Amid Skyrocketing Prices, Pappas Introduces Legislation to Suspend Gas Tax and Lower Costs at the Pump

Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) is introducing the Gas Prices Relief Act of 2026, which would suspend the federal gas tax through October 1, 2026 and provide Americans with badly-needed relief from the historic increase in gas prices as a result of this administration’s actions. According to AAA, the average price for a gallon of gasoline has increased over 21% in the last week, now averaging $3.47 per gallon.

“As Granite Staters continue to grapple with high costs on groceries, housing, and health care thanks to this administration, the last thing they need is to pay even higher prices at the gas pump as a result of Donald Trump’s war in Iran,” said Congressman Pappas. “That is why I’m introducing legislation in the House to suspend the gas tax through October 1, 2026, and provide Americans with badly-needed relief from the historic increase in gas prices we have seen in just the last few days. The legislation would also hold oil companies accountable if they refuse to pass these savings along to consumers. I am grateful to Senator Kelly for leading this critical effort in the Senate, and I remain committed to using every resource available to bring down costs and ensure that families and small businesses are not paying the price for this administration’s reckless actions.”

The Gas Prices Relief Act of 2026 suspends the 18.4 cents per gallon gasoline tax, safeguards and maintains funding for our roads and bridges and gas spill remediation, and holds oil and gas producers accountable if they fail to pass along the benefits of this tax reduction to consumers.


Congressman Patronis to Host Telephone Town Hall on the Impact of Big Tech

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Congressman Patronis will host a telephone town hall to provide updates on the fight against Big Tech and discuss its impact on Americans. The event will give constituents the opportunity to share their experiences and raise concerns about issues affecting Florida’s First Congressional District.

DETAILS:

WHO: Congressman Jimmy Patronis

WHAT: Telephone Town Hall

WHEN: Tuesday, March 17 at 6:00 PM CST

DIAL IN: 833-305-1733

If you or someone you know have been harmed by Big Tech, contact the office of Congressman Jimmy Patronis by clicking here to share your experience.

To view the video, click here


Following Hours-Long Airport Security Lines, Rep. Pettersen Calls for TSA Workers to Be Paid During DHS Shutdown

Today, U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) called on Congress to pass legislation to ensure Transportation and Security Administration (TSA) officers are paid during government shutdowns following reports of hours-long security lines across the country this weekend.

Air travelers experienced significant delays as TSA staffing shortages worsened during the ongoing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown. TSA officers are considered essential personnel and are required to continue working without pay. Republicans in Congress still refuse to work with Democrats to implement long-overdue guardrails on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as TSA workers prepare to miss their first full paycheck this week.

“Right now, TSA officers are being forced to work without a paycheck because Republicans would rather give Donald Trump a blank check to let ICE terrorize immigrants and kill American citizens in our streets instead of agreeing to necessary guardrails that a wide swath of people support,” said Pettersen. “As a result, we’re seeing hours-long security lines at airports across the country. That means delays and missed flights for travelers and even more strain on the TSA workers responsible for keeping our airports safe. If Republicans won’t work with us to rein in ICE’s lawless operations, Congress must at the very least pass legislation to ensure these essential workers are paid.”

Rep. Pettersen is a co-sponsor of the Keep Air Travel Safe Act, legislation that would ensure TSA continues to receive funding during any government shutdown by directing funds previously provided to ICE under Trump's “One Big Beautiful Bill” to pay TSA workers. Additionally, Pettersen supports legislation to fund all agencies and offices – including TSA and FEMA – within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) except for ICE and CBP.


Rep. Pfluger Announces Service Academy Night in Llano

LLANO, TX — Today, Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) announced his office will host a Service Academy Night in Llano for students, parents, and educators to learn about the opportunities for students to serve at a U.S. Service Academy.

"In 1995, I sought a nomination to the U.S. Air Force Academy, and it was one of the best decisions of my life. Now, as a Member of Congress, I have the privilege of helping the next generation begin that same journey by nominating exceptional young men and women to our nation's Service Academies. If you are a student in Texas's 11th Congressional District interested in seizing the opportunity to attend a U.S. Service Academy, I strongly encourage you to partake in my office's upcoming Service Academy Night in Llano. If you are not able to attend, please don't hesitate to contact my office or my Academy Liaison, Mary O'Connor, with any questions about the application process," said Rep. Pfluger.

Llano Academy Night:

March 31st, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

*Registration begins at 5:30 pm*

Llano High School Auditorium

2509 S. State Highway 16

Llano, Texas, 78643

**More Service Academy Nights to be announced** Please direct questions to Congressman Pfluger's Academy Liaison, Mary O'Connor, at mary.oconnor@mail.house.gov.


Amata Testifies for American Samoa’s Funding Requests

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata testified last Thursday (March 5) before key lawmakers of the Appropriations Committee to emphasize American Samoa’s funding requests and appreciated bipartisan supportive statements from the appropriators following her testimony.

Discussing 2027 appropriations on Thursday

Leading her testimony, Congresswoman Aumua Amata requested a $1 million Appropriations boost in 2027 for American Samoa’s Operations fund from OIA. If an increase is enacted, it would mark her eighth successful increase since fiscal year 2018, following many years of prior flat funding. The Operations amount, now at $29 million, is currently larger by $6.3 yearly due to these enacted increases, including this year’s increase of $900,000, which was signed into law in January 2026.

“We continue to do our best to grow and make full use of the federal support we receive,” said Amata to the other Members of Congress. “However, it doesn’t take much to set us back. Without a buffer, any projects and investments we make to bring the territory up to par are quickly undone.”

“This (request) is in line with our appropriations from last year and will offset inflation and keep American Samoa from falling behind the rest of the country,” she continued, noting that despite difficult budgeting times due to inflation, that same inflation “disproportionately affects the small distant territories due to higher transport fuel and insurance costs.”

Discussing American Samoa's funding with Congressman Jake Ellzey, a Member of the Appropriations Committee

The jurisdiction of the hearing covered Amata’s several requests that specifically relate to the Interior Department’s Office of Insular Affairs (OIA).

$3 Million ASCC Allocation and Education Support

Amata also urged continuing language expressing congressional intent that $3 million of this fund be allocated by the Governor yearly to American Samoa Community College (ASCC), an ongoing priority due to the importance of the college in providing a local educational option in American Samoa.

“Educating our young Americans is the best way to maximize the use of this account and invest in our territory’s future,” Amata said. “We remain proud to have among the highest military enlistment rates in the county, and wish to continue contributing to this great country, not just through military service but also by investing in the next generation of great thinkers and business owners.”

Finally, she requested the Committee to bolster OIA support “to invest in educational projects in the territories.”

Amata thanked the Members of Congress for prior support for funds protecting the interest of American Samoa in light of an island economy, and highlighted that this federal funding’s role in support of the hospital, judiciary, and education system is “good for the people of American Samoa.”

Congresswoman Amata’s testimony was received on Member Day of the Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, which is led by Chairman Mike Simpson (R-Idaho) and Ranking Member Chellie Pingree (D-Maine). The full Appropriations Committee is led by senior Members of Congress, Chairman Tom Cole (R-Oklahoma) and Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (D-Connecticut).

Video of Amata’s testimony is available HERE.

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Scalise: President Trump and House Republicans Delivering Real Relief for Working Families

DORAL, Fla.—Today, at the Republican Members Issues Conference, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), and Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) to discuss President Trump and House Republicans’ work to lower costs for families and the contrast of Republicans’ results with Democrats’ record of opposing legislation that helps hardworking Americans.

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Click here or the image above to view Leader Scalise's full remarks.


Rep. Sewell Statement on the Commutation of Charles "Sonny" Burton's Death Sentence

Montgomery, AL — Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) released the following statement on Governor Kay Ivey's decision to commute the death sentence of Charles "Sonny" Burton:

"This is welcome news and the right and just thing to do. While the robbery that led to the death of Doug Battle was a tragic and horrific crime, we know that Sonny Burton was not the man who pulled the trigger. As the victim’s daughter so eloquently argued, it would be unjust and immoral for the State of Alabama to execute Sonny Burton, especially when the man who pulled the trigger was allowed to live out his life in prison.

"I am grateful to the elected officials, faith leaders, civil rights activists, jurors, and others who advocated for this outcome, and I thank Governor Ivey for doing what is right."

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Rep. Steube Sends Letter to President Trump on Religious Liberties in Vaccine Mandates

WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) sent a letter to President Trump urging the Administration to take additional action to protect Americans’ civil liberties and religious freedoms with respect to vaccine mandates. The letter comes as the Religious Liberty Commission, established by President Trump, prepares to hold a hearing examining religious liberty issues in healthcare.

“Religious liberty is a fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution, and Americans should never be forced to choose between their faith and access to education or medical care,” said Rep. Steube. “While the Administration has taken important steps to address COVID-19 vaccine mandates, families across the country still face additional vaccine requirements that fail to respect sincerely held religious beliefs. I urge the Administration to take every available step to ensure Americans are protected from coercive mandates that violate their constitutional rights.”

Background: In 2025, Donald J. Trump signed an executive order prohibiting federal funds from going to institutions that enforce COVID-19 vaccine mandates in schools. Despite this action, some states and institutions continue to enforce additional vaccine requirements that do not provide accommodations for religious beliefs, raising concerns about the protection of Americans’ constitutional rights.

