more than 100,000 works of art have not been returned to their rightful owners.

In 2016, Congress unanimously passed the Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery (HEAR) Act, spearheaded in the Senate by Senators Blumenthal and Cornyn, to ensure Holocaust survivors and their heirs could access U.S. courts to pursue claims for the recovery of Nazi-looted art, allowing cases to be decided on their factual merits rather than dismissed on time-based technical defenses. Congress found that the circumstances of the Holocaust imposed extraordinary obstacles to survivors and heirs to locate and recover stolen art, necessitating a national six-year statute of limitations that only begins when the owner actually discovers the location of the stolen artwork.

Unfortunately, many museums, governments, and institutions have contradicted Congress’ intent and obstructed justice by stonewalling legitimate claims, obscuring provenance, and employing aggressive legal tactics designed to exhaust and outlast survivors and their families. Rather than embracing transparency and reconciliation, too many have chosen to entrench and litigate, effectively preserving possession of stolen works rather than returning them to their rightful owners. Moreover, some court cases have interpreted the law narrowly, leaving survivors without recourse.

The original HEAR Act includes a sunset provision and is set to expire December 31, 2026. This legislation would amend and reauthorize the original law to ensure victims of the Holocaust are not denied justice by legal loopholes, institutional intransigence, or the mere passage of time. As another insidious wave of antisemitism hits society, this legislation would reaffirm our commitment to the Jewish people and Holocaust survivors by sending a clear message that the United States will not allow looting to be legitimized, justice to be denied, or Holocaust profiteering to be tolerated.

The HEAR Act would:

Eliminate the sunset date, recognizing that the challenges of restitution remain urgent and unresolved;

Clarify and strengthen procedural protections to ensure that claims are considered on their merits and not dismissed due to time-based technical defenses or other non-merits discretionary defenses; and

Fortify victims’ remedies and access to the courts.

The legislation is endorsed by Art Ashes, Agudath Israel of America, American Jewish Committee (AJC), Anti-Defamation League (ADL), Bet Tzedek, House of Justice, Christians United for Israel (CUFI Action Fund), Creative Community for Peace (CCFP), Holocaust Survivors Foundation USA, Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), Jewish Women International (JWI), Justice for Atrocities Clinic, LMU Loyola Law School, Simon Wiesenthal Center, StandWithUs, The 1939 Society, Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, and World Jewish Congress.

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Blumenthal Presses Mullin About Excessive Use of Force by DHS Agents, ICE Policy Allowing Agents to Forcibly Enter Homes Without a Judicial Warrant

[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), today pressed Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), President Donald Trump’s nominee to serve as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), about excessive use of force by DHS agents and a secret U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policy permitting agents to circumvent the Constitution’s Fourth Amendment and enter Americans’ homes without a standard judicial warrant.

“We are here because of a lawless and reckless agency that has broken into homes without judicial approval, shot United States citizens, detained them without any cause, and sometimes killed them. And I am looking for real substantive reform in that agency—as you and I have discussed, when you came to talk to me. A break with the past—with former Secretary Noem and with the White House, Steve Miller and others, who have used Kristi Noem in effect as a puppet to implement lawless policy,” Blumenthal said.

Blumenthal continued, “ICE has been breaking into people’s homes without any judicial warrant. The sanctity of our homes is absolutely critical. I think you would agree with that point. And it is the law that a judicial warrant is required to forcibly enter someone’s home. Kristi Noem acknowledged in her testimony, in response to my questions, that at least 28 break-ins have occurred. My Ranking Member leadership on the Subcommittee for Permanent Investigations has produced a report that shows probably many more such break-ins have occurred—the result of a memo last May from the Acting Director Todd Lyons, and it’s behind me now, that instructed ICE agents to break into homes.”

In a reversal of previous DHS policy, Mullin stated that “a judicial warrant will be used to go into houses, into place of businesses unless we are pursuing someone that enters in that place.”

