At Warren’s Request, Independent Government Watchdog Opens Investigation Into Trump’s Efforts to Dismantle Education Department

Washington, D.C. — Following a request from Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), the Government Accountability Office (GAO), an independent government watchdog, has opened an investigation into the Department of Education’s (ED) transfer of grant programs to the Department of Labor — a key step in the Trump administration’s efforts to illegally dismantle and abolish ED.

"Donald Trump and Linda McMahon are trying to sabotage crucial programs by ripping them out of the Education Department and sending them off to agencies with zero expertise," said Senator Warren. "This independent investigation is an important step in holding this administration accountable for its dangerous plans to abolish the Department of Education and hurt students.”

Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions; Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Appropriations; and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, joined Warren’s initial request.

Last year, the Trump administration formalized an interagency agreement (IAA) moving the day-to-day management of career and technical education and adult education grant programs, like Perkins V and AEFLA, from ED to the Labor Department. Combined, Perkins V and AEFLA serve more than 12 million students. Public reporting has revealed significant problems with the transfer, including weeks-long delays in grant disbursements.

On February 19, 2026, the senators asked GAO to investigate the IAA—and any future IAAs—and the agreements’ impacts on program costs, timely access to funding, access to services, and quality of technical assistance for grantees.

“GAO accepts your request as work that is within the scope of its authority,” wrote agency officials, noting that the investigation would begin “shortly” and be conducted by its Education and Information Technology investigators.

Senator Warren has led the fight to make our higher education system more affordable, cancel student loan debt, and hold student loan servicers accountable for incompetence and malfeasance. She launched the Save Our Schools campaign in a coordinated effort to fight back against President Trump’s attempts to abolish the Department of Education.

On February 19, 2026, Senator Warren led members of Congress urging the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office to open an investigation into the Department of Education’s (ED) transfer of grant programs to agencies with no expertise in education policy, such as the Department of Labor.

On February 19, 2026, Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) pushed Education Secretary Linda McMahon on concerns that the U.S. Department of Education is apparently obstructing Congressional efforts to hold federal student loan servicers accountable for underperformance.

On February 2, 2026, Senator Warren released a new report revealing the findings of their investigation into how private student loan lenders will reap the benefits from cuts to federal student loan access enacted in Republicans’ Big, Beautiful Bill (OBBBA). The report is the first Congressional analysis of the impacts of the OBBBA’s student loan restrictions on the private lending market.

On January 22, 2026, Senators Elizabeth Warren, Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) led their Senate colleagues in demanding answers from Trump Education Secretary Linda McMahon about the Trump Administration’s proposal to eliminate affordable student loan repayment options for millions of Americans.

On December 8, 2025, Senator Warren led her colleagues in writing to the federal student loan servicers to ensure they are providing borrowers with the customer service they deserve in the wake of the Trump administration’s student loan policy whiplash. The senators sent letters to MOHELA, Nelnet, EdFinancial, Maximus, and CRI.

On December 1, 2025, Senator Warren published an op-ed in USA Today calling for Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to resign following the recent news that President Trump and Secretary McMahon plan to further dismantle the Department of Education (ED).

On November 24, 2025, Senator Warren pushed for an expanded investigation into the Trump administration’s attempts to dismantle ED and whether its recent decision to transfer many of ED’s responsibilities to four other agencies violates federal law.

On November 17, 2025, Senator Warren led over 40 of her colleagues in a letter urging Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent to immediately end any plans to sell or transfer the federal student loan portfolio to the private market.

On November 10, 2025, Senator Warren led her colleagues in a letter urging the Trump administration to use the IRS’s existing legal authorities to stop the looming “tax bomb” facing borrowers who obtain income-driven repayment (IDR) discharges of their student loan debt.

On October 15, 2025, Senator Warren and Representative Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) led 70 members of Congress in a letter calling on the Trump administration to address the ongoing and unprecedented wave of student loan delinquencies and defaults, which threatens the financial stability of millions of people and could have disastrous effects on the American economy.

On September 19, 2025, following a push by Senator Warren and nine other senators, the Acting Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Education agreed to open an investigation into DOGE’s infiltration of internal systems, including the scope of its access to sensitive student loan borrower information and its impact on borrowers’ rights and privacy.

