Warren, Van Hollen, 25+ Colleagues Press Trump Administration for Accountability, Investigation into Deaths of American Citizens in West Bank

“It is unclear to us how many more Americans must die in the West Bank in order for this administration, and other administrations, to take serious, credible steps to secure accountability and ensure an end to the ongoing killings of Americans without consequence”

Text of Letter (PDF)

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) joined Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and over 25 colleagues in pressing the Trump Administration for accountability and an investigation into the death of Nasrallah Abu Siyam, an American citizen who was shot and killed in the West Bank by violent Israeli settlers.

On February 18th, Nasrallah Abu Siyam, a 19-year-old American born in Philadelphia, was shot and killed in the West Bank village of Mukhmas, near Ramallah, by violent Israeli settlers during an attack on Palestinian farmers.

Nasrallah is the ninth American citizen who has been killed in the West Bank since January 2022 – to date, no one has been held responsible for the deaths of these Americans.

“This is yet another example of the impunity afforded to extremist Israeli settlers in the West Bank under the protection of the Israel Defense Forces. The U.S. government must conduct a credible and independent investigation into Nasrallah’s killing and hold all perpetrators accountable,” wrote the senators.

This is the second letter the senators sent to the administration in the last seven months about the killing of an American citizen in the West Bank. In response to the letter, the State Department wrote, “The United States calls for accountability in all cases where U.S. citizens are harmed abroad to help prevent future tragedies.” Despite the State Department’s claims, it's unclear if true efforts were made, if any, to secure accountability.

“This has now become a consistent pattern in which Americans are being killed in the West Bank by settlers or the IDF without justice or accountability, despite promises from U.S. officials,” the senators continue.

Including Saifullah Musallet and Khamis Ayyada, a forty-year-old American citizen and father of five who died of smoke inhalation in August after a fire was set by Israeli settlers in his West Bank village of Silwad, Nasrallah Abu Siyam is now the third American killed in the West Bank during the second Trump administration.

“It is unclear to us how many more Americans must die in the West Bank in order for this administration, and other administrations, to take serious, credible steps to secure accountability and ensure an end to the ongoing killings of Americans without consequence,” wrote the senators.

By April 5, the senators demanded an independent investigation into the killing of Nasrallah Abu Siyam and an update on the status of investigations into the killings of all the other Americans killed in the West Bank since January 2022.

The letter was also signed by Senators Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), and Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.).

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Welch Celebrates Vermonter Spencer Wood and Team USA Paralympian Athletes Ahead of 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games

BURLINGTON, VT – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today celebrated Vermonter Spencer Wood and all Team USA athletes competing in the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games, which begin tomorrow, Friday, March 6 in Italy. Mr. Wood, of Pittsfield, VT will compete as a member of the Team USA Para Alpine Ski Team.

“Vermont is so proud of our incredible paralympic athletes on Team USA, and I look forward to cheering on Spencer and all of our athletes as they compete in Italy. The men and women representing America at the Paralympics have inspired us through their determination, grit and hard work. Vermonters in Pittsfield and across the state wish Spencer and all of our athletes the very best as they compete,” said Senator Welch.

Visit teamusa.com for more information, schedules, and results.

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Welch Joins Democratic Leader Schumer to Unveil New Bill to Break Up the Meatpacking Industry, Drive Down Food Costs for Families

Legislation comes as grocery prices skyrocket and Trump mocks affordability as a “hoax”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, Poultry, and Food Safety, joined Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and American Economic Liberties Project for a press conference at the National Press Club to unveil the Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act, new legislation to address record-high grocery prices squeezing American families.

As President Trump mocks affordability as a “hoax,” Senate Democrats are using all tools available to tackle the high cost of living, focusing on the issues that matter to everyday Americans. The new Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act would break up dominant meatpackers, rein in foreign-controlled corporate giants, and use federal tools to stop unfair pricing that drives up grocery bills for American families and hurts workers, farmers, and ranchers.

“At the root of the raging affordability crisis is consolidation, which is hollowing out our communities in rural Vermont. It’s totally unsustainable, and it’s clear the Trump Administration will keep refusing to take action. Congress has an obligation to step in,” said Senator Welch. “Democrats believe that those who create the wealth should get a reasonable share of the wealth they created. I’m proud to be a co-sponsor of this legislation to break up the meatpacking industry, put American small businesses and companies first, and take on rising grocery costs head-on.”

View photos from the event below:

The Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act, is a competition driven, pro-farmer, pro-rancher, pro-worker, pro-consumer, cost of living bill that breaks up dominant meatpackers, reins in foreign controlled corporate giants, and uses all available tools to stop unfair pricing that drives up grocery bills for American families. It is designed to turn big structural reforms into concrete benefits: more competition and greater fairness for farmers and ranchers, more resilient supply chains, and lower prices and better choices at the meat counter.

Specifically, the Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act:

Makes it unlawful for a major meatpacking conglomerate to control more than one major type of meat, forcing the biggest players to choose a line of business;

Imposes hard caps on the concentration of beef markets at both the regional and national levels;

If these thresholds are exceeded, the FTC must order targeted divestitures—selling off plants, facilities, or business units, or spinning off new independent firms—until markets are competitive again

Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to design and enforce divestiture plans, so the law delivers real structural change, not just fines that companies treat as a cost of doing business, while maintaining or improving employment, honoring collective bargaining agreements, and promoting safer and more stable workplaces for workers across the supply chain.

Prohibits foreign leverage over the domestic meat market, empowering FTC to protect competition and national security;

Links the bill’s structural reforms to kitchen-table prices by focusing on unfair and unjustly discriminatory pricing practices in retail and wholesale meat markets that hit independent and neighborhood grocers hardest;

Authorizes the Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide financial assistance, loan guarantees, technical assistance, and other support to farmers’ cooperatives and small business concerns that seek to acquire, operate, or expand meatpacking plants or facilities divested under the Act;

Makes failure to divest enforceable under the FTC act, backed by significant civil penalties.

Joining Senators Welch and Schumer on this legislation are Sens. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.).

Learn more about the Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act.

Read and download the full text of the legislation.

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Welch Response to Trump Firing Kristi Noem as Secretary of DHS

WASHINGTON, D.C.— U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today welcomed the firing of Kristi Noem as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The President’s ousting of Noem comes just days after Senator Welch grilled the outgoing DHS Secretary about her disastrous and corrupt tenure as the head of DHS and condemned her inhumane and incompetent leadership at a Judiciary Committee Hearing.

Senator Welch released the following statement:

“Kristi Noem should’ve been fired a long time ago—she wasn’t up to the job and had no business leading the Department of Homeland Security. Her disastrous leadership of DHS hurt communities across America, and she was directly responsible for making our country less safe. Noem’s tenure at DHS was atrocious, from her blatant corruption and abuse of taxpayer dollars to her incompetence responding to vital national security issues.

“Noem’s politicization of disaster recovery funds and attempts to ‘eliminate’ FEMA put countless disaster-impacted communities—including in Vermont—in harm’s way. The hurt and loss caused by her inhumane mass deportation campaign will stay with families and communities forever.

“Noem’s firing does not preclude a thorough investigation into her fiscal mismanagement of the agency. We need answers immediately about if and how taxpayer dollars were directed to her friends and political allies, including Corey Lewandowski. There is bipartisan consensus that her conduct and actions were appalling, and I am confident the Senate won’t let her off the hook just because President Trump fired her.

“Even with Kristi Noem gone, we need real, legislative changes at DHS to ensure accountability as the president continues his mass deportation agenda. It’s time to have a reevaluation of the mass deportation policy. I won’t back down in the fight to clean up this agency and protect American communities from President Trump’s reckless agenda.”

•••

Senator Welch has been outspoken in his opposition of Secretary Noem’s leadership of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The Senator called for Noem’s resignation in July, citing her mishandling of FEMA and management of President Trump’s cruel and illegal mass deportation campaign. In January, Senator Welch led his colleagues in demanding that if Noem does not resign, she should be fired or impeached by Congress.

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Whitehouse, Blumenthal Introduce Bicameral Bill to Restore Trump-Shuttered DOJ Transnational Crime Unit to Crack Down on Fentanyl

AG Bondi shuttered DOJ’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces last year

Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) today introduced the Protect Law Enforcement Task Forces Act, legislation to restore the Department of Justice’s shuttered Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program. DOJ’s OCDETF program helped arrest fentanyl traffickers, seize hundreds of tons of narcotics, and confiscate billions in dirty money. Representative Joe Morelle (D-NY) first introduced this legislation in the House of Representatives in November 2025.

“The OCDETF program was a key tool America deployed in the ‘clash of civilizations’ between American rule of law and international corruption. The Trump Department of Justice’s decision to shutter this successful crime-fighting program was a gift to cartels and fentanyl traffickers,” said Whitehouse.

“This bill would reverse the Trump Administration’s reckless, dangerous decision to dismantle a proven program designed to disable organized crime. By restoring the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force program, this legislation would reinstate a unique, prosecutor-led task force that has taken down crime lords, drug trafficking networks, and money laundering rings,” said Senator Blumenthal.

