Durbin, Whitehouse, Hawley Call On Supreme Court To Reject Georgia-Pacific’s Attempt To Use A Bankruptcy Maneuver To Evade Accountability To Hundreds Of Thousands Of Asbestos Victims

Senators: “Allowing Bestwall’s position to prevail here would fuel abuses that are already transforming a system of last resort into a ‘corporate shell game’ that allows well-heeled corporations ‘to evade accountability for any harm caused by [their] products’ and deny ‘tens of thousands of people their day in court.’”

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, along with U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Josh Hawley (R-MO) submitted an amicus brief to the Supreme Court in Official Committee of Asbestos Claimants of Bestwall LLC v. Bestwall LLC, supporting the hundreds of thousands of victims of exposure to Georgia-Pacific’s asbestos-linked products. To avoid facing the legal claims of victims in court, Georgia-Pacific “moved” to Texas for less than five hours, offloaded its asbestos-related liabilities onto a shell company called Bestwall, put Bestwall into bankruptcy, and then claimed that Bestwall’s bankruptcy protected the entire Georgia-Pacific enterprise from accountability.

In recent years, companies like Georgia-Pacific, Johnson & Johnson, 3M, and Corizon Health have repeatedly tried to use this maneuver – the “Texas Two-Step” – to bypass mass tort lawsuits, freezing in place hundreds of thousands of legal claims while continuing business as usual. This trend of financially stable companies trying to obtain all of the benefits of bankruptcy without any of the costs shows no sign of abating.

The amicus brief makes three main arguments concerning Congress’ intent when enacting the bankruptcy code. First, the amicus brief argues that the Supreme Court should grant certiorari to overturn the Fourth Circuit’s uniquely high standard for dismissing a bankruptcy filed in bad faith and to adopt a requirement of good faith in bankruptcy similar to that of the Third Circuit.

The Senators wrote, “Since its bankruptcy filing, however, Bestwall has paid zero dollars to its approximately 56,000 current asbestos claimants, a number that rises with every passing day as more and more victims are diagnosed with cancer… Except for Bestwall’s creditors—that is, the ordinary Americans who are Georgia-Pacific’s tort victims—all of Georgia-Pacific’s other creditors have continued to be paid in the ordinary course.”

Second, it argues that Congress intended that only “honest but unfortunate” debtors in true financial distress can access bankruptcy relief, and that it never intended for corporations which can afford to pay all their debts to benefit from bankruptcy’s special protections.

Third, the amicus brief argues that the Court must intervene in this case to prevent manipulation and abuse of the bankruptcy code by wealthy corporations from becoming routine, and to avoid providing corporations with a reliable legal playbook to avoid liability to tort victims and gain a strategic advantage in litigation.

The Senators continued, “If Bestwall’s position becomes law—if concededly non-bankrupt corporate entities can forestall their creditors and victims through bankruptcy filings in the Fourth Circuit for years on end—those abuses are likely to become routine, making ‘every case that rare case.’ That, then, is the logical consequence of denying certiorari in this case: Corporations facing mass-tort liability will have a well-defined playbook and a friendly forum for sidestepping lawsuits, undermining both the ability of individuals to hold companies accountable and the integrity of the bankruptcy system.”

The Senators concluded, “Allowing Bestwall’s position to prevail here would fuel abuses that are already transforming a system of last resort into a ‘corporate shell game’ that allows well-heeled corporations ‘to evade accountability for any harm caused by [their] products’ and deny ‘tens of thousands of people their day in court.’”

Read the full amicus brief here.

When he was Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Durbin held a full committee hearing to draw attention to the way in which corporations use the “Texas Two Step” to exploit loopholes in bankruptcy law and dodge accountability. The Committee heard testimony from Ms. Lori Knapp, whose father died from mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure in Georgia-Pacific drywall products. The Knapp family was denied their day in court because Georgia-Pacific manipulated bankruptcy law to shield itself from lawsuits. During the hearing, Durbin directly confronted Johnson & Johnson’s Worldwide Vice President of Litigation.

Durbin has also led efforts to condemn the shameful bankruptcy maneuvers by companies like 3M and Corizon Health, while highlighting the need for legislative reform.

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During A Senate Judiciary Committee Nominations Hearing, Durbin Denounces The MAGA Nominee Considered Today To A Lifetime Appointment On The Court Of International Trade

Durbin: “After losing before the Supreme Court, he [Trump] wants to stack the courts, including the CIT, with MAGA loyalists who will rule in his favor.”

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today delivered an opening statement at a Senate Judiciary Committee nominations hearing regarding the President’s reckless tariffs policy, disregard for the rule of law, and the Supreme Court’s recent ruling against said tariffs. Durbin also spoke on the nomination of Kara Westercamp to the Court of International Trade (CIT). Ms. Westercamp’s nomination to the lifetime position followed the Supreme Court’s tariff ruling. During his opening, Durbin highlighted Ms. Westercamp’s past comments and loyalty to the MAGA base.

The Committee also considered the nominations of Sheria Clarke, to the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina; Kathleen Lane, to the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana; and Evan Rikhye, to the U.S. District Court for the District of the Virgin Islands.

Key Quotes:

“In his second term, President Trump has accelerated a pattern from his first term: put in place a patently illegal policy; dare the courts to strike it down; and when courts uphold the rule of law, respond by personally attacking the judges. President Trump’s tariff policy is a perfect illustration of this.”

“Just two weeks after he returned to office last year, he invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, also known as IEEPA, to impose tariffs. This law gives the President authority to impose sanctions or freeze assets in response to certain emergencies… Immediately, American small businesses challenged these tariffs taxes as exceeding the scope of the President’s legal powers. Lower courts disagreed with the President and agreed with the plaintiffs, finding that only Congress has the power to impose tariffs.”

“Just a few weeks ago, [in] a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court affirmed the lower court’s position and held that IEEPA does not authorize President Trump to impose these illegal and costly tariffs. Right on cue, President Trump went on the attack, ranting on social media that the Supreme Court ‘unnecessarily RANSACKED’ the United States by ruling against him.”

“While the Supreme Court struck down the tariffs, major questions remain with respect to how American businesses will receive refunds for [the] tens of billions of dollars they lost due to President Trump’s illegal tariff taxes. The Court of International Trade, or the CIT, a specialized court that hears international trade cases, will hear many of the suits filed by plaintiffs seeking to recoup their losses.”

“So, President Trump is resorting to his typical, usual, normal practice for him. After losing before the Supreme Court, he wants to stack the courts, including the CIT, with MAGA loyalists who will rule in his favor. Today the Committee will consider the nomination of Kara Westercamp for a lifetime appointment to the [CIT]. Based on her record, it appears she will be faithful to the President. How about to the rule of law?”

“Ms. Westercamp’s social media account reads like Trump fan fiction: questioning the outcome of the 2020 election; whitewashing the January 6 attack on the Capitol; and attacking Chief Justice Roberts for not being sufficiently conservative… This shameless display of extreme rhetoric does not reflect the independence or the judicial temperament required for a lifetime appointment to the federal bench.”

Video of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.

Audio of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.

Footage of Durbin’s opening statement is available here for TV Stations.

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On The Senate Floor, Durbin Urges The Release Of Political Prisoners In The UAE, Azerbaijan, China, Tunisia, & Equatorial Guinea

WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) highlighted the plight of political prisoners in five nations and called for their immediate and unconditional release. These political prisoners have been outspoken in their support for democracy, freedom of the press, human rights, and basic political freedoms.

Durbin began his speech by highlighting one of the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) top human rights defenders, Ahmed Mansoor, who tragically just marked nine years in jail. Mr. Mansoor was arrested under the guise that his social media posts that advocated for human rights threatened social harmony.

Durbin said, “Despite the dismal conditions of his incarceration, Mr. Mansoor has remained steadfast in his commitment to human rights—even conducting multiple hunger strikes in protest of jail conditions. We have strong ties and many shared interests with the UAE, but its continued involvement in the horrific Sudanese civil war and jailing of Mr. Mansoor complicate that relationship. Adding to this strain is Emirati Ambassador Otaiba’s persistent and bewildering refusal to engage on these issues. I appeal to him [and] UAE’s President to finally release Mr. Mansoor.”