On August 26, 2025, Senator Warren led colleagues in sending a follow-up letter to Education Secretary Linda McMahon condemning the Department of Education for deliberately hiding the “Submit a Complaint” button on the Office of Federal Student Aid’s website, firing employees responsible for providing customer service to borrowers and families and misleading Congress about the scope of these firings.

On August 7, 2025, Senator Warren publicly released Secretary of Education Linda McMahon’s response to the senator’s 60+ questions and pressed for additional information. Senator Warren announced that she would refer certain matters where the Department has proved uncooperative to the Government Accountability Office and the Education Department’s Inspector General.

On August 4, 2025, Senator Warren led eight Senators in pressing major private student loan lenders on their plans to serve the incoming surge of borrowers who will be pushed to the industry because of Republicans’ recently passed “Big, Beautiful Bill.”

On July 17, 2025, Senator Warren released a new 23-page report, “Education At Risk: Frontline Impacts of Trump’s War on Students,” highlighting warnings from 11 major national education and civil rights organizations on the impact of the Trump Administration’s dismantling of the Department of Education (ED), slashing support to millions of American students, primary and secondary school teachers, administrators, parents, and student loan borrowers.

On July 15, 2025, Senators Warren and Sanders, along with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, sent a letter to Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, urging her to reverse the interest hike on student loan borrowers in the SAVE forbearance.

On July 14, 2025, Senator Warren joined a letter to the director of the Office of Management and Budget, Russ Vought, and Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon, demanding that the Department of Education stop blocking nearly $7 billion in funds for K-12 schools, including for afterschool programs.

On July 3, 2025, Senator Warren led her colleagues in submitting an amicus brief for NAACP v. US, arguing to the United States District Court District of Maryland that President Trump’s attempts to dismantle the Department of Education violate separation of powers and lack constitutional authority.

On June 10, 2025, Senator Warren met with Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and delivered over 1,000 letters to McMahon that the senator had received from people in all 50 states who were worried about the Secretary’s efforts to dismantle the Department of Education.

On June 9, 2025, Senator Warren led her colleagues in pushing the Acting Inspector General of the Department of Education to open an investigation into new information obtained by her office, revealing that DOGE may have gained access to two FSA internal systems, in addition to sensitive borrower data.

On May 20, 2025, Senator Warren and 27 other senators pushed for full funding for the Office of Federal Student Aid.

On May 14, 2025, Senator Warren led a Senate forum entitled “Stealing the American Dream: How Trump and Republicans Are Raising Education Costs for Families,” highlighting the consequences of Secretary Linda McMahon’s reckless dismantling of the Department of Education and President Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” for working- and middle-class students and borrowers.

On May 13, 2025, Senator Warren agreed to meet with Education Secretary Linda McMahon and promised to bring questions and stories from Americans across the country to highlight how the Trump administration’s attacks on education are hurting American families.

On May 6, 2025, Senator Elizabeth Warren highlighted the consequences of President Trump and Secretary Linda McMahon’s reckless dismantling of the Department of Education for American families in a Senate forum.

On April 24, 2025, Senator Warren launched a new investigation into the harms of President Trump’s attacks on the Department of Education, seeking information on the impact of the Trump administration’s actions from the members of twelve leading organizations representing schools, parents, teachers, students, borrowers, and researchers.

On April 10, 2025, following a request led by Senator Warren, the Department of Education’s Acting Inspector General agreed to open an investigation into the Trump administration’s attempts to dismantle the Department of Education.

On April 2, 2025, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Mazie Hirono, along with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, sent a letter to Secretary of Education Linda McMahon regarding the Department of Government Efficiency’s proposed plan to replace the Department of Education’s federal student aid call centers with generative artificial intelligence chatbots.

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Warren, Blumenthal, Stansbury Press Big Tech CEOs on Trump Settlements to Now-Dissolved Library Fund

ABC, Meta, X, Paramount potentially sent up to $63 million in settlements to Trump Library fund that has since been dissolved

“The Fund is now gone, and the public has no clarity about the current location or purpose of the funds provided.”

Text of ABC Letter (PDF) | Text of Meta Letter (PDF) | Text of X Letter (PDF) | Text of Paramount Letter (PDF)

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), along with Representative Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), pressed ABC, Meta, X, and Paramount on their settlements with President Donald Trump, in which the companies promised to donate as much as $63 million to President Trump's future Presidential Library.