Blumenthal continued, “A whistleblower testified to our hearing that in fact ICE agents had been instructed as part of their training to forcibly enter—I know you don’t like the word ‘break-in,’ but forcibly enter is breaking into somebody’s home, bashing down the door, terrorizing children. Instructed them to adopt this policy.”

As Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, Blumenthal has led an investigation into DHS’s abuses. In December 2025, Blumenthal released a report examining the Trump Administration’s extrajudicial immigration detentions of U.S. citizens. Blumenthal has also convened public forums to receive testimony from individuals who have experienced violent use of force by DHS agents.

The video of Blumenthal’s exchange with Mullin is available here. The full transcript is available below.

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT): Welcome, Senator Mullin. Thank you for being here today, and thank you to your family for your service and theirs. I hope that you will be as emotional about the children who are presently detained at Dilley and other camps in the United States of America where they have been subjected to conditions that would outrage and have angered many Americans. We are here because of a lawless and reckless agency that has broken into homes without judicial approval, shot United States citizens, detained them without any cause, and sometimes killed them. And I am looking for real substantive reform in that agency—as you and I have discussed, when you came to talk to me. A break with the past—with former Secretary Noem and with the White House, Steve Miller and others, who have used Kristi Noem in effect as a puppet to implement lawless policy.

I welcome that you have stated you regret your statement after the killing of Alex Pretti. You said on Fox News, "Unfortunately, an individual, a deranged individual that came to cause max damage with a loaded pistol with an extra mag that was completely loaded, and shot and killed." And you regret that statement, do you not?

U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK): I already said that, sir, yes.

Blumenthal: And what about what you said about Renee Good after she was shot and killed? You appeared on CNN, and you were asked whether you believed the shooting was justified, and you replied, “Absolutely.” Do you regret that statement as well?

Mullin: Senator, it is very clear that an officer had to make a split decision in that case, as a car was running towards him and did strike him. At that point, that car becomes a lethal weapon, and as officer—there was another officer, obviously giving her verbal commands, and

Blumenthal: So are you saying, and I apologize for interrupting you, but you’re saying you do not regret that statement?

Mullin: I’m saying that the investigation is going on, but what we’ve seen

Blumenthal: There is no investigation, Senator. In fact, that was my next question to you—don’t you think there should be an investigation?

Mullin: My understanding is that there is. I will find out once, if I'm able to get confirmed. But those are two different incidences.

Blumenthal: Well, in fact, the Department of Homeland Security and the Trump Administration has blocked state and local investigation of the killing of Renee Good. And I hope that you will permit that investigation to go forward.

Mullin: Senator, state and local investigation doesn’t, doesn’t investigate federal, FBI does that, DOJ, and I believe the FBI is looking into this case. And I do want to say something to you. What you said about the terrible conditions that this Administration is putting in kids, but what you left out is that they have actually recovered over 160,000 kids that were trafficked or lost during the Biden Administration. What is inhumane is the 12,000 to 13,000 individuals coming across the border every single day, and we’re not having tracked the kids. At one time the number was up at 385,000. That’s sad.

Blumenthal: Let me move on, Senator Mullin, because you said that you are going to be, and I'm quoting you, "Blunt and direct and to the point." So I regret that you don't retract that statement about Renee Good. But I want to ask about a statement that was made regarding the Pretti killing by Steve Miller in the White House. He said, “Pretti was a domestic terrorist,” who "tried to assassinate federal law enforcement." Don’t you think it was irresponsible and reckless for Stephen Miller to post that claim on X without any evidence, just as you have retracted your statement?

Mullin: Senator, I believe that question is better asked to Stephen Miller, not myself. I cannot speak for him.

Blumenthal: Well, Stephen Miller also said—again, on Fox News—"Under President Trump's leadership, we are looking to set a goal of a minimum of 3,000 arrests for ICE every day.” If you’re confirmed, are you going to be directing ICE to arrest 3,000 people a day?