Durbin then spoke about anti-corruption researcher and advocate, Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu in Azerbaijan. In 2023, Dr. Ibadoghlu and his wife were forcibly dragged from their vehicle and severely beaten.

Durbin continued, “His dubious arrest was a tragic result of writings about the rampant corruption stemming from Azerbaijan’s oil and gas industry. While eventually placed under house arrest in 2024, he has still been denied a trial and medical care, and his family continues to suffer harassment. In fact, his son Emin, who desperately hopes to reunite with his father, is here today in the Senate Gallery. He [Dr. Ibadoghlu] is one of many wrongfully detained individuals in Azerbaijan who should be fully released.”

Durbin then spoke about the number of cases in China including Gulshan Abbas, a doctor serving a 20-year sentence—likely a result of her sister’s advocacy on Uyghur issues; Hong Kong publisher Jimmy Lai who has been jailed since 2020; and Pastors Jin Mingri and Gao Quanfu, and Gao’s wife Pang Yu, who were arrested amid a crackdown on religious freedom.

Durbin said, “The Chinese have worked with my office on such cases in the past and made some important gestures, but it’s time to do something—release these individuals. I urge President Trump to raise [their cases] with Chinese President Xi Jinping when he visits China.”

Durbin then spoke on Sonia and Ramla Dahmani—sisters from Tunisia.

“Last July, I came to the floor to call for the release of prominent Tunisian lawyer and political commentator Sonia Dahmani. She was arrested in May 2024 for peaceful radio and television political commentary and subjected to appalling prison conditions. Her sister, Ramla, was also sentenced in absentia to two years in prison, simply for publicly advocating for her sister’s release,” Durbin continued.

“While I am glad Sonia was conditionally released late last year, the government is still harassing her with nonsense charges. I urge President Saied to end this vendetta against Sonia and Ramla, and to take steps to restore press freedoms in Tunisia, once a symbol of great democratic hope after the Arab Spring,” Durbin said.

Durbin lastly spoke about human rights advocate Joaquin Elo Ayeto who had been arrested in 2019 in Equatorial Guinea, an oil rich nation with a history of repression and growing ties with the Russian military. While he was eventually released a year later and visited with Durbin’s office shortly thereafter, he was unfortunately re-arrested in 2024.

Durbin said, “It’s time to end the harassment of Mr. Ayeto. I urge President Mbasogo to show the same compassion displayed in 2020 and release him without delay on humanitarian grounds.”

Durbin concluded, “What we do here really matters. My friend and jailed Russian dissident Vladimir Kara Murza often reminded me that a political prisoner’s worst nightmare is the thought that people forgotten them. So, let me remind Ahmed, Gubad, Gulshan, Jimmy, Pastors Jin and Gao, Pang, Sonia, Ramla, and Joaquin—you are not forgotten and we will continue to speak out for your freedom.”

Video of Durbin’s floor speech is available here.

Audio of Durbin’s floor speech is available here.

Footage of Durbin’s floor speech is available herefor TV Stations.

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Ernst Announces Sale of D.C. Building

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) joined U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Administrator Edward Forst to announce that GSA’s Regional Office Building in D.C. has been sold, which will save taxpayers over $700 million.

The sale is a result of years of Ernst’s work. She has called out empty government buildings and has been the chief advocate for selling off expensive pieces of prime real estate in order to save taxpayers billions.

Download pictures of Senator Ernst here.

Watch full announcement here.

“After years of working to put empty and expensive federal buildings up for sale, today, the GSA Regional Office Building is officially sold!” said Ernst. “Even though this building has been vacant, the American people have still been footing the bill. With this sale, we are saving Americans over $205 million and taking an additional $500 million in required updates off taxpayers’ tab. I’m thankful Administrator Forst and the Trump administration are putting taxpayers first. We are doing something today that rarely happens in Washington, downsizing both the cost and actual size of the government.”

Every year, Washington pays out over $81 million maintaining underutilized offices, including nearly 7,700 vacant buildings and another 2,265 that are largely empty. Last year, GSA reported that their deferred maintenance exceeds $6 billion and will grow to $20 billion in five years.

Background:

In December 2023, Ernst exposed how federal office buildings were virtual ghost towns with her naughty list that showed not a single federal agency was occupying even half its office space.

In 2024, Ernst released her “Out of Office” report revealing the cost and extent of abandoned and underutilized government buildings.

Ernst has led the call to sell off empty and expensive Washington buildings, and her FOR SALE Act would put six pieces of prime properties in the nation’s capital on the auction block to generate $400 million or more in revenue, while also canceling costs, including $2.9 billion for overdue maintenance. Her DISPOSAL Act eliminates regulatory hurdles to fast-track the sale of unneeded federal buildings.

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Fischer on Senate Floor: “Only U.S. Citizens Should Vote in U.S. Elections”

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) spoke on the Senate floor in support of the SAVE America Act, which she is a cosponsor of. The legislation would secure U.S. elections and protect citizens’ votes by requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration and the use of voter ID at election polls.

In her speech, Fischer touts Nebraska’s successful voter ID law, which was enacted in 2023.

Click the image above to watch a video of Fischer’s remarks.

Click here to download audio.

Click here to download video.

Transcript of Fischer’s speech as prepared for delivery:

M. President,

Only U.S. citizens should vote in U.S. elections.

This is not a controversial statement. It is common sense.

Republicans have been voting to protect our elections.

But Senate Democrats want to make them less secure.

This is against the will of most Americans, and against the will of their own voters.

The SAVE America Act is simple: require proof of citizenship to register to vote and require a photo ID when you go to cast a ballot.

These are commonsense policies.

They have overwhelming public support.

But Democrats stand in opposition.

M. President, the polling numbers are clear.

A recent CBS News poll shows that 80% of Americans support requiring a photo ID to vote.

That includes 65% of Democrats.

A Pew Research Center poll found 83% of voters support photo ID at the polls — including 71% of Democrats.

And 66% of Americans support requiring documents showing proof of citizenship to register to vote.

Proof of citizenship is required when you apply for government benefits.

It is required when you join the military.

Every single job in this country requires new hires to fill out a Form I-9 proving they are eligible to work here.

Americans show photo ID to drive a car, to pick up their kids early from school, to check into a hotel, to purchase cold medicine at the pharmacy, to board a plane, and to get a library card.

If we expect this of Americans in these instances, why on earth shouldn't we expect it when they vote?

We’ve applied this pragmatism in my home state of Nebraska.

In 2023, Nebraska adopted a law through the voter driven initiative process requiring voters to provide an ID with their name and photo when they vote.

There are many acceptable forms of ID in Nebraska.

A driver’s license. A state ID card. A U.S. passport. A military ID. A tribal ID.

Nebraska has found a sensible way to verify voters’ identities without restricting access for eligible voters.

In fact, Nebraskans can get an ID and certified copy of their birth certificate – at no cost – if they don’t have one.

Here in Washington, Democrats have spent the past few weeks waffling on this issue.

In fact, Senator Schumer recently announced that Democrats do support voter ID.

So, my colleague Senator Husted, a former chief election official in his home state of Ohio, decided to take Senator Schumer at his word.

He offered a clean, basic photo ID bill.

Just a simple requirement to show photo ID at the polls: a driver's license, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a passport.

Guess what happened?

The Democrats blocked it.

They are completely unserious on this issue and out of step with the majority of Americans.

M. President, the stakes couldn't be higher.

America's election integrity is on the line.

The SAVE America Act is a commonsense solution — proof of citizenship to register, and photo ID to vote.

Every Democrat will be put on the record.

And the American people will be watching.

I urge my colleagues to support the SAVE America Act.

Thank you, M. President. I yield the floor.

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Fischer Applauds E15 Waiver, Calls for Permanent Solution

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) released the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an emergency waiver to allow the sale of E15 gasoline during the summer season:

“I thank EPA Administrator Zeldin and the Trump administration for issuing another emergency waiver for E15 to be sold year-round across the country. This will undoubtedly bring some short-term relief to our farmers and ranchers, and ease fuels costs on Americans. The fact remains that this is not a long-term solution, and it is far past time for Congress to make this permanent. My Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailers Choice Act gets it done, and I am working to end the need for these emergency waivers and give consumers the year-round flexibility choice they deserve.”