But the Donald J. Trump Presidential Library Fund, created to receive donations, has now been dissolved with no disclosure about the disposition of any funds, leaving the American public with no information as to the whereabouts of tens of millions of dollars in settlement funds from President Trump’s lawsuits. If these contributions were all crafted as “Charitable Contribution[s]” as ABC's was, these giant corporations may have been able to deduct the contributions from their income as a tax write-off.

“It is unclear where this money has gone, exacerbating concerns about corruption that were raised at the time of the settlement[s],” wrote the lawmakers.

On December 13, 2024, ABC News agreed to pay $15 million to settle a lawsuit with then-President-elect Trump. According to the settlement agreement, this payment was to be made as a charitable contribution “to a Presidential foundation and museum to be established by or for” President Trump. Days later, the Donald J. Trump Presidential Library Fund, Inc. was incorporated. Meta and X similarly settled lawsuits brought by Trump, with the money flowing into the Library Fund, and Paramount's settlement payment to Trump's Presidential Library also potentially went to the Library Fund at issue.

While the Fund was originally formed with the purpose of “preserving and stewarding the legacy of President Donald J. Trump and his presidency,” it was amended last February to fit the criteria of a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, making it exempt from federal income taxes. A second nonprofit, the Donald J. Trump Presidential Library Foundation, Inc., was later formed under the original mission, but was established by a different incorporator.

In September 2025, the original Fund was administratively dissolved by Florida’s Department of State after the organization failed to submit a mandatory annual report. On December 29, 2025, the Fund’s incorporator filed articles of dissolution. Before its dissolution, the Fund may have contained as much as $63 million in settlements from ABC, Meta, X, and Paramount alone.

“The Fund is now gone, and the public has no clarity about the current location or purpose of the funds provided by ABC or any other source,” wrote the lawmakers.

The lawmakers asked the CEOs of the four firms to provide detailed explanations regarding the original terms and conditions of their settlement agreements with President Trump, including the amount of settlement money that went to President's Trump's future Presidential Library, and the firms’ awareness that the Fund be closed and their contributions transferred, by March 23, 2026.

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Warren Launches New Investigation into Impact of Republicans’ Cuts to Health Care on Service Members and Their Families

New analysis finds Republicans’ Medicaid cuts threaten health care for 40 percent of service members, veterans, and military families

Warren: “Ensuring that service members and their families have access to quality health care is essential for military readiness and our ability to protect our national security”

Text of Letter (PDF)

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) launched an investigation into how Republican cuts to health care in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) are affecting service members, veterans, and their families from accessing the health care they need. Using the new data from researchers, Senator Warren is requesting information from the Department of Defense (DoD) about how it is guiding military families through the health care cuts and whether Republicans and the Trump administration consulted the Pentagon before making these drastic cuts.

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that President Trump’s and Republicans’ budget law will lead to 7.5 million people losing Medicaid coverage by 2034, and a total of about 15 million people will lose insurance when accounting for the law’s other effects. Many military families rely on Medicaid to supplement coverage from the military’s health care program, TRICARE, especially those with special needs or lower incomes. One in ten children of active-duty service members with TRICARE also have Medicaid coverage.

In a new, first-of-its-kind analysis, the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that nearly 725,000 TRICARE beneficiaries who live on or near military bases could be at risk of losing access to health care if nearby hospitals need to “close down, lay off staff, reduce care offerings, or face other disruptions” due to OBBBA. Four of the ten states with the highest numbers of at-risk TRICARE beneficiaries are represented by senators who voted for these cuts — Texas, South Carolina, Alaska, and Oklahoma. In these states, over 215,000 TRICARE beneficiaries living on or near military bases reside within the service area of hospitals that are at moderate-or high-risk for financial distress due to the OBBBA’s Medicaid cuts and other financial stressors.

“This poses grave risks to military morale and readiness and health care access for service members and their families,” Senator Warren warned in her letter to Secretary Hegseth.