The Religious Liberty Commission, established by President Trump under Executive Order 14291, was created to examine the foundations of religious liberty in America, highlight current threats to those protections, and develop strategies to preserve religious freedom. The Commission is scheduled to hold a hearing examining religious liberty concerns in healthcare, humanitarian aid, and social services.


Rep. Stevens Hosts Roundtable with Michigan Education Leaders on Teacher Shortage Crisis; Highlights Plan to Support Educators

Farmington Hills, MI — Yesterday, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens hosted a roundtable of local educators, school leaders, and union representatives focused on the growing national teacher shortage and her plan to strengthen the educator workforce.

The conversation centered on the challenges schools face in recruiting and retaining teachers and the severe cuts to federal education policy under the Trump administration.

Participants included Dr. Kelly Coffin, Superintendent of Farmington Public Schools; Christine Meussner, Principal of Farmington High School; and representatives from the Michigan Education Association, the Farmington Education Association, and the National Education Association.

“Michigan students deserve classrooms led by supported, well-prepared teachers,” said Rep. Stevens. “Across the country, teacher shortages are putting pressure on schools and educators. My Addressing Teacher Shortages Act invests in recruiting, training, and retaining the teachers our students need to succeed.”

“The educator shortage in this country is real and needs to be addressed at both the federal and state levels. This includes rebuilding our teacher pipelines at state colleges and universities through incentives and the promise of a stable career that includes healthcare and defined benefits in retirement, while also providing quality programs for those professionals interested in switching to a career in teaching. Classroom teachers also benefit from having Educational Support Professionals working alongside them to serve our students. From our paraprofessionals to our food service workers to our bus drivers, we need to provide a livable wage and benefits in order to attract people into the profession who can provide the complete spectrum of services our students and community need. I am encouraged to see legislation proposed to address current teacher shortages, and to continue to invest in public education so that we can retain quality educators for their entire career.” said Christopher DeYonke, President, Farmington Education Association

The roundtable builds on Rep. Stevens’ ongoing work to support educators, including advocating for increased federal funding for public schools, supporting collective bargaining rights for teachers, and fighting back against President Trump’s effort to dismantle the Department of Education.

Stevens yesterday introduced her Addressing Teacher Shortages Act, which would create a competitive grant program through the U.S. Department of Education to help school districts recruit, prepare, and retain educators. Grants could support initiatives such as teacher residency programs, mentorship and “grow your own” pipelines, credentialing support, housing stipends for early-career teachers, and stronger pathways from community colleges and STEM fields into teaching.

Text of the bill is available here.

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Stevens, Smith, Hayes Introduce Legislation to Strengthen Teacher Workforce and Address National Shortages

Washington, DC — This week, Congresswoman Haley Stevens, alongside Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) and Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (D-CT), introduced the Addressing Teacher Shortages Act, bicameral legislation to help schools recruit, prepare, and retain the educators needed to support students and strengthen our nation’s education system.

Across the country, school districts are facing persistent teacher shortages that threaten student success. Identifying and hiring qualified educators, particularly in high-demand areas such as special education and science, has become a challenge. This puts even more of a burden on hardworking teachers currently in the strained workforce. Rural communities, high-poverty communities, and communities of color are disproportionately affected by these staffing shortages.

“As the daughter of a public school teacher, I know teachers are the backbone of our education system and the foundation of opportunity for every student,” said Congresswoman Haley Stevens. “Yet in Michigan and across the country, schools are struggling to recruit and retain the educators our students deserve. The Addressing Teacher Shortages Act invests in Michigan’s educators by expanding teacher preparation programs, strengthening mentorship opportunities, and building pathways for the next generation of teachers right here in our communities.”

“Building a stronger education system is one of the smartest investments we can make. I hear from Minnesota schools every year about the shortages they can’t seem to fill, and that it’s only getting worse. Smaller and rural districts particularly struggle to fill spots, but no matter where it is, we can’t seem to hire teachers in key subjects like STEM, technical education and special education,” said Senator Tina Smith. “These shortages hurt our students the most, and that’s why this legislation is so critical. Our kids deserve fully staffed schools.”

"In 2025, the Connecticut Department of Education identified 11 certification areas, ranging from math to special education, as experiencing critical shortages. Teacher shortages affect student outcomes," said Congresswoman Jahana Hayes. "Expanding the educator pipeline, enhancing professional development, and improving teacher preparation will help attract and retain those we need most into the profession. The Addressing Teacher Shortages Act is a positive step in addressing these issues."

“Too many school districts are facing educator and staff shortages that directly affect students; shortages mean overcrowded classrooms, increased burnout, and higher turnover. Addressing this problem starts with listening to those in classrooms and providing them the resources and respect they need to do their jobs well. It also means investing more in recruiting and training the next generation of teachers,” said Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers. “Rep. Stevens’ and Sen. Smith's bill, the Addressing Teacher Shortages Act, is an example of a real solution for this issue, as it provides additional funding to teaching residency programs, mentor programs and ‘grow-your-own’ teacher programs and encourages high school students to consider and train for a career in education.”

The Addressing Teacher Shortages Act would establish a competitive federal grant program that school districts can apply to for five years of funding to strengthen teacher recruitment, training, and retention. The bill also provides staffing resources at the United States Department of Education to help under-resourced communities apply for and access these grants.

The bill gives school districts broad latitude to determine how best to spend the grant money to hire and retain qualified teachers in their communities. Grant funding could be used by school districts and education partners to establish or expand:

Teacher residency and mentorship programs to support early-career educators

“Grow Your Own” programs that recruit graduates and community members to teach in their local schools

“2+2” teacher preparation partnerships between community colleges and four-year universities

Programs encouraging STEM majors to pursue education coursework and teaching careers

Teacher preparation pathways in secondary schools

Funding could also support proven strategies to improve teacher retention, including:

Expanding access to technology for professional development in rural areas

Supporting teachers seeking additional subject certifications, National Board Certification, or credentials to teach Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or dual-enrollment courses

Induction programs for new teachers

Tuition assistance, housing allowances, or stipends for student teachers and early-career educators

Professional development for school leaders focused on leadership and teacher retention

Endorsers of this legislation include: the American Federation of Teachers, the National Education Association, and the Michigan Education Association.

The text of the legislation can be found here.

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Rep. Subramanyam Defends the Most Vulnerable with Medicaid PNA Modernization Act

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) has introduced the Medicaid PNA Modernization Act to increase federal Personal Needs Allowance (PNA) for seniors and disabled Americans who rely on Medicaid.

“Our seniors and the most vulnerable members of our community deserve a life of dignity,” said Congressman Subramanyam. “The cost of care is drastically increasing while government assistance is still stuck in the past. Between these rising costs and the dismantling of Medicaid in the Big Ugly Bill, our seniors and disabled neighbors are struggling. They should not have to endure an outdated PNA any longer that leaves them unable to afford basic necessities.”

The H.R. 2883 Medicaid PNA Modernization Act would increase the personal needs allowance from $30 to $60 for individuals and from $60 to $120 for couples per month. This is the first increase to the federal minimum PNA for individuals since 1988. Seniors and disabled Americans can use the PNA for personal expenses such as haircuts, vitamins, and basic clothing items.

The Medicaid PNA Modernization Act is endorsed by Arc of Northern Virginia, Arc of the United States, National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care, Medicare Rights Center for Quality Long-Term Care, Justice in Aging, and Long Term Care Community. Congressman Subramanyam is focused on how Virginians are being affected by rising costs and will continue to introduce legislation that protects the pocketbooks of our community.


ICYMI: Representative Tran Presents $850,000 to La Palma Leaders for Public Safety Infrastructure Upgrades

La Palma, CA – In case you missed it, U.S. Representative Derek Tran (CA-45) presented La Palma Mayor Nitesh Patel, Interim Police Chief Jesse Amend, and La Palma City Councilmembers with a check for $850,000 in Community Project Funding he secured to upgrade key public safety infrastructure at the La Palma Public Safety Center.

“I'm proud to deliver $850,000 in federal funding to the City of La Palma. Hard-working families deserve to see their tax dollars reinvested directly into their communities. This funding for the La Palma Public Safety Center will give our law enforcement professionals the resources they need to keep our neighborhoods safe,” said Representative Tran. "I'm grateful for the steadfast partnership of Senator Alex Padilla and Mayor Nitesh Patel, whose advocacy and support helped make this investment possible. Together, we will continue fighting to bring vital resources home to Southern California families.”

The funding will support a comprehensive enhancement of the La Palma Public Safety Center, including modernizing aging infrastructure and integrating modern technology, to improve working conditions for public safety personnel and ensure that first responders are equipped to safely and efficiently address the community’s public safety demands.

"On behalf of the City of La Palma, we want to express our sincere appreciation to Rep. Derek Tran and Sen. Alex Padilla for their leadership and commitment to the safety of La Palma residents," said Mayor Nitesh P. Patel. "Our dedicated public safety professionals deserve a workspace that is up to current building standards. This funding allows us to provide a reliable, secure environment for public safety operations."

The Public Safety Center serves as the operational heart for both the La Palma Police Department and the Orange County Fire Authority Station #13. This enhancement project will incorporate essential public safety facility needs, including:

Advanced Security: Integration of modern security cameras and sensors to better equip law enforcement to respond to the evolving needs of the community.