Mullin: Sir, once again, can’t speak for Senator—Stephen Miller, but I can say the President has tapped me to be the Secretary of Homeland, and I will lead that Department, and I’ll lead it to—

Blumenthal: So will you continue that arrest quota of 3,000 people a day?

Mullin: No quota has been set for me, sir.

Blumenthal: Well, in effect it’s a quota if the White House directs the DHS Secretary to arrest 3,000 people a day.

Mullin: The President of the United States sets the policies, and I’ll be working with the President. If you have a question for Stephen Miller, please ask him.

Blumenthal: Well, I really regret that you are going to stick to those same policies and practices and condone the statements of the White House that are so demeaning to someone who was a victim of lawlessness and recklessness by an ICE officer.

Mullin: Senator, I didn’t say that. You’re putting words in my mouth.

Blumenthal: Let me ask a different question. ICE has been breaking into people's homes without any judicial warrant. The sanctity of our homes is absolutely critical. I think you would agree with that point. And it is the law that a judicial warrant is required to forcibly enter someone's home. Kristi Noem acknowledged in her testimony, in response to my questions, that at least 28 break-ins have occurred. My Ranking Member leadership on the Subcommittee for Permanent Investigations has produced a report that shows probably many more such break-ins have occurred—the result of a memo last May from the Acting Director Todd Lyons, and it’s behind me now, that instructed ICE agents to break into homes. I understand that during your staff interview last week, you said that there would be no more such break-ins to people's homes without a judicial warrant. If confirmed, will you commit to me and the Chair and Ranking Member of this Committee and the American people that ICE will no longer instruct agents to break into people's homes without a judicial warrant?

Mullin: Sir, you’re using the word “break into people’s houses” very loosely. However, I have made it very clear to the staff, and I think when you and I spoke, that a judicial warrant will be used to go into houses, into place of businesses unless we are pursuing someone that enters in that place. I have not mixed words with that, and I haven’t changed my opinion about that.

Blumenthal: A whistleblower testified to our hearing that in fact ICE agents had been instructed as part of their training to forcibly enter—I know you don’t like the word “break-in,” but forcibly enter is breaking into somebody’s home, bashing down the door, terrorizing children. Instructed them to adopt this policy. Will you commit that no longer will ICE agents or CBP agents be instructed to forcibly enter people's homes without a judicial warrant?

Mullin: Sir, I already answered this question for you. I said we will not enter a home or place of business without a judicial warrant unless we are pursuing an individual that runs into a place of business or residence—or a house.

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Committee Passes Blumenthal's Bill to Expand Research for Children of Toxic-Exposed Veterans

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – The Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee today unanimously passed three veterans’ bills authored by Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), including his Molly R. Loomis Research for Descendants of Toxic Exposed Veterans Act—legislation to expand research on birth defects among descendants of toxic-exposed veterans.

“Almost every member of this Committee has had a part in one way or another in one or more of these bills…I want to say a particular thanks to Senator Murray, who has worked with me on the Molly Loomis Research for Descendants of Toxic Exposed Veterans [Act], which requires research on the health effects on descendants of toxic-exposed veterans. I think the more we know about the impact of toxins on our veterans, whether it’s on bases in this country or on battlefields abroad, the more we appreciate how these invisible wounds of war take their toll. And we need to do even more to keep faith with them,” said Blumenthal during his opening remarks.

The Committee considered and passed the following bills authored by Senator Blumenthal:

Molly R. Loomis Research for Descendants of Toxic Exposed Veterans Act – Legislation to commission a health monitoring program to track birth defects among descendants of toxic-exposed veterans to help facilitate research related to such defects. While there has been some research on the link between birth defects and generational exposure to toxins and chemicals, there has yet to be comprehensive, government-led studies into the effects of toxic exposure on descendants of toxic-exposed veterans.

