Lee Cosponsors Better Care for Veterans

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) cosponsored three pieces of legislation securing improved care for America’s veterans. Details on the Veterans’ ACCESS Act, the TAP Promotion Act, and the Written Informed Consent Act are outlined below.

“The patriots who have put their lives on the line to serve our country deserve competent care, not bureaucratic red tape and systems that ignore their unique needs,” said Senator Mike Lee. “I’m proud to cosponsor legislation to improve efficiency in VA systems so that our veterans are heard and helped in the ways they need. These bills will prioritize veterans’ voices, help with burdensome paperwork, and ensure patients are well informed about potential medication side effects. These changes will get our veterans the competent, efficient care they’ve earned.”

The Veterans’ ACCESS Act

The Veterans’ Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act would establish existing community care access standards as the baseline standard of care for veterans seeking care in the community, increase access to life-saving treatment programs for veterans with mental health conditions or addiction, and expand the list of criteria VA is required to take into account when determining whether it is in a veteran’s best medical interest to refer a veteran to the community to include veteran preference and continuity of care.

Access the full bill text here.

Read more about the Veterans’ ACCESS Act here.

The TAP Promotion Act

Service members leaving the military are often told to prepare for civilian life long before their final day in uniform. But when it comes to filing for the benefits they earned, they must navigate a complicated system, which too often leads to delayed compensation and health care. For transitioning service members, timing matters. Delays in filing can mean months without disability payments, postponed medical appointments and access to mental health professionals, and added financial stress during an already significant life transition.

Under existing law, instructors in the military’s Transition Assistance Program (TAP), the mandatory program to prepare service members for civilian life, are not permitted to help participants fill out benefits paperwork. As a result, troops nearing separation often receive information about their U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits but cannot get hands-on assistance completing the forms required to access them.

The TAP Promotion Act allows accredited members of Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) and similar entities to participate in TAP classes, help service members file Benefits Delivery at Discharge claims, and complete medical evaluations before leaving service.

Access the full bill text here.

The Written Informed Consent Act

The average veteran utilizing VA healthcare receives nearly 30 prescriptions per year, and more than 64% of veterans using VA healthcare receive at least one duplicative prescription. Many of these drugs, specifically antipsychotics, stimulants, antidepressants, anxiolytics, and narcotics, can carry the side effect of suicidal ideation when added to a “combat cocktail.” Veteran suicide rates have increased by more than 49% since 2001.

During the first Trump Administration, VA Secretary David Shulkin mandated that written informed consent (WIC) be applied to “long-term opioids.” By 2023, the number of veterans prescribed opioids was 67% lower than in 2012. WIC is an effective tool in ensuring that veterans are cognizant of the risks associated with certain drugs and curbing their overprescription.

The Written Informed Consent Act amends VHA Directive 1005 to apply to the following types of medication: antipsychotics, stimulants, antidepressants, anxiolytics, and narcotics. When VHA prescribes one of these types of medications to a veteran, they first need a signed consent form from the veteran stating that they have been informed of all known side effects.

Access the full bill text here.

Read more about the Written Informed Consent Act here.

###


Luján, Fischer Urge FCC to Preserve Critical Broadband Service That Boosts Rural and Tribal Broadband, Promotes Military Readiness, and Supports American Manufacturing

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Media, and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Chair of the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Media, sent a letter to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Brendan Carr, Commissioner Anna M. Gomez, and Commissioner Olivia Trusty urging the FCC to preserve the current rules, power levels, and frameworks governing the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS). In the U.S., there are over 422,000 active CBRS radio devices that are critical to helping deliver cost-effective connectivity in unserved and underserved communities, including Tribal and rural communities.

The Senators wrote, “CBRS’s low-power, shared-spectrum model has become vital infrastructure nationwide, with network hardware produced from American design, construction, and investment.”

“Especially in rural areas, CBRS spectrum is critical for wireless internet service providers to serve customers over great distances. It also enables Tribes to deliver essential services—such as telehealth, distance learning, and other Tribal services—more economically and reliably,” continued the Senators.

“CBRS works because its rules are stable, predictable, and engineered for coexistence. We respectfully request the FCC preserve the existing CBRS framework and technical protections to ensure continued success,” the Senators concluded.

The full text of the letter can be found here and below.

Dear Chairman Carr and Commissioners Gomez and Trusty:

We write to request that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) preserve the current rules, power levels, and frameworks governing the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) band (3.55–3.70 GHz) to protect rural and Tribal broadband, promote military readiness, and support American manufacturing.

CBRS’s low-power, shared-spectrum model has become vital infrastructure nationwide, with network hardware produced from American design, construction, and investment. Today, there are over 422,000 active CBRS radio devices deployed across the country. To put that in perspective, the entire U.S. wireless industry combined cumulatively operates nearly 250,000 macro cellular sites. This growth is not theoretical—CBRS is already deployed in more than 82 percent of U.S. counties that are predominantly rural, helping deliver cost-effective connectivity and closing gaps in unserved and underserved communities, including on Tribal lands.

Especially in rural areas, CBRS spectrum is critical for wireless internet service providers to serve customers over great distances. It also enables Tribes to deliver essential services—such as telehealth, distance learning, and other Tribal services—more economically and reliably. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s BEAD program is another key example of this tangible growth. Recently approved BEAD subgrantees committed to serve thousands of locations across rural Nebraska and New Mexico with broadband networks that depend on CBRS to meet statutory speed and latency requirements. Consequently, the overall success of the BEAD program now leans heavily on the continued dependability of the CBRS band as it exists today.

The U.S. military is a participant in the CBRS marketplace, as well, with installations around the country deploying their own private CBRS 5G networks—delivering a dependable connection that is improving logistics and inventory movement, while utilizing taxpayer resources efficiently.

Additionally, due to its reliability, scalability, and configurability, CBRS has been the central driver for private 5G networking. Its unique architecture has motivated non-traditional participants, such as next-gen manufacturers, utilities, airports, sports venues, tribes, and others to build their own private 5G networks. This competition ultimately leads to more options for consumers.

Given the critical nature of this band, we urge the FCC to reject changes that would upend CBRS’s carefully calibrated mid-power operating model—including proposals to increase power levels or otherwise modify the technical rules in ways that raise interference risk, degrade service, “squeeze out” users, or move users to a different band. Such changes would reduce spectrum efficiency and undermine the very facilities and community networks that rely on CBRS today.

CBRS works because its rules are stable, predictable, and engineered for coexistence. We respectfully request the FCC preserve the existing CBRS framework and technical protections to ensure continued success.

Sincerely,

###


Senator Markey, Colleagues Call for State Energy Regulators to Protect Ratepayers from Data Center-Related Cost Hikes

Letter Text (PDF)

Boston (March 6, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, along with Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.), today wrote to Ann Rendahl, President of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC), urging the association’s members to protect residential and small business ratepayers from rate hikes stemming from the rapid artificial intelligence-fueled data center buildout. Instead of President Trump and Big Tech’s vague and insufficient voluntary “ratepayer protection pledge” announced this week, the letter asks NARUC to work with Congress and outlines actual steps that state public utility commissions (PUCs), represented by NARUC, can take to protect households from unjust costs.

State PUCs have direct authority over household and small business energy costs in their state by approving or rejecting rate filings submitted by investor-owned utilities. Given the unprecedented growth in energy demand across the nation from new data centers, state PUCs should exercise their authority to ensure fair prices and reliable service. They can do this by rejecting rate filings that force ratepayers to subsidize data centers, as well as proactively adopting policies that protect ratepayers, and improving coordination with utilities, regional grid operators, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), and Congress—to ensure costs at every level are just, reasonable, and transparent.

In the letter, the lawmakers wrote, “The rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) has fueled a nationwide boom in data center construction and a surge in electricity demand. Utilities are now proposing significant grid upgrades—often at ratepayer expense—to meet this speculative, industry-driven load growth. These costs are already being shifted onto households and small businesses, prompting bipartisan concern about rising bills and unfair cross-subsidization. State utility regulators have important tools to address this problem.”

The lawmakers continued, “PUCs have a statutory duty to ensure just and reasonable rates, and NARUC plays an essential role in helping regulators meet that responsibility. As Members of Congress who are hearing from constituents concerned about extremely high electricity costs, we seek more information on how you are working to protect residential and small business ratepayers from this accelerating affordability challenge.”

The Senators requested responses to the following questions by March 15, 2026:

Has NARUC provided any guidance or recommendations to member PUCs on how to protect residential and small business ratepayers from the cost impacts of data centers?

Does NARUC have more information on innovative steps taken by PUCs nationwide that protect residential and small business ratepayers from large load cross-subsidization?

Does NARUC have further plans, beyond the recent Winter Summit, to convene educational opportunities that address potential ratemaking and tariff options that mitigate the aforementioned concerns regarding the rapid addition of large loads to the grid?

How can federal regulators and regional transmission organizations better coordinate with state regulators to improve load forecasting and prevent inequitable cost shifting onto ratepayers?

How does NARUC plan to collaborate with Members of Congress to address this growing affordability challenge?