See the EPA announcement here.

Background

Fischer has been a staunch advocate for the year-round sale of E15 since 2015, when she first co-led a bill to allow year-round E15 during the 114th Congress.

In 2017, she introduced the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act to amend the Clean Air Act and allow the year-round sale of E15.

In 2019, Fischer traveled with President Trump to Nebraska and Iowa when he announced regulatory efforts to allow the year-round sale of E15. When President Trump’s efforts were struck down by courts, Fischer continued to lead by reintroducing her legislation in 2021, during the 117th Congress. Fischer released an updated bill in 2022 with substantial support.

In 2023, Fischer introduced the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2023, and Rep. Adrian Smith (NE-03) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

On the first day of his second term, President Trump took steps to make E15 available year-round through his Executive Order Declaring a National Energy Emergency.

In February of 2025, Fischer reintroduced her Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025 to allow the year-round sale of E15 and codify President Trump’s executive order.

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Gallego, Bipartisan Colleagues Introduce Deposit Insurance Legislation

WASHINGTON – Today, Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Jim Banks (R-IN), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) introduced the Main Street Depositor Protection Act to raise deposit insurance coverage for non-interest bearing transaction accounts — commonly known as payroll accounts — at eligible banks and credit unions.

“In times of financial crisis, the biggest banks are bailed out and their customers are protected. Small businesses, especially those in rural Arizona who rely on small and community banks, deserve the same reassurance that their hard-earned money is safe,” said Senator Gallego. “This bipartisan bill levels the playing field and ensures that the backbones of our local economies remain strong and secure.”

“I am proud to have worked with Senator Hagerty to introduce our updated Main Street Depositor Protection Act with Senators Cortez Masto, Hyde-Smith, Gallego, and Banks. This bipartisan legislation would require a data driven process to increase deposit insurance coverage levels for business checking accounts at most banks and credit unions. Our small businesses are the backbone of the American economy, and they often rely on community banks and credit unions. Responsibly raising the deposit insurance threshold will protect employees and businesses in times of crisis and strengthen our overall financial system,” said Senator Alsobrooks.

“The banks that serve Main Street must have the same chance to succeed as the banks that serve Wall Street. This bipartisan, bicameral bill advances the Administration’s priority of preserving the central role of regional and community banks in the financial system of the future. It’s narrowly targeted to address a very specific concern that manifested itself during the Silicon Valley Bank collapse — a run on non-interest bearing transaction accounts typically used to make payrolls by small businesses that are very important customers for our local and regional banks,” said Senator Hagerty.

“The small businesses that support our neighborhoods deserve peace of mind that the bank accounts they use for payroll and purchases will be insured,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “Increasing the insurance coverage levels on bank accounts that don’t generate interest is a commonsense way to ensure America’s main street is also protected if their bank unexpectedly fails.”

“Community banks and credit unions represent a cornerstone for upholding most small businesses and start-ups in Mississippi and other states. This bipartisan legislation authorizing the FDIC to raise the deposit insurance cap will protect not only these financial institutions, but also the small businesses that rely on access to their capital,” said Senator Hyde-Smith. “Enacting this bill would be a win for small business growth, rural America, and our economy.”


Gallego Speaks on Corrupt and Unfair Corporate Consolidation at American Economic Liberties Project Event

“We need to set the standard that everything that’s happened under this administration is not normal.”

WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) joined the American Economic Liberties Project for a conversation with former Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Director Rohit Chopra on how unchecked corruption and corporate consolidation are driving up costs for working families.

Senator Gallego has been outspoken on the need to break up corrupt and unfair mergers that punish honest businesses and everyday consumers.

Watch the conversation HERE and read excerpts below:

On Corrupt and Unfair Corporate Consolidation:

“We need to set the standard that everything that’s happened under this administration is not normal. If you engage in that type of practice, there’s going to be consequences – both in terms of if there are any consequences on the penal side of this, but also on the economic side by forcing them to break up and deal with the fallout of that.”

“It’s very scary that a couple of very, very powerful and rich families are going to be able to control potentially all means of communication. And we’ve already seen some of that influence happen. You’ve seen Elon Musk essentially has changed Twitter to make it a right-wing talking point view, and we’re already seeing what’s happening at CBS. It scares me that more and more of these mergers are happening and the administration is deeply involved in it.”

“The only way that we could potentially have some type of break [up] now – because it’s not the administration that’s gonna stop – is if we put the fear of God into the shareholders, into the businesses, so they know that there’s going to be a lot of unraveling that comes with the next administration.”

On Reining In Corrupt Actors:

“Number one […] is social pressure. Making sure that it’s known that as senators, Democratic senators, these firms that are engaged can’t just be hanging out with us as if nothing happened. Because what does happen, and I’ve seen this a little too many times, is that the people that we’re mad at, next thing you know, we’re all sitting next to the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, and they’re like nothing’s happening there. There needs to be a general agreement that when you do shitty stuff, we should treat you like shit. And that just doesn’t happen anymore in Washington, DC. So that’s why everything kind of keeps escalating more in a very corrupt way.”

On How Corporate Consolidation Translates to Higher Prices for Working Families:

“It’s a silent tax on working-class people, especially with things that are directly impacting them. […] I was with [AELP] about a month ago on the food processing breakups. That is a really good example of a direct cost to the everyday consumer, to the cattlemen, everything else like that. The fact that there are mergers like that happening every day that are going to end up costing so much [in] other areas.”


Gillibrand, Clyburn Reintroduce Legislation To Protect Voting Rights

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and U.S. Representative Jim Clyburn (D-SC-6) reintroduced bicameral legislation to modernize America’s voter registration system and protect voting rights. The Voter Empowerment Act (VEA) would expand voter registration and voting access by requiring states to make online voter registration available, establish automatic voter registration systems, permit same-day voter registration, and accept voter registration applications from citizens under the age of 18.

“As Republicans across the country seek to pass voter suppression laws that will disenfranchise millions of voters, we must do more to make sure that voting is fair and accessible for all Americans,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The Voter Empowerment Act is commonsense legislation to modernize voter registration and protect our elections from interference. I am proud to introduce it alongside my good friend Rep. Clyburn, and I am determined to get it passed.”

“The right to vote is the bedrock of our democracy. While it should be a sacred and affirmed right for every eligible American, unfettered access to the ballot box continues to be under attack across the country, including with the dangerous SAVE America Act that Trump and MAGA Republicans are trying to ram through Congress,” said Congressman Clyburn. “Our democracy is only as strong as our ability to protect it. With President Trump openly boasting that the goal of the SAVE America Act is to guarantee election results regardless of the will of the voters, I urge my colleagues to join me in safeguarding the integrity of our elections.”

In recent years, many states have passed new voting restrictions, from limits on absentee ballots to onerous voter ID requirements. These restrictions were empowered by the Supreme Court’s decision in Shelby County v. Holder (2013) overturning preclearance requirements from the Voting Rights Act of 1965 – allowing states to pass restrictive voting legislation without federal oversight. As of late 2024, at least 31 states had passed 114 new restrictive voting laws in the wake of the Supreme Court’s ruling.

The reintroduction of the VEA also comes as President Trump and his Republican allies in Congress are trying to further restrict voting and voter registration through the SAVE America Act.

The VEA responds to recently proposed federal and state-level restrictions by improving and protecting voter registration for all voters. Specifically, the bill would:

Modernize and streamline voter registration. The bill would require states to provide both same-day and online registration – including the option to update personal information online. States would also be required to automatically register voters whose information passes through another state or federal agency.

Prohibit interference in voter registration. The VEA would prohibit anyone from hindering another person from registering to vote and outlaw voter caging – the practice of removing voters from voter rolls because mail sent to them was returned to sender.

Improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities. The VEA would require a broad range of improvements to voter registration, polling places, and absentee voting to better accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Increase and protect access to the ballot box. The bill would establish minimum requirements for early voting access, prevent states from adding extra conditions to absentee voting, and require states to notify individuals when their polling place changes. The bill would also protect the right to vote for convicted criminals (unless actively serving a felony sentence) and allow a sworn written statement or student ID to fulfill state-mandated ID requirements.

Permanently reauthorize the Election Assistance Commission (EAC). The VEA would also direct the EAC to provide grants for states to implement activities that advance and secure the right to vote, including the recruiting and training of poll workers.