Obligations to Aberdeen’s Trusted Heroes (OATH) Act – Legislation to ensure veterans who participated in secrecy oath programs receive the full benefits they have rightfully earned. This bill would make sure veterans who signed secrecy oaths, preventing them from disclosing injuries and illnesses connected to covert operations, can seek benefits retroactive to their discharge date—not the date they were released from their secrecy agreements.

Advancing VA’s Emergency Response to (AVERT) Crises Act – Legislation to strengthen the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) response to natural disasters, pandemics, and other emergencies. It would help ensure continuity of VA medical care for veterans during emergencies and make sure the Department is better prepared to activate its Fourth Mission authority—VA’s role in improving the nation’s response to emergencies.

The Committee also considered and passed six additional bills co-led by Senator Blumenthal, including:

Guard and Reserve G.I. Bill Parity Act – Bipartisan legislation to expand GI Bill benefits to members of the National Guard and Reserve for every day in uniform, aligning with the benefits earned by their active-duty counterparts for the same military service.

Fisher House Availability Act – Bipartisan legislation to allow active-duty servicemembers, members of the reserve components, and their families to stay at VA Fisher Houses when traveling significant distances to receive care.

Veterans Prosthetics Advancement and Reform Act – Bipartisan legislation to ensure veterans receive more consistent, modernized access to prosthetic and rehabilitative items by requiring VA to develop a formulary of these essential medical devices and services.

A full list of the bills that cleared the Committee markup can be found HERE.

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NEWS: Senate Passes Resolution Honoring the Late Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr. Led by Senators Blunt Rochester, Durbin, Duckworth, Warnock, and Booker

Washington, DC – This week, the United States Senate this week passed by unanimous consent a resolution honoring the life and legacy of Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr. led by U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Senate Democratic Whip and Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.). The resolution recognizes Rev. Jackson’s significant leadership during the Civil Rights Movement and his decades of advocacy in pursuit of justice, equality, and human rights.

“In the days since his passing, I’ve been reflecting on Reverend Jesse Jackson’s legacy and what he meant to our country,” said Senator Blunt Rochester. “As we confront this challenging moment in our nation’s history, may we all find inspiration in Rev. Jackson’s moral clarity and insistence that everyone deserves equality, dignity, and respect. I’m proud to stand with my colleagues in introducing this resolution to honor the life of this civil rights giant.”

“Reverend Jesse Jackson committed his life to the fight for civil rights. I counted him as an ally on many issues of social justice—and his legacy is alive and growing. I was honored to introduce this resolution in the Senate for my friend and am thrilled the Senate passed it unanimously,” said Senator Durbin.

“The great Reverend Jesse Jackson was a barrier-breaking civil rights giant who spent his life working to improve lives by helping patch America together into a great quilt of unity and common ground,” Senator Duckworth said. “He leaves behind a legacy Chicago and our nation will never forget—we are better because of him, and I’m pleased this resolution to honor his life and work that I helped introduce has passed the Senate unanimously. While Reverend Jackson will be missed by so many, myself included, it’s now up to each of us to keep his hope and vision for the future alive for generations to come.”

“Reverend Jesse Jackson spent his life working to ensure our nation lives up to its highest ideals,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “With an eloquence and rhythmic rhetoric all his own, he reminded America that equal justice is not inevitable; it requires vigilance and commitment, and for freedom fighters, sacrifice. His legacy will remain a beacon for generations to come, and I pray it inspires us to continue the work he started.”

“Jesse Jackson was a trailblazer and giant of the civil rights movement who spent his life on the front lines standing up for a more just and united America,” said Senator Booker. “Through decades of activism, he inspired generations, proving that when people from every background come together with love, courage, and conviction, there is no limit to what we can achieve. His life stands as a lasting reminder that we all must come together and never stop fighting for a better America.”

Full text of the resolution is available here.

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Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester represents Delaware in the United States Senate where she serves on the Committees on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; Commerce, Science, and Transportation; Environment and Public Works; and Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.