Senator Markey continues to conduct oversight over the energy, environmental, and health-related impacts of data centers as companies invest billions in their development throughout the country.

In November 2025, Senator Markey wrote to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) urging the agency to ensure that increased and projected energy demand from data centers does not result in unjust or unreasonable rate hikes for American households. In September, Senator Markey wrote to Environmental Protection Agency Administrator (EPA) Lee Zeldin in opposition to Zeldin’s decision to allow major polluting facilities—including data centers and associated power generation infrastructure—to start pre-construction activities without securing the air quality permits required under federal law. In July, Senator Markey hosted a roundtable discussion titled, The Data Center Next Door: Hidden Costs and Harms of Artificial Intelligence and Cryptomining to highlight the adverse environmental, health, climate, and energy cost impacts of data center proliferation in communities across the United States, and to condemn the deregulatory actions set forth in President Trump’s AI Action Plan.

###


Merkley, Wyden, Colleagues Reintroduce Updated DISCLOSE Act to End Corrupting Influence of Dark Money in American Elections

185 Democrats support effort to empower voters and expose billionaire and special interest control over our government and courts

Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden joined a bicameral group of Democrats in reintroducing the DISCLOSE Act, legislation to shine a bright light of transparency on the scourge of dark money in politics and make government more accountable to the will of voters.

“Billionaires should not be able to buy our elections—full stop,” said Senator Merkley. “Passing the DISCLOSE Act will bring transparency to the dark money poured into our elections and give the power back to the people. We need to get this done to restore the vision of our ‘We, The People’ republic.”

“Citizens United gave the green light for corporations and dark money to buy our elections,” said Senator Wyden. “Elections should be decided by the American people, not shady dark money groups pushing their own narrow agendas. Our legislation will restore much-needed transparency to America’s election systems and ensure the voice of every American is heard.”

Since the 2010 Citizens United decision, secret spending in U.S. elections by corporations, ultra-rich ideological extremists, and secretive front groups has exploded. These dark-money expenditures that corrupt our politics increased from less than $5 million in 2006 to more than $300 million in the 2012 election cycle, and topped $1.9 billion in 2024, shattering the previous record of $1 billion in 2020.

Recent updates to the DISCLOSE Act include requiring the disclosure of payments made to digital influencers who promote a candidate.

The DISCLOSE Act would restore transparency in American elections and restore fairness and accountability in our political system by:

Requiring super PACs, 501(c)(4) “dark money” groups, corporations, and other organizations spending more than $10,000 in elections and on judicial nominations to promptly disclose donors who contribute more than $10,000;

Shutting down the use of transfers between organizations to cloak the identity of the original contributor;

Strengthening prohibitions against foreign actors participating in election spending in the United States, including in state and local referenda;

Prohibiting the establishment of corporations to conceal election contributions and donations by foreign actors;

Expanding “stand by your ad” disclosure requirements to online ads and ads that may promote or attack a candidate but stop short of expressly advocating for a vote for or against a candidate; and

Requiring identification of top funders of outside groups paying for video, text, or audio political ads.

The bill is sponsored by all 47 Senators who caucus with Democrats, and 138 Democrats in the House.

Several prominent good-government organizations cheered the bill’s reintroduction today, including Campaign Legal Center, Democracy Defenders Action, Public Citizen, Democracy21, End Citizens United, Common Cause, Center for American Progress, and the Brennan Center.

A summary of the DISCLOSE Act of 2026 can be found here. The bill text can be found here.

###


Ranking Members Heinrich and Merkley Demand Answers from Trump Administration on Efforts to Erase History on Public Lands

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, sent a letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) demanding answers from the National Park Service (NPS) following reports that NPS staff across the country are removing signage from national parks about slavery, Tribal history, and climate change.

The senators began the letter, “The Department of the Interior’s decision to remove the exhibit deprives park visitors of a full and accurate understanding of American history.”

The senators continued, “The removal of exhibits by NPS has become a troubling trend sadly. Not only has this Administration ordered the removal of exhibits related to slavery, it has ordered national parks around the country to remove exhibits or signage related to Native American history, climate change, and environmental impacts.”

The senators concluded the letter by requesting that Secretary Burgum detail the Department of the Interior’s rationale for removing signage from national parks and whether the exhibits will be replaced.

In addition to Heinrich and Merkley, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), and Richard Durbin (D-Ill.).

Read the full letter here and below:

Dear Secretary Burgum:

We write to express deep concern over the recent actions by the National Park Service (NPS) in removing an exhibit that provided valuable information about the enslaved people who lived and worked at the President’s House, now a part of the Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia.

The Department of the Interior’s decision to remove the exhibit deprives park visitors of a full and accurate understanding of American history. Removing or sanitizing exhibits that depict the realities of our past sets a dangerous precedent by signaling that history can simply be erased or altered when those in power do not like the truth presented—opening the door for future administrations to do the same. A core responsibility of the NPS is to preserve and interpret history based on facts and not political preferences.

The removal of exhibits by NPS has become a troubling trend sadly. Not only has this Administration ordered the removal of exhibits related to slavery, it has ordered national parks around the country to remove exhibits or signage related to Native American history, climate change, and environmental impacts. According to an article by The Washington Post, “Trump officials instructed staff to remove or edit signs and other informational materials in at least 17 additional parks in Arizona, Texas, Colorado, Utah, Montana, and Wyoming.” 1 National parks provide visitors with an opportunity to appreciate our nation’s natural beauty and rich history while also serving as educational spaces that inform visitors across this country and the world.

Accordingly, we request that your Department provide responses to the following questions by March 10, 2026:

Since the issuance of President Trump’s Executive Order, “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History”, how many exhibits has the Department removed or otherwise altered?

What specific information in the exhibit at the President’s House in Philadelphia does the Department consider inaccurate? If the information is accurate, what is DOI’s rationale for its removal?

Does the Department intend to remove or alter additional exhibits within National Park System units across the United States? If so, please provide the timeline and a comprehensive list of all exhibits under consideration, and the rational for removal.

Does the Department plan to replace all removed exhibits from national parks? If so, when will this occur, and what sources or historical documentation will inform the revised content?

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

###


Sen. Moran Supports Committee Passage of NASA Reauthorization Legislation

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation, Space, and Innovation – applauded the recent committee passage of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Authorization Act of 2026, legislation he cosponsored with Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), chairman and ranking member of the full committee. The two-year reauthorization would reaffirm American leadership in space, advance the Artemis program, extend the International Space Station and authorize critical federal investments for NASA.

“The bipartisan approval of this NASA reauthorization legislation is an important step toward bolstering U.S. leadership in space, supporting our economy and national defense and preventing our adversaries from gaining a foothold in space,” said Sen. Moran. “When our Artemis astronauts return to the Moon, small and large aerospace manufacturers across Kansas will have played a role in launching America into the next era of space exploration. This legislation will provide NASA with the tools necessary to lead these efforts, including support for the establishment of a sustained U.S. presence on the Moon, continued investments in science and technology development, expanded public-private partnerships with aerospace manufacturers and new jobs and opportunities for businesses in Kansas and across America.”

Sen. Moran’s priorities included in the NASA Authorization Act of 2026:

Direct NASA to establish a permanent Moon base to support America’s mission of beating China to the Moon;

Keep American astronauts in space, extending the International Space Station (ISS) until at least 2032 and requiring the launch of two independent commercial space stations before the ISS can be retired;

Support fiscal responsibility while modernizing NASA’s workforce through public-private partnerships;

Include language requested by NASA Aeronautics to support advanced materials research, hypersonic research and advanced air mobility systems;

Allow NASA to enter into agreements to procure capabilities and services for human exploration of the Moon and cislunar space; and

Eliminate a loophole that allows members of the public to submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request for astronauts’ medical quality assurance records.

# # #


Murphy Joins Colleagues In Demanding Secretary Rubio Ramp Up Crisis Efforts To Safely Evacuate Americans Left Stranded By Trump's War Of Choice Against Iran

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) is joining his Senate colleagues in demanding that Secretary of State Marco Rubio immediately ramp up communication and efforts to safely evacuate American citizens who have been left stranded in a crisis of Trump’s own making in the Middle East.

Even after Donald Trump admitted that there was no evacuation plan for Americans in the region when he launched his reckless, needless and unconstitutional war of choice against Iran, Secretary Rubio continued to insist that the State Department is doing everything it can to help Americans abroad. There are growing reports of too many frustrated, confused and scared Americans who continue receiving conflicting guidance to both shelter in place and to immediately depart—all while airports and airspace remain closed.

“We urge you to immediately ramp up your efforts to communicate and coordinate with the Americans who are caught in this widening conflict by opening a crisis intake form to facilitate better, direct communication with Americans who are seeking to leave the region to get to safety. Although we have seen announcements from various administration officials that assisted departure plans are in progress, our constituents remain in the dark,” the Senators wrote. “Americans deserve a government that steps up to help them through times of crisis, not turn their back on them to fend for themselves.