“Shutting down OCDETF isn’t just reckless, it undermines the very public safety principles our government is supposed to uphold,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “OCDETF is a proven initiative that continues to help reduce crime in cities across the country, including my hometown of Rochester, New York. I’m proud to join Senators Whitehouse and Blumenthal in introducing legislation to protect OCDETF and ensure it can continue doing this critical work for years to come.”

Established in 1982, OCDETF served as the centerpiece of the U.S. Department of Justice’s strategy to combat transnational organized crime and reduce the availability of illicit narcotics nationwide. OCDETF oversaw coordination of thousands of federal, state, and local law enforcement officials to implement a national strategy to dismantle transnational drug cartels, the financial networks that support them, and the flow of drugs from these cartels into the United States.

The OCDETF program was the largest anti-crime task force in the country. Despite bipartisan objections from Congress, the Trump Department of Justice disbanded the program in 2025.

In June 2025, Whitehouse, Blumenthal and Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Dick Durbin (D-IL), and Chris Coons (D-DE) sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi questioning the Department of Justice’s plan to end the successful OCDETF program.

Many OCDETF investigations targeted the cartels’ financial networks, an often-overlooked component of the U.S. strategy to combat drug-trafficking organizations. OCDETF was one of the best returns on investment in federal law enforcement, bringing in $524 million and $423 million in Fiscal Years 2022 and 2023.

Whitehouse has led bipartisan efforts in the Senate to crack down on drug trafficking and dirty money, while expanding addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery services. As Chair of the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control, Whitehouse held hearings to examine: the role of the federal government in attacking the financial networks of cartels; corruption associated with the illicit drug trade; the techniques that drug cartels use to procure and finance precursor chemicals that are used to manufacture illicit synthetic drugs; how drug cartels have modernized, and how Chinese money laundering networks help fentanyl traffickers.

The full text of the bill is available here.

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Chairman Wicker Leads SASC Hearing on the American Small Drone Industrial Base

Watch Video Here

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today led a hearing to examine the state of the U.S. small drone industrial base and the path to American leadership in drone production.

The Honorable Owen O. West, Senior Advisor for Drone Dominance, Department of Defense; Mr. Travis Metz, Drone Dominance Program Manager, Department of Defense; and Major General Steven M. Marks, USA, Director, Defense Autonomous Warfare Group, Department of Defense, all appeared before the committee.

In his opening remarks, Chairman Wicker underscored the urgent need to rebuild America’s drone industrial base, strengthen supply chains, and ensure U.S. dominance in small unmanned systems critical to modern warfare.

This hearing is the latest action in the Chairman’s work to build America’s unmanned aircraft system (UAS) industrial base. Specifically, the Chairman has helped to promote competition in the commercial drone sector, to protect the industry from Chinese interference, and to capitalize on overlaps between private and defense applications of this technology.

In last summer’s reconciliation law, Chairman Wicker worked to secure $2.5 billion for the domestic drone industry. That demand signal was then supplemented with extensive bipartisan policy in the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act. That law directed increased coordination on UAS among military services, private industry, allied nations, and state and local governments. It strengthened systems to help counter UAS attacks and to develop our own stock of drones. The Chairman and committee are now working in close partnership with Secretary Hegseth to implement those laws and to establish the United States as a leader in drone technology.

Read Chairman Wicker’s hearing opening statement as delivered.

The committee meets this morning to examine both the state of our small drone industrial base and the path to American leadership in drone production. This issue has profound implications for both our warfighting readiness and our future prosperity. I am not really sure Americans understand that fully yet. It is also part of our broader effort to rebuild the American arsenal.

We are pleased to welcome three witnesses who are leading this effort with the Department: Mr. Owen West, Senior Advisor for Drone Dominance, Mr. Travis Metz, the Drone Dominance Program Manager, and Major General Steven Marks, who is the Director of the Defense Autonomous Warfare Group.

The war in Ukraine has forever changed the character of modern warfare and demonstrated the growing importance of small unmanned systems—what we colloquially call drones. In particular, so-called “Group 1” drones are now central to reconnaissance, targeting, and strike missions. These drones weigh less than 20 pounds and are often purchased at low cost and in very large numbers.

Both the American commercial drone industry and the Pentagon are years behind the curve in producing and employing drones. Catching up is as necessary as it is difficult. But I believe we are finally on the cusp of charting a future for American drone dominance.

To understand why we are so far behind, we must first acknowledge how we arrived here today. The Chinese Communist Party correctly predicted that small drones would be a crucial technology for both military and commercial use— particularly in agriculture and other large-scale industrial efforts. China used state subsidies in the tens of billions of dollars, predatory pricing practices, and state-directed control of key supply chains to capture more than 90 percent of the global non-military small drone market. American drone companies were essentially forced out of the global market. Diminished commercial demand made American drones far more expensive than Chinese drones—anywhere from five to 25 times more expensive. This poses a difficult problem for U.S. military units and U.S. industries who require cheap drones but cannot buy from Chinese companies for fear of supply chain or software vulnerabilities.

As we have seen in the critical minerals and rare earths industry, fighting back against 21st century economic warfare like this requires creative solutions and thoughtful industrial policy. The United States is poised today to enact both.

Last year’s defense reconciliation law set aside $2.5 billion dollars to procure a range of small drones. Just over $1 billion of that sum will be used specifically to purchase very small Group 1 first-person-view drones. Our witnesses will discuss the competition process for this investment. At least it is hoped that we would. I hope they will also discuss our strategic use of loans to help industry rebuild supply chains quickly. We expect this will deliver 300,000 drones by next year. This steady demand signal, which must be continued for quite a few years, will serve as the anchor for America and her allies as we reconstitute our supply chains. So, we will see what our witness says about that.

Investment is just the first step. The free world must band together to stop rewarding China’s predatory practices in the small drone industry and they should have been no surprise. Congress has taken important steps to address these concerns. The key example is Section 1709 of the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act. Championed by Senator Rick Scott, this provision essentially banned the leading Chinese state-sponsored drone companies from selling in the United States. The Trump Administration, led by FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, implemented this law just before Christmas last year.

Success will require sustained attention to the supply chain, across its full range of components. We took action to address this in the Fiscal Year 2026 NDAA. We directed the Pentagon to establish a working group to assess our small drone industrial base capacity. That group will then be asked to develop recommendations to strengthen the industry. I anticipate there will be work across the country to support this effort, from new drone designs coming from Oklahoma and California to component manufacturing in New Hampshire and Florida.

I welcome Major General Marks’s testimony as the Director of the Defense Autonomous Warfare Group, or the DAWG, which is the correct pronunciation of the word in Mississippi, DAWG. While the Drone Dominance efforts focus on smaller Group 1 first-person-view drones, the DAWG will lead on larger one-way attack drones and small unmanned boats. Just a few days ago, America used one-way attack drones for the first time in combat in Iran, with Task Force Scorpion firing the LUCAS drone, a reverse-engineered Shahed-136. I welcome the general’s comments on what he plans to do to jump-start these new areas of weapons with the significant funding we provided for the DAWG in reconciliation. It is an absolute imperative that we make a game-changing investment in the next few months on low-cost munitions to complement our exquisite munitions.

The American drone industry is essentially starting from near zero. But today, we are on a path to a strong drone industry that can support American military and commercial demand, thanks to a steady demand signal, thoughtful industrial policy, and close coordination with our allies and partners. We are looking to this panel today for leadership and insight.


Sen. Wicker's Legislative Priorities Pass the Commerce Committee

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today highlighted the many of his priorities passing out of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee’s markup.

The NASA Authorization Act of 2026 and the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Reauthorization (Weather) Act passed unanimously out of committee. Senator Wicker had many priorities included in these bills. These legislative items support the Stennis Space Center, provide more resources for coastal communities, and improve hazardous weather prediction and communication.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Authorization Act of 2026 will continue to build up the U.S. space program. Below are a few of the provisions that will benefit Mississippi:

Senator Wicker’s legislation, the Engine Testing for Exploration Act, was included in the NASA Authorization. This bill would ensure that the NASA Administrator continues rocket propulsion testing at the Stennis Space Center.

The legislation supports the continuation of the Artemis program and space launch system (SLS). All engines for Artemis are tested at Stennis Space Center.

The legislation also supports Cryogenic Valve Testing, which is conducted at the Stennis Space Center.

The bill enables NASA to modernize its aging infrastructure and continue its work with commercial space industry at NASA centers.

The Weather Act is composed of over 17 bipartisan bills that address the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) research and weather forecasting programs, including hurricane and tornado forecasting, wildfire and landslide preparedness, atmospheric river prediction, drought monitoring, and Weather Radio Modernization. Below are Senator Wicker’s priorities in the Weather Act.

The TORNADO Act:

The Tornado Observation Research Notification and Deployment to Operations (TORNADO) Act would improve the forecasting and understanding of tornadoes and other hazardous weather.

This legislation would require NOAA to evaluate and improve its communication about hurricanes, winter stor ms, and other hazardous weather events. Additionally, it would also require NOAA to coordinate with appropriate entities when conducting post-storm assessments to optimize data collection, sharing, and integration.

The Illegal Red Snapper Enforcement Act:

This legislation builds off Senator Wicker’s Maritime SAFE Act, to establish a whole-of-government approach to counter illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.