Environmental Systems: Replacement of the HVAC and lighting systems to improve energy efficiency and air quality.

Facility Rehabilitation: Installation of new flooring and ceiling tiles to restore interior integrity.

Accessibility: Renovating bathrooms to ensure full ADA compatibility, providing an inclusive environment for both staff and the public.

This funding is part of an over $14 million package Representative Tran is bringing back to LA and Orange Counties for 15 community projects that will make life safer, healthier, and easier for Southern California residents.

Through Community Project Funding (CPF), Members of Congress can request direct funding for specific local projects that benefit the communities they represent. The House Appropriations Committee considers up to 15 Community Project Funding requests from each member of Congress, and, once approved by the House and Senate and signed into law by the President, community projects are funded using federal tax revenue. Community Project Funding is subject to strict public transparency and accountability requirements, only available to nonprofit and government entities (for-profit grantees are not eligible), and must demonstrate evidence of compelling community support. In addition, each Member of Congress must certify in writing that there is no financial interest in the project for them and their immediate family. All projects will be audited by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to ensure sound stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

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Congressman Derek Tran represents California’s 45th Congressional District. Serving his first term in Congress, Congressman Tran is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and House Small Business Committee, where he is Ranking Member of the Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations Subcommittee. Congressman Tran is the son of Vietnamese refugees, a Veteran, and fought for consumers as an attorney before entering Congress.


ICYMI: Vindman Celebrates $500,000 in Federal Funding Secured for Madison County Sheriff’s Office

Washington, D.C. — On Friday, February 28, Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) joined local leaders in Madison County to celebrate $500,000 in federal funding he secured for the Madison County Sheriff’s Office to purchase and deploy a Unified Mobile Command Center.

This vehicle would be used by all Madison County first responders to establish operational command, communications, and coordination between agencies during critical events. It will provide resources supporting the individual needs of law enforcement, emergency medical services, and fire personnel in a collaborative setting — such as search and rescue missions, large event security, and major crime scenes.

“I was proud to secure millions of dollars to support local law enforcement agencies across Virginia’s Seventh District, ensuring they have the resources they need to protect families and respond effectively when it matters most,” said Vindman. “By equipping Madison County’s law enforcement, fire, and EMS teams with a shared, mobile command center, we’re strengthening interagency coordination and ensuring first responders have the technology and infrastructure they need to act quickly and effectively when lives are on the line.”

“We are extremely grateful to Congressman Eugene Vindman and his team for their work in securing this funding,” said Madison County Sheriff’s Office Captain Sarah McKnight. “The Unified Mobile Command Center will greatly enhance the Madison County Sheriff’s Office’s ability to coordinate emergency response, manage critical incidents, and work seamlessly with our public safety partners to better protect our community.”

The Congressman was joined by Madison County Sheriff Weaver, County Administrator Weakley, and Board of Supervisors members.

BACKGROUND

For FY2026 the U.S. House of Representatives reopened the Community Project Funding process, allowing Members of Congress to request targeted federal investments for local projects. Congressman Vindman worked closely with community leaders across Virginia’s Seventh District to identify and submit requests that reflect the needs of the region.

Community Project Funding is designed to strengthen the federal appropriations process by centering local input and collaboration. Through this process, Members of Congress partner directly with the communities they represent to advance projects that are planned, supported, and led at the local level.

To qualify, projects must be submitted by a locality or non-profit and meet the eligibility requirements of existing federal grant programs. Submissions must demonstrate strong community support, ensuring that funded projects are responsive to local needs and have backing from the communities they serve.

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ICYMI: Vindman Delivers Whopping $1 Million Federal Investment for Stafford County Sheriff’s Office

Washington, D.C. — On Friday, February 28, Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) joined the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office to celebrate $1,039,000 in federal funds he secured to replace 345 mobile radios installed in Stafford County Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicles.

These new radios will enable faster and clearer communication, allowing Stafford County Sheriff personnel to arrive quickly to dispatched locations and better provide support for and protection of life and property. These new mobile radios will bring additional features and new technology that is not available with existing radios, including a third radio frequency band, Long-Term Evolution (LTE) connection, and playback in the field.

“I’m proud to deliver more than $1 million in federal funds for the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office to modernize the sheriff’s office communications infrastructure.” said Vindman. “By delivering these funds, we’re improving officer safety, strengthening coordination with regional partners, and ensuring deputies have the reliable tools they need to respond quickly and effectively when our neighbors call for help. I’m proud to help deliver these crucial resources that will keep families and deputies alike safe in Stafford County.”

“On behalf of the Stafford County Board of Supervisors, I want to sincerely thank Congressman Vindman for his assistance in helping secure this $1,039,000 federal grant to replace critical fleet radios for the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office,” said Deuntay Diggs, Chairman of the Stafford County Board of Supervisors, George Washington District. “Congressman Vindman’s advocacy was instrumental in requesting this funding. This investment will enhance communication capabilities for our deputies, strengthening public safety operations and ensuring our first responders have the reliable tools they need to protect our community. Just as importantly, this grant allows us to make these critical upgrades without placing the financial burden on Stafford taxpayers. We greatly appreciate Congressman Vindman’s continued partnership and commitment to supporting Stafford County.”

The Congressman was joined by Stafford County Sheriff Decatur, Vice Chair Maya Guy, and Stafford County staff.

BACKGROUND

For FY2026 the U.S. House of Representatives reopened the Community Project Funding process, allowing Members of Congress to request targeted federal investments for local projects. Congressman Vindman worked closely with community leaders across Virginia’s Seventh District to identify and submit requests that reflect the needs of the region.

Community Project Funding is designed to strengthen the federal appropriations process by centering local input and collaboration. Through this process, Members of Congress partner directly with the communities they represent to advance projects that are planned, supported, and led at the local level.

To qualify, projects must be submitted by a locality or non-profit and meet the eligibility requirements of existing federal grant programs. Submissions must demonstrate strong community support, ensuring that funded projects are responsive to local needs and have backing from the communities they serve.

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ICYMI: Vindman Presents Culpeper County and Town of Culpeper Police Department with More Than $1 Million in Federal Community Project Funding

Washington, D.C. — On Friday, February 28, Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) joined local officials and law enforcement officers in Culpeper to celebrate $1,095,000 in federal community project funding he secured to support infrastructure and public safety improvements in Culpeper County and the Town of Culpeper.

The first investment — $850,000 for Culpeper County — will fund the long-awaited extension of Simms Drive to improve access to Pearl Sample Elementary School and A.G. Richardson Elementary School. Currently, both schools are served by Simms Drive, a dead-end road off James Madison Highway, where heavy congestion during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up creates significant delays and safety concerns. Extending Simms Drive will create a more efficient traffic pattern, ease bottlenecks, improve emergency vehicle access, and reduce commuting burdens for students, families, and nearby residents. Photos from the presentation can be found here.

The second investment — $245,000 for the Town of Culpeper Police Department — will support the installation of solar-powered Emergency Call Boxes throughout the Culpeper Trail Network, a system of walking trails connecting neighborhoods to downtown Culpeper. The call boxes will provide direct, one-touch access to emergency services and will include integrated security camera monitoring capabilities. Strategically placed along the trail system, the boxes will enhance response times, improve situational awareness, and strengthen overall public safety for residents and visitors. Photos from the presentation can be found here.

“I was proud to secure more than $1 million in federal funding to invest in key infrastructure and public safety projects in Culpeper,” said Vindman. “From easing traffic congestion to equipping law enforcement with key resources, these targeted investments respond directly to local needs. My team and I worked closely with county and town leaders to deliver this funding, and I’m grateful for their partnership in making our community safer and more accessible.”

“These emergency call boxes strategically placed throughout the Culpeper trail network will improve connectivity for residents and visitors seeking support or aid,” said Culpeper Police Department Chief Chris Settle. “This investment empowers our department and emergency services by enhancing public safety, improving communication during emergencies, and helping reduce response times when assistance is needed most. The town appreciates Congressman Vindman’s efforts in securing these community funds.”

“The Simms Drive Extension is a significant public safety project for the community, specifically the elementary school campuses of AG Richardson and Pearl Sample. Currently, there is a singular access point on primary Route 15. The project will allow for a much-needed secondary access point for both schools. This investment strengthens our infrastructure and supports responsible growth in Culpeper County,” said Culpeper County Board of Supervisors Vice Chairman Gary Deal. “We are grateful for Congressman Vindman’s effort to procure $850,000 in federal funds for this very important school project.”

Vindman was joined by Deputy Police Chief Nick White, Mayor Frank Reaves, Vice Chair Gary Deal, Culpeper County Superintendent Dr. Anthony Brads, and Culpeper Police Department officers.

BACKGROUND

For FY2026 the U.S. House of Representatives reopened the Community Project Funding process, allowing Members of Congress to request targeted federal investments for local projects. Congressman Vindman worked closely with community leaders across Virginia’s Seventh District to identify and submit requests that reflect the needs of the region.

Community Project Funding is designed to strengthen the federal appropriations process by centering local input and collaboration. Through this process, Members of Congress partner directly with the communities they represent to advance projects that are planned, supported, and led at the local level.