In the letter, the Senators also note that the rapidly changing situation has created an increased risk to U.S. Embassy personnel and their families across the Middle East after the State Department has been forced to close Embassies and navigate possible departures.

The Senators underscored their outrage at this clear lack of planning and preparedness: “The rapidly changing Embassy statuses raises questions of your department’s ability to effectively enable our own people to depart to safety or whether diplomats remain at risk alongside their families, despite being directed to urgently leave.”

The Senators demanded Secretary Rubio quickly take further action and provide a status update by March 6, 2025.

The letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill) Tim Kaine (D-Va), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Chris Van Hollen (D-M.d.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii).


Murphy Shares Winning Essays Of His 10th Annual 'Martin Luther King Jr. Day Essay Challenge'

HARTFORD, CT— Marking the 10-year anniversary of his ‘Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Challenge,' U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Friday announced the 15 winners of the contest.

This year, Murphy received more than 1,000 entries from elementary, middle, and high school students from across Connecticut reflecting on how they can live Dr. King’s legacy in their own communities.

“Dr. King’s legacy transcends the actions of one man. Through his courage and commitment, Dr. King spurred a movement and inspired Americans to make a difference in their own communities. On the 10th anniversary of this contest, I am so moved by these essays from students across Connecticut pushing Dr. King’s work forward. This is a scary moment for our country, but these young authors remind us we all have the power to make a difference,” said Murphy.

1st Congressional District Winners:

Romesh Mahesh Kumar, Breakthrough II Magnet School, Hartford

Maya Szewczyk, Martin Kellogg Middle School, Newington

Jean Zendel Yema, Bristol Eastern High School, Bristol

2nd Congressional District Winners:

Miriam Murphy, Mile Creek School, Old Lyme

Noah M. Chieffo, Mansfield Middle School, Mansfield

Jeremi Helwig, Tourtellotte Memorial High School, Thompson

3rd Congressional District Winners:

Ichika Nagata, Francis Walsh Intermediate School, Branford

Shambhavi Bawankar, West Shore Middle School, Milford

Charlotte Jensen, Hopkins School, New Haven

4th Congressional District Winners:

Watson Campana, Stratfield Elementary, Fairfield

Alina Bhanderi, Middlebrook School, Wilton

Matteo Urso, Norwalk High School, Norwalk

5th Congressional District Winners:

Kattaleya Mitchell, Vance Village Elementary School, New Britain

Farrah Evelyn Lamoureux, Rochambeau Middle School, Southbury


Padilla, Schumer, Colleagues Blast Trump for Nominating Only Republican Commissioners to Bipartisan FEC

Letter comes as the FEC has been without quorum for nearly 10 months and Trump’s illegal firing of Democratic chair over 1 year ago

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) led six Democratic Senators in blasting President Trump for only nominating two Republicans to the Federal Election Commission (FEC) without nominating or vetting the Democratic-proposed candidate. In doing so, Trump ignored the longstanding precedent of nominating bipartisan slates to the FEC and Congress’ clear intent in ensuring an independent campaign finance regulator. In their letter to President Trump, the Senators also slammed the illegal firing of FEC Chair Ellen Weintraub, which created the current Democratic vacancy over one year ago.

In addition to firing Chair Weintraub — the first time a President has ever fired an FEC commissioner since its creation over 50 years ago — Trump has sought to interfere with the Commission’s independence through an illegal executive order targeting regulatory agencies, further undermining confidence in the nation’s campaign finance system. Following Republican retirements creating additional vacancies on the Commission, the FEC has been without quorum for nearly 10 months, hindering the regulator’s ability to vote on enforcement matters and issue guidance critical to the campaign finance system.

“Your apparent refusal to put forward a Democratic nominee for the Commission exacerbates concerns that you will interfere with the FEC as it considers open matters involving your campaign and associates,” wrote the Senators.

“While it is important that the FEC be restored to its full capacity as we approach the 2026 midterms elections, it is even more critical that it maintain its independence and stay true to its mission. We urge you to immediately begin the vetting process for the Democratic candidate and present a bipartisan slate of nominees for the Senate to consider in a timely manner,” continued the Senators.

In addition to Padilla and Schumer, the letter was also signed by Senate Rules Committee Members Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.), along with Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.).

The Federal Election Commission was established in 1975 as a bipartisan, independent regulatory agency following enactment of the Federal Election Campaign Act in 1974 in the aftermath of the Watergate scandal that exposed significant campaign finance abuses. President Trump’s two Republican nominees to the FEC are now pending before the Senate Rules and Administration Committee.

Last month, Senator Padilla issued a statement condemning President Trump’s move to nominate only Republicans to the traditionally bipartisan FEC, calling it an attempt to “tilt the scales in his favor.” Last year, Padilla denounced the illegal firing of FEC Chair Ellen Weintraub and led 10 Democratic Senators to demand President Trump rescind his attempt to fire her.

As Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration with jurisdiction over the Federal Election Commission, Senator Padilla is a leader in the fight for campaign finance reform. He is a lead cosponsor of Senator Jeanne Shaheen’s (D-N.H.) constitutional amendment to overturn the Supreme Court’s misguided and destructive Citizens United v. FEC decision, which removed campaign finance restrictions and enabled organizations to spend unlimited money to influence elections. Earlier this month, Padilla joined Senator Whitehouse in introducing the DISCLOSE Act, legislation to end the scourge of dark money in our democracy, shine a bright light of transparency on politics, and make government more accountable to the will of voters. In January, Padilla joined several Democratic colleagues on the floor to mark the anniversary of the Citizens United decision and call to take back our democracy from the unlimited influence of billionaire donors.

Full text of the letter is available here and below:

Dear President Trump,

The Federal Election Commission (FEC, Commission) has been without quorum for nearly ten months and has had four seats vacant since October 2025. This prolonged lack of quorum has hindered the Commission’s ability to vote on enforcement matters and issue guidance critical to a well-functioning campaign finance system.

We write to express significant concern over the White House’s decision to nominate two Republicans to the Commission with no action around the Democratic candidate that has been submitted by the Senate Democratic Leader months ago following outreach from the White House. The decision to only nominate two Republicans to serve as commissioners ignores years of precedent in which the Senate has moved bipartisan pairs of nominees, especially when there are bipartisan vacancies, given the evenly balanced nature of the FEC.

We also understand that your Administration has not vetted the recommended candidate for the Democratic vacancy, despite the fact that your decision to illegally fire the third Democratic Commissioner – who was then serving as Chair of the FEC – created the vacant seat in the first place. The FEC was created by Congress to be independent of control by any political party, and no President has ever fired a commissioner since its creation over 50 years ago. Under these circumstances it is unacceptable that you have failed to move forward with a Democratic nominee for a seat that has been open for over a year. Since assuming office, you have repeatedly attempted to interfere with the longstanding independence of regulatory agencies, including the FEC, deliberately ignoring decades of precedent and congressional intent.

In addition to your illegal decision to fire Chair Weintraub, Executive Order 14215 sought to strip the Commission of its regulatory independence and is another escalation of your efforts to undermine our nation’s campaign finance system. Your apparent refusal to put forward a Democratic nominee for the Commission exacerbates concerns that you will interfere with the FEC as it considers open matters involving your campaign and associates.

While it is important that the FEC be restored to its full capacity as we approach the 2026 midterms elections, it is even more critical that it maintain its independence and stay true to its mission. We urge you to immediately begin the vetting process for the Democratic candidate and present a bipartisan slate of nominees for the Senate to consider in a timely manner.

Sincerely,

###


Peters Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Protect Burial Benefits for Veterans

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) introduced bipartisan legislation to ensure terminally ill veterans are not prevented from receiving full Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) burial benefits if they pass away at a non-VA facility while receiving hospice care.

Previously, the VA was authorized to cover nearly $1,000 toward burial and funeral expenses only if a veteran passed away at a VA facility. Gerald’s Law, which was led by Peters and signed into law in 2024, updated this policy to ensure veterans aren’t penalized if they choose to spend their final days in the comfort of their homes or surrounded by loved ones. The Gerald’s Law Reauthorization of 2026 would extend this expanded benefit, which is currently set to expire in October 2026, through 2030.

The legislation is named after Army veteran Gerald “Jerry” Elliot of Kingsford, whose family was denied the benefit after he passed away in a non-VA facility.

“Today, because of late Michigander Gerald Elliot’s story, our veterans can no longer be denied critical VA benefits if they choose to receive hospice care outside of a VA facility,” said Senator Peters. “Now, it’s time to extend this commonsense law that we worked to enact so that our nation’s veterans and their families can continue to depend on the burial benefits they have earned during their service.”

Denise Formolo, the Veterans Service Officer for Dickinson County, Michigan, raised this issue with Senator Peters’ office and shared the Elliott family’s heartbreaking story – inspiring the legislation.

“It has been a great honor to collaborate with Senator Peters and Congressman Bergman on passage of ‘Gerald's Law,’ which delivered a significant victory for our veterans and their families,” said Denise Formolo, Veteran Service Officer at Dickinson County Veterans Affairs. “I’m proud to stand alongside these lawmakers as they work to reauthorize this bill, which would protect a Veterans’ option to spend their final days at home, surrounded by their loved ones, without the concern of losing burial benefits for their families.”