Almost half of U.S. military bases are already in what are considered to be “health care deserts,” and Congress and DoD have designated over 40 installations as remote and isolated in the U.S. since 1989. A 2023 survey by Blue Star Families found that military families already struggle to access timely specialty care, with their wait times for appointments “often exceeding average wait times in the overall U.S.”

In its recent annual report, Blue Star Families reported that about one in five active-duty families “have experienced a disruption in medical or mental health care since January 1, 2025” and that three in ten would like to receive mental health care, but have not. Almost half of respondents who said they experienced problems with TRICARE in 2025 reported it was regarding “access to care.”

In February, senior military leaders from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force testified to the Senate Armed Services Personnel Subcommittee that the most substantive complaint they receive from troops is about access to health care. The top enlisted service member for the Navy confirmed that military readiness depends on access to medical and mental health care, and that it’s “one of the most consequential quality of life issues we hear.”

Congress expanded Medicaid coverage for children in the 1960s after a government task force found that military draftees were being rejected due to “untreated childhood illnesses” that could have been prevented.

“In addition to making it harder for service members to continue serving, President Trump and Republicans’ reckless Medicaid cuts will likely make it more challenging to find enough recruits who meet DoD medical and physical standards,” said Senator Warren.

“Ensuring that service members and their families have access to quality health care is essential for military readiness and our ability to protect our national security,” concluded Senator Warren.

The senator asked Secretary Hegseth to provide, by March 23, 2026, an analysis of which military bases are near hospitals at-risk from Medicaid cuts; clarify whether Congressional Republicans consulted the Pentagon before making the Medicaid cuts; and explain how the Pentagon is guiding service members and their families through any shortages in access to health care.

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Warren, Lawmakers Agree With Trump: Defense Contractors Must be Held Accountable For “Failures to Meet Our Warfighters’ National Security Needs”

Congressional push follows White House meeting with defense contractors to discuss boosting ammunition production amid war with Iran

Lawmakers issue joint call for Congress to codify new restrictions on defense contractors’ executive pay and dividends

Text of Letter (PDF)

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee; and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), along with Representatives Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.) and John Garamendi (D-Calif.) wrote to President Donald Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth in support of their effort to limit underperforming defense contractors’ executive pay and the ability to buy back their stock. The lawmakers pressed the President and Secretary Hegseth to provide clarity on how the administration plans to tackle these contractor practices to inform legislation that would codify oversight tools for the industry. The letter follows large defense contractors agreeing to quadruple the production of “Exquisite Class” weaponry amid the Trump administration’s war with Iran.

On January 7, President Trump signed an executive order (EO) restricting executive pay packages and limiting stock buybacks and dividend payments for defense contractors that don’t meet DoD’s needs and fail to invest in expanding their production capacity. The order addresses the decades-long problem of defense contractors consistently falling short in delivering weapons programs to the Department of Defense (DoD) on time and on budget.

“Amidst these failures, some of the largest defense contractors have increasingly issued dividends and engaged in stock buybacks… instead of making investments in their capacity to produce quality products,” noted the lawmakers.

The American Enterprise Institute has equated this pattern by defense contractors of delaying weapons programs, going over budget, and delivering under scale, to “running a victory lap after finishing fifth.”

A report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that about 100 of the most costly defense systems in the 23 years “continue to cost more and take even longer to deliver.” Delays in just 5 programs by General Dynamics, Raytheon, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and Lockheed Martin represent 34 years of delayed capability.

At the same time, large defense contractors have directed a significant portion of their cash towards shareholders and stock buybacks. In 2024, Lockheed Martin used almost $6.8 billion to conduct buybacks and pay dividends to benefit its shareholders. That same year, RTX, General Dynamics, and Northrop Grumman each gave $3 billion or more to shareholders. And from 2020 to 2024, Northrop Grumman increased the amount of money it put toward dividends and buybacks by over 156 percent.

Defense contractors have failed to invest in research and development despite ongoing failures to meet required timelines. DoD has warned that even when contractors do invest, those programs are not meeting the needs of service members. In 2023, the Army issued a warning to General Dynamics explaining that an order did not meet the “technical requirements of the contract” and that the Army would seek to replace General Dynamics with another contractor for that program if it did not invest in the proper equipment.

“We are also concerned that the defense industry is underinvesting in its workforce,” wrote the lawmakers, highlighting a high turnover rate in the industry that “mak[es] clear that defense contractors’ investments in talent are not enough to keep a consistent workforce.”