As Senate Republicans Fail To Act on Iran War, Senators Force New War Powers Vote & Meet With Veterans

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, following a conversation with veterans hosted by VoteVets in the Capitol, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) forced a vote on Senator Booker’s War Powers Resolution to withdraw U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities in and against Iran absent an act of Congress. The senators forced debate on the Senate floor to speak out against the Trump administration's reckless and unauthorized war of choice. Despite the war being unconstitutional and vastly unpopular, Senate Republicans blocked further consideration of the resolution.

The conversation with veterans was moderated by VoteVets Senior Advisor Max Rose, an Afghanistan veteran and former member of Congress, and livestreamed on YouTube by Meidas.

The senators’ actions today follow the demand they issued to Republican Leader Thune one week ago to ensure the relevant Senate committees of jurisdiction hold immediate public hearings on the Trump-Vance Administration’s ongoing unconstitutional war in Iran.

“The veterans and military families I heard from today underscored the horrible stakes of war and why I am using every lever of power I can in the Senate to hold this administration accountable and stop its war of choice," said Senator Cory Booker. “At a time when Americans are struggling with rising costs of housing, health care, and basic necessities, they do not want our country to be dragged into a reckless and costly conflict abroad that has no clear strategy or objective and has not been debated or authorized by Congress. The Senate must start doing its job and exercise its constitutional duty to check an out of control administration.”

“Our military members, veterans, and their families understand the cost of war,” said Senator Tim Kaine. “Tonight, I was grateful to spend time with veterans in the Capitol to amplify their concerns—which Americans across the country share—about President Trump’s unnecessary and dangerous war with Iran. Rather than listen to those concerns and vote to end this deeply unpopular war, too many of my colleagues chose to bend the knee to a President who has called our fallen heroes ‘suckers’ and ‘losers.’ This isn’t over. We are going to keep the pressure on until our servicemembers and the American people get the accountability and transparency they deserve.”

“We need to remember who is actually going to bear the cost of this war. It's not the Mar-a-Lago crowd that's going to be hurt by the gas prices that are already going through the roof,” said Senator Chris Murphy. “Billionaires’ kids won’t be fighting this war and coming back with serious injuries. It's the kids of poor and middle-class families in this country who are already struggling to keep their economic head above water. They couldn't imagine a president who would choose to layer purposefully higher gas prices on top of the higher prices they were already paying for his tariffs. It just goes to show this is a president who doesn't think one single day about the impact of his decision making on regular folks.”

“Today, we are in a war that the public has not backed, that Congress has not approved, and for which the president has not made the case. But Congress does not exist to merely implement the president’s will in war or peace. It does not exist to serve as his echo chamber or to dutifully stand and applaud. After weeks of war, billions spent, and 13 killed and more than 200 wounded, it is still not too late to discharge our constitutional responsibility. And the American people and our veterans have a right to expect us to do it,” said Senator Adam Schiff.

“Donald Trump is breaking laws and breaking his promises to the American people. Instead of an affordable country at peace, costs are up and we are careening into another open-ended war,” said Senator Tammy Baldwin. “I was honored to join our nation’s veterans, servicemembers, and military families today to talk about the real cost of war and who pays it. These folks who sacrificed so much, and the American people, need some answers to why we are in this war, how we are getting out, and why President Trump is focused on it instead of addressing the high cost of living. Until we get those public hearings, expect more of these votes and more attention on this war of choice.”

“This was a reckless war of choice conducted with minimal planning and preparation,” said VoteVets Senior Advisor Max Rose. “It was launched without congressional authorization, without a clearly defined objective, without the necessary military buildup and preparation, without an exit strategy, and without an honest case made to the American people. That is exactly how Forever War starts. VoteVets is proud to stand with Senator Booker and his colleagues in fighting for Congress’s constitutional authority over war. We urge Republicans to join us — Veterans are watching, and those who fail to do their job will be held accountable.”