Peters introduced the bill with U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), and bipartisan companion legislation was introduced in the House by U.S. Representative Jack Bergman (R-MI-01).

The Gerald’s Law Act is also supported by American Veterans (AMVETS), the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Paralyzed Veterans of America, The American Legion, Combined Arms, Disabled American Veterans and the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors.

###


Reed: Trump’s Policies Sure Seem to be Fueling Higher Prices & Shedding Jobs

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the U.S. lost 92,000 jobs last month, marking the second time in the last three months that the nation’s economy has shed jobs.

Economic data from February is in stark contrast to the anticipated gain of 65,000 jobs that analysts projected. BLS also revised December’s job data to reflect an additional loss of 17,000 jobs. Today’s report is more proof that employers have no confidence in President Trump’s chaotic management of the economy.

The report comes as President Trump has launched a war with Iran that has sent gasoline prices soaring for consumers, with the average gallon of gas jumping by 27 cents in less than a week.

U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today issued the following statement on this failing report card for President Trump’s economic policies:

“President Trump has repeatedly made it clear to working Americans that he doesn’t care about prices and affordability. The president’s anti-worker, anti-Main Street agenda is dragging America backwards, causing families to pay more, and providing less opportunities for them to get ahead.

“Trump has decided to put even more pain on Americans by starting a war with Iran, despite knowing his war of choice would send gas prices skyrocketing. Furthermore, he is doubling down on the bulk of his so-called ‘emergency’ tariff taxes – which the Supreme Court ruled were unlawful – and replacing them with new levies that further strain household budgets.

“My Republican colleagues in Congress need to join Democrats in sticking up for average Americans who are suffering in Trump’s economy. Nobody wants to see these dismal job numbers or feel impending doom when it’s time to fill up your gas tank. We need immediate action to reverse this alarming trend of poor job results and rising prices.”

Today’s report showed that unemployment has now increased to 4.4% as most industries lost jobs, including deep cuts to health care, construction, and manufacturing jobs. Despite President Trump’s claims that his higher tariff prices would create a “boom” for domestic manufacturing, the February jobs report noted a 12,000 cut to manufacturing jobs alone. This data combines with prior reports for a total loss of 120,000 manufacturing jobs since Trump took office.


Sen. Rick Scott Introduces Bill to Help Americans Achieve Their American Dream of Homeownership

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Rick Scott introduced the American Dream Accounts Act, a new legislative proposal designed to make the dream of homeownership a reality for millions of hardworking Americans.

The bill, which is supported by the Foundation for Government Accountability, would create a tax-advantaged savings account that every American can use to set aside funds specifically for a down payment on their first home, helping grow their money faster and keep more of what they earn. By reducing the tax burden and encouraging long-term financial planning, the American Dream Accounts Act seeks to empower more citizens with the opportunity to achieve stability, independence, and the pride of homeownership – a key pillar of the American Dream.

Senator Rick Scott said, “I grew up in public housing and watched my family struggle to make ends meet. For us, owning a home was out of reach because we couldn't afford it. Today, so many Americans are facing that same struggle, especially young first-time buyers who view homeownership as a critical milestone to help them achieve their American Dream. Unfortunately, years of inflation-driving, economy-crushing Democrat-led policies aren’t helping make it any easier. That’s wrong, and it’s why I am fighting every day to deliver real solutions that make housing more affordable for everyday Americans and make the dream of homeownership a reality. Homeownership means stability and economic mobility. This bill will help first-time buyers save faster, and their money go farther to ease the financial barrier to homeownership for families.”

Tarren Bragdon, president and chief executive officer, Foundation for Government Accountability, said, “President Trump and congressional Republicans are working tirelessly to reverse the Biden-era affordability crisis and restore Americans' ability to build wealth and achieve financial security. Owning a home is a fundamental part of the American Dream, yet millions are being priced out of homeownership. The American Dream Accounts Act helps reverse that disturbing trend by giving families better tools to save, invest, lay down roots, and build for the future. We’re grateful to Senator Scott for championing policies that expand opportunity and restore the promise of the American Dream.”

This bill will:

Allow first-time prospective home-buyers to contribute up to $7,500 a year ($10,000 if 35+ years old) to a Roth-IRA-style, untaxed savings account to be put toward their home purchase

Cap lifetime contributions at $250,000

Require that if a house is sold within 3-years of its American Dream Account-backed purchase, the withdrawn amount will become taxed (barring qualifying exceptions like military service or other life events), ensuring homes and tax-protected dollars are used for establishing primary residences, not quick flips

Allow any unused money, up to $100,000, to be rolled over to a Roth-IRA or to a family member’s American Dream Account

Require any money withdrawn for an unqualified purpose (ie not for a first-time home purchase) to be taxed and have an additional 10% tax applied

###


Schatz Statement On Passing Of Former U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today released the following statement on the passing of former U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa.

“Colleen Hanabusa brought toughness, integrity, and deep aloha for Hawai‘i to everything she did. I was fortunate to see that firsthand when we served together in Congress. As the first woman to serve as president of the state Senate, she broke barriers and inspired a generation of local leaders. Her impact on our state, and her love for her Wai‘anae roots and for Hawai‘i will endure. I extend my deepest aloha to her ‘ohana and to all who had the pleasure to know and work with her.”

###


Shaheen Continues “Affordability Action Tour,” Highlights Federal Funding She Secured to Expand Access to Affordable Housing in Laconia, Renovate Franklin High School

(Laconia, NH) – Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) continued her “Affordability Action Tour” to highlight her efforts to lower costs for hardworking families struggling to afford everyday essentials by visiting a project that she secured federal funding for to expand affordable housing in Laconia. Shaheen also visited Franklin High School to discuss funding she secured to strengthen education infrastructure. Laconia’s Normandin Square Apartments is the latest stop in Shaheen’s “Affordability Action Tour,” which launched last August to hear from Granite Staters about what needs to be done to tackle today’s affordability crisis. Photos from today’s events can be found HERE.

In Laconia, Shaheen visited the Normandin Square Apartments—a 60-unit apartment community where the majority of units are affordable—to tour ongoing renovation efforts with officials from the Laconia Housing Authority and underscore her work to address the shortage of affordable housing options in New Hampshire. Shaheen secured $750,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) for the renovation project in the bipartisan Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 government funding legislation that was signed into law earlier this year.

“As President Trump’s reckless tariffs add more than $10,000 to the cost of a new home—contributing to housing prices in New Hampshire hitting near record highs—increasing the supply of affordable housing is one of my top priorities in Congress,” said Senator Shaheen. “I was proud to secure federal funding that will directly increase our state’s supply of housing by supporting renovations at the Normandin Square Apartments and providing real relief to Granite Staters in the Laconia community who are struggling to find housing they can afford.”

Earlier this year, Shaheen worked across the aisle to pass the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2026, which invests $1.25 billion in the HOME Investment Partnerships Program to help build new housing across the state and supports grant programs that aid state and local efforts to remove barriers to housing construction. Shaheen’s visits come as the Senate advances the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, bipartisan legislation that will cut red tape and make it less expensive to build new housing. This legislation includes three Shaheen-secured provisions that will preserve affordable rural housing, make it easier to build new housing and protect lower-income renters. This is a continuation of Shaheen’s extensive work to increase access and lower costs, including in New Hampshire’s rural and low-income communities.

Shaheen started the day in Franklin, where she joined local education officials and community leaders to tour and receive updates on the Franklin High School Revitalization Project. Shaheen secured $461,000 in CDS for the project in the FY 2026 government funding legislation to refurbish Franklin’s front entrance that has been unusable for 25 years, modernize and upgrade bathrooms for the health and safety of students and staff and replace all interior doors that were originally installed in the 1960s.

“Federal dollars that are secured through the Congressionally Directed Spending process make a real difference in New Hampshire and deliver results across our state—it’s always great to see these dollars at work in our communities,” said Senator Shaheen. “I enjoyed the opportunity to engage with education leaders in Franklin and witness firsthand how the funding I helped secure is working to strengthen Franklin High School’s infrastructure and, most importantly, create a learning environment where students can thrive.”

Amid efforts by the Trump Administration to roll back, delay and withhold critical funding that helps make child care and education more affordable for Granite Staters, Shaheen has worked to hold the Trump Administration accountable. In September, Shaheen led the New Hampshire Congressional delegation in calling on the U.S. Department of Education to restore Congressionally approved funding for the Education Alliance for New Hampshire’s Statewide Family Engagement Center grant, TRIO grants for the University of New Hampshire’s (UNH) Talent Search and McNair programs and the state’s Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP). Earlier this year, Shaheen secured key priorities in the bipartisan Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2026, including $8.8 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant $1.19 billion for TRIO programs, in opposition to its proposed elimination in the President’s budget.