The full text of the VEA can be found here.

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Gillibrand Releases Original Report Detailing Trump’s Extensive Harm To Seniors

Read the report here.

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) held a virtual press conference to discuss her new report on the harm caused by President Trump’s attacks on Social Security, Medicaid, nutrition assistance, and other programs that seniors rely on.

“When Donald Trump was campaigning, he promised to ‘stop inflation,’ protect Social Security, and leave Medicaid alone. As president, he has broken all of those promises,” said Senator Gillibrand. “My report shows that instead of fighting for seniors, the president has attacked the very programs that help them stay afloat, including Social Security, Medicaid, and nutrition assistance programs. As a result, American seniors are sicker, poorer, and more vulnerable today than they were just a year ago. This is devastating. I’ll keep fighting for legislation that counteracts the president’s efforts to undermine these programs so that our seniors can age with dignity and respect.”

Gillibrand’s report, entitled “Confusion & Chaos: 2025 & President Trump’s Betrayal of America’s Seniors,” focuses on eight harms that represent the Trump administration’s failure to support seniors during his first year in office:

President Trump broke his promise to tame inflation and expressed disdain for concerns about the cost of living;

President Trump’s so-called “Department of Government Efficiency” attacked the infrastructure that supports Social Security;

President Trump decimated Medicaid so he could slash taxes for wealthy Americans;

President Trump repealed key nursing home safety standards after being lobbied by wealthy nursing home executives;

President Trump disrupted services authorized by the Older Americans Act (OAA), including nutrition programs like Meals on Wheels;

President Trump created new red tape for seniors to access food assistance as another way to fund tax cuts for wealthy Americans;

President Trump proposed steep cuts for nonprofits that protect people with disabilities and seniors; and

President Trump attempted to dismantle the agency that guards Americans against financial crimes, including financial crimes that target older adults.

As the top Democrat on the Senate Aging Committee, Senator Gillibrand has worked to combat President Trump’s actions to harm seniors since his inauguration. Some of her bills include:

Keep Billionaires Out of Social Security Act: would help undo President Trump’s damage to the Social Security Administration. It would also protect beneficiaries by properly funding the agency; assuring adequate staffing to support claims processing and customer service, including at field offices; and requiring the safeguarding of beneficiary data and information.

Protecting Older Americans Act: would ensure that older workers who experience age discrimination are able to seek justice and hold employers accountable.

Strategic Plan for Aging Act: would support states’ efforts to create and implement Multisector Plans for Aging and Aging with a Disability.

National Strategy for Combating Scams Act: would require the Federal Bureau of Investigation to develop an interagency strategy for combating scams, including scams that target older adults.

Guarding Unprotected Aging Retirees from Deception (GUARD) Act: would boost the ability of state and local law enforcement to use the blockchain to investigate financial scams that use cryptocurrency.

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Grassley Raises Awareness of Sports Knockoffs at Congressional Trademark Caucus Event

WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley, Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and Co-Chair of the Congressional Trademark Caucus, delivered remarks this week at a congressional briefing organized by the International Trademark Association, the International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Innovation Policy Center. The briefing addressed the growing problem of counterfeits in sports apparel and merchandise.

Prepared Remarks by Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman, Congressional Trademark Caucus Co-Chair

“March Madness and Counterfeits”

Tuesday, March 24, 2026

As co-chair of the Congressional Trademark Caucus, I’m pleased you’re here to learn about protecting yourselves and your constituents from counterfeit goods.

The business of selling counterfeit consumer goods is growing, costly and dangerous.

Increasingly, criminal actors are taking advantage of sports fans to sell fake memorabilia and even fake sporting event tickets.

These bad actors are increasingly abusing the e-commerce marketplace to pass off counterfeits and stolen goods as the real thing.

This briefing is timely as many of us are watching the NCAA tournament, so it’s a good time to raise awareness about this important issue.

Sports is one touchstone that unites Americans. Iowans are proud to have three men’s teams and two women’s teams participate in this year’s March Madness.

Sports fans shouldn’t have to worry about getting cheated when they decide to buy a ball cap, a jersey or a ticket to the game.

Many Americans have fallen victim to buying fake autographed baseballs, footballs and other sports memorabilia. And the danger doesn’t end there.

Fake sports equipment doesn’t have the same safety precautions guaranteed by legitimate sellers.

Helmets save lives. But counterfeits can lead to severe injury, because counterfeiters don’t bother with abiding by safety regulations.

They care only about making a quick buck and making their knockoffs look genuine.

Just last month, Americans watched the USA compete in the Olympics.

Those young men and women showed us the best of American sports culture. Watching them play their hearts out brought Americans together.

To preserve American sports culture, we must protect the integrity of the marketplaces that fans frequent.

Even more critically, we have to do our part to ensure kids are wearing safe and authentic protective gear.

We all have a part to play to combat counterfeiting.

As Co-chair of the Congressional Trademark Caucus, I’ve led efforts to protect American consumers.

Last August, Senator Hassan and I introduced a bipartisan bill to help fight counterfeits.

Our legislation will make it easier to root out illegal goods by letting Customs and Border Protection share suspected counterfeiters’ packing and shipping information with key intellectual property rights holders.

I was also a cosponsor of a bill called the INFORM Consumers Act that took effect in 2023.

This law requires online marketplaces that sell goods from third-party sellers to collect, verify and disclose information about these sellers. It helps the government find and stop fraud.

Last September, the Federal Trade Commission reached a consent order in its first case under this statute.

The parent company that operates Temu, agreed to change its practices, be more transparent and pay a fine.

I want to make sure the INFORM Act is doing what we intended, and if the law could be improved, I’m asking you to let me know your views.

Looking ahead, I’m eager to hammer out “shop safe” legislation to protect consumers by strengthening the safety and integrity of the online marketplace.

Today, we have an opportunity to increase consumer awareness. Understanding the dangers of counterfeit and stolen goods sold online is key to stopping the problem.

We all must understand the scale of the problem and be cautious when we shop online.

Our panelists today will help us recognize the problem and provide information to share with our constituents.

I’d like to thank our panelists, and I’d like to thank my Trademark Caucus co-chair, Senator Coons, for his continued partnership on this important initiative.

I’d also like to thank the International Trademark Association, the International

Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Innovation Policy Center for their help putting this event together.

I encourage the audience to check out the tables in the back, where we’ll have a show-and-tell of counterfeit goods.

This hands-on experience will help you understand the extent of the problem we’re facing.


Grassley Brings Certainty for Clean Energy Industries

WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) released the following statement after successfully defeating a misguided Democrat resolution that would have reversed current Internal Revenue Service (IRS) guidance allowing wind and solar companies to qualify for federal clean energy tax credits. The resolution failed by a vote of 47-53. Grassley is a senior member and former chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. He authored America’s first-ever federal wind energy tax credit in 1993.

“Earlier today, the Minority Leader claimed the recent vote on repealing IRS wind and solar guidance was a vote to reduce energy prices and save good paying jobs. He went so far as to say Republicans were '[bowing] before the throne of Big Oil.' His comments were off-base and exposed his obvious political motivations.

“The Minority Leader must not have been paying attention when my colleagues and I fought for wind and solar credits in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act. We worked with the industry to ensure American energy independence was bolstered. As a result of our negotiations, the Working Families Tax Cuts Act put wind and solar on an appropriate glide path for the orderly phase-out of the tax credits.

“As part of this phase-out’s implementation, I worked with the Treasury Department and the IRS to ensure my legislative efforts wouldn’t be undermined. The result was workable guidance that enabled the wind and solar industries to move forward with their projects. Reversing it now would create regulatory uncertainty. It would, in fact, discourage investment and delay energy development. That's why I voted against repealing this guidance.”


Hagerty, Alsobrooks, Colleagues Reintroduce Main Street Depositor Protection Act

Updated bipartisan bill would expand deposit insurance coverage for noninterest-bearing transaction accounts

WASHINGTON—Today, United States Senators Bill Hagerty (R-TN) and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), along with Senators Jim Banks (R-IN), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), reintroduced the updated, bipartisan Main Street Depositor Protection Act, legislation that expands deposit insurance coverage for noninterest-bearing transaction accounts. Representative Frank Lucas (R-OK-03) has introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The Main Street Depositor Protection directs the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to set a new cap between $250,000 and $5 million of additional deposit insurance coverage for noninterest-bearing transaction accounts at eligible banks and credit unions. The bill aims to enhance overall financial stability and strengthen the small and mid-sized lenders that drive economic growth in communities across the nation.