“Congress needs to codify this effort to ensure the executive order is a step towards lasting change. Therefore, we urge President Trump to support legislation that enhances the executive order and cements accountability tools for the defense industry,” concluded the lawmakers.

The coalition asked President Trump and Secretary Hegseth to clarify how they plan to evaluate companies and enforce President Trump’s executive order’s limits by March 24, 2026.

In December 2025, Senator Warren and Representative Deluzio pressured Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent to follow through on his public statements by pushing defense companies to limit stock buybacks and increase research and development spending.

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Warren, Van Hollen Lead 40+ Dem Senators to Press DoD for Full Investigation On School Bombing, Civilian Casualties in Iran

“There must be a swift investigation into the strikes on this school and any other potential U.S. military actions causing civilian harm, and the findings must be released to the public as soon as possible, along with any measures to pursue accountability.”

Text of Letter (PDF)

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), a member of the Armed Services Committee, along with Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and 41 colleagues, pressed Department of Defense (DoD) Secretary Pete Hegseth for a full investigation on the airstrikes on a school in Minab, Iran, and other civilian casualties in the Trump administration’s war on Iran. The senators are also calling for accountability for those responsible.

On February 28, during the opening salvo of U.S. and Israeli operations on Iran, airstrikes on a girls’ elementary school reportedly killed at least 175 people – mostly children – in Minab, Iran. A new preliminary investigation from the Department of Defense found the U.S. was likely responsible for the strike.

“The war against Iran is a war of choice without Congressional authorization,” wrote the senators. “Nonetheless, as these military actions continue, the United States and Israel must abide by U.S. and international law, including the law of armed conflict.”

There have also been reports of airstrikes that have hit multiple hospitals, cultural heritage sites, and other critical civilian infrastructure. Explosive weapons have been used in major Iranian cities and populated areas, including the capital, Tehran, which is home to approximately 9 million people. As of March 10, there have been over 1,245 civilians killed and over 12,000 civilians injured in the war, according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA). The senators’ concerns are compounded by the reported use of artificial intelligence tools to select and prioritize targets in Iran.

Secretary Hegseth has shown a complete disregard for the laws of war. On March 3, Secretary Hegseth remarked that Operation Epic Fury would have “no stupid rules of engagement.” On March 4, while describing U.S. military operations in Iran, Secretary Hegseth announced, “death and destruction from the sky all day long.” This rhetoric only serves to endanger civilians, including American citizens, in the region and around the globe.

“The United States is a party to the Geneva Conventions and bound by international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution,” wrote the senators. “These are binding and non-negotiable standards designed to protect innocent human life, and it is unacceptable for the Secretary of Defense to suggest otherwise.”

“Your comments reflect a broader pattern of policies abandoning the Defense Department’s commitment to minimizing civilian harm in U.S. military operations,” continued the senators.

Due to the horrific reports about civilian casualties stemming from the war against Iran, suggesting the administration has placed civilians at risk, the senators pushed for an investigation into the strikes on this school and any other potential U.S. military actions causing civilian harm and called for the findings to be released to the public as soon as possible. The senators also demanded a response to their questions by March 18, 2026.

The letter was also signed by Senators Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), and Angus King (I-Maine).

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Welch Joins Bicameral Legislation to Repeal Section 122 and End Trump’s Tariffs

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, today joined U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) in introducing the Reclaim Trade Powers Act, bicameral legislation that would end President Donald Trump’s indiscriminate 10% tariffs on most goods by repealing Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974.

After the Supreme Court ruled last month that President Trump’s tariffs under the International Economic Emergency Powers Act (IEEPA) were illegal, President Trump applied tariffs of 10% on goods, citing Section 122 and continuing to circumvent Congress’ constitutional authority over trade. Trump has promised to raise the broad-based tariffs to 15%. This is the first time Section 122 authority has been invoked in its 50-year history.

“The Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision striking down President Trump’s illegal tariffs should’ve been a wake-up call to the president about the destruction his economic policies are causing. But instead, he’s doubling down and threatening new sweeping tariffs by invoking an outdated authority,” said Senator Welch. “We’re fighting to make sure President Trump can’t use this antiquated authority to worsen the affordability crisis facing families across the country.”