###


Slotkin, Sheehy Introduce Legislation to Knock Down Barriers for Veterans Pursuing Apprenticeships

Slotkin, Young, Schiff, Curtis Lead Bipartisan Bill to Stop Insider Trading from Government Officials on Prediction Markets

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Todd Young (R-IN), Adam Schiff (D-CA) and John Curtis...

Slotkin Statement After Voting Against Mullin Nomination for DHS Secretary

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Last night, U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), a member of the Homeland Security and...

Republicans Block Slotkin Effort to Pass TSA Funding

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) took to the floor of the Senate to pass by...

Slotkin Statement on Iran War Powers Vote to Rein in President Trump’s War of Choice

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last night, U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), a member of the Senate Armed Services...

WATCH: In Committee Slotkin Presses Secretary of Homeland Security Nominee Markwayne Mullin on ICE and Elections

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), a member of the Homeland Security and...

Slotkin Joins Senate Colleagues in Demanding DHS Reduce Delays for DACA Renewals

WASHINGTON D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Catherine...

Slotkin Legislation Puts Common-sense Guardrails on DOD AI Use Around Lethal Force, Spying on Americans and Nuclear Weapons

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) introduced the AI Guardrails Act to establish left and...

Slotkin, Peters Press National Weather Service for Answers on Lack of Tornado Watch Alert for Southwest Michigan Tornadoes

WASHINGTON D.C. — U.S. Senators Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and Gary Peters (D-MI) are pressing the...

Slotkin Joins Bipartisan Effort Urging Trump to Prioritize Opening Japanese Market Access to U.S. Potato Industry

WASHINGTON D.C. — U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) joined U.S. Senate Finance Committee...

Slotkin Joins Colleagues Urging HHS to Immediately Release Title X Funding

WASHINGTON D.C. — U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) joined 38 of her colleagues in sending a letter to Health and...

Slotkin, Warren, Cotton Press Intel on its Reported Use of Chipmaking Tools Produced by Chinese State-Backed Company

WASHINGTON D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Tom Cotton (R-AR), led a...


Maryland Congressional Delegation Members Push Back on ICE Plans for Warehouse Detention Facility in Washington County

Yesterday, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Representatives April McClain Delaney, Steny Hoyer, Jamie Raskin, Kweisi Mfume, Glenn Ivey, Sarah Elfreth, and Johnny Olszewski (all D-Md.) pushed back on the Trump Administration’s Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE) plans to convert a warehouse located in Washington County into a 1,500-person immigration detention facility. In a letter submitted for DHS’s comment period on the project, the lawmakers outlined serious concerns about ICE’s severe lack of transparency on the purchase and preparations for the facility, as well as its expected impacts on local infrastructure and the surrounding communities. Additionally, given ICE’s track record of subjecting people to inhumane conditions and rampant violations of human rights, they cast doubt on the agency’s ability to humanely operate this facility – especially since it was not built for this purpose.

“As members of Maryland’s Congressional Delegation, we write in strong opposition to the effort by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to convert a large, industrial warehouse at 10900 Hopewell Road, Williamsport, Maryland into an immigration detention facility. We are deeply concerned about the negative impact this facility may have on Washington County and the State of Maryland. Your lack of any substantive response to our multiple inquiries surrounding the facility is unacceptable and flouts Congressional oversight authority, and the lack of regard for community input around this proposal is a disservice to the people you purport to serve,” the lawmakers began.

“DHS appears to be attempting to execute its plan to convert this warehouse into an immigration detention facility with as little transparency as possible. For example, DHS did not notify the county where the warehouse is located about its plans until two days before its purchase. The State of Maryland has also filed a lawsuit arguing that DHS did not engage in the required environmental review process, nor did it provide any justification for not doing so,” they continued.

“This effort to convert an industrial warehouse into a 'Detention Processing Center' for up to 1,500 detainees is an apparent attempt to realize Acting Director Lyons’ previously-stated goal of transforming the deportation process into “[Amazon] Prime, but with human beings.” However, people are not packages. Every individual in the United States has guaranteed constitutional rights, including the Fifth Amendment right to due process and the Eighth Amendment right to be protected from inhumane treatment,” they wrote. “The warehouse DHS seeks to convert into a detention facility is a commercial property. It is neither designed nor outfitted to house, feed, or provide adequate care for detainees. Retrofitting such a building into a detention facility is a dramatic departure from its original design and intended purpose and raises questions as to how DHS and ICE will be able to humanely care for detainees and how the facility will impact the local community.”

“This effort to establish a massive detention facility in Maryland is poorly-planned, goes against the will of our constituents, is unnecessary for a mission that truly targets the “worst of the worst,” and given DHS’s track record in this Administration, is likely to violate the constitutional and human rights of detainees. We urge you to immediately and completely halt DHS’s plans to establish a detention facility in Maryland,” the lawmakers concluded.

Full text of the letter is available here and below:

Dear Secretary Noem and Acting Director Lyons,

As members of Maryland’s Congressional Delegation, we write in strong opposition to the effort by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to convert a large, industrial warehouse at 10900 Hopewell Road, Williamsport, Maryland into an immigration detention facility. We are deeply concerned about the negative impact this facility may have on Washington County and the State of Maryland. Your lack of any substantive response to our multiple inquiries surrounding the facility is unacceptable and flouts Congressional oversight authority, and the lack of regard for community input around this proposal is a disservice to the people you purport to serve.

On February 27th, DHS published an “Early Notice and Public Review of a Proposed Activity in a 100- to 500-Year Floodplain,” with its proposal to acquire and retrofit the warehouse on Hopewell Road. This notice, made six weeks after DHS had already purchased the building, raises more questions than it answers about DHS and ICE’s facility needs.

DHS appears to be attempting to execute its plan to convert this warehouse into an immigration detention facility with as little transparency as possible. For example, DHS did not notify the county where the warehouse is located about its plans until just days before its purchase. The State of Maryland has also filed a lawsuit arguing that DHS did not engage in the required environmental review process, nor did it provide any justification for not doing so. And with this notice, DHS has allotted just one week for the public to submit comments about this troubling undertaking, a deadline that should be extended to allow for stakeholder input.

This effort to convert an industrial warehouse into a “Detention Processing Center” for up to 1,500 detainees is an apparent attempt to realize Acting Director Lyons’ previously-stated goal of transforming the deportation process into “[Amazon] Prime, but with human beings.” However, people are not packages. Every individual in the United States has guaranteed constitutional rights, including the Fifth Amendment right to due process and the Eighth Amendment right to be protected from inhumane treatment.

The warehouse DHS seeks to convert into a detention facility is a commercial property. It is neither designed nor outfitted to house, feed, or provide adequate care for detainees. Retrofitting such a building into a detention facility is a dramatic departure from its original design and intended purpose and raises questions as to how DHS and ICE will be able to humanely care for detainees and how the facility will impact the local community. For example, DHS’s proposal notes that upgrades may be necessary to wastewater infrastructure but does not articulate a plan or timeline for those changes and simply asserts, without evidence, that the municipal system can handle all future needs. As the State points out in its lawsuit, the average wastewater flow for an industrial warehouse is a fraction of the necessary capacity for a 1,500-person facility, and overwhelming the existing capacity could result in sewage overflows. There is no evidence that DHS and ICE have discussed their needs or permitting plans with municipal authorities.

ICE operations have already inflicted distinct harm upon Maryland residents and communities resulting in chaos, confusion, and violence. Currently, ICE operates temporary holding rooms at its Baltimore Field Office, where there have been consistent, credible reports of inhumane conditions, including that detainees have routinely been denied access to medical care and medication, basic hygiene products, timely communication with legal counsel and families, and even denied food.

In a response to a January 20, 2026 letter from our delegation regarding DHS and ICE plans to convert this warehouse into a detention facility, Secretary Noem claimed that the operation of such a facility would be maintained at the “same high standard of care” as other ICE detention facilities, which DHS is able to achieve in part due to a “robust and multilevel oversight and compliance program.” Unfortunately, and with grave consequences, DHS has gutted key oversight offices within the Department, including the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties and the Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman, after an attempt to shut them down entirely faced significant pushback. In fact, a report by a government watchdog found that ICE detention facility inspections dropped by more than one-third in 2025. In light of this, it comes as little surprise that there have since been multiple reports that have found violations of not just the national detention standards but also human rights in ICE facilities. DHS also experienced its deadliest year in more than two decades as 32 people died in ICE custody in 2025.

DHS and ICE are dramatically expanding detention capacity because you are not targeting the “worst of the worst” as claimed but rather are engaged in a dragnet operation that has overwhelmingly caught people who pose no threat to public safety. An internal DHS document reportedly exposed that more than 86% of the nearly 400,000 noncitizens arrested by ICE in the first year of this Administration did not have charges or convictions for violent crimes. Reviews of ICE’s own data revealed that during the first nine months of this Administration, more than half of the people ICE arrested in Maryland had no criminal convictions or charges, and only 10% were violent criminals.