“The banks that serve Main Street must have the same chance to succeed as the banks that serve Wall Street,” said Senator Hagerty. “This bipartisan, bicameral bill advances the Administration’s priority of preserving the central role of regional and community banks in the financial system of the future. It’s narrowly targeted to address a very specific concern that manifested itself in the events surrounding the collapse of Silicon Valley bank — a run on non-interest bearing transaction accounts typically used to make payrolls by small businesses that are very important customers for our local and regional banks.”

“I am proud to have worked with Senator Hagerty to introduce our updated Main Street Depositor Protection Act with Senators Cortez Masto, Hyde-Smith, Gallego, and Banks,” said Senator Alsobrooks. “This bipartisan legislation would require a data driven process to increase deposit insurance coverage levels for business checking accounts at most banks and credit unions. Our small businesses are the backbone of the American economy, and they often rely on community banks and credit unions. Responsibly raising the deposit insurance threshold will protect employees and businesses in times of crisis and strengthen our overall financial system.”

“This bill helps keep deposits in Indiana banks and supports small businesses that are the backbone of our communities,” said Senator Banks.

“The small businesses that support our neighborhoods deserve peace of mind that the bank accounts they use for payroll and purchases will be insured,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “Increasing the insurance coverage levels on bank accounts that don’t generate interest is a commonsense way to ensure America’s main street is also protected if their bank unexpectedly fails.”

“Community banks and credit unions represent a cornerstone for upholding most small businesses and start-ups in Mississippi and other states,” said Senator Hyde-Smith. “This bipartisan legislation authorizing the FDIC to raise the deposit insurance cap will protect not only these financial institutions, but also the small businesses that rely on access to their capital. Enacting this bill would be a win for small business growth, rural America, and our economy.”

“In times of financial crisis, the biggest banks are bailed out and their customers are protected,” said Senator Gallego. “Small businesses, especially those in rural Arizona who rely on small and community banks, deserve the same reassurance that their hard-earned money is safe. This bipartisan bill levels the playing field and ensures that the backbones of our local economies remain strong and secure.”

“The Main Street Depositor Protection Act ensures banks of all sizes continue to play a fundamental role in driving economic growth in their communities,” said Representative Frank D. Lucas. “I’m proud to support President Trump’s Main Street agenda by introducing a targeted bill that preserves Oklahoma banks’ competitiveness and enhances financial stability across the nation.”

“The Independent Community Bankers of America appreciates the introduction of Main Street Depositor Protection Act, which advances the important deposit insurance reform debate to support and improve our nation’s successful deposit insurance system by providing increased insurance coverage for small businesses while minimizing additional costs for community banks,” said Rebeca Romero Rainey, ICBA President and CEO. “Expanding deposit insurance coverage for noninterest-bearing transaction accounts will support the stability of bank deposits used to fund loans and support local economies. We thank Sens. Hagerty, Alsobrooks, Banks, Cortez Masto, Hyde-Smith, Gallego and Rep. Lucas for their work on behalf of community banks and the local communities they serve.”

“On behalf of mid-size banks across the country, I want to thank Senators Hagerty, Alsobrooks, Banks, Cortez Masto, Hyde-Smith, and Gallego for their steadfast commitment to deposit insurance modernization,” said Jim Ryan, Chairman of the Mid-Size Bank Coalition of America. “The commonsense legislation introduced today will allow Main Street banks to better serve their customers and keep capital in all communities across the country. The Mid-Size Bank Coalition of America thanks these Senators for their leadership and advocacy for Main Street businesses.”

“Tennessee’s banks appreciate Senator Hagerty’s leadership on the Main Street Depositor Protection Act,” said Colin Barrett, President and CEO of Tennessee Bankers Association. “This bill strengthens confidence for depositors while protecting community banks from higher premiums. It’s a smart, balanced approach that helps local banks keep serving the customers and communities that depend on them.”

Full text of the legislation can be found here.

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Hawley Bill Banning Chemical Abortion Drug Gains Momentum

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) sent a letter to his Republican colleagues in the Senate, urging them to join his new legislation to ban the chemical abortion drug mifepristone and empower women harmed by the drug to sue its manufacturers. The outreach comes after Senator Hawley’s legislation gained 3 new cosponsors: Senators John Cornyn (R-Texas), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), and Ted Budd (R-N.C.). Companion legislation sponsored by Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger (TN-01) has also picked up multiple cosponsors in the House.

Senator Hawley wrote, “I write regarding a grave threat to the health and safety of American women: the chemical abortion drug known as mifepristone. The evidence is now clear. Mifepristone is almost always fatal to the unborn child, but it is also significantly dangerous for women. The drug companies that make this drug know this, but continue to profit from the drug’s nearly unregulated distribution, largely insulated from liability. Congress can no longer ignore these dangers.”

He continued, “At a recent event on Capitol Hill, I invited women who took mifepristone to share their experiences. These women were pressured or coerced into taking the drug, often with repeated assurances that the drug was safe, that they would be able to resume their normal lives in a matter of days. The reality was far different. One woman spent a month in a medically induced coma. Another described bleeding uncontrollably with no one to help. They still suffer from the trauma to this day. But no woman who has suffered from this drug has any meaningful option to recover from the two drug companies who make it, mislead about its effects—and profit from it to the tune of billions of dollars. That should change.”

Senator Hawley concluded, “I have introduced legislation to withdraw FDA approval of mifepristone for use in an abortion. My bill would also allow women harmed by mifepristone used for an abortion to sue the manufacturers for damages. Congress has the power—and the duty—to protect women from the dangers of chemical abortion and from the corporations who would exploit them. I hope that you will join me in this effort.”

Read the bill text of the Safeguarding Women from Chemical Abortion Act here.

This legislation is supported by Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, Family Research Council, Alliance Defending Freedom, Concerned Women for America, Live Action, Students for Life of America, Ethics and Public Policy Center, AAPLOG Action, March for Life Action, National Right to Life, Priests for Life, Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, Thomas More Society, Missouri Right to Life, Choose Life of Missouri, and Reach Reproductive Health. Read their statements of support here.

Watch the press conference here.

Read Senator Hawley’s full letter here or below.

Dear Republican Colleagues:


Hirono, Blunt Rochester, McIver Lead Colleagues in Introducing Working Women’s Bill of Rights

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), and U.S. Representative LaMonica McIver (D-NJ), along with Representatives Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) and Chair of the Democratic Women’s Caucus Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-NM), led 16 of their colleagues in introducing a Working Women’s Bill of Rights. The resolution recognizes the duty of Congress to meet the needs of working women. Women comprise nearly half of the nation’s workforce, serving as leaders in vital industries like education, health care, public service, and caregiving. The resolution, introduced during Women’s History Month and the week of Equal Pay Day, recognizes Congress’s obligation to address recent executive and administrative actions that have caused disproportionate harm to women’s workplace rights, freedoms, and protections, by safeguarding workers from unequal treatment.

“From unequal pay to a lack of professional advancement, gender inequity and discrimination in the workplace are still far too common in our country despite the critical work women do,” said Senator Hirono. “Now, as Trump and Republicans continue attacking workplace rights, freedoms, and protections, I am proud to introduce this resolution recognizing the important work women do across our country and reaffirming our commitment to safeguarding gender equity in the workplace.”

“Women across America are bearing the brunt of wealth inequality, discrimination in the workplace, and stifled professional advancement – and the Trump administration’s harmful policies are making things worse,” said Senator Blunt Rochester. “I’m proud to be introducing a Working Women’s Bill of Rights alongside Senator Hirono and Congresswoman McIver because these disparities – which are heightened for women of color – are simply unacceptable. I hope my colleagues on both sides of the aisle stand up for economic justice.”