“Everywhere I go across Virginia, I hear about how costs are too high. Yet, instead of focusing on addressing Americans’ concerns, President Trump has doubled down on imposing universal tariffs that are raising prices—relying on an outdated authority that has never been used in history,” said Senator Kaine. “I’m introducing this legislation to repeal that outdated authority and provide some relief to the American people from these cost-raising taxes.”

“President Trump’s tariff policies are wrecking our economy and American families are the ones paying the price,” said Rev. Senator Warnock. “This administration promised to protect our workers and bring back manufacturing jobs. Instead, we’re seeing higher costs, job losses, and more uncertainty. This commonsense legislation will repeal an out-of-date authority that the President is using to raise prices on Americans. I’m proud to work with Senator Kaine to hold this president in check and put a stop to this madness.”

President Trump’s tariffs have increased costs for American consumers and businesses. Researchers at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York estimate that 90% of the costs for the president’s tariffs fall on Americans, while the Congressional Budget Office puts that rate as high as 95%. If made permanent, the new tariffs would increase the cost of Trump’s tariffs on Americans to an average of more than $1,000 per household, per the nonpartisan Yale Budget Lab.

Section 122 was drafted and passed at a time when U.S. currency policy was centered around the convertibility of U.S. dollars, or dollar reserves to gold at fixed exchange rates. It was intended for use during times when foreign central banks could potentially rapidly drain U.S. gold reserves and create a dollar crisis. However, more than 50 years ago, the U.S. moved to a floating exchange rate system, making the problems Section 122 was intended to address functionally moot.

Joining Senators Welch, Kaine, and Warnock on the legislation are Sens. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Angus King (I-Maine), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), and Patty Murray (D-Wash.). Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representative Jimmy Panneta (D-CA-19).

Read and download the full text of the Reclaim Trade Powers Act.

Senator Welch welcomed the Supreme Court’s 6-3 ruling to strike down President Trump’s reckless, global tariffs, which were imposed illegally under the IEEPA. The Senator is a proud original cosponsor of the bipartisan Trade Review Act, legislation to reaffirm Congress’ key role in setting and approving U.S. trade policy. Senator Welch also led colleagues in pressing President Trump on his failure to plan to deliver refunds to the American people. The Senator also supported bipartisan legislation to restrict the executive branch’s authority to impose tariffs through the IEEPA for Trump’s Brazil tariffs, Canada tariffs, and April 2nd Global tariffs; all of these measures passed the Senate with bipartisan support last year.

The Senator has hosted roundtables and events in Williston, Stowe, Newport, St. Albans, Manchester, South Burlington, and virtually to hear concerns and first-hand stories from Vermont and Canadian businesses impacted by the trade war.

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Welch Leads Colleagues in Calling for Investigation into Potential Whistleblower Retaliation at DHS

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, led U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), and Ed Markey (D-Mass.) in calling on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Inspector General (IG) to investigate all complaints the IG has received regarding FEMA. In their letter, the Senators raise concerns about allegations that DHS has retaliated against FEMA whistleblowers.

“Since January 2025, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has lacked sufficient leadership, failed to respond to congressional inquiries, and appeared to retaliate against staff engaging in protected activities,” wrote the Senators. “This is unacceptable. To help us understand the full scope of FEMA and DHS’ actions, we write to request a briefing regarding all complaints you have received related to FEMA since January 2025.”

The Senators continued: “FEMA has gone without a Senate-confirmed Administrator since President Trump took office, fueling widespread employee uncertainty and policy whiplash. President Trump’s temporary picks to lead FEMA—David Richardson and Karen Evans—both lack the legally required emergency management experience to serve as the Acting Administrator of FEMA. Moreover, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has expressed a desire to ‘eliminate FEMA’ and reportedly made plans to cut nearly half the agency’s staff this year. A prolonged deficiency of steady, competent leadership—combined with consistent attacks undermining the integrity of the agency—underscores the importance of whistleblower complaints in revealing the truth.”