Red snapper is one of the most well-managed and profitable fish in the gulf, but illegal fishing by Mexican small boats puts law-abiding U.S. fisherman and seafood producers at a competitive disadvantage.

Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated fishing activities violate both national and international fishing regulations. Illegal fishing is frequently combined with other illegal activities such as drug smuggling and human trafficking, and the profits from red snapper can support cartels.

Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act:

The bill modifies the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act to address algal blooms and hypoxia (deficiency of oxygen) in U.S. marine, estuarine, and freshwater systems. Harmful algal blooms are high concentrations of algae that may create nuisance or toxic conditions that are harmful to humans, animals, aquatic ecosystems, and the economy.

The Integrated Ocean Observation System and Gulf of America Coastal Ocean Observing System play a vital role in protecting lives and livelihoods — from improving hurricane forecasting and harmful algal bloom detection supporting fisheries, shipping, and the large offshore energy industry.

Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) Act:

The bill reauthorizes the IOOS network that provides marine information used in disaster response, weather forecasting and hurricane prediction, water quality forecasting, detection of harmful algal blooms, and safe maritime operations.


Wyden Announces March 14 Town Hall in Washington County

Senator’s open-to-all town will begin at 1 pm at Century High School’s gym.

Portland - U.S. Senator Ron Wyden today announced he will hold an open-to-all town hall on Saturday, March 14 in Washington County.

Heading into this 1 pm town hall on March 14 at the Century High School gym (2000 SE Century Blvd, Hillsboro), Wyden has held 1,151 open-to-all town halls statewide in fulfillment of his promise to hold at least one town hall each year in each of Oregon’s 36 counties. This Washington County town hall will be his 12th so far in 2026.

“I’ve kept this town hall promise because it’s always been essential that the faces and voices of democracy have public spaces to show up, speak out and share their ideas,” Wyden said. “I very much look forward to shortening the distance between Washington, DC and Washington County by holding this town hall in Hillsboro to hear directly from Oregonians.”


Wyden, Brown Call on Federal Watchdog to Investigate Risks of Little-Known Surveillance Technique, Warn of Serious Threat to National Security

“The government has left the American people vulnerable and in the dark.”

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Rep. Shontel Brown, D-Ohio, today called on a federal watchdog agency to investigate whether the federal government and consumer electronics manufacturers have adequate defenses against so-called “side-channel” attacks, a surveillance technique that exploits the signals that leak from computers and other electronics. The U.S. government has failed to warn the American public about the risks from this vulnerability.

According to a declassified National Security Agency history of this technique, published online by the agency in 2007, this technique was first discovered over 80 years ago. However, as a Congressional Research Service report, published along with the letter, notes, much about the topic remains classified. In recent years, academic researchers have published research on this technique and demonstrated how, for example, it is possible to remotely reconstruct the images displayed on a computer monitor.

Prior review from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) on this issue dates back nearly 40 years, but that investigation did not examine how effective the government’s efforts were to stop this threat. More specifically, the U.S. government has neglected to ensure that manufacturers of consumer electronics, such as smartphones and computers, build defenses into their products.

In their letter to GAO Acting Comptroller General Orice Williams Brown, Wyden and Rep. Brown underscored that the surveillance techniques “do not just pose a counterintelligence threat to the U.S. government, but these methods can also be exploited by adversaries against the American public, including to steal strategically-important technologies from U.S. companies.”

Wyden and Brown’s letter notes that these surveillance methods can be exploited by not only foreign intelligence agencies but also a broad range of American adversaries that include criminals, surveillance mercenaries, and private investigators.

Wyden and Brown called on GAO to investigate:

The scale of the threat to the U.S. government, to the private sector, and to the public.

The effectiveness of the U.S. government’s efforts to mitigate this threat, to classified and unclassified information held by the government.

Whether there is additional information that can be released by the U.S. government, consistent with the protection of sources and methods, that could assist the public and the private sector in addressing this threat.

The feasibility and cost of device manufacturers adding surveillance countermeasures to consumer electronics, such as smartphones, computers, and computer accessories.

Potential policy options to mitigate this threat against the public, including mandating device manufacturers add countermeasures to their products.

Wyden has long been a champion for the privacy rights of Americans and opposed to unnecessary government surveillance. In July 2025, Wyden reintroduced legislation to protect Americans from warrantless government surveillance using cell-site simulators, such as Stingrays. In November 2023, Wyden introduced legislation to reform foreign and domestic surveillance laws and create strong privacy protections for law-abiding Americans. In November 2021, Wyden introduced legislation to end warrantless searches of Americans’ data from automobiles.

The text of the letter is here.

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Wyden Questions Major AI Companies About Federal Contracts After Pentagon Bans Anthropic

Anthropic Reportedly Requested Protections Against Its AI being Used for Mass Surveillance of Americans

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden questioned four major American artificial intelligence companies about their government contracts, after the Defense Department banned government agencies from using Anthropic, reportedly over a disagreement about whether the company’s AI software could be used to conduct mass surveillance of Americans, in a letter released today.

Wyden requested information from Anthropic, Google, OpenAI and X.AI about how the companies’ government customers — in the U.S. and overseas — can use their AI products under the terms of their contracts. Press reports indicated the dispute was over whether the company’s product could be used to analyze and combine location and web browsing data obtained from commercial companies.

“Given this Administration’s disregard for the law and its weaponization of government resources against the President’s perceived enemies, every American should be deeply concerned by the prospect that the Trump Administration will abuse powerful AI technology to conduct domestic surveillance,” Wyden wrote.

Wyden has documented how federal agencies repeatedly have purchased data without warrants to conduct surveillance.

He asked the companies to specify whether their agreements with the U.S. and foreign governments prohibit the use of their products for the following purposes:

To analyze commercial location data that was sold to the government or government contractors in violation of the FTC Act.

To analyze commercial web browsing, real time bidding, or netflow data that was sold to the government or government contractors in violation of the FTC Act.

To analyze data acquired through mass or bulk domestic collection conducted by government agencies or at the direction of government agencies.

To analyze data acquired through mass or bulk foreign intelligence collection conducted by government agencies or at the direction of government agencies, to the extent such collection includes information of or about U.S. persons.

To identify new targets for domestic surveillance or surveillance of U.S. persons.

To conduct domestic hacking operations or hacking operations targeting U.S. persons.

To facilitate the enforcement of U.S. immigration laws.

To facilitate the collection, analysis, dissemination or use in criminal proceedings of information related to protests or the recording, documentation, and distribution of information related to the activities of law enforcement or immigration enforcement agencies.

To facilitate the enforcement of U.S., state or foreign laws criminalizing abortion.

To facilitate the enforcement of U.S., state or foreign laws criminalizing gender affirming care.

To facilitate the enforcement of foreign countries’ laws criminalizing blasphemy, criticism of the government or head of state (including lèse-majesté laws), or homosexuality.

The text of the letter is here.

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Wyden, Schumer Demand Consumers and Small Businesses Be Made Whole After Trump’s Reckless Tariffs

Senators: “Simple fairness demands that the financial burden imposed on small businesses and working families not become a windfall for the largest corporate balance sheets.”

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., today demanded that big businesses and corporations use any tariff refunds they receive to compensate small businesses and U.S. consumers for any costs they incurred from Donald Trump’s reckless tariffs.

Trump’s trade war and reckless tariffs have resulted in higher prices, lost jobs, and chaos for businesses up and down the supply chain. Estimates show the average U.S. family paid nearly $2,000 because of the tariffs. If large corporations that passed along tariff costs are receiving refunds, it is imperative that consumers and small businesses who bore some of those costs are made whole.

“American consumers and small businesses did not choose to pay these tariffs, and the Supreme Court has confirmed that the tariffs were unlawful,” Wyden and Schumer wrote to Suzanne Clark, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “Simple fairness demands that the financial burden imposed on small businesses and working families not become a windfall for the largest corporate balance sheets. Companies that passed along tariff costs should pass along savings from tariff refunds.”

This letter comes following an order from the Court of International Trade directing the Trump administration to cease delays and begin issuing refunds of the tariffs recently struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court. The order follows nearly two weeks of stalling by the Trump administration, which has tried to withhold refunds of tariffs they illegally collected from U.S. businesses.


Young, Colleagues Introduce America’s Living Library Act

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and U.S. Representatives Stephanie Bice (R-OK-5) and Ro Khanna (D-CA-17), all commissioners on the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB), introduced the America’s Living Library Act of 2026. The bill would direct the Secretary of the Interior to begin a project to collect, catalog, and sequence genomic information of animals, plants, fungi, and microbes on U.S. public lands.

The United States is locked in a global tech competition with China and other adversaries, and access to high-quality datasets has become an important part of winning the race. Specifically, non-human biological data from animals, plants, fungi, and microbes is a strategic resource that can be used to unlock breakthrough innovations in medicine, agriculture, and defense. While this biological data can be found in public lands across our country – including in National Parks that span millions of acres and cover varied climates and topographies – America has failed to leverage this data for innovation and national security.

History has already shown what is possible. In the 1960s, Indiana University microbiologist Thomas D. Brock studied microbes in Yellowstone’s hot springs, and that line of research later helped make PCR a reliable way to quickly copy DNA, a foundational technique that powers modern medical testing, forensics, and biological research.