“It's no surprise that working women are being forced to bear the burden of Trump's disastrous economic policies—he has shown us over and over again that he doesn’t care about us,” said Representative McIver. “We are seeing bleak statistics: an increasing wage gap and a sharp rise in unemployment. And there’s a real human cost to those numbers. Women are shouldering that cost, as this president so often forces them to do. I introduced this resolution to sound the alarm because no one should be able to bully women out of their rightful place in the economy. As much as this administration wants to ignore us, we’re demanding Trump and Republicans' attention to the damage they are doing to women.”

“Trump and Republicans have failed working women at every turn. More than 450,000 women left the workplace last year because of rising child care costs, job loss, and Trump’s attacks on federal employees. Our women workers—many who balance the demands of work and caretaking—deserve far better,” said Representative Leger Fernandez (D-NM), Chair of the Democratic Women’s Caucus. “Women workers deserve a better future with fair pay, protections from discrimination, support when we’re pregnant or caring for loved ones, and an affordable life. The Democratic Women’s Caucus reaffirms our commitment to fighting for that better future today and every single day.”

The resolution is endorsed by A Better Balance, Advocates for Trans Equality, American Association of University Women, Arise Chicago, Asset Building Strategies, Black Labor Week Project Inc., Center for Economic and Policy Research, Center for Law and Social Policy, Chicago Women in Trades, Clearinghouse on Women's Issues, Community Change Action, Economic Policy Institute, Equal Rights Advocates, Family Values @ Work, Family Values @ Work Action, Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies, Feminist Majority, Institute for Women's Policy Research, Jobs with Justice, Justice for Migrant Women, Maine Women's Lobby, MANA, A National Latina Organization, Mississippi Black Women's Roundtable, MomsRising, National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum, National Association of Letter Carriers, National Coalition on Black Civic Participation/Black Women’s Roundtable, National Council of Jewish Women, National Employment Law Project, National Immigration Law Center, National Organization for Women, National Partnership for Women & Families, National Urban League, National Women's Law Center, Oxfam America, Paid Leave for All Action, PHI, Raise The Floor Alliance, Reproductive Freedom for All, Sakhi for South Asian Survivors, The Restaurant Opportunities Center of Pennsylvania, United for Respect, Women Employed, and YWCA USA.

“When women have what they need to not only survive, but thrive, it benefits everyone,” said Emily Martin, Chief Program Officer at the National Women’s Law Center. “But today baseline protections for women in the workplace are under attack, as the Trump administration seeks to coerce employers into rejecting the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion that open doors to opportunity. This puts the 75 million working women in this country at risk—especially women of color, mothers, and low-wage workers. At a time when women’s rights and protections are being targeted, lawmakers must urgently address the economic challenges facing women across the country by showing up for safety, dignity, and equality at work.”

“Too many women are still being forced to make impossible choices between caring for themselves and their families or risking losing their paychecks and jobs,” said Jocelyn Frye, President of the National Partnership for Women and Families. “When women lack access to fair pay, safe workplaces, and other essential support they need, the impact is felt at every level, from the financial stability of our households to the strength of our economy as a whole.”

"Women’s economic security drives progress. But at every turn, that progress is under threat. From the disproportionate number of Black women who've faced job loss, to policies that have eroded access to affordable education, reproductive health care, and quality child care,” said Dr. Jamila K. Taylor, President and CEO of the Institute for Women's Policy Research. “As the leading national think tank committed to promoting research that improves the lives and economic well-being of all women, the Institute for Women's Policy Research is proud to support this important resolution that calls on Congress to implement the evidence-informed solutions to addressing the needs of working women to help them, their families, and communities thrive and the nation prosper."

In addition to Senators Hirono and Blunt Rochester, the resolution was cosponsored in the Senate by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Patty Murray (D-WA), and Alex Padilla (D-CA).

In addition to Representatives McIver, DeLauro, and Leger Fernandez, the resolution was also cosponsored by Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Dan Goldman (D-NY), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Sarah McBride (D-DE), Delia Ramirez (D-IL), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Lateefah Simon (D-CA), Paul Tonko (D-NY), and Frederica Wilson (D-FL).

The full text of the resolution is available here.

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Hoeven: E15 Waiver a Good Step, Efforts Continue to Allow Year-Round Nationwide Sales of E15

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, a senior member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, today issued the following statement after the Trump administration issued a temporary waiver allowing the nationwide sale of E15 and increasing the availability of E10 ahead of the summer driving months.

“This waiver is a good step to provide relief to American consumers and a boost to the nation’s agriculture producers. By leveraging the affordable energy produced by our nation’s farmers, we can reduce the price at the pump and support greater U.S. energy security. At the same time, we will continue working to pass legislation that enables the sale of E15 on a permanent, year-round, nationwide basis, which will give greater choice to consumers and open domestic market opportunities for U.S. biofuels,” said Hoeven.

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Husted backs bill to expand energy production, support rural communities

“Capturing methane emissions from our mines protects our environment, creates new economic opportunities for rural communities and strengthens American energy production.”

WASHINGTON – Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) joined Sens. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W. Va.) and Mark Warner’s (R-Va.) Methane Reduction and Economic Growth Act. This bill would create a tax credit that would incentivize the capture and repurposing of methane emissions from active and abandoned mines.

“As Ohio continues to lead in energy production, we should be using every available resource to its fullest potential. Capturing methane emissions from our mines protects our environment, creates new economic opportunities for rural communities and strengthens American energy production,” said Husted.

“I’m proud to help reintroduce the Methane Reduction and Economic Growth Act, which will help capture and utilize mine methane emissions as a fuel source from coal mines. This legislation will result in positive environmental and economic impacts, and create another step for West Virginia to continue to lead the nation in an ‘all-of-the-above’ energy approach,” said Capito.

“This legislation takes a critical step in boosting Virginia’s efforts to address the harmful impact of methane when emitted into the atmosphere while simultaneously creating good-paying jobs and supporting economic growth. By incentivizing the reduction of methane emissions, we’re not only protecting the environment but also strengthening our energy independence, I’m proud to reintroduce this legislation,” said Warner.

Background:

The Methane Reduction and Economic Growth Act would amend Section 45Q of the Internal Revenue Code, which provides a tax credit for carbon capture and sequestration, to create a Mine Methane Capture Incentive Credit. The new credit would be available to certain mine owners based on the amount of qualified methane that is captured and injected into a pipeline or is otherwise used for producing heat or energy. Qualified methane includes methane, which:

Is captured from mining activities, including underground mines, abandoned or closed mines or surface mines;

Would otherwise be released into the atmosphere as industrial greenhouse gas emission; and

Is measured at the source of capture and verified at the point of injection or utilization.


AeroShield Alliance locating headquarters in Mississippi

The Alliance said the expansion is an opportunity to expand access to advanced AI technology and workforce development through partnerships with Holmes Community College and local government leaders.

By: Frank Corder

BT Brands, Inc., a merger partner with Aero Velocity Inc., and AeroShield Alliance members are establishing a Mississippi headquarters.

AeroShield Alliance is a collaboration of small businesses with complementary expertise in advanced technology, unmanned systems, ISR operations and workforce development.

BT Brands, Inc. out of North Dakota and Ohio-based Aero Velocity Inc., a drone solutions and technology company, jointly announced a definitive merger agreement to combine in an all stock transaction in September 2025. The combined company is focusing on the development of advanced drone technologies and providing AI-powered solutions in government agency and commercial applications.

The new Mississippi headquarters for AeroShield Alliance will expand its members’ footprint in infrastructure technology and position the consortium to scale its public-sector solutions platform.

Deborah Martin, president of AeroShield Alliance and CEO of Alliance member Service Specialists LLC, said in a statement announcing the move that the Alliance’s mission “is to deliver better outcomes for government agencies, reduce costs for taxpayers, and streamline procurement by deploying proven emerging technologies across federal, state, and local operations.”

According to the announcement, the Alliance said its member firms have collectively secured more than $100 million in government contracts, serving agencies including the U.S. Department of War, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Intelligence Community, and the U.S. Forest Service.

The expansion in Mississippi is expected to accelerate the deployment of the Alliance’s and Aero Velocity’s AI-driven infrastructure analytics and drone-based data collection capabilities across state and local government markets, while supporting workforce development and enabling broader access to large-scale infrastructure inspection and monitoring opportunities.

The Alliance said the expansion represents a significant opportunity to expand access to advanced technology and workforce development in rural Mississippi through partnerships with Holmes Community College and local government leaders.