To qualify, projects must be submitted by a locality or non-profit and meet the eligibility requirements of existing federal grant programs. Submissions must demonstrate strong community support, ensuring that funded projects are responsive to local needs and have backing from the communities they serve.

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ICYMI: Vindman Presents Caroline County Sheriff’s Office with $967,000 for Public Safety Upgrades

Washington, D.C. — On Friday, February 28, Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) joined the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office to celebrate $967,000 in federal funding heading to the sheriff’s office for critical equipment and infrastructure upgrades.

This funding will modernize the department’s radio communication system by upgrading to interoperable devices capable of working in rural areas, particularly providing reliable coverage in and around Caroline County school buildings and over school Wi-Fi. The current radios lack this capability, creating gaps in communication during emergencies. This investment addresses a significant officer safety concern while strengthening coordination and improving public safety for the broader community and local schools.

“I was proud to secure $967,000 in federal funding for the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office as part of the broader investments I helped deliver for local law enforcement agencies across Virginia’s Seventh District,” said Vindman. “These investments will strengthen public safety infrastructure while supporting the deputies who serve our communities with professionalism and dedication every day. By working closely with the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office, we ensured these dollars address critical equipment and infrastructure needs for Caroline County.”

“Communications is the backbone of public safety and plays a critical role in protecting our citizens, our Deputies, and our Fire and Rescue personnel,” said Caroline County Sheriff Scott Moser. “Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the Office of Eugene Vindman, Caroline County has secured the funding necessary to replace aging radios that had reached the end of their service life and were beginning to fail.

I am incredibly proud that we are now able to provide our public servants with reliable, modern equipment. Without this funding, replacing these critical communication tools would not have been possible. This investment directly enhances the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of those who serve and protect our community every day.”

The Congressman was joined by Caroline County Sheriff Moser, Supervisor Floyd Thomas, and Caroline County Sheriff’s Office Deputies.

BACKGROUND

For FY2026 the U.S. House of Representatives reopened the Community Project Funding process, allowing Members of Congress to request targeted federal investments for local projects. Congressman Vindman worked closely with community leaders across Virginia’s Seventh District to identify and submit requests that reflect the needs of the region.

Community Project Funding is designed to strengthen the federal appropriations process by centering local input and collaboration. Through this process, Members of Congress partner directly with the communities they represent to advance projects that are planned, supported, and led at the local level.

To qualify, projects must be submitted by a locality or non-profit and meet the eligibility requirements of existing federal grant programs. Submissions must demonstrate strong community support, ensuring that funded projects are responsive to local needs and have backing from the communities they serve.

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Walkinshaw Demands Accountability in Explosive DOGE Social Security Breach Allegations

Washington, D.C. — Today, Rep. James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11) released the following statement after a new whistleblower report alleged that a former DOGE employee walked away with highly sensitive Social Security data belonging to Americans and may still have had remote access to SSA’s internal systems after leaving government service.

“This whistleblower report that former DOGE employees copied highly sensitive Social Security data covering hundreds of millions of Americans onto a personal thumb drive and planned to share it with a private employer is deeply alarming and confirms the serious concerns many of us have raised about the reckless handling of Americans’ personal data.

Social Security data is among the most sensitive information the federal government holds. Copying it onto a personal device and attempting to move it outside the government is not just irresponsible. It likely violates federal law and represents a stunning breach of the safeguards meant to protect Americans’ privacy and financial security.

Instead of covering up for this Administration's abuses, Congress must get to the bottom of it. The American people deserve to know how their data was exposed, who was responsible, and whether additional information has been mishandled.

I will not stop working to expose what happened and protect American taxpayers from this kind of reckless abuse of their personal data.”

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Wasserman Schultz Delivers Half Million Federal Investment to Help BSO Stop Online Child Predators

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) joined Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony and South Florida Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force leader Sergeant Thomas McInerney to announce delivery of $535,000 in critical federal funds that she fought to secure to help local law enforcement identify online child predators and victims.

To watch the full press conference, click here.

To watch the check presentation, click here.

This funding will provide digital forensic software, a forensic van upgrade and investigative tools to assist law enforcement personnel in identifying victims and getting offenders off the internet and away from our children.

“The South Florida ICAC Task Force has seen a 157% increase in CyberTips received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. And the-already grueling demands on the Task Forces are, tragically, only growing with AI simulations,” said Wasserman Schultz. “As predators become more and more technologically advanced, we must ensure law enforcement is able to stay ahead of the curve.”

ICAC Task Forces are comprised of a national network of 61 coordinated task forces, representing over 5,400 federal, state, and local law enforcement, dedicated to investigating, prosecuting, and developing effective responses to internet crimes against children. From 1998 to 2023, ICAC forces reviewed more than 7 million reports of online abuse, which resulted in more than 134,000 people being arrested.

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ICYMI: Senator Banks Discusses Operation Epic Fury on America Reports

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) joined Sandra Smith on America Reports to discuss Operation Epic Fury:

Click the image above for the full discussion

Full Remarks below:

Senator Banks: “Well, first and foremost, this has been a highly successful operation. And this briefing today, all of the briefings that we’ve received in the Senate have shown us that… we’ve wiped out most of the ballistic missiles in Iran. We’ve wiped out most of their Navy. You heard Steve Witkoff, the special envoy, say just a couple of hours ago, we’ve wiped out almost all of their uranium enrichment. That’s the primary goal of this operation. President Trump is a great commander-in-chief, one of the best that we’ve ever had. He’s developed a strong coalition of allies in Europe and in the Middle East to assist in this operation. And it’s my hope, as the president has said yesterday, that this operation lasts for a very short period of time. We accomplish what we need to and turn this country back over to its people. We need to get internet working in Iran so the people there can communicate and organize and eventually take over their country and restore their freedoms… I think we’re close to getting that done.”

Senator Banks: “We’ve wiped out their capability to achieve [a nuclear weapon] and then wiping out their ballistic missiles, their ability to continue to be the biggest state sponsor of terrorism in the world, funding all of their terrorist proxy groups. It is in America’s best interest. It is America first to wipe out the IRGC, the regime in Iran, and turn it over to freedom-loving people there who want to take back their country… Secretary of War Hegseth has done a tremendous job at the Pentagon supporting our troops giving them the resources and support they need to strike out all of the military capabilities of Iran. And this has maybe been the most sophisticated and successful military operation that we’ve ever seen…”

Senator Banks: “We don’t trust Russia or China. We’re following closely what they’re up to. This is the axis of evil. Iran, China and Russia…”

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Barrasso: American Energy is the Source of American Strength, Safety, and Prosperity

“Wyoming is America’s energy breadbasket. We are no longer utterly dependent on the Middle East for energy, as we were in the past. This is because of Republican policies to unleash American energy. America is now the number one producer of oil in the world.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) today spoke about how American energy dominance will help bring back down the price of energy.

Senator Barrasso also called on the Senate to pass his bill, the Pay Less at the Pump Act, which repeals the $12 billion “superfund tax” that Democrats enacted in 2022.

Click HERE to watch Senator Barrasso’s remarks.

Sen. Barrasso’s remarks as prepared:

“After 47 years of terrorism, torture, and tyranny, Iran’s murderous leadership is dead. Iran’s missiles, launchers, and production sites are severely damaged. Since the start of the operation, missile attacks from Iran have gone down by 90 percent. More than fifty of Iran’s warships have been sunk.

“For decades, American presidents have pledged Iran would never acquire a nuclear weapon. President Trump kept that promise. The President acted boldly and decisively where others hesitated. The President’s courage and commitment ensure Iran will not obtain nuclear weapons. This is American peace through strength.

“Iran is a terrorist regime. That is why, today, Iran is terrorizing the world by trying to hold the world’s energy supply hostage. The regime is attempting to choke off the shipping of oil through the Strait of Hormuz. In recent days, Iran has attacked oil and gas facilities across the region. Iran has also targeted oil tankers in the Persian Gulf. Remember, twenty percent of the world’s oil supply goes through the Strait of Hormuz.

“I understand why families are worried about the price of energy. I was with Wyoming ranchers this weekend. We were at the Green River Valley Stockgrowers Association in Big Piney, Wyoming. When the price of gasoline goes up, it is a concern to everyone. Not just for fuel but also for food. That is because it costs more to produce the food when energy prices are higher.

“Republicans are taking action to help lessen the pain. Fortunately, America is once again energy dominant. Wyoming is America’s energy breadbasket. We are no longer utterly dependent on the Middle East for energy, as we were in the past. This is because of Republican policies to unleash American energy. America is now the number one producer of oil in the world. We are setting record numbers for production – almost 14 million barrels of oil per day. That is more than double what we produced 15 years ago.

“With respect to what is happening in the Persian Gulf, there is no question prices are up. Republicans are working to bring gas prices back down quickly. We are in a strong position to do so because of our energy dominance agenda.

“At the same time, President Trump is determined to get energy flowing again in the Middle East. The President announced the United States will provide risk insurance to oil tankers in the region. He also announced the United States Navy will escort cargo ships if necessary. That is similar to what President Ronald Reagan did in the 1980s. It worked then. It will work now. The President’s dynamic actions will get prices back down.

“The real loser with what is happening in Iran right now is Communist China. China is one of Iran’s biggest allies and enablers. It buys most of Iran’s oil exports. It buys that oil at a discount because it is buying it on the black market. Iran in turn uses that money to buy Chinese air defense systems and other weapons. These are the very weapons our military has been destroying the last week.