The bipartisan, bicameral legislation would establish a program to create biological datasets that American researchers can use to drive innovation and research. The effort also reflects a priority of the Trump Administration’s AI Action Plan to “build world-class scientific datasets.”

“We cannot afford to stand by while China and other adversaries compile massive biological datasets intended to undermine our national and economic security. Our bill will leverage our natural resources as national strategic assets, a necessary step in ensuring the U.S. remains the global tech leader,” said Senator Young.

“America’s public lands contain rich biological data with enormous potential to bolster our medicine, agriculture, supply chain, and national security. Yet despite the wide variety of climates and biodiversity in our 63 National Parks, the United States has failed to capitalize on this abundance of biological data as a strategic national resource,” said Senator Padilla. “That’s why our bipartisan, bicameral bill would kickstart a comprehensive project to survey organisms on our public lands and collect key genomic samples to better understand the full range of America’s biological landscape and to the harness the full power of American innovation.”

“Biological data from America’s vast public lands is a strategic national asset that must not only be secured, but made accessible to American innovators,” said Representative Bice. “The convergence of AI and biotech is transforming what we can do with biology, and it requires high-quality data. This act will safeguard our competitive edge unleashing growth across the biotechnology sector with the help of the plants, animals, and fungi that make up our incredible national landscape.”

“I’m proud to sponsor America’s Living Library Act of 2026 alongside Sens. Padilla and Young and Rep. Bice to help further our nation’s understanding of biology and our natural resources across America’s 85 million acres of national parks and enable future biotech breakthroughs in medicine, agriculture, and industrial production,” said Representative Khanna.

More specifically, the America’s Living Library Act would:

Establish a sampling, collection, and sequencing process that follows National Park Service and Department of Interior standards

Create opportunities for education and outreach related to science, biological data, and nature at the selected National Parks.

Create a public database to store genomic information gained through this effort, to include high quality, standardized, AI-ready datasets.

Create collection and storage capacity for biological samples in collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture and Smithsonian Institution.

Engage with a broad set of stakeholders to ensure public views and ideas are incorporated into program implementation.

Establish or designate an existing office with the U.S. Geological Survey to carry out the America’s Living Library project.

In addition to Senators Young and Padilla, Senators Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) also cosponsored the legislation.

The America’s Living Library Act is supported by Eli Lilly, Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), ConservAmerica, Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), Inari, Indiana University, Elanco, Indiana Life Sciences Association, Ginkgo Bioworks, Applied Research Institute (ARI), American Alliance for Biomanufacturing (AAB), SCSP Action Program, American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS), Natural Science Collections Alliance (NSCA), American Society for Microbiology (ASM), Entomological Society of America (ESA), American Society of Naturalists, and Paleontological Society.

Full text of the legislation can be found here. A summary of the legislation can be found here.


Yakym Announces 2026 Congressional Art Competition

MISHAWAKA, IN – Today, Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) announced that the annual Congressional Art Competition will be open to high school students throughout the Second District:

“I am thrilled to invite Hoosier high school students throughout the Second District to participate in this year’s Congressional Art Competition,” Rep. Yakym said. “Each Spring, this competition is a great opportunity for students to showcase their creative talents and have the opportunity for their artwork to be proudly displayed in the halls of Congress. I encourage as many Second District students as possible to participate and submit artwork!”

More Information:

Each spring, members of Congress sponsor a nationwide high school arts competition. The Congressional Art Competition is an opportunity to recognize and encourage artistic talent across the nation, including in Indiana’s 2nd Congressional District.

The 2026 Congressional Art Competition is open to all high school students in the 2nd District, and submissions will be accepted from April 1st through April 8th. The winning submission will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol alongside the artwork of other contest winners nationwide. Additionally, all submitted artwork will hang at the South Bend Airport until May 2nd.

To learn more and participate, please visit Congressman Yakym’s website at yakym.house.gov/congressional-art-competition.


Yakym Highlights Fraudulent Pandemic Funds

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) participated in a Ways and Means Work and Welfare subcommittee hearing focused on reclaiming billions of forgotten fraudulent pandemic unemployment insurance (UI) funds issued under the Biden administration.

“The Government Accountability Office (GAO) estimates that 135 billion dollars went missing during the pandemic and yet we have only recovered a mere fraction with nearly 1 billion dollars held in bank accounts,” Rep. Yakym said. “This is real money stolen from hardworking Hoosiers. While Democrats want to ignore this blatant abuse of tax dollars, I’m committed to holding these criminals accountable, working to recoup these funds, and eliminating this kind of egregious waste, fraud, and abuse.”

Rep. Yakym during the Ways and Means Work and Welfare hearing.

Background:

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has estimated as much as $100-$135 billion in UI benefits were lost to fraud during the pandemic. Less than 4% of funds have been recovered.

UI benefits are typically administered through direct deposit, issued on state pre-paid debit cards, or via paper check. In instances where the benefits are loaded onto a pre-paid card, these debit cards are managed by financial institutions.

Some of these fraudulent funds were issued on prepaid debit cards and are still being held in bank accounts. It’s estimated that there are about $1 billion in fraudulent UI still in banks.

Last fall the Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General issued a report outlining how policies and guidance issued by the Biden Administration allowed states to issue blanket waivers and not investigate possible fraud.

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Rep. Young Kim Bill to Boost U.S. Energy Independence Passes House Natural Resources Committee

Washington, D.C. – Today, The House Committee on Natural Resources passed out of markup the Harnessing Energy At Thermal Sources (HEATS) Act (H.R. 7409), a bipartisan bill lead by Representatives Young Kim (CA-40) and Adam Gray (CA-13) to streamline geothermal energy development and production and decrease energy costs.

“Energy independence has always made America great. Geothermal development will help unleash America’s all-of-the-above energy strategy and power America’s energy future,” said Rep. Young Kim. “The HEATS Act cuts unnecessary red tape, strengthens our energy security, and brings more affordable, reliable power online. For Californians facing some of the highest energy costs in the country, this relief can’t come soon enough.”

“The HEATS Act clarifies that federal permitting is not required for geothermal operations on non-federal lands that go through state permitting processes,” said House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman. “I appreciate Rep. Kim’s commitment to ensuring geothermal projects on state and private lands aren’t unnecessarily tied up in federal permitting delays.”

The HEATS Act will:

Eliminate duplicative federal requirements when a valid state permit is already in place;

Allow geothermal projects to move forward when the federal government owns less than 50% of the resource;

Cut unnecessary federal red tape to help unlock geothermal energy development across the United States.

This legislation passed the House with strong bipartisan support in the 118th Congress.


Rep. Young Kim Votes Yes to Put America First: Fully Fund DHS and Return to Regular Order

Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Young Kim (CA-40) voted to reopen and fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), bolstering national security, restoring full operations across DHS agencies, and ensuring the men and women on the frontlines of protecting the United States receive the resources they need to do their jobs.

With the passage of H.R. 7744, Congress provides funding for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), U.S. Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).

H.R. 7744 is the 12th and final Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bill, and its passage through the House marks a return to regular order – restoring accountability, and predictability to how the federal government is funded rather than relying on short-term stopgap measures.

The Homeland Security appropriations bill includes key priorities to:

Strengthen Border Security

Provides funding for Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement to secure the border, combat transnational crime, and stop narcotics trafficking.

Support Frontline Homeland Security Personnel

Ensures Transportation Security Administration officers, U.S. Coast Guardsmen, and other DHS personnel receive the pay they’ve earned and have the tools they need to protect Americans.

Enhance Disaster Preparedness and Response:

Supports the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s efforts to assist communities preparing for and responding to disasters.

Protect Critical Infrastructure and Cybersecurity:

Funds the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to help defend the nation against cyber threats and safeguard critical infrastructure.

Rep. Young Kim spoke in favor of H.R. 7744 on the House floor. Watch HERE or read text below.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Today, we are in a battle for the safety and security of every U.S. citizen. Threats against our nation are at an all-time high, our adversaries are actively looking for weakness, and we are putting ourselves in harm’s way by not carrying out the most basic function of government: protecting the homeland.

This is not a political game. TSA officers are working without pay while protecting our airports. Coast Guardsmen are risking their lives at home and are active in the Persian Gulf. FEMA coordinators are operating with limited resources as we get closer to wildfire season. Federal law enforcement is securing our borders against narco-terrorists.

Thanks to democrat dysfunction, none of these patriots will see their paychecks this month. We already learned this in October, our homeland security should never be used as a bargaining chip.

I urge my colleagues to choose patriotism over partisanship and fund the Department of Homeland Security immediately.


Smith Announces 2026 Congressional Art Competition

Today, Congressman Adrian Smith (NE-03) invites high school students across Nebraska's Third District to submit their artwork for the 2026 Congressional Art Competition by Friday, March 27th.

“Every year the Congressional Art Competition showcases the talent, creativity, and unique perspectives of young people from across our country, generating an amazing collection of artwork that reflects the creativity of the next generation. Students across Nebraska’s Third District never fail to amaze me with their impressive talent and imagination, and I look forward to seeing this year’s entries,”said Smith.