Mark Hastings, CEO of Aero Velocity, said a major factor in selecting Mississippi was the strong partnership with Holmes Community College and the Holmes County Board of Supervisors.

“With support from U.S. Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith and Roger Wicker, we are launching the Rural Transportation Resilience Center at Holmes Community College,” Hastings said, noting that initial proposed funding for the initiative would deploy the Alliance’s AI technology to conduct automated roadway and bridge inspections and condition assessments across more than 70,000 linear miles of county and municipal roads in Mississippi.


HYDE-SMITH JOINS CASSIDY INVESTIGATION INTO ABORTION DRUG MAKERS

Pro-Life Senators Also Seek FDA Crackdown on Illegal Chemical Abortion Drug Online Sellers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), chair of the Senate Pro-Life Caucus, along with U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and others, today began an investigation into chemical abortion drug manufacturer compliance with Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-mandated safeguards associated with marketing their drugs.

Pro-life lawmakers sent a letter to the FDA that encourages the agency to use all of the tools at its disposal to combat the sale of unapproved and misbranded versions of chemical abortion drugs in the United States. They also signed letters to chemical abortion drug manufacturers seeking information on online prescriber compliance with even the minimal risk evaluation standards that remain on chemical abortion drugs like Mifepristone.

“Given the potentially life-threatening risks to women, the FDA should take immediate action to fight the sale and distribution of unapproved and misbranded versions of chemical abortion drugs,” said Senator Hyde-Smith, author of the SAVE Moms and Babies Act. “We know that more than 1 in 10 women who take Mifepristone will experience a serious adverse event, a situation that is made worse with these questionable variants in circulation. Even under proper safety protocols, this drug is sold for the primary purpose of ending life and deserves heightened scrutiny.”

“Chemical abortion drug makers profit off killing innocent children while putting mothers’ lives at risk,” said Dr. Cassidy. “These manufacturers and websites have facilitated the explosion in online sales of these harmful drugs without regard for women’s health and safety while opening the door for coercion and abuse. FDA should act within its existing authorities to curb this abuse and immediately reinstate safeguards such as the in-person dispensing requirement.”

Previous Democrat administrations removed the Mifepristone Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) Program requirements for reporting non-fatal adverse events and in-person dispensing to receive the chemical abortion drugs, among other important safeguards. Ending these requirements has led to instances of coerced abortions and serious adverse events going untreated and undetected.

Despite these dangers, it is unclear how the three FDA-approved chemical abortion drug manufacturers, Danco, GenBioPro, and Evita, ensure that prescribers and pharmacies comply with the few remaining REMS requirements, especially when pills are sold online and without the in-person oversight of a medical professional.

In addition, various types of domestic and international websites appear to sell unapproved and misbranded chemical abortion drugs illegally and directly to U.S. consumers, often with no prescription, no medical oversight, and no assurances on whether the drug is actually what the seller claims it is.

Cassidy spearheaded the letters as chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee. In addition to Hyde-Smith, they were also signed by U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-Mont.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.).

Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, National Right to Life, Family Research Council, Live Action, and Louisiana Right to Life support the Senators’ efforts. Read more here.

Read the full letter to FDA here.

Read the full letter to Danco here.

Read the full letter to GenBioPro here.

Read the full letter to Evita here.

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New bill could shield small business payroll cash, curb bank runs and aid community banks

by Ashley Griffin

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — A bipartisan group of Tennessee lawmakers have reintroduced legislation that would expand federal deposit insurance coverage for certain bank accounts, aiming to strengthen financial stability and protect small businesses.

The proposal, known as the Main Street Depositor Protection Act, is led by Sen. Bill Hagerty, a Republican, and Sen. Angela Alsobrooks, a Democrat. Additional sponsors include Sens. Jim Banks, Catherine Cortez Masto, Cindy Hyde-Smith and Ruben Gallego. A companion bill has also been introduced in the House by Rep. Frank Lucas.

Click here to view the PDF file

The bill would direct the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or FDIC, to set a higher insurance cap for noninterest-bearing transaction accounts, such as business checking accounts used for payroll and day-to-day expenses.

Under the proposal, the FDIC would establish a new coverage level between the current $250,000 limit and as much as $5 million per depositor for those accounts.

Supporters say the measure is intended to prevent bank runs and protect smaller financial institutions and their customers.

In a statement, Hagerty said the legislation addresses issues highlighted during the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, when large uninsured deposits, often used by businesses, were at risk.

“The banks that serve Main Street must have the same chance to succeed as the banks that serve Wall Street,” said Senator Hagerty. “This bipartisan, bicameral bill advances the Administration’s priority of preserving the central role of regional and community banks in the financial system of the future. It’s narrowly targeted to address a very specific concern that manifested itself in the events surrounding the collapse of Silicon Valley bank — a run on non-interest bearing transaction accounts typically used to make payrolls by small businesses that are very important customers for our local and regional banks.”


Senate bill, House measures offered on deposit insurance

By Mark Schoeff Jr., CQ

Lawmakers introduced a bipartisan Senate bill and House companion legislation Wednesday that would raise the federal deposit insurance limit for some bank accounts, moves that could reignite the issue in both chambers.

House Financial Services Chairman French Hill, R-Ark., on Wednesday also highlighted several bills that members of the panel have introduced this week that would change deposit insurance rules.

Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., is sponsoring the Senate draft measure, which would direct the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the National Credit Union Association to establish a new level of insurance between $250,000 and $5 million for transaction accounts. Those include payroll and other non-interest bearing accounts used by small businesses.

Hagerty said the bill targets deposit protection for local business at small and mid-size “Main Street” banks, a sector that was hurt during a failure of several regional banks three years ago.

“This bipartisan, bicameral bill advances the Administration's priority of preserving the central role of regional and community banks in the financial system of the future,” Hagerty said in a press release. “It’s narrowly targeted to address a very specific concern that manifested itself in the events surrounding the collapse of Silicon Valley bank — a run on non-interest bearing transaction accounts typically used to make payrolls by small businesses that are very important customers for our local and regional banks.”

The bill is co-sponsored by Sens. Angela Alsobrooks, D-Md.; Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev.; Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz.; Jim Banks, R-Ind.; and Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss. Hagerty and the bill’s co-sponsors, except Hyde-Smith, are members of the Senate Banking Committee.

“Responsibly raising the deposit insurance threshold will protect employees and businesses in times of crisis and strengthen our overall financial system,” Alsobrooks said in the same press release.

Rep. Frank D. Lucas, R-Okla., introduced this week a draft House companion bill to the Hagerty-Alsobrooks legislation.

“The Main Street Depositor Protection Act ensures banks of all sizes continue to play a fundamental role in driving economic growth in their communities,” Lucas, a member of the House Financial Services Committee, said in his own press release.

Hill hasn’t embraced deposit insurance changes as big as those outlined in the Hagerty and Lucas bills, which could raise the insurance level substantially from the current $250,000 per retail depositor.

But in a separate announcement on Wednesday, Hill highlighted four bills introduced this week that are sponsored by Financial Services members. In addition to Lucas’s bill, he listed:

A draft bill sponsored by Financial Institutions Subcommittee Chairman Andy Barr, R-Ky., that would direct the FDIC and NCUA to establish emergency transaction account guarantee programs. The measure would allow the agencies to ensure fully the deposits of all insured depository institutions that are maintained in non-interest-bearing transaction accounts during a banking emergency.

A draft bill sponsored by Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Chairman Dan Meuser, R-Pa., that would amend the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to update the inflation adjustment for insured accounts.

A draft bill sponsored by Rep. Marlin Stutzman, R-Ind., that would require the FDIC and NCUA to analyze insurance coverage on transaction accounts.

“As Congress considers these and other proposals, the Committee will continue to work in a data-driven manner,” Hill said in a press release. “Our guiding principles are to ensure stability of the banking system, maintain depositor confidence, fairly apportion costs, enforce market discipline, and reduce moral hazard.”

Hill and other committee Republicans sent a Dec. 15 letter to the FDIC seeking data on deposit insurance and the estimated increase in bank assessments required to pay for increased insurance coverage.