“Operation Epic Fury is more than just a success against the world’s number one state sponsor of terrorism. It is a significant setback for our number one adversary in the world. President Trump is completely rewriting the global energy map in America’s favor. Our nation needs to continue to produce more energy. That means oil and natural gas. It means coal. It means uranium for nuclear power. Affordable, available, reliable American energy is the source of American strength, safety, and prosperity.

“In the meantime, Congress should take action to lower gas prices for American families. My bill, the Pay Less at the Pump Act, does exactly that. My legislation repeals the harmful ‘superfund tax’ on crude oil. Democrats buried this $12 billion tax in their 2022 reckless tax and spend bill. Working families have been paying the price ever since. My bill would lower prices at the pump and lead to more American energy production. It’s good for Wyoming, good for working families, and good for our entire country.

“Republicans promised to make America safer and more prosperous. We are going to continue doing both of those things.”

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Barrasso Slams Senate Democrats for Introducing Five New War Powers Resolutions

“This isn’t about advancing the needs of the nation. It isn’t about helping people. It’s not about protecting Americans. None of that is true. It’s about slowing down the Senate, throwing instruments into the gears. All to try to create theater. Not to help protect our troops, not to help protect our people, not to make the world safer.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) today slammed Senate Democrats for filing five new War Powers Act Resolutions. Democrats are using these resolutions as a partisan tool to target President Donald J. Trump and slow down the Senate Republican agenda.

Click HERE to watch Senator Barrasso’s remarks.

Sen. Barrasso’s remarks:

“I come to the Floor today having just heard the Minority Leader talk about the fact that the Democrats have now filed five new War Powers Acts. Let’s talk about that Act and what it all means and what the Democrats are trying to do here.

“The War Powers Act was enacted in 1973. It was first used by the Democrats. They first used it in 2018. So, it sat for 45 years not being used, and then they use it against President Trump in his first term.

“There have been a total of 11 times the War Powers resolutions have been offered. Eight of them were from Senator Kaine and Senator Sanders – all aimed at President Trump. We defeated one of these last week.

“So, now they come out and they’ve introduced five more. And one of the Senate Democrats’ loudest complainers about everything said that it is ‘basically symbolic.’ It’s just symbolic what they’re doing. These are show votes.

“We know the record of the Democrats.

“You know how many they introduced when Obama was president? Zero. You know how many they introduced when Biden was president? Zero. Because when a Democrat is president, Democrats forget about the War Powers Act, ignore it completely.

“So, what’s behind this charade and what the Democrats are doing? Well, let me quote Senator Tim Kaine, the Senator from Virginia, who was the vice-presidential nominee when Hillary Clinton ran for president. Because it’s all about trying to control the Senate Floor time. This is what Senator Kaine said earlier this year. He said, ‘Flood the Senate calendar with privileged motions where I’m taking the Floor time away from the Republican Party.’

“That’s what this is all about. This isn’t about advancing the needs of the nation. It isn’t about helping people. It’s not about protecting Americans. None of that is true. It’s about slowing down the Senate, throwing instruments into the gears. All to try to create theater. Not to help protect our troops, not to help protect our people, not to make the world safer. Not at all. That’s what this is all about. Their hand has been shown.”

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Bennet, Van Hollen, Colleagues Press Administration for Accountability, Investigation into Deaths of American Citizens in West Bank

Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, joined U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and 30 colleagues in pressing the Trump Administration for an investigation into the death of Nasrallah Abu Siyam, an American citizen who was shot and killed in the West Bank by Israeli settlers. Nasrallah is the ninth American citizen who has been killed in the West Bank since January 2022; to date, no one has been held responsible for the deaths of any of these Americans.

“In the wake of the killing of another U.S. citizen in the West Bank, the ninth since January 2022, we write with grave concern regarding the ongoing lack of accountability for the deaths of Americans in the West Bank. On February 18th, Nasrallah Abu Siyam was shot and killed in the West Bank village of Mukhmas, near Ramallah, by violent Israeli settlers during an attack on Palestinian farmers. This is yet another example of the impunity afforded to extremist Israeli settlers in the West Bank under the protection of the Israel Defense Forces. The U.S. government must conduct a credible and independent investigation into Nasrallah’s killing and hold all perpetrators accountable,” the Senators wrote.

“Unfortunately, this is the second letter we’ve written to this administration in the last seven months about the killing of an American citizen in the West Bank. […] In response to our letter, the State Department wrote ‘The United States calls for accountability in all cases where U.S. citizens are harmed abroad to help prevent future tragedies.’ It’s clear that these ‘calls’ and whatever efforts were made, if any, to secure accountability, failed. This has now become a consistent pattern in which Americans are being killed in the West Bank by settlers or the IDF without justice or accountability, despite promises from U.S. officials,” the Senators continued.

“For all nine of these killings, no one has yet been held accountable by the Netanyahu government, nor has the U.S. government upheld its duty to protect Americans and secure justice and accountability for their deaths. It is unclear to us how many more Americans must die in the West Bank in order for this administration, and other administrations, to take serious, credible steps to secure accountability and ensure an end to the ongoing killings of Americans without consequence,” The Senators pressed.

“We urge you to launch an independent investigation into the killing of Nasrallah Abu Siyam and provide an update on the status of investigations into the killings of all the other Americans killed in the West Bank since January 2022. We expect a briefing on this information by April 5, 2026,” concluded the Senators.

Bennet has consistently advocated for thorough investigations into the deaths of American citizens in the West Bank and accountability for the perpetrators. In August 2025, Bennet joined Senators Booker (D-NJ), Shaheen (D-N.H.), Warner (D-Va.), Reed (D-R.I), and Coons (D-Del.) to introduce the West Bank Violence Prevention Act to deter and prevent destabilizing violence in the West Bank, particularly against civilians.

In addition to Bennet and Van Hollen, the letter was signed by Senators Murray (D-Wash.), Durbin (D-Ill.), Reed (D-R.I.), Cantwell (D-Wash.), Sanders (I-Vt.), Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Shaheen (D-N.H.), Warner (D-Va.), Merkley (D-Ore.), Coons (D-Del.), Schatz (D-Hawaii), Baldwin (D-Wis.), Murphy (D-Conn.), Hirono (D-Hawaii), Heinrich (D-N.M.), Kaine (D-Va.), Warren (D-Mass.), Markey (D-Mass.), Booker (D-N.J.), Duckworth (D-Ill.), Smith (D-Minn.), Luján (D-N.M.), Warnock (D-Ga.), Welch (D-Vt.), Kim (D-N.J.), Gallego (D-Ariz.), Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), and Alsobrooks (D-Md.).

The text of the letter is available HERE and below.

Dear Secretary Rubio, Attorney General Bondi, and Ambassador Huckabee:

In the wake of the killing of another U.S. citizen in the West Bank, the ninth since January 2022, we write with grave concern regarding the ongoing lack of accountability for the deaths of Americans in the West Bank. On February 18th, Nasrallah Abu Siyam was shot and killed in the West Bank village of Mukhmas, near Ramallah, by violent Israeli settlers during an attack on Palestinian farmers. This is yet another example of the impunity afforded to extremist Israeli settlers in the West Bank under the protection of the Israel Defense Forces. The U.S. government must conduct a credible and independent investigation into Nasrallah’s killing and hold all perpetrators accountable.

Unfortunately, this is the second letter we’ve written to this administration in the last seven months about the killing of an American citizen in the West Bank. Our July 2025 letter was regarding the killing of Saifullah Kamal Musallet, a 20-year-old American citizen from Florida who was beaten to death by extremist Israeli settlers. Since that letter, two other Americans have been killed as a result of Israeli settler violence. In response to our letter, the State Department wrote “The United States calls for accountability in all cases where U.S. citizens are harmed abroad to help prevent future tragedies.” It’s clear that these “calls” and whatever efforts were made, if any, to secure accountability, failed. This has now become a consistent pattern in which Americans are being killed in the West Bank by settlers or the IDF without justice or accountability, despite promises from U.S. officials.

Nasrallah Abu Siyam, a 19-year-old American born in Philadelphia, has become the ninth American killed in the West Bank since January 2022. Along with Saifullah Musallet and Khamis Ayyada, a forty-year-old American citizen and father of five who died of smoke inhalation in August after a fire was set by Israeli settlers in his West Bank village of Silwad, Abu Siyam is now the third American killed in the West Bank during the second Trump administration.

Six other Americans were killed in the West Bank since January 2022. This includes a 14-year-old boy from New Jersey, Amer Mohammad Saada Rabee, who was shot 11 times, and two 17-year-old boys, Tawfic Abdel Jabbar and Mohammad Ahmed Mohammad Khdour, both shot and killed in separate instances. Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a 26-year-old American citizen raised in Seattle, was shot in the head by an Israeli soldier, and respected Palestinian American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, was also shot in the head and killed by the IDF while clearly marked as a journalist. Omar Assad, an elderly Palestinian-American, died of a stress-induced heart attack after being gagged, blindfolded, bound with his hands behind his back, and left on the ground in the cold.