BACKGROUND:

Official rules, guidelines, and submission forms are available on Congressman Smith's website: https://adriansmith.house.gov/services/art-competition.

First-place artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol, alongside winning entries from across the country, and Smith will display one of the runners-up in his Washington, D.C., and each of his Third District offices.

The Congressional Institute annually sponsors the Congressional Art Competition for high school students from all fifty states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories.

For additional information, please contact Smith's Grand Island office at (308) 384-3900.


Real Estate Caucus, Republican Study Committee Leaders Urge Trump Administration to Index Capital Gains Taxes for Inflation

Today, Real Estate Caucus Co-Chairs, Congressmen Mark Alford (MO-04) and Tracey Mann (KS-01), as well as Republican Study Committee (RSC) Chairman August Pfluger (TX-11) led a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The lawmakers are urging the Trump Administration to use its existing authority to index capital gains taxes for inflation, which will address housing affordability concerns and expand homeownership by unlocking the existing housing supply, while also promoting long term investment in American communities.

The letter was also signed by Real Estate Caucus and Republican Study Committee Members, including Reps. Ben Cline (VA-06), Scott Perry (PA-04), John Rose (TN-06), Jimmy Patronis (FL-01) and John McGuire (VA-05).

Read the full letter to Secretary Bessent here or below:

“Dear Secretary Bessent:

“We write to urge you to utilize existing executive authority to remove the inflation tax on savings and investment by indexing the Department of the Treasury’s calculation of capital gains tax liability to inflation.

“Homeownership and long-term real estate investment remain central to achieving the American Dream for millions of families. Yet under current tax treatment, taxpayers are often required to pay capital gains taxes not only on real economic appreciation, but also on nominal gains attributable solely to inflation. This treatment is inconsistent with basic tax fairness and undermines incentives for long-term investment in housing and real property.

“In 2019, a group of Senate Republicans led by Senator Ted Cruz urged the Treasury Department to use its existing authority to eliminate inflationary gains from the calculation of capital gains. They correctly noted that defining cost basis in a manner that removes the unfair inflation tax on savings would be a positive, pro-growth reform the Administration could undertake without additional legislation. We agree with that assessment.

“For homeowners in particular, inflation indexing is especially important at a time when housing affordability remains a top concern for American families. Families who purchase a home or small real estate investment often hold that asset for many years or decades. Over long holding periods, a substantial share of the nominal gain may reflect inflation rather than true increases in real value. Taxing these phantom gains can discourage housing mobility, lock up housing supply, penalize long-term homeowners, and distort real estate investment decisions.

“Four years of runaway inflation under President Biden have only intensified this problem. American families have already seen their purchasing power eroded, and homeowners should not face an additional tax penalty driven by inflationary pressures beyond their control. Your Administration should not be hamstrung by the inflationary environment inherited from the Biden era. Indexing capital gains to inflation would provide immediate, targeted relief by ensuring taxpayers are taxed only on real gains, not price-level distortions.

“Reducing these distortions would help improve housing market fluidity at a moment when many communities face tight inventory and elevated home prices. By lessening the tax penalty associated with selling appreciated property, inflation indexing can help free up existing housing stock, encourage reinvestment in local communities, and support a healthier, more affordable housing market for first-time buyers and growing families.

“According to analysis from the nonpartisan Tax Foundation, a significant share of unrealized capital gains reflects inflation rather than real growth. Indexing capital gains to inflation would ensure taxpayers pay tax only on real income, aligning capital gains treatment with the inflation adjustments already applied elsewhere in the tax code, including individual income tax brackets.

“Legal scholarship spanning decades indicates that the Treasury Department has authority to define cost basis for purposes of capital gains calculations. Utilizing this authority to exclude inflationary gains would be a straightforward administrative action grounded in fairness and sound tax policy.

“American families, homeowners, and job creators should not be taxed on phantom income created solely by inflation. We therefore respectfully urge you to direct the Department of the Treasury to implement inflation indexing of capital gains as expeditiously as possible.

“The Real Estate Caucus stands ready to work with your Administration to advance policies that expand homeownership, unlock housing supply, and promote long-term investment in American communities.”

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Arrington Introduces ‘Smitty Check Act’ Honoring Lubbock Native Caleb Smither by Enforcing Stronger Safety Protocols in Military

Washington, D.C. – House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) introduced the Smitty Check Act, legislation honoring Private Second Class Caleb “Smitty” Smither of Lubbock, Texas, who died on active duty at Fort Bragg, North Carolina in 2020 after suffering a head injury and returning to his barracks while ill. Despite multiple medical visits in the days leading up to his death, no one physically checked on Smither, and he was not discovered until five days later.

Chairman Arrington previously secured reforms honoring Smither by directing the Army to report to Congress on the implementation and enforcement of the “Smitty Check” protocol – requiring leadership to monitor servicemembers following injury or illness and strengthening accountability for their welfare. Building on that progress, the Smitty Check Act would expand these lifesaving safeguards across the entire Department of War, establishing a standardized expectation for in-person wellness checks across all branches of the Armed Forces.

“Private Caleb ‘Smitty’ Smither of Lubbock lived his dream of serving our country as an Army paratrooper, but his life was tragically cut short due to preventable accountability failures,” said Chairman Arrington. “After years of pushing for reform and already securing ‘Smitty Checks’ for the Army, my Smitty Check Act takes the next step by expanding those proven measures across the entire Department of War and establishing a clear standard of in person verification when a service member is injured, ill, or on sick call, ensuring no soldier is ever left unaccounted for when leadership has a duty to verify their safety. I am proud to lead this effort to strengthen leadership responsibility, uphold the sacred promise to leave no man behind, and support the men and women in uniform who answer the call to defend our nation.”

“I am truly moved by the incredible support of the American Legion, TAPS, and the Members of Congress who have rallied behind the Smitty Check. Since Caleb’s death, Congressman Jodey Arrington has been there every step of the way, fighting for Caleb and for accountability,” said Heather Baker, mother of Private Caleb Smither. “Now, after six years of advocacy, seeing leaders unite around this effort brings real hope—not just for me, but for military families across our nation. The Smitty Check is a simple, face-to-face act—grounded in human connection and designed to ensure no one is overlooked. The military prides itself on checking, double-checking, and triple-checking equipment, processes, and missions. With the Smitty Check, we extend that same principle to our people—so no Soldier is ever left behind. With this level of support, I am hopeful the Smitty Check will soon become a reality for all service members. When we show up for them, we affirm our principles as a nation—because the way we treat those who serve is a direct measure of our nation’s moral and social well-being. By honoring that responsibility, we help ensure no family suffers needless loss and that our service members are supported as they work toward their version of the American Dream.”

“The tragic death of Private Second Class Caleb ‘Smitty’ Smither exposed a devastating accountability failure within our armed forces,” said Rep. Mike Lawler (NY-17). “By requiring mandatory ‘Smitty Checks’ and escalating to in-person wellness verification when a servicemember is injured, ill, or unresponsive, this legislation ensures no one falls through the cracks.”

“We don’t leave our own behind – not on the battlefield and not on base,” said Rep. Addison McDowell (NC-06).“This bill makes sure all service-members are actually accounted for, face to face. I’m proud to back Chairman Arrington’s effort to fix this.”

“Private Caleb ‘Smitty’ Smither should never have been left alone without anyone checking on him,” said Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13).“The Smitty Check Act is a commonsense reform to ensure our servicemembers, especially those who are sick or injured, are accounted for and cared for. If someone is serving this country, the least we can do is make sure they are not forgotten when they need help most.”

“No service member should lose their life due to a lack of follow-up care,” said Rep. John Rose (TN-06).“This legislation requires trained professionals to check on our brave men and women in uniform after a significant injury, illness, or while they’re on sick call. I am proud to cosponsor Chairman Arrington’s bill and I believe it will save American lives.”

“The Smitty Check Act is about accountability, dignity, and never leaving a servicemember behind,” said Rep. Matt Van Epps (TN-07). “The heartbreaking loss of Private Second Class Caleb ‘Smitty’ Smither exposed a dangerous gap in oversight that no military family should ever have to endure. By establishing mandatory ‘Smitty Checks’ and requiring in-person verification when contact cannot be made, this legislation creates a uniform, lifesaving standard of care for those who are injured, seriously ill, or on sick call. I am grateful to Rep. Arrington for introducing this critical bill and for his leadership in ensuring our servicemembers are accounted for.”

“The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) strongly supports the 'Smitty Check Act' and thanks Representative Arrington for introducing this life-saving legislation, which is about one simple but sacred responsibility: never losing sight of the men and women who serve our nation,” said Bonnie Carroll, President and Founder, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS). “When a service member is injured, falls ill, or seeks medical care, we have a duty to ensure they are not just treated, but truly accounted for. The Smitty Check Act establishes clear, consistent wellness check requirements across the Armed Forces. By requiring follow-up contact, this bill strengthens accountability, improves communication within units, and reinforces a culture where health and welfare are mission priorities. The Government Accountability Office found that 93% of troops with 'involuntary' absences are eventually found dead. Readiness depends on people. Taking care of our troops is not optional — it is fundamental to leadership, to morale, and to the safety of our Armed Forces.”

This legislation is also endorsed by the American Legion, the largest U.S. veterans organization with more than 1.6 million members.