Senator Justice’s Hershel “Woody” Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act Passes Senate Unanimously

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Jim Justice celebrated National Medal of Honor Day with the passage of his Bill, the Hershel “Woody” Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act, by unanimous consent in the Senate:

“I look up in the gallery and see some incredible Medal of Honor recipients. I think about what they’ve given to this country, and it truly takes my breath away. Then my mind goes back home to West Virginia and to the namesake of this bill, Woody Williams. I had the real honor of getting to know Woody, hearing his stories, and learning from a true American hero. That’s something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. It makes this moment even more meaningful that the first bill I’ve passed in the Senate honors Woody. Today, this win is for Woody, West Virginia, and for every Medal of Honor recipient who has given more to this country than we could ever repay,” said Senator Jim Justice.

Watch Senator Justice’s remarks:

BACKGROUND:

This was the first piece of legislation Senator Justice introduced as a Senator.

This bill’s name honors Hershel “Woody” Williams, a proud West Virginian and the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from World War II.

The bill directs the National Park Service to designate and construct a monument in honor of Medal of Honor recipients on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

This monument will come at no cost to the taxpayer.

The Medal of Honor Foundation has been crucial in leading the way for funding this monument and assisting in moving this bill across the finish line.

During Governor Justice’s 2020 State of the State address, he recognized Woody Williams.

Williams requested funding for his Medal of Honor Foundation to construct a Gold Star Families Memorial Monument, which Senator Justice committed to supporting.

In 2022, Senator Justice named Woody Williams the first-ever inductee into the West Virginia Military Hall of Fame.

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Budd, Kaine Lead Bipartisan Letter Urging President Trump to Advocate for Pastor Ezra Jin’s Release Ahead of U.S.-China Summit

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Ted Budd (R-NC) and Tim Kaine (D-VA), alongside U.S. Representatives Riley Moore (R-WV-02) and Thomas Suozzi (D-NY-03), led 29 of their colleagues in sending a bipartisan, bicameral letter to President Trump advocating for the release of Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri, lead pastor of Zion Church, ahead of the President’s upcoming meeting with Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Lawmakers also called President Trump’s attention to the many other Christian leaders imprisoned in China due to the PRC’s violent crackdown on unsanctioned churches. Additionally, the lawmakers urged the Administration to use authorities under the International Religious Freedom Act to impose targeted sanctions and visa restrictions to address severe violations of religious freedom in China.

In the letter, the lawmakers wrote, “We encourage you to advocate for their release and request the PRC to allow Mr. Jin to leave China, in addition to raising concerns regarding the ongoing unjust imprisonment and persecution of Christians, Tibetans, and Uyghurs, among other religious and ethnic minority groups across China."

“These abuses include arbitrary detentions, lengthy prison sentences, forced closures of places of worship, destruction of religious property, and surveillance and intimidation of clergy and congregants,” they continued.

They wrote, “Through the International Religious Freedom Act, the Administration is empowered to use targeted sanctions and increase reporting and diplomatic engagement to support your efforts to address severe violations of individuals’ right to freedom of religion.”

In addition to Budd and Kaine, the letter was also signed by U.S. Senators James Lankford (R-OK), Chris Coons (D-DE), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Peter Welch (D-VT), Jim Justice (R-WV), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Katie Britt (R-AL), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Tim Scott (R-SC), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), and Josh Hawley (R-MO) and U.S. Representatives John Rose (R-TN-06), Young Kim (R-CA-40), María Salazar (R-FL-27), Jim McGovern (D-MA-02), John Moolenaar (R-MI-02), Brad Sherman (D-CA-32), Barry Moore (R-AL-01), Tim Moore (R-NC-14), and Addison McDowell (R-NC-06).

Read the full letter text here or below:

Dear President Trump,

As you prepare to meet with President Xi Jinping next month, we urge you to seek resolution of the case of Ezra Jin Mingri, a pastor and family member of American citizens, who was arbitrarily detained on October 10, 2025, alongside other leaders of the Zion Church by the People's Republic of China (PRC). We encourage you to advocate for their release and request the PRC to allow Mr. Jin to leave China, in addition to raising concerns regarding the ongoing unjust imprisonment and persecution of Christians, Tibetans, and Uyghurs, among other religious and ethnic minority groups across China.

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), the U.S. Department of State, and religious freedom and human rights organizations have long documented violations of religious freedom targeting Christian communities and other religious groups across China. These abuses include arbitrary detentions, lengthy prison sentences, forced closures of places of worship, destruction of religious property, and surveillance and intimidation of clergy and congregants.

The United States has made important strides in advancing international religious freedom. Through the International Religious Freedom Act, the Administration is empowered to use targeted sanctions and increase reporting and diplomatic engagement to support your efforts to address severe violations of individuals’ right to freedom of religion.

Accordingly, we urge you to:

Seek resolution of the case of Ezra Jin Mingri and other leaders of the Zion Church, Yayang Church, Light of Zion Church, and Early Rain Covenant Church while advocating for the release of all Christians and other religious groups unjustly imprisoned or detained for their religious beliefs with President Xi next month.

Utilize existing authorities, including targeted sanctions and visa restrictions, against individuals and entities responsible for severe violations of religious freedom.

Continue to champion international religious freedom, including in U.S.–China policy.

We appreciate your attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,

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Senators Kim and Luján Introduce Legislation to Support Student Success through Early Childhood Education

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Senators Andy Kim (D-N.J.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) introduced the Creating Early Childhood Leaders Act to bolster early childhood education training for school admin and leaders and help them lay the groundwork for our youngest learners’ long-term success.

“I’ve seen firsthand how early childhood programs unlock a world of opportunities for young kids across New Jersey. We should be doing all we can to give these programs and the educators running them all the support they need. I hope with this legislation we can deliver them another tool to look after their success and the long-term success of students across our nation,” said Senator Kim.

“As one of only two Senators who attended Head Start, I know firsthand how critical early childhood education is to laying the foundation for lifelong success,” said Senator Luján. “That’s why I’m proud to introduce legislation to expand training requirements so school leaders receive training to support younger students. This legislation will benefit our children and better equip staff to work in early childhood settings.”

The Creating Early Childhood Leaders Actwould amend the Higher Education Act to expand training in early childhood education for principals and school leaders who play a major role in overseeing pre-K programs and further support these educators’ impact on student achievement. In order to receive the Teacher Quality Partnership grant under the Higher Education Act, the legislation specifically requires leadership preparation programs to include coursework on child development, social-emotional development, developmentally appropriate behavioral supports, and instructional leadership for children from birth through age eight. It would also update requirements to strengthen engagement with parents, early childhood providers, and community partners to improve student outcomes.

The legislation is endorsed by the Association of Educational Services Agencies, National Association for the Education of Young Children, School Superintendents Association, The Early Care & Education Consortium, The Education Trust, and ZERO TO THREE.

“The Early Care and Education Consortium (ECEC) applauds Senator Kim’s ongoing commitment to strengthening our country’s early childhood education system, which starts with ensuring a strong and well-trained early childhood workforce. The Creating Early Childhood Leaders Act recognizes existing gaps in public school settings and takes steps to ensure future school leaders have the requisite training on early childhood development and effective instructional leadership for children birth to age eight. As public preschool programs expand, it is critical that our youngest learners are provided with high-quality and developmentally appropriate instruction, similar to that in dedicated child care programs, regardless of where they are served,” said Radha Mohan, Executive Director, Early Care and Education Consortium.

“Early childhood development and education are essential to prepare children for kindergarten and set the stage for long-term academic development and achievement; however, too many children of color are denied access to high quality early learning programs. In recent years, many states and districts have expanded early learning opportunities, but more needs to be done to support the educators that are teaching students at this crucial stage. Early childhood educators need informed, well-trained school leaders to ensure that our nation’s students receive the education that they deserve. The Creating Early Childhood LeadersAct aims to provide the training and support needed to ensure that principals and school leaders have the content expertise and skills to support educators in providing high-quality learning opportunities for our youngest learners,” said Allison Rose Socol, Ph.D., Vice President of P-12 Policy, Practice & Research, EdTrust

As a member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, he continues to look after the long-term well-being and success of students and working families in New Jersey. In the Senate, he reintroduced his Summer Meals REACH Actto combat “summer hunger” and helped introduce the bicameral Child Care for Working Families Act to ensure families across America can find and afford the high-quality childcare they need.

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