For all nine of these killings, no one has yet been held accountable by the Netanyahu government, nor has the U.S. government upheld its duty to protect Americans and secure justice and accountability for their deaths. It is unclear to us how many more Americans must die in the West Bank in order for this administration, and other administrations, to take serious, credible steps to secure accountability and ensure an end to the ongoing killings of Americans without consequence.

We urge you to launch an independent investigation into the killing of Nasrallah Abu Siyam and provide an update on the status of investigations into the killings of all the other Americans killed in the West Bank since January 2022. We expect a briefing on this information by April 5, 2026.

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Blackburn Questions Shelby County District Attorney Mulroy After He Admitted He Released Violent Criminals Without Requiring Jail Time

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Tennessee State Senator Brent Taylor (R-31) sent a follow-up letter to Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy demanding answers after Mulroy admitted he allowed an unknown number of violent criminals to be released back into the community without prison time in December 2025.

In December 2025, 430 of the 514 felony cases in Shelby County Criminal Court were resolved without requiring defendants to serve prison time. 166 of these 514 felony cases involved violent crimes, meaning Mulroy allowed an unknown number of violent criminals back into the community. Senator Blackburn and State Senator Taylor are demanding Mulroy reveal the exact number of violent criminals released into the community with no jail time as well as a complete list of violent crimes encompassed by the 166 cases designated as violent.

Mulroy Let Dozens of Criminal Defendants Off the Hook in December, Although Exact Number of Violent Criminals Released is Unknown

“In our February 27 letter, we asked, ‘Of the cases in the December 2025 [Memphis Crime Beat] report, how many involved violent or serious felony charges?’ You responded as follows… ‘166 of the 514 cases in the December 2025 report are designated as “violent” in our system…’ Based on the data in the Memphis Crime Beat report, we already know that—out of 514 felony cases that were resolved in Shelby County Criminal Court in December 2025—only 84 of those defendants received prison time. Yet, as you have noted in your response, 166 of these 514 felony cases involved violent crimes. It would logically follow that, if there were only 84 defendants who received prison time in December 2025, but there were 166 violent cases in that same month, there appear to be dozens of violent criminal defendants—based on your own admission—that received no jail time in December 2025.”

Blackburn & Taylor Demand Mulroy Provide Thorough Accounting for Violent Criminals Released Back into Shelby County Communities

“As we noted in our first letter, President Trump and his administration are working around the clock to make Memphis the safest city in America. It is your obligation as Shelby County’s District Attorney to enforce Tennessee’s criminal code and hold violent criminals accountable – not to allow them to be released back onto the streets to reoffend. We have made significant progress in making Memphis the safest city in the United States, and we will not allow you to stall the tremendous progress that the city of Memphis has made… Please provide a complete list of all violent crimes that were encompassed by these 166 cases that were designated as violent in your system. How many of these 166 violent criminal defendants were released into the community with no jail time... How many of the 514 felony cases were violent or serious cases that were ultimately resolved by either probation or diversion?”

Click here to read the full letter.

RELATED


Boozman Recognized for Prostate Cancer Care Advocacy

Sen. Boozman accepts the 2026 Prostate Cancer Champion Award presented by Arkansas advocates Rebecca Myers of Cabot (left) and Rachel Dooley of Little Rock (right).

WASHINGTON—ZERO Prostate Cancer (ZERO) presented U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) with its 2026 Prostate Cancer Champion Award for his leadership advancing policies that prioritize enhanced care and research.

“As someone whose family has experience with this disease, I am proud to advocate on behalf of those facing prostate cancer and their loved ones. We are working to increase bipartisan support for expanding insurance coverage for prostate cancer screenings in addition to advancing additional funding for research and awareness efforts. It is an honor to be recognized for this life-saving work and I look forward to making more progress on delivering timely hope and help,” Boozman said.

“Sen. John Boozman's leadership on the PSA Screening for High-risk Insured Men (HIM) Act and his efforts to expand care for veterans living with prostate cancer will save lives,” said CEO of ZERO Prostate Cancer Courtney Bugler. “We are proud to recognize his advocacy with the 2026 Prostate Cancer Champion Award and look forward to continuing to work with him to advance prostate cancer awareness, early detection, and improved outcomes for all men.”

This Congress, Boozman and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Screening for High-risk Insured Men (HIM) Act that would require private health insurance plans to cover preventive prostate cancer screenings without imposing any cost-sharing requirements for men with an elevated risk of developing prostate cancer.

The senator also championed increased funding for the National Cancer Institute in Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations.

Prostate cancer affects 1 in 8 American men in their lifetime and disproportionately affects African American men, with 1 in 6 being diagnosed. Individuals who have at least one close family member diagnosed with the disease are at least twice as likely to be diagnosed themselves.

Currently, the Prostate-Specific Antigen test is the most effective tool for detection. When detected in early stage, prostate cancer is almost 100 percent survivable.


U.S. Senator Katie Britt Joins Senate GOP Leadership to Discuss Democrats’ DHS Shutdown

‘Despite countless offers to sit down and try to find a pathway forward, [Democrats] will not even have a conversation with us’

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.), chair of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, joined Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.Dak.), Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), and other members of Senate Republican leadership to discuss the ongoing Democrat-led shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

On the current state of DHS negotiations and how vital agencies that keep Americans safe continue to go unfunded: “It’s a disappointing day. We are 38, 39 days past when we decided we would do a two-week CR, which we gave the Democrats in good faith to be able to have a conversation about the proper way to fund the Department of Homeland Security moving forward. We are now 24, 25 days into a government shutdown with a department that is actually charged with keeping Americans safe… This is reckless and it’s disingenuous.”

On Democrats’ far-left political pandering and refusal to sit at the table to find a pathway forward: “Here [Democrats] are telling you they want to see reforms, but I am here to tell you that they have not come to the table. Despite countless offers to sit down and try to find a pathway forward, they will not even have a conversation with us. So, you are 38, 39 days past when we decided this pathway forward and agreed to them to work on this, and they have not sat down one time. Folks, that means that this is all about politics. It was never about people.

“We stand here ready to put the safety of Americans in front of that, and I would hope our Democratic colleagues would do the same. But at the very least, they must answer for that: Not being willing to have a conversation, not being willing to figure out a pathway forward. [Republicans] certainly are. We stand ready to do that. We stand ready to do what’s right for the American people.”

You can watch the Senator’s full remarks here.

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Cassidy Helps Secure New Aviation Pilot Program in Louisiana

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) applauded the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for approving Houma-Terrebonne Airport for the Advanced Air Mobility and Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) Integration Pilot Program (eIPP). The Houma-Terrebonne Airport will be utilized for testing cargo and personnel transportation capabilities for flights over the Gulf of America to neighboring commercial facilities in Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi. Senator Cassidy spoke with FAA Deputy Administrator Chris Rocheleau and urged the administration to choose Louisiana as one of the sites for this program.

“America’s aviation is moving into the 21st century,”said Dr. Cassidy. “That’s why I pushed to bring this program right here to Houma so that Louisiana can lead the way.”

“Senator Cassidy’s leadership and responsiveness have been instrumental in bringing this opportunity to Louisiana. Our state is grateful for his commitment and tireless work on our behalf,”said Joshua Alford, Chairman of the Houma-Terrebonne Airport Commission.

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Cassidy Introduces Bill to Address America’s Debt

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) introduced the Fiscal Commission Actto establish a commission that would address our nation’s debt and provide a better future for our children.

“If Louisiana families have to budget, so should the federal government,” said Dr. Cassidy. “We’re addressing this to protect our economy today and make sure our kids aren’t stuck with the bill.”

Cassidy was joined by U.S. Senators John Curtis (R-UT), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Todd Young (R-IN), Angus King (I-ME), Chris Coons (D-DE), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Mark Warner (D-VA) in introducing the Fiscal Commission Act.

BACKGROUND

Under this legislation, a Fiscal Commission would be established to educate the American public on the escalating risk of our national debt while charting a course for the United States to stabilize its debt-to-GDP ratio below 100% by 2039. The commission would consist of 12 members of Congress and 4 outside experts. The commission would be required to submit a report to Congress by November 13, 2026, with an option to extend the deadline to April 13, 2026. Upon the commission completing its recommendations, each chamber of Congress would be required to vote on passing or rejecting said recommendations without amendment.

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Senator Collins Recognized by Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy

Click HERE, HERE, and HERE for individual photos.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Collins received recognition for her leadership in supporting rare disease research from Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD). PPMD awarded her this honor at an event celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Muscular Dystrophy (MD) CARE Act. Brian Denger, a parent from Biddeford whose son, Patrick, has Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), introduced Senator Collins at the event.

“It is a pleasure to join parents and advocates from throughout the country to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the MD CARE Act. Together, we are making progress toward our goal of finding a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy,” said Senator Collins during her remarks. “It is truly an honor to be introduced by Brian Denger from my State of Maine. My motivation to take action about Duchenne muscular dystrophy was sparked when I first met Brian and his wife, Alice, and their two wonderful boys—Matthew and Patrick—both with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.”

“The Dengers’ strength moved me to become involved in the fight for more research funding. The courage and spirit of this remarkable family are so inspiring. Sadly, Matthew died in 2013 at the age of 20. His life was far too brief but filled with accomplishments,” she continued. “He went to college. He was dedicated to helping others and volunteered for years in my constituent service office near his home. Along with his family, he was a passionate advocate for Duchenne muscular dystrophy research and access to treatments. After I met the Dengers, I knew that, given our nation’s wealth of scientific expertise, we had to do more for those with Duchenne and their families.”