GAO Findings:

In February, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that gaps in policies, definitions, and data tracking across the military services can hinder efforts to quickly locate missing or unresponsive servicemembers and mitigate risk. From FY2015–FY2024, the services recorded 295 servicemembers as involuntarily absent in nonhostile settings with approximately 93 percent (274 cases) resulting in a declaration of death.

GAO also identified inconsistent classifications of servicemember absences as voluntary or involuntary, differences in how “missing” is defined across services, and uneven data systems – contributing to an incomplete and unreliable response to these incidents across the Department.

Background:

The Smitty Check Act requires the Department of War to establish a standardized expectation for wellness check procedures across all branches of the Armed Forces for servicemembers who are injured, ill, or on sick call.

These “Smitty Checks” would ensure leaders escalate to in-person verification when a servicemember cannot be reached through digital communication methods, strengthening accountability for the health and safety of those in uniform.

The legislation builds on oversight reforms Chairman Arrington secured in the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, which directed the Army to report to Congress on its implementation and enforcement of the “Smitty Check” protocol. This protocol was first set forth as Army policy in 2024 following a letter sent by Chairman Arrington requesting a review of the circumstances surrounding Private Second Class Caleb “Smitty” Smither’s death and the corrective actions taken in response.

The Smitty Check Act expands this accountability framework across the entire Department of War to ensure consistent standards across the Armed Forces.

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Related News

U.S. Rep. Arrington introduces stronger safety protocols in military

March 9, 2026 | Posted in In the News

Arrington Celebrates Passage of Defense Bill, Record Funding for Dyess Air Force Base

September 12, 2025 | Posted in Press Releases

Arrington Passes Amendment Honoring Lubbock Native Caleb Smither, Enforcing Stronger Safety Protocols in Military

September 12, 2025 | Posted in Press Releases

Arrington Leads Effort to Defend Military Installations, Bolster Security at Dyess Air Force Base

August 4, 2025 | Posted in Press Releases


Barr Congratulates Judge Greg Van Tatenhove on Appointment as Dean of the Rosenberg College of Law at UK

Lexington, KY—Today, Greg Van Tatenhove, U.S. District Court Judge for the Eastern District of Kentucky, was named the new Dean of the Rosenberg College of Law at the University of Kentucky. U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (R-Ky) released the following statement:

“I want to congratulate my friend, Judge Greg Van Tatenhove on his appointment as the new Dean of the University of Kentucky Rosenberg College of Law. As an alumnus of the College, I am thrilled that Judge Van Tatenhove will be stepping into this role. He has been an outstanding Judge for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and he will no doubt leverage his substantial experience in government, private practice and the federal judiciary to lead the law school into the future and cultivate the next generation of attorneys, judges, lawmakers and business leaders for the Commonwealth.”

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Beyer on February Jobs Report: “A Flashing Red Warning Light for the Trump Administration”

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) today issued its February 2026 jobs report, which found that the economy shed 92,000 jobs, raising the unemployment rate to 4.4 percent – one of the highest unemployment rates since 2021. Since President Trump’s tariffs took effect in April 2025, the U.S. economy has, on balance, lost a total of 19,000 jobs. This is a dramatic change from the year before Trump took office, when the economy was averaging 168,000 jobs added per month.

Rep. Don Beyer, Senior House Democrat on the Joint Economic Committee, said:

“This awful jobs report should be a flashing red warning light for the Trump Administration. Already under strain from the President’s disastrous trade war and anti-immigrant crusade, our economy is extremely ill-prepared to deal with yet another wave of Trump-induced chaos, this time in the form of an illegal war of choice in the Middle East which is rapidly driving up energy prices across the globe.

“Far from sparking a manufacturing renaissance, Trump’s tariffs have worsened a months-long slide in blue-collar employment. Those jobs now sit roughly half a million below what was projected in 2023 and 2024. Meanwhile, service-sector hiring – especially in healthcare, which has long been the main engine of job growth – is slowing and reporting losses.

“The disastrous consequences of Trump’s erratic decisions are becoming clearer by the day. Mounting uncertainty is leading companies to slow hiring. Meanwhile, as Americans pay more for groceries, electricity, housing, and health care, Republicans in Congress continue to cede their power to rein in the Trump Administration’s catastrophic and harmful policies.”


Representatives Moore, Carbajal Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Regulate Prediction Markets

WASHINGTON - Representatives Blake Moore (R-UT) and Salud Carbajal (D-CA) introduced bipartisan legislation to ensure event contracts can continue to serve legitimate business interests while protecting Americans from the safety and national security risks of dangerous or otherwise problematic event contracts.

Event contracts are longstanding financial instruments that many industries, particularly farmers, use to hedge against potential losses. In recent years, prediction markets have sponsored contracts related to topics that expose our country to national security, public safety, or insider trading risks by creating incentives for insiders to leak or profit from exclusive information, or for criminals to invest in contracts related to their own wrongdoing. The Event Contract Enforcement Act strengthens existing law to empower the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to prohibit the listing of contracts for sale related to terrorism, assassination, war, gaming (sports or athletic competitions), or illegal activity.

“Under-regulated prediction markets have exposed America to needless public safety and national security risks by allowing traders to invest in outcomes related to sensitive matters like terrorism, assassination, war, or elections,” Rep. Moore said. "Prediction markets also sponsor sports-related contracts against the wishes of many states, including Utah, that would otherwise prohibit these contracts if offered as traditional sports betting. I am excited to partner with my friend, Rep. Carbajal, on this nonpartisan issue to ensure event contracts can continue to serve legitimate business interests while protecting Americans from risk."

"Under-regulated prediction markets are creating an environment ripe for insider trading. The monetization of military activities or election processes threatens our national security and further erodes public trust in government,” Rep. Carbajal said. “The Event Contract Enforcement Act is a strong first step toward protecting consumers and upholding ethical standards across all levels of government. I am committed to working across the aisle to bring transparency and accountability to this under-regulated sector.”

Background:

In 1974, Congress created the CFTC to enforce and regulate the Commodity Exchange Act and oversee derivatives markets, which would eventually include prediction markets. Under current law, a designated contract market must self-certify that a contract or contract type complies with CFTC regulations before listing. The 2010 Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act clarified the CFTC’s authority to, at its own discretion, prohibit contracts involving terrorism, assassination, war, gaming, illegal activity (known as TAWGA, collectively), or other subject matter that the Commission may determine is contrary to the public interest. However, the CFTC is not required to enforce prohibitions against any event contract.

Event contracts based on each of the above topics present clear risks to public safety, national security, election integrity, insider trading, or U.S. service members’ safety. Contracts based on illegal activity create perverse incentives for criminals to commit crimes to trigger payouts. Contracts related to government or military activity create an incentive for insiders to “bet on” or leak sensitive information for profit. Election contracts create incentives to manipulate democratic processes. Contracts related to federal or state government functions create endless opportunities for insider trading on actions taken by elected officials, appointees, or other government personnel, in some cases exposing elected officials to safety risks.

Congress must require the CFTC to enforce against illicit contract types to mitigate these risks.

The Event Contract Enforcement Act:

Requires the CFTC to prohibit event contracts based on TAWGA topics.

Adds prohibitions on event contracts based on election outcomes or government activity.

Creates a pathway for States to opt out of the enforcement of the gaming contract prohibition, allowing them to choose whether to allow sports-related contracts within their borders.

Read the full bill here.

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Carey Leads Bipartisan Group of Ohio Lawmakers in Letter to Secretary Duffy for CMH Upgrades

COLUMBUS, OHIO – Yesterday, U.S. Rep. Mike Carey (R-Ohio-15) led a bipartisan, bicameral group of Ohio lawmakers in a letter to U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Sean Duffy urging him to prioritize new terminal upgrades at John Glenn Airport through the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Terminal Program ATP).

“CMH was a proud recipient of $8.5 million in ATP grant funding from the agency in Fiscal Year 2025. Additional funding will provide modern jetways for the new terminal and is part of much broader investment in sustainable facility growth at the airport. As you consider applications for the ATP, we respectfully ask that you give CMH’s application full and fair consideration,” the lawmakers wrote.

Other signers of the letter include U.S. Reps. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio-03), Troy Balderson (R-Ohio-12), and David Taylor (R-Ohio-02), as well as U.S. Senators Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) and Jon Husted (R-Ohio).

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

Dear Secretary Duffy:

We write today to express our strong support for John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) in its application to the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Fiscal Year 2026 Airport Terminal Program (ATP).

Columbus is the fastest growing region in Ohio, and Central Ohio depends on CMH to provide a broad range of affordable customer choices for air travel to nearly half of the state’s counties.

Aviation has a long and storied history in Columbus, from Charles Lindbergh personally selecting the original airport site in 1929, to the achievements of Eddie Rickenbacker, the Tuskegee Airmen, and Jerrie Mock, the first woman to fly solo around the world. The namesake of the airport, John Glenn, is closely connected with aviation milestones in the community. Today, CMH has 53 nonstop destinations, including record passenger numbers, a dozen value and traditional air carriers, over 130 flights per day, and the Airport has seen a 7.1 percent year-over-year flight growth.