This effort to establish a massive detention facility in Maryland is poorly-planned, goes against the will of our constituents, is unnecessary for a mission that truly targets the “worst of the worst,” and given DHS’s track record in this Administration, is likely to violate the constitutional and human rights of detainees. We urge you to immediately and completely halt DHS’s plans to establish a detention facility in Maryland.

Sincerely,


Maryland Delegation Members Seek Action, Answers from Trump Administration on Reported Legionella Outbreak at Baltimore Federal Building

Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Representatives Kweisi Mfume, Steny Hoyer, Jamie Raskin, Glenn Ivey, Sarah Elfreth, April McClain Delaney, and Johnny Olszewski (all D-Md.) pressed the Trump Administration for answers around a reported outbreak of Legionella bacteria at the Fallon Federal Building in Baltimore City, where the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Baltimore regional office is located. This facility has repeatedly held people in unsafe, overcrowded conditions and for detention periods that far exceed those that temporary holding rooms are equipped to accommodate. In light of those compounding concerns, the lawmakers urged GSA to take immediate action to remediate the outbreak and sought answers to a series of questions regarding measures it has taken thus far to mitigate the risk of exposure to building occupants.

“We write with concern regarding recent reports of a Legionella bacteria outbreak at the George H. Fallon Federal Building, located at 31 Hopkins Plaza, Baltimore, MD 21201. The Fallon Building houses several federal agencies, including offices in the U.S. Departments of the Treasury, Veterans Affairs, Justice, and Homeland Security. We are particularly concerned by this development in light of reports of overcrowding at the Baltimore Immigration and Customs Enforcement Field Office’s holding rooms, as well as the presence of a child care facility, in the building,” the lawmakers began.

“We have learned that in November of 2025, GSA conducted a baseline test that confirmed the presence of the bacteria and proceeded to implement hyperchlorination to treat the issue. However, we understand that the bacteria are still present in the building’s water system and the tenants of the Fallon Building have received varying levels of communication regarding the status of the outbreak, and some may remain entirely unaware. The presence of these bacteria, and the lack of clear direction from GSA, poses a serious health and safety threat for all users of the Fallon Building,” they continued, going on to ask a series of questions about the timeline of the outbreak’s discovery and how the agency responded – including seeking answers on corrective actions taken and communication with building occupants regarding those actions.

“We must ensure that our federal employees, along with other tenants of and visitors to the building, are being afforded clear communication and a safe working environment. We look forward to your response and ensuring the health and wellbeing of all current tenants of the Fallon Building,” they concluded.

Text of the letter can be viewed here and below.

Dear Administrator Forst,

We write with concern regarding recent reports of a Legionella bacteria outbreak at the George H. Fallon Federal Building, located at 31 Hopkins Plaza, Baltimore, MD 21201. The Fallon Building houses several federal agencies, including offices in the U.S. Departments of the Treasury, Veterans Affairs, Justice, and Homeland Security. We are particularly concerned by this development in light of reports of overcrowding at the Baltimore Immigration and Customs Enforcement Field Office’s holding rooms, as well as the presence of a child care facility, in the building.

We have learned that in November of 2025, GSA conducted a baseline test that confirmed the presence of the bacteria and proceeded to implement hyperchlorination to treat the issue. However, we understand that the bacteria are still present in the building’s water system and the tenants of the Fallon Building have received varying levels of communication regarding the status of the outbreak, and some may remain entirely unaware. The presence of these bacteria, and the lack of clear direction from GSA, poses a serious health and safety threat for all users of the Fallon Building.

We therefore ask you to undertake immediate remediation measures and to respond to the following questions no later than March 20, 2026:

When did GSA first discover the bacteria at the Fallon Building? Please share all testing dates to date since the outbreak was discovered as well as their results.

When did hyperchlorination treatment commence after discovery?

According to a 2023 Memorandum from the Office of Inspector General, the Public Buildings Service’s “current approach to Legionella testing is not comprehensive or consistent.” Has the Public Buildings Service addressed the concerns outlined in the report? How frequently is GSA required to test for Legionella bacteria?

According to GSA guidelines, GSA or the delegated federal agency is required to notify tenants and post relevant signage, and communicate with the water supplier if necessary. Has GSA satisfied these requirements?

If tenants have been notified, when, and with what information?

If the issue is ongoing, are tenants provided with regular updates? If so, what do the updates entail?

Does GSA still notify tenants of buildings in states without notification requirements? If so, with what information?

According to the aforementioned GSA guidelines, GSA or the delegated federal agency is required to begin corrective actions and notify tenants of follow-up testing. Has GSA satisfied these requirements?

We must ensure that our federal employees, along with other tenants of and visitors to the building, are being afforded clear communication and a safe working environment. We look forward to your response and ensuring the health and wellbeing of all current tenants of the Fallon Building.

Sincerely,


Senate Democratic Leaders Release Joint Statement on Trump Administration's Weakening of Sanctions on Russian Oil in Attempt to Dampen Economic Impacts of Trump's Iran War

U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Ranking Member of Senate Armed Services Committee, Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, Chris Coons (D-Del.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Michael Bennet (D-Conn.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), and Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) in issuing the following statement in response to President Trump’s rushed decision to issue licenses that weaken sanctions on the purchase of Russian oil as his war on Iran raises prices for key commodities:

“The President launched a reckless and poorly conceived war against Iran that has put U.S. servicemembers, diplomats, and citizens in danger. This war has resulted in huge spikes in gas prices for Americans, who are now paying more at the pump than at any point in either of President Trump’s two terms—only compounding the affordability crisis our country is facing. In turn, this self-made global energy shock is serving to enrich Putin and line his war coffers by offering him windfall profits. Instead of changing course, the President is only making this situation worse by handing Putin, his shadow fleet, and traders still dealing in sanctioned oil a free pass to increase oil shipments to Russia’s second-largest importer. The new channels for evasion the President is opening, coupled with dramatically higher global energy prices, are giving Putin a huge financial boost and the means to continue his bloody war in Ukraine.”

“The President’s decision is particularly galling in light of public reporting that Russia is assisting Iran in targeting Americans in the Middle East. Sadly, this is the inevitable outcome of President Trump pushing America into a conflict with no apparent strategy and no endgame. Now is not the time to clear the way for sales for Russian oil majors and Russian-owned and shadow fleet vessels.”

“The Trump Administration issued a sweeping general license that eases sanctions against Russian oil companies and the shadow fleet. This move flies in the face of a requirement under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, passed overwhelmingly by the Senate, to notify Congress 30 days before taking such an action. The Administration is nevertheless allowing these entities—and even vessels sanctioned for links to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps—to sell and transport the commodity Russia depends on most to finance its aggression.”


Van Hollen, Alsobrooks, Elfreth, Littmann Announce FEMA Release of Over $35 Million for Annapolis City Dock Flood Resilience Construction

Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (all D-Md.), and Annapolis Mayor Jared Littmann announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released $35,522,069 in federal funding for the Annapolis City Dock Resiliency and Revitalization Project. This federal investment includes a long-awaited $33,000,000 Hazard Mitigation Grant for which the City first applied in 2023, and a newly awarded $2,522,069 Hazard Mitigation Grant. These funds will support the construction of flood barriers along approximately 1,200 feet of the Dock Street waterfront, a pump station, and other stormwater management infrastructure improvements to protect against frequent tidal flooding.

“This is a very big win for Annapolis and our state. City Dock is Annapolis’ crown jewel – it’s a top tourist destination, a hub for small business, and a symbol of Maryland’s history and heritage. With these significant federal investments in hand, Annapolis is equipped with the resources it needs to move forward in earnest with its plans for protecting this iconic fixture against frequent flooding – while preserving the unique character and accessibility of this historic waterfront,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“For too long, Annapolis has suffered from flooding, especially at City Dock. This necessary funding will ensure Marylanders and tourists alike can enjoy all that City Dock has to offer: small businesses – like ice cream shops, book stores, and restaurants – local history and heritage, and, of course, experience the beauty of Annapolis that we all treasure,” said Senator Alsobrooks.

“Rising tides won’t wait – and neither will Team Maryland. I’m thrilled to help deliver this federal funding after decades of partnership and collaboration across all levels of government. Today, we are marking an important step in preserving our capital city’s deep history, supporting the world-class Naval Academy, and addressing the very real impacts of climate change. This funding for City Dock is deeply meaningful to Annapolitans – past, present, and future – in preserving our culture and remembering our history,” said Congresswoman Elfreth.

“City Dock is the heart of our downtown waterfront. Protecting our vibrant and historic community from flooding and associated costly damages will ensure that our small businesses, residents, and maritime and tourism industries thrive for generations to come,” said Annapolis Mayor Jared Littmann.

“Resilience is about infrastructure, but it’s also about protecting our people. Maryland is leading through partnership, showing that we respond to challenges together with urgency and get ahead of them,” said Governor Wes Moore. “Securing this funding for Annapolis means protecting residents, strengthening small businesses, and preserving the maritime traditions in one of America's great cities.”

“This is a once-in-a-generation investment in both the infrastructure and the identity of Annapolis. Anne Arundel County is proud to partner with the City and our federal partners on this transformative resilience project that will protect our communities from flooding and create a space for all to enjoy this magical waterfront,” said Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman.