“Since the MD CARE Act was signed into law in 2001, the federal government has invested more than $900 million in Duchenne research and treatment. As Chair of the Appropriations Committee, I led the passage of the 2026 funding bill in February that includes $9 million—an increase over the prior fiscal year—for CDC’s Muscular Dystrophy activities. We must not take our foot off the accelerator,” Senator Collins concluded.

“Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy and the Foundation to Eradicate Duchenne recently recognized Senator Collins for her two and a half decades of supporting Duchenne research and education programs beginning with her sponsorship of the MD CARE Act of 2001. I spoke to recognize the extraordinary relationship I have with Senator Collins that led to her untiring commitment on behalf of my sons to ensure essential research for Duchenne muscular dystrophy is funded by federal agencies. This work includes care guidelines developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that has extended the median age of survival for people living with this condition by over a decade and FDA approval of therapies to help patients affected by this condition. My family and I appreciate the lead role Senator Collins has played supporting federal programs that improve outcomes for people affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The Senator and her staff have always welcomed my family’s advocacy and we are truly grateful,” said Brian Denger.

As Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Collins secured an increase in funding to $9 million per year for muscular dystrophy research at the CDC in the recently enacted appropriations legislation. Senator Collins also advocated for Duchenne muscular dystrophy to be included in the Department of Defense’s Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program. She helped secure a record-high $12.5 million for this program in FY26.

Last year, Senator Collins was honored by the Foundation to Eradicate Duchenne for her leadership in securing DMD research funding. Senator Collins received this recognition at the Foundation’s 25th annual “Dining Away Duchenne” event.

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Senator Coons files amendment to add his Housing Tariff Exclusion Act to housing bill

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) introduced the Housing Tariff Exclusion Act yesterday as an amendment to the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, legislation aimed at increasing housing supply and improving affordability nationwidethat the Senate is expected to pass this week. Senator Coons introduced the Housing Tariff Exclusion Act with U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) earlier this year.

Last week, Senator Coons voted with 95 of his Senate colleagues to begin debate on the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, bipartisan legislation that packages several dozen legislative proposals designed to expand housing supply and reduce the cost to buy or rent a home – including Sen. Coons’ Choice in Affordable Housing Act to cut red tape for landlords offering homes to families holding housing choice vouchers. By filing an amendment, Senator Coons is working to add another housing affordability bill – this one to exempt lumber, drywall, and other homebuilding materials from President Trump’s disastrous tariffs – to the overall package.

“We need to do everything we can to bring down the cost of housing for American families, and it’s shortsighted to pass a signature housing affordability bill that ignores one of the biggest new drivers of high costs: President Trump’s disastrous tariffs,” said Senator Coons. “The impact of cutting red tape to make it easier and faster to build new houses and apartments will be muted if the costs of constructing those units are inflated because of high tariffs on building materials. While I support the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, my amendment will improve this crucial bill, and I’ll keep working however I can to making housing more affordable for Delawareans.”

The Housing Tariff Exclusion Act would exclude homebuilding materials from President Trump’s tariffs in order to lower the cost of building homes. If passed, the amendment would automatically exempt many homebuilding materials from current and future tariffs and create a process for importers to request exclusions for additional materials.

Following the Supreme Court’s decision declaring many of the president’s broad, cost-raising tariffs illegal, President Trump doubled down and implemented a new 10% tariff on global imports that went into effect last month. The new tariffs increase the cost of critical homebuilding materials, which will make it more expensive to build new housing and address the shortage of affordable units in Delaware.

The Housing Tariff Exclusion Act is endorsed by numerous housing and construction stakeholders, including the National Association of Home Builders, the National Housing Conference, the National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association, Up for Growth Action, Third Way, Habitat for Humanity, the Local Initiatives Support Corporation, and the Housing Assistance Council.


Cornyn Statement on Impact of Democrats’ DHS Shutdown on Texas Travelers, National Security

WASHINGTON – In light of recent acts of Islamic terrorism, including in Austin last month, and as Texas students and families gear up for spring break travel, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) today blasted congressional Democrats for blocking the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding bill, which affects the department’s ability to keep Americans safe and has resulted in Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees working without pay and hours-long wait times for TSA screenings at Texas airports:

“For more than three weeks, Democrats have refused to fund DHS unless Republicans bend the knee to their radical, offensive wish list of changes to how the men and women of Immigration and Customs Enforcement defend and protect our homeland,” said Sen. Cornyn. “At a time when spring break travel is spiking, damaging weather events are more likely, and terroristic threats are on the rise, it is shameful that Democrats have put Americans in this position once again to appease their progressive base, and I urge them to stop this charade and advance this critical funding.”


Cornyn Touts Pro-Family, Child Care Provisions in Working Families Tax Cuts Act

WASHINGTON – Today on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) touted the pro-family and child care provisions Republicans delivered in the Working Families Tax Cuts to alleviate the costs Texas parents face, including by doubling the Child Tax Credit, lowering the cost of child care, and strengthening the Paid Family and Medical Leave Credit. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here.

“While there’s no silver bullet that can magically make the cost of raising a family go away, Republicans have delivered provisions in the Working Families Tax Cuts that will attempt to lessen that burden.”

“In 2017, Republicans doubled the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $2,000. In 2025, that was scheduled to go back to $1,000, but Senate Republicans built on their prior success and permanently increased the Child Tax Credit to $2,000 and $2,200 per child.”

“In addition to expanding the Child Tax Credit, Republicans took steps to alleviate what is perhaps one of the most commonly cited concerns that parents face and that is the increasing cost of child care.”

“The Paid Family and Medical Leave Credit is a general business credit that’s now offered to employers who provide paid family and medical leave to qualifying employees.”

“This provision would reward businesses that offer these valuable benefits to their employees, allowing mothers to recover from childbirth, and allowing both mothers and fathers the time they want to bond with their newborns in the first important months of their lives. We also built on these successes by bolstering the Employer Provided Child Tax Credit. This credit rewards businesses that provide child care to employees.”

“We increased the Dependent Care Assistance exclusion up to $7,500 from $5,000, and we increased the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit, which will help millions of families offset the cost of child care by nearly $1,000 on average.”

“While none of us are looking forward to filing our income tax returns come April 5, I hope that working parents will see a little bit of well-deserved relief in their pocketbooks as a result of these provisions that Republicans provided in the Working Families Tax Cuts, and which President Trump signed into law.”


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353

March 10, 2026

Cotton Statement on Confirmation of General Rudd

Washington, D.C. — Today, Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, released the following statement after the confirmation of General Joshua M. Rudd to lead the National Security Agency and U.S. Cyber Command:

“General Rudd is a war hero with a lifetime of service to our nation. He is the right choice to lead the protection of our nation from cyberattacks by Iran, Russia, and China. Instead of gambling with the lives of our troops and the safety of the homeland, Senate Democrats should have confirmed his nomination weeks ago.”

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Speech at the Republican Jewish Coalition Symposium on Antisemitism

Norm thank you very much for the kind introduction and thank you all for the warm welcome. Norm, we’ve got to get you my revised biography, we’re not supposed to mention where I went to school anymore these days, it’s too harmful to my reputation. People say, “didn’t you go to Harvard”, and I say “no, no not at all” it’s like well what did you do all those years in Massachusetts, tell them I “served hard time in the state penitentiary” and it’s definitely less injurious to my reputation. It’s correct as Norm said that my in-laws live in Minnesota, although got to say after the recent display of Tim Walz up there they are looking to maybe escape to some warmer climate somewhere that’s better governed. Maybe they will go to Florida like everyone else does.

It’s an honor to join you all today. Norm, it’s always great to be with you. I want to thank the RJC Chief Operating Officer Alex Siegel, it’s always great to be here with you, I’m sorry Matt Brooks couldn’t be here with us today. Chuck DeFeo, the National Review CEO and my old friend the editor-in-chief of the National Review, Rich Lowry. Thank you all for convening this conference. Thank you all for leading the fight against antisemitism. This is unfortunately a timely and important symposium given the state of affairs in the world.

I know many of you are deeply concerned about what seems to be a rising tide of antisemitism. I am as well, but as King Solomon said in Ecclesiastes: “There is nothing new under the sun.” There’s a reason antisemitism is called the ancient hatred. It’s been with us always, sadly it will probably always be with us whether it’s spouted by the likes of Father Coughlin, Adolf Hitler, Louis Farrakhan, Ilhan Omar.

I know many of you are also concerned though about a seeming rise of antisemitism among “influencers” on the erstwhile right. Now I use sarcastic air quotes for a reason, first off, these “influencers” are perceived to be on the “right.” And maybe they once were, maybe they once wrote for center right magazines, maybe they once worked for center right websites or media companies, but I do not agree that I share a political movement or political party with anyone who traffics in antisemitism. And for that matter doesn’t just traffic in antisemitism or at least adjacent to antisemitism, but shares Liz Warren’s economic policies or Rashida Tlaib’s foreign policy. Because if you notice, these so-called “influencers” like antisemites usually do, often have a deep antipathy to free market capitalism. Whatever, their views once were they have sense adopted indeed Liz Warren’s economic policies. They also as I’ve said share Rashida Tlaib’s foreign policy which could be summed up as Jeane Kirkpatrick once said, “blame America first,” they always blame American first, if they're not blaming Israel first, it’s a close competition.