Columbus broke ground on its new terminal project in early 2025 to replace infrastructure dating back to 1958. The new terminal is designed for future growth, will consolidate multiple TSA checkpoints for improved efficiency, and will provide a seamless experience for families and business travelers alike.

The airport has worked closely with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to plan for this necessary growth. CMH was a proud recipient of $8.5 million in ATP grant funding from the agency in Fiscal Year 2025. Additional funding will provide modern jetways for the new terminal and is part of much broader investment in sustainable facility growth at the airport.

As you consider applications for the ATP, we respectfully ask that you give CMH’s application full and fair consideration.

Sincerely,

# # #


Case Statement On The Passing Of Former U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa

(Honolulu, HI) – U.S. Representative Ed Case (HI-01) issued the following statement on the passing of former U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa:

“With the passing of former U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa, Hawai‘i has lost one of our most talented, committed and accomplished public servants,” said U.S. Representative Ed Case, who succeeded Representative Hanabusa in 2019 as Representative of Hawaii’s First Congressional District (Honolulu).

“Representative Hanabusa achieved so much throughout multiple careers, including her almost seven years in Congress, where she was a valued and effective legislator, especially in strengthening our national defense, preserving our natural resources, advancing Native Hawaiians and protecting our civil rights.

“Hers was a life well lived for our Hawai‘i and country, for which I am grateful. For all who we were both honored to represent, I send my deep aloha to John and their family.”

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DelBene Leads Bipartisan Warning that NIH Council Vacancies Threaten Medical Research

Today, Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01), André Carson (IN-07), and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) led a bipartisan letter along with 31 of their colleagues urging Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to fill vacant positions on National Institutes of Health (NIH) advisory councils, which are essential for approving billions in medical research funding. The failure to appoint new members to these councils could stall the final approval of research grants and delay critical medical research.

“These advisory councils play a critical role in funding medical research, serving as the final arbiter after NIH study sections review grant applications. The current understaffing of NIH advisory councils will imperil medical research and harm the health of Americans for generations,” the lawmakers wrote to Kennedy.

Secretary Kennedy is required by law to appoint members to the NIH advisory councils. In 2025, HHS rescinded the nominations of candidates who had been successfully vetted in 2023 and 2024. Since the beginning of the Trump administration, only one vacancy across 24 NIH advisory councils has been filled.

When understaffed, NIH advisory councils are unable to approve grants for lifesaving medical research, directly harming the health of the American people. During the largest measles epidemic in 25 years, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases advisory council is staffed at only 33 percent capacity.

“Leaving these pivotal research institute advisory councils understaffed will severely disrupt medical research, harming millions of Americans and imperiling our economy and global standing. We implore you to immediately return the vetted nominees to their research institutes,” the lawmakers continued.

In 2026, many advisory council members’ terms are set to expire, exacerbating understaffing and leaving critical NIH research centers without any advisory council members. Critical research on heart disease, neurological disorders, infectious diseases, and mental health will be directly impacted.

“These advisory council members play a crucial role in allocating billions of dollars of funding for medical research, improving the country’s health and serving as a core driver of economic growth in many states. To continue to be a world leader in biomedical innovation, we need these critical scientists and public policy collaborators,” the lawmakers added.


Congresswoman Escobar Introduces Legislation to Create Transparency for CBP’s Trusted Traveler Program

Last night, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) introduced the Trusted Traveler Program Transparency Act, legislation that creates much-needed transparency and standardized processes for U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Trusted Traveler Program.

“The Trusted Traveler Program is a vital benefit that helps move people and traffic across our ports safely and efficiently,” said Congresswoman Escobar. “But despite the convenience of the program, a challenge for our community is that it has operated without transparency, leaving countless people, including many El Pasoans, frustrated and in the dark when their enrollment is revoked or their appeal denied without explanation. My legislation helps users by guaranteeing clear communication, written explanations, and a standardized review process for the thousands of El Pasoans who use programs like Sentri, Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, and more.”

“The El Paso Chamber supports efforts to improve transparency within Trusted Traveler Programs, which are essential to daily mobility and economic activity in border communities,” said Ricardo Mora, President and CEO of the El Paso Chamber. “Having helped establish the Dedicated Commuter SENTRI Lane at the Stanton Street Bridge in 1999, we understand firsthand how these programs support workers, businesses, and cross-border travel. Clear communication and predictable processes strengthen both commuter confidence and the long-term efficiency of our ports of entry.”

“The El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce supports efforts that bring greater transparency, consistency, and accountability to programs that directly impact our binational business community,” said Gladys Gonzalez, President and CEO of the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “Trusted Traveler Programs such as SENTRI and Global Entry are essential to the daily movement of executives, employees, and supply chains in our region. When businesses or individuals experience unexpected suspensions or delays without clear guidance, it can create real disruptions. This legislation is about transparency and due process, ensuring that individuals and businesses have clear information, a defined appeals process, and timely updates. In a border region like ours, where cross-border commerce drives economic growth, clarity and efficiency matter. We appreciate Congresswoman Escobar’s focus on strengthening systems that support our business community and regional mobility.”

The bill would require U.S. Customs and Protection (CBP) to provide clear, written explanations to program enrollees and applicants whose memberships have been revoked, suspended, terminated, or denied. It would also establish standardized appeal and review procedures for each case, should one not exist.

Specifically, the Trusted Traveler Program Transparency Act would require:

The Secretary of Homeland Security to establish an appeals process for individuals whose enrollment in a Trusted Traveler program is denied, suspended, or terminated, should a process not already exist.

The Secretary of Homeland Security to provide in writing to an individual information regarding the denial, suspension, or termination of their TTP enrollment.

This includes the reason for the denial, suspension, or termination; options available for an appeal and relevant information including timelines; and options to reapply and relevant information.

The Secretary of Homeland Security to create a webpage on the DHS website that includes information regarding the appeals process as well as a public telephone number for individuals to call for the status of their pending appeals.

The Secretary of Homeland Security to provide updates to individuals with pending appeals every four weeks.


Ezell Accepts AAPA’s 2026 Port Person of the Year Award

At this year’s annual Legislative Summit, Congressman Mike Ezell (MS-04) received the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) 2026 Port Person of the Year award for his steadfast commitment to the seaport and maritime industry.

"It is an honor and a privilege to be named AAPA’s Port Person of the Year for my work to strengthen our nation’s economic vitality and national security through our ports,” stated Congressman Ezell. “Our nation’s ports and maritime industry will continue to be one of my top priorities so that we can remain competitive in the global marketplace and stand ready to meet the challenges of the future."

“There is no question that Rep. Ezell has been a remarkable advocate for our port industry throughout his time in Congress,” said Chett Chiasson, AAPA Board Chair and Port Fourchon Executive Director. “His dedication to coastal navigation and strong, modern, and vibrant gateways made possible through real infrastructure investment, will have a lasting impact on our industry.”

“Congressman Ezell is a true leader for ports in Mississippi and across the country. He consistently champions legislation and initiatives that directly benefit the port and maritime community,” said Jon Nass, CEO, Mississippi State Port Authority at Gulfport. "Ports along the Gulf Coast and nationwide are fortunate to have such a strong advocate representing them in Congress, and we were proud to nominate him for the award he is receiving today.”

“We proudly congratulate Congressman Mike Ezell on being named the 2026 Person of the Year by AAPA,” stated the Port Pascagoula staff and commissioners. "Through his work on the House Committees on Transportation & Infrastructure and his leadership on initiatives such as the Port Cranes Tax Credit, he continues to champion policies that strengthen port infrastructure, improve supply chain resilience, and support American maritime progress. Congressman Ezell’s leadership reflects the maritime strength, work ethic, and pride that define Pascagoula and the communities that power America’s ports.”

Background:

In 2025, Congressman Ezell introduced the Port Cranes Tax Credit Act alongside Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY-11) and original cosponsors Representatives Randy Weber (R-TX-14) and Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02). The legislation provides a 25% investment tax credit for U.S. facilities that manufacture or repair ship-to-shore and mobile harbor port cranes, plus a production credit of 40%, rising to 60% if 90% or more of crane components are American-made. If enacted, the bill would boost domestic manufacturing, strengthen supply chains, and enhance national security by bringing port manufacturing back to the U.S.

Ezell has served Mississippi’s 4th District since 2023. He sits on the House Natural Resources and Transportation and Infrastructure Committees and chairs the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.

Since 2022, Direct ChassisLink Inc. (DCLI) has sponsored the Port Person of the Year award. DCLI is the largest provider of marine and domestic container chassis to the U.S. intermodal industry, a strong partner of America’s ports, and an AAPA member company.

First awarded in 1994, AAPA's Port Person of the Year honors individuals whose exceptional work has made a meaningful impact on public port authorities and maritime commerce in the Western Hemisphere. Past recipients include government officials, trade and transportation leaders, and others who have advanced the priorities of the public port community.

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Reps. Finstad, Krishnamoorthi, Sens. Blackburn, Hassan Introduce Legislation to Modernize Federal Credit Programs

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) was joined by Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08) in introducing H.R. 7789 – the Federal Loan Systems Modernization Act of 2026 to create a government-wide shared services lending platform – known as “Lending.gov.” The platform would provide a single, modern front door for borrowers and a standardized set of back-end loan management capabilities for participating agencies while preserving each agency’s program authorities. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.