This more than $35 million investment brings the total amount of funding delivered by Federal Team Maryland for the City Dock Project since 2021 to $47,804,512. Prior grants that have been delivered by Team Maryland:


Bipartisan Senators Push for Better Federal Data on AI's Impact on U.S. Workforce

WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Josh Hawley (R-MO) today led a bipartisan group of senators in urging the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Census Bureau to expand data collection and public reporting on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the U.S. workforce. As AI technologies are rapidly developed, deployed, and integrated across industries, the senators warned that policymakers and researchers will increasingly need reliable federal data to understand how these changes are reshaping the labor market – and how lawmakers, workers and businesses should respond.

U.S. Sens. Jim Banks (R-IN), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mike Rounds (R-SD), and Todd Young (R-IN) also signed the letter.

“We write to strongly urge the federal government’s statistical agencies to prioritize the collection, analysis, and dissemination of high-quality, timely data regarding artificial intelligence’s (AI) impact on the labor market,” the senators wrote.

The senators continued, “Over the last several years, the enhanced capabilities of artificial intelligence have resulted in its increased application and adoption across many and varied industries and occupations. Predictive machine learning systems and generative AI have already created evolutions within the labor market due to those tools’ ability to perform tasks and functions that ordinarily require human intelligence. The emergence of autonomous technologies, including agentic AI and robotics integrating AI, present opportunities for a dramatic shift in the nature of work.”

“However, reporting from across the private sector, academia, and media depict an uncertain picture of artificial intelligence’s current and potential impact on the workforce, with some use cases demonstrating a high probability of job disruption and others making the case for employment growth. Recent reporting has generated an increased focus on artificial intelligence’s effect on new labor entrants. As such, it is imperative that the federal government serves as an agile, objective, and reliable source of information regarding the significant labor market changes that this technological advancement presents,” the senators stressed.

Currently, the federal government’s data, research, and measurement on AI lags behind non-governmental labor market data. In their letter, the senators outlined several opportunities where surveys can be expanded to better understand the impact of artificial intelligence, including supplemental surveys focused on AI in the monthly Current Population Survey (CPS); the addition of questions on the occupations and wages of both new hires and workers who separate from employers and how many hires, job postings, and layoffs are directly related to the business’ use of AI in the monthly and annual Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS); and the addition of questions related to AI in the National Longitudinal Survey.

The letter builds on the AI Jobs Clarity Act, legislation that Warner and Hawley introduced last fall that would require major companies and federal agencies to report AI-related layoffs to the Department of Labor to be compiled in a publicly available report.

Read the full letter here or below.

Dear Secretary Chavez-DeRemer, Acting Commissioner Wiatrowski, and Mr. Cook:

We write to strongly urge the federal government’s statistical agencies to prioritize the collection, analysis, and dissemination of high-quality, timely data regarding artificial intelligence’s (AI) impact on the labor market.

Over the last several years, the enhanced capabilities of artificial intelligence have resulted in its increased application and adoption across many and varied industries and occupations. Predictive machine learning systems and generative AI have already created evolutions within the labor market due to those tools’ ability to perform tasks and functions that ordinarily require human intelligence. The emergence of autonomous technologies, including agentic AI and robotics integrating AI, present opportunities for a dramatic shift in the nature of work.

However, reporting from across the private sector, academia, and media depict an uncertain picture of artificial intelligence’s current and potential impact on the workforce, with some use cases demonstrating a high probability of job disruption and others making the case for employment growth. Recent reporting has generated an increased focus on artificial intelligence’s effect on new labor entrants.

As such, it is imperative that the federal government serves as an agile, objective, and reliable source of information regarding the significant labor market changes that this technological advancement presents. As it stands, the federal government’s statistical agencies’ data, research, and measurement on artificial intelligence significantly lags behind non-governmental labor market data. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has begun incorporating artificial intelligence impacts on employment projections and has published occupational case studies on these efforts. The U.S. Census Bureau has added artificial intelligence tailored questions to its Business Trends and Outlook Survey and Annual Business Survey. While we applaud these initial steps, we call on your agencies to build upon these actions swiftly and considerably.

Specifically, we direct your attention to the Joint Explanatory Statement that accompanied the Department of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026 as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (Pub. L. 119-75), which states the following:

“The agreement recognizes the value of understanding how artificial intelligence affects our workforce and encourages BLS to evaluate the impact of artificial intelligence on the economy, including job loss, creation, and displacement.”

In response to this directive, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the U.S. Census Bureau should identify opportunities to fully leverage existing data collection efforts, including, but not limited to, integrating additional artificial intelligence questions into surveys, continuing the incorporation of occupational classification systems into reports, linking cross-agency data measurement to produce comprehensive reports, partnering with non-public entities to produce additional public use statistics, and increasing the frequency of published reports.

Specifically, we point your agencies to several opportunities where surveys can be expanded to better understand the impact of artificial intelligence:

The Current Population Survey (CPS) serves as the primary source of near real-time labor force statistics and is a cornerstone of the monthly jobs report. BLS should consider adding supplemental surveys focused on artificial intelligence and task specific questions.

The Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) produces monthly and annual estimates of job openings, hires, and separations. While this survey serves as an important measure of labor demand, it does not currently provide an understanding of labor demand by occupation and how this may be changing with artificial intelligence adoptions. We recommend that JOLTS add questions on the occupations and wages of both new hires and workers who separate from employers and how many hires, job postings, and layoffs are directly related to the business’ use of AI.

The National Longitudinal Survey follows the lives of a sample of American youth. By establishing a new cohort and adding questions related to artificial intelligence, we can understand long-term trends.

At a time when the U.S. workforce is approaching an inflection point due to the acceleration of artificial intelligence, adaptable and responsive federal statistical agencies are necessary in guiding labor market participants, researchers, and policymakers on how to properly respond to this moment.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

###

* High-quality photographs of Sen. Mark R. Warner are available for download here *


Warnock Statement on Over 900 Layoffs at SK Battery Plant

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) released the following statement in response to news that SK Battery America will layoff over 900 workers at their plant in Commerce, Georgia.

“My heart is with the workers and families affected by these layoffs. The Georgia workers at the SK plant have helped make Georgia a leader in advanced manufacturing. They deserve better than this. The administration in Washington has decided to put politics over people and slash the clean energy investments that helped bring these good-paying manufacturing jobs to our state. On top of that, they’ve also made manufacturing in Georgia more expensive with their harmful tariff taxes. I will continue to fight for Georgia workers and to protect investments that create good-paying manufacturing jobs in our state,” said Senator Warnock.

Senator Warnock has long supported Georgia’s clean energy economy. In his first term, he helped pass historic policies that spurred a new age of domestic manufacturing and increased demand for high-tech batteries, electric vehicles, and more including creating a $7,500 tax credit for American-made EVs and growing the nation’s charging network. In a landmark report, Senator Warnock revealed that these policies were expected to add nearly 42,000 jobs across all corners of Georgia. President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill rolled back key industry-boosting tax credits and policies, threatening 42,000 Georgia jobs and the state’s roaring clean energy economy. President Trump has also illegally withheld money for states to grow their EV charging networks, suppressing demand for these new technologies. Senator Warnock also pushedthe Biden Administration to implement the EV tax credit provision with “maximum flexibility” to ensure Georgia car buyers and manufacturers can fully benefit. Senator Warnock also announcedthat he secured nearly $20 million in funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to build out Georgia’s EV infrastructure network across the state.

###


Welch, Blumenthal Demand Answers from Companies on Potential Corruption in $220 Million Taxpayer-Funded DHS Ad Campaign

The Strategy Group Company, Safe America Media LLC, and People Who Think LLC were awarded millions in no-bid, taxpayer-funded contracts by DHS or benefitted as subcontractors on those contracts

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, today demanded answers from The Strategy Group Company, Safe America Media LLC, and People Who Think LLC about potential corruption and conflicts of interest stemming from their involvement in no-bid contracts awarded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The contracts, which totaled more than $220 million in taxpayer dollars, were awarded to produce an advertising campaign featuring recently-ousted Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. Some of the firms involved have deep ties to Secretary Noem and her inner circle.

The letters to executives of all three companies come days after a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in which the Senators grilled Noem for bypassing a competitive bidding process to award contracts to firms with which she and her senior advisers have personal ties. The Senators also pressed and received a commitment from Noem that she would provide answers about whether Corey Lewandowski, President Trump’s former campaign ousted manager and adviser to Secretary Noem, profited from taxpayer-funded DHS contracts.

On February 13, 2025, Safe America Media signed a no-bid contract worth $143 million to produce an advertising campaign for DHS. On the same day, People Who Think was awarded a separate $77 million no-bid contract to work on the same advertising campaign.

Strategy Group has confirmed that it received a subcontract to work on the no-bid ad campaign awarded to Safe America Media. According to public reporting, Strategy Group—and its CEO Benjamin Yoho—have a long relationship with former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and her Chief Adviser Corey Lewandowski. The Secretary confirmed at a hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 3, 2026, that the firm managed the ad campaigns for her 2022 gubernatorial campaign. Mr. Lewandowski reportedly brought the company in to work on that campaign.