I also used ironic, sarcastic air quotes about the term “influencer.” That is a fake, made up, phony word. It didn’t exist 5 or 10 years ago, go look at a dictionary, see if that word was present in that dictionary 5 or 10 years ago, it wasn’t. So, the question is why did people have to make up the word “influencer?” And I think the answer is the time tested, old fashioned, sturdy word influential does not apply to them. They are not influential. They are at least not influential with Donald Trump, who continues to reject their kooky advice. They’re not influential with Republicans in the Senate, who continue to reject their kooky advice. And if you look at public opinion polls, they’re least influential of all with normal voting Republicans all across the country. Indeed, self-identified MAGA Republicans - there’s polls out there you can identity. The pollster asks the respondent, “are you a republican?” “yes,” “do you identify as a MAGA republican or let’s call it a traditional republican?”- self-identified MAGA Republicans are more supportive in general of the President’s foreign policy then self-identified traditional Republicans. Think about that, people who are asked to identify as a MAGA Republican with Donald Trump are more in favor of bombing the hell out of the ayatollahs than self-identified traditional Republicans. So, it’s clear that these “influencers” don’t have much influence where it matters.

Right now, these days it matters most in the White House. And is that all that surprising? I know we’re having a conference about antisemitism but in the White House we have the most philosemitic President ever. Not only has he been the strongest supporter of Israel, not only does he condemn antisemitism in all its forms, Donald Trump loves the Jewish people so much, that he has Jewish grandchildren. I got to tell you like the image of Donald Trump going to a grandchild’s bar or bat mitzvah it's very entertaining to me. I’d like to be a fly on the wall there. But, again, these so-called “influencers” don’t have influence where it really matters. And where it really matters today, besides the White House, is taking the fight to the worst source of antisemitism in the world, which is of course the Islamic Republic of Iran. That is where, I know, many of your thoughts are today, it's where my thoughts and a lot of my work in the Senate is today. So, I just want to touch briefly on where things stand there.

First off, I want to express my condolences and sympathies to the families of 7 brave Americans who have been killed so far in our campaign against the ayatollah’s revolutionary regime. I also want to express condolences to the Israelis, whether they’re soldiers, or whether they're innocent civilians, and for that matter the innocent civilians in Arab nations who have lost their lives due to Iran’s, I don’t know what you might call it, their Yosemite Sam’s strategy of just shooting at everyone in the region, even countries who have been relatively friendly to Iran, like Oman, who tried to facilitate a diplomatic resolution here. They did not die in vain, not those Americans or anyone in the Middle East, because after 47 years of terror and revolutionary violence, America is finally putting our foot down and saying we're not going to take it anymore.

Their outlaw regime from the very beginning has waged a campaign of terror against the United States, invading our embassy, taking hostage dozens of our fellow citizens for more than a year, killing more than 200 at the Marine Barracks in Beirut, killing several of our troops at Khobar towers, likely being complicit in the bombing of the USS Cole, maiming and killing thousands of our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, and generally terrorizing the civilized world. The President has said time and again, as I’ve said since I entered public life, we can never allow such lunatics to have a nuclear weapon and we put an end to their ambitions last June when our Air Force, combined with the Israeli Defense Forces destroyed their nuclear program, but apparently the ayatollahs didn’t get the picture.

As the President said yesterday, we had clear evidence that they were trying to move forward at other locations with their nuclear program, but perhaps even more importantly we couldn’t live with the imbalance of power of their missiles and our defenses. I can’t get into the numbers, but I can tell you that before this war started, Iran had thousands and thousands of missiles and their vast missile arsenal far, far exceeded the combined missile defenses of the United States, Israel and our Arab friends. That is an unacceptable threat to the United States. That would create in essence within a few months, maybe a year, an impenetrable shield through which they could continue to build a nuclear program in the future. That’s much like what happened with North Korea in the 1990s and 2000s, they didn’t have nuclear weapons yet, but they had tens of thousands of rockets, and arterially shells, and missiles aimed at Soeul which prevented a barrier to stop them from going nuclear. But if it’s an unacceptable threat to the United States, it’s an extensional threat to Israel. Because they have enough conventional missiles to destroy Israel’s way of life. That is not something that we could allow to continue. That was a dark and gathering storm cloud on the horizon and the President decided in conjunction with Prime Minister Netanyahu that after Iran had been so badly weakened over the last two years, now was the time to go for the jugular and put an end to this menacing threat and that’s what we're currently on the path to do. So that was the first objective of this operation, to destroy their missile forces, and to destroy their ability to reconstitute them by hitting their manufactures site.

The second, while we are at it, was to sink their Navy, which was old and decrepit and small, but it is powerful enough to threaten shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which no president since World War II has ever been willing to tolerate. Third, we’re also going to return to those nuclear sites and make sure that they get the message once again, that we will never allow it. And fourth, we’re hitting, and especially Israel is hitting, the thugs that have been responsible for repressing Iran’s own people and supporting terrorists around the world: the revolutionary guard core, the Quds force, the Basij militia. Now, we can’t predict the future about what will happen with Iran, or who might be the next leader of Iran. Hopefully, the people of Iran can rise up and reclaim their destiny and once again live with some measure of freedom and dignity, but even if that’s not the case at least Iran will be totally neutered as a military threat to the United States, to Israel, and to the rest of the civilized world.

Those are big ambitions, but we are a big nation. We have power that far exceeds any other nation. We have a president who is willing to use it. And you see that thanks to the bravery and skill of our troops, and Israel’s troops, that less than 2 weeks into this war we have Iran on the back foot. You probably saw Admiral Cooper who commands our forces in the region who said that their launches of missiles and drones has declined by more than 90% since the first days of this war. We expect it to continue to decline. We might still face more causalities, there might be more civilian lives lost, but in the end when we face either a new Iran that is a normal nation, not an ideological and revolutionary exporter of violence and terror. Or if we simply have an Iran that is totally defamed, which has no Navy, has no Air Force, has no missile arsenal, the world will be much safer because of the skill and bravery of our combined forces and because of the strength and resolution of the President and the Prime Minister.

So, we’ve got many uncertain days ahead of us and there may be more cost to pay, but I predict that when we all is said and done because of these actions once again, we will be the strongest and most powerful nation in the region. And not just Israel and not just our troops, but everyone who lives within shooting distance of Iran will be grateful for what the United States and Israel has done in these days.

Thank you all. God bless you. God bless the United States.


Crapo Supports Effort to Strengthen Economic Prosperity, Strengthen CDFI Fund

Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), co-chair of the Community Development Finance (CDF) Caucus, joined Senators Steve Daines (R-Montana) and Mark Warner (D-Virginia), also co-chair of the CDF Caucus, to introduce the bipartisan Access to Fair Financing for Opportunity and Resilient Development (AFFORD) Act. The AFFORD Act would provide added transparency over Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund operations and strengthen its role in improving capital access and economic development in rural, tribal and other underserved communities in Idaho and across the country.

The bill would also extend and enhance the CDFI Bond Guarantee Program to enable participation by smaller CDFIs, reauthorize the CDFI liquidity enhancement program to increase CDFI lending capacity and reach more communities, and bolster the role of Native CDFIs by expanding a U.S. Department of Agriculture CDFI relending program that partners with Native CDFIs to deploy mortgage loans to eligible Native borrowers.

“The role CDFIs play in promoting economic development in rural, tribal and other underserved communities across the country cannot be overstated,” said Crapo. “I remain committed to working with the Trump Administration to make improvements at the CDFI Fund to promote transparency and ensure it fulfills its purpose of serving communities often left behind by the federal government and the traditional finance sector.”

Read the bill text HERE.

Additional co-sponsors include Tina Smith (D-Minnesota), Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Chuck Schumer (D-New York), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota), John Hickenlooper (D-Colorado), Cory Booker (D-New Jersey), Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland), Jim Justice (R-West Virginia), Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska), Andy Kim (D-New Jersey), Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York), Chris Coons (D-Delaware), Tim Sheehy (R-Montana), Gary Peters (D-Michigan), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Michael Bennet (D-Colorado), Cindy Hyde-Smith (D-Mississippi), Ron Wyden (D-Oregon), Katie Britt (R-Alabama), Dick Durbin (D-Illinois), Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), John Boozman (R-Arkansas) and Martin Heinrich (D-New Mexico).

Background:

Senator Crapo is the co-chair of the Senate Community Development Finance Caucus. CDFIs play a critical role in bringing capital and financial services to a wide range of small businesses and families across Idaho. Senator Crapo is co-lead of the Scaling Community Lenders Act, a provision of the AFFORD Act, which would unlock more sources of liquidity and support for CDFIs. He is also a co-sponsor of the CDFI Fund Transparency Act, which would require the Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Treasury to testify annually before the Senate Banking and House Financial Services Committees regarding operations of the CDFI Fund during the previous fiscal year.

In October 2025, Senator Crapo led more than 100 Republican Members of Congress in sending a letter to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the U.S. Department of the Treasury affirming continued support for the CDFI Fund and its role in supporting economic prosperity in underserved and rural communities.

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