“By creating Lending.gov as a single, secure access point for federal loan programs, the Federal Loan Systems Modernization Act finally brings our loan systems into the 21st century. I’m proud to introduce this legislation with Sen. Blackburn and Rep. Krishnamoorthi to improve efficiency and streamline access across agencies, minimize opportunities for fraud, and deliver the kind of commonsense modernization that makes government work better for the people it serves,” said Rep. Finstad.

“Today, the federal government operates more than 175 loan programs on outdated, fragmented systems that waste billions of taxpayer dollars and leave the door open to fraud,” said Rep. Krishnamoorthi. “Our legislation establishes Lending.gov as a single, secure, modern platform that will streamline operations, strengthen fraud detection, and ensure assistance reaches Americans who qualify without unnecessary delays. By consolidating these systems, we can save at least $2 billion annually while delivering faster, more accountable service. This is smart government: cutting waste, protecting taxpayers, and making federal programs work the way they should.”

“Tennesseans, small businesses, and families across the country deserve a simple process that makes accessing federal loans easier,” said Sen. Blackburn. “The Federal Loan Systems Modernization Act would streamline the process for borrowers and federal agencies, replacing the confusing patchwork of loan programs that frustrates Americans every day. It would also stop waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer dollars.”

“The federal government is one of the largest lenders in the world, with programs that support housing, small businesses, infrastructure, disaster recovery, and national security. But the outdated systems used by many of these lending programs cost billions and have allowed tens of billions in fraud,” said Sen. Hassan. “This bipartisan bill will modernize federal lending through a shared services platform known as Lending.gov, helping make our government more user friendly, combat fraud, and save taxpayer dollars. It is one of many ways in which we can make our government better deliver for people while saving money at the same time.”

The Federal Loan Systems Modernization Act is endorsed by the Council for Citizens Against Government Waste, the Association of Government Accountants, the Shared Services Leadership Council, the Center for USA Lending, and the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget.

“The Federal Loan Systems Modernization Act would establish a new website, Lending.gov, as a centralized federal lending platform. This consolidation of information about federal loans would facilitate access and increase transparency for borrowers, reduce duplication, and improve the detection and prevention of waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement. Agencies would benefit from the website’s shared services and infrastructure while maintaining control over their individual lending programs. The Council for Citizens Against Government Waste supports this legislation and urges all members of Congress to support its passage.” – Tom Schatz, President, Council for Citizens Against Government Waste.

“Like in so many areas of government operations, fragmented lending systems cost taxpayers money and make it harder for agencies to do their jobs. The Federal Loan Systems Modernization Act is a practical, common-sense response to a problem that federal financial managers have flagged for years. AGA supports advancing this concept now. Modernizing shared infrastructure while keeping agencies in control of their programs is exactly the right approach.” – Ann Ebberts, CEO, Association of Government Accountants (AGA)

“Shared services works and federal lending is exactly the kind of function that stands to benefit from a common platform approach. The Federal Loan Systems Modernization Act aligns closely with what the shared services community has advocated for years: modern infrastructure, reduced duplication, and agency autonomy preserved. We’re encouraged by the direction this proposal takes and believe it deserves serious attention from both the Administration and Congress.” – John Marshall, Executive Director, Shared Services Leadership Council

“The communities that depend most on federal credit programs, small businesses, first-generation homeowners, students, are also the ones most harmed when systems are slow, uncoordinated, and unreliable. The Federal Loan Systems Modernization Act gets at something fundamental: that good lending policy requires good lending infrastructure. The Center for USA Lending strongly believes this proposal warrants prompt action, and we’re committed to keeping borrower experience at the center of this conversation.” – said Doug Criscitello, Executive Director, Center for USA Lending


Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Joins Colleagues in Requesting Investigation into Reports that Military Leaders Claim War in Iran Part of Biblical End-Times Prophecies

Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) joined Congressional Freethought Caucus Co-Chairs Representative Jared Huffman (CA-02) and Jamie Raskin (MD-08), House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel Ranking Member Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), and 26 of their colleagues in requesting U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Inspector General Platte B. Moring III open an investigation into reports that servicemembers have lodged anonymous complaints about military commanders invoking religious prophecy and apocalyptic theology to justify the United States’ military actions in Iran.

“Members of the United States Armed Forces swear an oath to support and defend our secular Constitution—not any specific religious doctrines—and servicemembers must be able to carry out their duties free from coercive religious messaging by their chain of command,” the members wrote. “Our military, like our nation, reflects a diversity of religious beliefs and perspectives including many non-Christians and non-religious individuals. The Department of Defense has long recognized that proselytizing by commanders can undermine trust within units and erode the professionalism that is essential to effective military operations.”

“At a time when billions of dollars and untold numbers of lives hang in the balance while the Trump administration wages a war of choice in Iran, the imperative of maintaining strict separation of church and state and protecting the religious freedom of our troops is especially critical,” the members continued. “We must ensure that military operations are guided by facts and the law, not end-times prophecy and extreme religious beliefs.”

Congresswoman Fletcher and her colleagues requested the DOD investigate and report back to Congress on several matters, including:

Whether military commanders or other officers have made statements to subordinates asserting that U.S. military operations against Iran are part of a religious prophecy, divine plan, or apocalyptic religious event, and if so, where such communications originated within the chain of command.

Whether any such statements constitute violations of Department of Defense policies.

Whether servicemembers who reported these concerns experienced retaliation or fear of retaliation within their units.

Whether additional guidance or action is warranted to ensure that personal religious beliefs are not used to justify or frame U.S. military operations.


CBDC Letter

Mar 6, 2026
Congressman Russ Fulcher – CBDC Letter


Reps. Garamendi, Peters Introduce Legislation to Combat Drought, Build Local Water Infrastructure

WASHINGTON, DC — Yesterday, Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08) a senior member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, Rep. Scott Peters (CA-50), Rep. Jim Costa (CA-21), Rep. Raul Ruiz (CA-25), Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-52), Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) introduce the Drought Relief Obtained Using Government Help Today (DROUGHT) Act, to help address the Western water crisis caused by severe and ongoing drought conditions affecting the Colorado River and its reservoirs.

The DROUGHT Act would allow drought-impacted and underserved communities to both bring in additional federal funds and remain eligible for long-term, low-interest Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loans. It does not affect the obligation of borrowers to repay their loans, the timeline for repayment, or interest rates of applicable loans.

"Every Californian deserves access to safe, clean, reliable drinking water. I'm proud to join Congressman Peters in introducing the DROUGHT Act to ensure communities have the resources and federal support they need to advance equitable, sustainable water infrastructure projects," said Rep. Garamendi.

“San Diegans know we cannot take our water for granted — that’s why the city and county are investing in long-term solutions like Pure Water,” said Rep. Peters. “The federal government must help communities across America invest in much-needed drought relief and prevention projects as we continue to face the worsening effects of climate change. Clean water is one of our most basic needs, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress and our local partners to ensure every American has access to safe, reliable water.”

“Access to reliable water is essential for every community. Large-scale water projects have long supported our local communities, and increasing federal assistance for drought-prone, low-income areas where access to safe drinking water is often limited will help meet the growing demands on our water infrastructure. As our climate changes and aging infrastructure requires updates, we must continue expanding support for new water projects to ensure every community has the water it needs,” said Rep. Costa.

“The DROUGHT Act is a commonsense step to help drought-prone communities access the federal support they need to build resilient water infrastructure. By increasing WIFIA funding for projects in low-income and high-need regions, this bill ensures cost isn’t the barrier between families and reliable water supplies,” said Rep. Ruiz.

“Drought is a serious issue for our region, especially as the impacts of climate change intensify,” said Rep. Vargas. “I’m proud to introduce this legislation alongside my colleague, Congressman Scott Peters, to help make federal support for drought mitigation efforts and water projects more accessible for our communities.”

“Water is a basic human need. But many of our communities, especially in underserved areas, do not have reliable and affordable water supplies,” said Rep. Barragán. “The DROUGHT Act addresses this issue by increasing federal funds for infrastructure projects that provide Americans greater access to the water they need.”

“We must take every opportunity to invest in Southern California’s water infrastructure so that we are prepared for the next drought. Water supports our local economies, powers tourism, and allows our San Diego County farmers to grow avocados, tomatoes, flowers, and other crops,” said Rep. Levin. “The DROUGHT ACT will guarantee that federal loans are sufficient and accessible to support water infrastructure projects for the people of Southern California — both those living here today and the generations to come. I’m proud to join Rep. Peters in pushing this important legislation forward.”

Background

Currently, projects that receive loans under the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) cannot accept assistance from the federal government for more than 80 percent of project costs. This federal share cap restricts financing options and leads to delays for state and local governments building much-needed water infrastructure projects. The DROUGHT Act would raise the limit from 80 percent to 90 percent for projects in areas experiencing extreme drought, projects of regional and national significance, or projects serving historically disadvantaged communities.

The DROUGHT Act has been endorsed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the American Public Works Association, the California Association of Sanitation Agencies, and the San Diego County Water Authority, and the City of San Diego.

Full text of the bill is available here and a bill one-pager is available here.

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