•••

In their letter to Michael McElwain regarding Safe America Media, the Senators wrote, “According to public records, Safe America Media is registered to your home address and was incorporated just seven days before it signed a non-competitive contract worth $143 million for the production of several advertisements starring former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. As far as we can tell, Safe America Media has no office, no website, and no social media presence.”

The Senators also highlighted the relationships between Safe America Media executives and outgoing DHS Secretary Noem: “In 2023, Mr. Yoho attended then-Governor Noem’s inauguration and sat next to Mr. Lewandowski. Between 2023 to 2024, Strategy Group was awarded an $8.5 million contract to produce a series of commercials starring then-Governor Noem pretending to perform various jobs. According to public reporting, Mr. Lewandowski also hired Mr. Yoho to provide services for the press campaign related to Secretary Noem’s memoir in 2024. Most recently, Strategy Group received a subcontract from Safe America Media to help produce DHS’s ad campaign while Mr. Yoho’s wife, Tricia McLaughlin, served as the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for Public Affairs.”

Senators Welch and Blumenthal requested the following answers and documents from Safe America Media by March 13, 2026:

A copy of [Safe America Media’] subcontract agreement with the Strategy Group LLC.

A list of any other subcontracts, along with copies of those subcontracts, awarded under the $143 million contract between Safe America Media and DHS.

Any invoices from the Strategy Group—or other subcontractors—connected to the DHS ad campaign, pursuant to the subcontract agreement or otherwise.

Any communication(s) between [Michael McElwain] or any agent of Safe America Media and any subcontractors, or agents thereof, related to the production of the DHS ad campaign.

Any communication(s) between [Michael McElwain] or any agent of Safe America Media and any DHS personnel, including but not limited to Secretary Noem, Corey Lewandowski, and Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.

In addition, they requested detailed responses to the following questions:

When did Safe America Media first communicate with DHS about the potential of a contract?

[Does Michael McElwain] or Safe America Media have any contractual, lobbying, or other relationship with Corey Lewandowski regarding this contract? If so, please provide any documentation regarding that relationship.

Did Safe America Media directly or indirectly compensate—financially or otherwise—any DHS personnel, including but not limited to Special Government Employees, in connection with the DHS ad campaign?

Please identify all individuals and firms that Safe America Media compensated—financially or otherwise—in connection with performing the contract for the DHS ad campaign.

Has Safe America Media received any other contracts or subcontracts for services connected to or solicited by DHS? If so, please identify the projects and provide a description of Safe America Media’s involvement.

Does Safe America Media intend to pursue additional contracts or subcontracts related to DHS or any other federal agency?

Does Safe America Media have a conflict of interest policy? If so, please provide the policy. If it does not maintain such a policy, explain why not.

How many individuals were employed by Safe America Media at the time of DHS’s award of the $143 million contract? Please identify personnel and their roles at the company.

How many individuals are currently employed by Safe America Media? Please identify personnel and their roles at the company.

What is [Michael McElwain’s] role at Safe America Media?

Read and download the Senator’s full letter to Safe America Media LLC.

•••

In the Senators’ letter to The Strategy Group Company’s CEO Benjamin Yoho—the husband of Secretary Noem’s Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for Public Affairs—the Senators emphasized The Strategy Group’s and Mr. Yoho’s longtime relationship with Secretary Noem and her Chief Adviser Corey Lewandowski: “Secretary Noem confirmed at a hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 3, 2026 that your firm managed the ad campaigns for her 2022 gubernatorial campaign. Mr. Lewandowski reportedly served as the intermediary that facilitated your company’s work on that campaign. In 2023, you attended then-Governor Noem’s inauguration and sat next to Mr. Lewandowski. Between 2023 to 2024, The Strategy Group was awarded an $8.5 million contract to produce a series of commercials starring then-Governor Noem pretending to perform various jobs.”

According to public reporting, Mr. Lewandowski also hired Mr. Yoho to provide services for the press campaign to promote Secretary Noem’s memoir in 2024. Most recently, The Strategy Group received a subcontract from Safe America Media to help produce a DHS ad campaign while Mr. Yoho’s wife, Tricia McLaughlin, served as the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for Public Affairs. And this week, Secretary Noem testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee that she knows both Mr. Yoho and The Strategy Group.

Senators Welch and Blumenthal continued: “Despite your wife’s recent social media statement that neither you nor The Strategy Group ‘have ever had a contract with DHS,’ The Strategy Group confirmed this week that it did receive a subcontract to work on the no-bid ad campaign awarded to Safe America Media, that it was paid ‘$226,137.17 total for 5 film shoots, 45 produced video advertisements and 6 produced radio advertisements.’ It is not clear why Safe America Media, a company that was incorporated seven days before it received the $143 million contract, was awarded such a large sum on an uncompetitive basis to perform work it has no proven record of undertaking. Safe America Media is registered to the personal address of Mike McElwain, a longtime Republican political operative.”

Senators Welch and Blumenthal requested the following answers and documents from The Strategy Group by March 13, 2026:

A copy of [The Strategy Group’s] subcontract agreement with Safe America Media.

Any invoices to Safe America Media connected to the DHS ad campaign, pursuant to the subcontract agreement or otherwise.

Any communication(s) between [Benjamin Yoho] or any agent of your firm and Safe America Media, or any agent thereof, related to the production of the DHS ad campaign.

Any communication(s) between [Benjamin Yoho] or any agent of your firm and any DHS personnel, including but not limited to Secretary Noem, Corey Lewandowski, and Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.

In addition, please provide detailed responses to the following questions:

When did The Strategy Group first communicate with Safe America Media about the potential of subcontracting for DHS?

Did The Strategy Group directly or indirectly compensate—financially or otherwise—any DHS personnel, including but not limited to Special Government Employees, in connection with the DHS ad campaign?

Please identify all individuals and firms The Strategy Group compensated—financially or otherwise—in connection with performing the subcontract for the DHS ad campaign.

Has The Strategy Group received any other contracts or subcontracts on any projects involving DHS? If so, please identify the projects and provide a description of The Strategy Group’s involvement.

Does [Benjamin Yoho] intend to pursue additional contracts or subcontracts related to DHS or any other federal agency?

Does The Strategy Group have a conflict of interest policy? If so, please provide the policy. If it does not maintain such a policy, explain why not.

Read and download the Senators’ full letter to The Strategy Group.

•••

In the Senators’ letter to People Who Think’s Managing Partner Jay Connaughton, the lawmakers highlighted Mr. Connaughton’s deep ties to DHS political leadership: “According to public reporting, you and Corey Lewandowski, Chief Advisor to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, worked together on Louisiana Governor Jeff Landy’s 2023 campaign. You also previously served as a campaign advisor for President Trump.”

Senators Welch and Blumenthal requested the following answers and documents from People Who Think by March 13, 2026:

A copy of [People Who Think’s] contract agreement with DHS.

A list of any other subcontracts, along with copies of those subcontracts, awarded under the $77 million contract between People Who Think and DHS.

Any invoices to and contracts with entities or individuals People Who Think worked with in connection with the DHS ad campaign, pursuant to a subcontract agreement or otherwise.

Any communication(s) between [Jay Connaughton] or any agent of [his] firm, or any agent thereof, related to the production of the DHS ad campaign.

Any communication(s) between [Jay Connaughton] or any agent of [his] firm and any DHS personnel, including but not limited to Secretary Noem, Corey Lewandowski, and Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.

When did People Who Think first communicate with DHS about the potential of a contract?

[Does Jay Connaughton] or People Who Think have any contractual, lobbying, or other agreement with Corey Lewandowski regarding this contract? If so, please provide any documentation regarding that relationship.

Did People Who Think directly or indirectly compensate—financially or otherwise—any DHS personnel, including but not limited to Special Government Employees, in connection with the DHS ad campaign?

Please identify all individuals and firms that People Who Think compensated—financially or otherwise—in connection with performing the contract for the DHS ad campaign.

Has People Who Think received any other contracts or subcontracts on any projects involving DHS? If so, please identify the projects and provide a description of People Who Think’s involvement.

Does People Who Think intend to pursue additional contracts or subcontracts related to DHS or any other federal agency?

Does People Who Think have a conflict of interest policy? If it does not maintain such a policy, explain why not.

Read and download the Senators’ full letter to People Who Think LLC.

###


Welch Statement on Trump’s Weak Jobs Report

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, today released the following statement in response to a weak jobs report, which shows the labor market lost 92,000 jobs in February:

“President Trump’s economy is weak—there’s no question about it. Under his leadership, America is less affordable, has fewer jobs, and isn’t supporting working families or our farmers,” said Senator Welch. “There are economic consequences to the president’s reckless behavior. Trump waged a trade war with our allies by implementing his unconstitutional global tariffs, and now he’s pushed America into war in the Middle East. He is not focused on affordability or creating jobs — he’s focused on chaos.”

###