The Senators highlight how FEMA also appears to be illegally retaliating against staff who stand up to the Trump Administration: “In August 2025, FEMA leadership placed fourteen FEMA staff on leave after they signed a letter addressed to Congress warning of the Trump Administration’s erosion of our country’s disaster response capacity. In November 2025, these employees were notified that they were being reinstated. On December 1, hours after returning to work, these employees were again placed on leave for alleged ‘misconduct.’ As you know, it is illegal to retaliate against whistleblowers at federal agencies. Whistleblower intimidation and retaliation have a chilling effect on others coming forward, compromising FEMA’s ability to address misconduct and improve the disaster preparedness systems that are essential to protecting Americans’ lives.”

The Senators also highlight how FEMA has obstructed Congress’ oversight responsibilities by failing to respond to bipartisan congressional letters: “We have sent FEMA a series of unanswered letters—as have our Republican and Democratic colleagues—since President Trump took office in January 2025. FEMA and DHS’ failure to respond to our letters is an abdication of their responsibilities under the law and to the American people.”

Read and download the lawmakers’ full letter to DHS Inspector General Cuffari.

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As DOJ Continues to Withhold Epstein Files About Accusations Against Trump, Whitehouse Demands that DOJ Follow the Law and Preserve All Related Documents

MAGA DOJ’s apparent illegal withholding of documents points to a dark cover-up for the President

Washington, D.C. – With the MAGA Department of Justice continuing to withhold documents about a sexual assault allegation against President Donald Trump, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel this week demanding that the Department of Justice preserve records related to its compliance with the bipartisan Epstein Files Transparency Act.

The DOJ has failed to produce all records related to Jeffrey Epstein as the Act requires, including documents regarding sexual assault allegations made against President Trump in 2019 by a woman who alleged that she was trafficked to him by Epstein when she was a young teenager.

On January 30, DOJ claimed that it had released all required documents under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, but the tranche included only one of four FBI interview records, known as 302 forms, associated with the President’s accuser. The omissions were first discovered by independent journalist Roger Sollenberger.

Facing significant public pressure, DOJ on March 5 published the three missing 302s, which all named President Trump. However, it appears that 37 pages of records still have not been released, including FBI notes associated with agents’ interviews of the accuser.

“Please preserve any existing and future records, documents, and materials related to DOJ’s compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act with respect to the sexual assault allegations… including any materials related to DOJ’s decision to withhold these records. As you know, federal law, including the Federal Records Act, imposes an obligation to preserve federal records on all DOJ employees, including FBI employees, and makes violations subject to criminal prosecution,” wrote Whitehouse.

Last week, Senator Whitehouse took to the Senate Floor for a 48-minute speech unraveling the mountain of circumstantial evidence connecting President Trump, Jeffrey Epstein, and Russia. The speech, which cites many dozens of news articles published over decades and emails released under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, has been viewed a total of more than 2.2 million times on the Senator’s YouTube channel.


As Trump Tries to Avoid Accountability for Iranian School Bombing, Reed & Whitehouse Press DOD for Answers on Tragic Mistake and Efforts to Prevent Civilian Casualties in Iran

WASHINGTON, DC – On February 28, the Shajarah Tayyebeh elementary school for girls in Iran was hit by a missile, killing at least 175 Iranians, most of them grade-school children. It was a horrific tragedy, complicated by the fact that President Trump attempted to publicly mislead and deny accountability, declaring on March 7 that the strike was “done by Iran.”

Now, the New York Times and other media outlets publicly report that a preliminary military investigation indicates the U.S. military is responsible for the attack.

Today, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse joined with 41 U.S. Senate colleagues in pressing the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) to provide answers to the American people on the airstrikes on a school in Minab, Iran and civilian casualties in the Trump Administration’s war on Iran, as well as accountability for those responsible.

“We write with grave concern regarding the airstrikes on a girls’ elementary school that reportedly killed at least 168 people – mostly children – in Minab, Iran during the opening salvo of U.S. and Israeli operations on Iran on February 28. To be clear, the war against Iran is a war of choice without Congressional authorization. Nonetheless, as these military actions continue, the United States and Israel must abide by U.S. and international law, including the law of armed conflict. There must be a swift investigation into the strikes on this school and any other potential U.S. military actions causing civilian harm, and the findings must be released to the public as soon as possible, along with any measures to pursue accountability,” the 44 U.S. Senators begin.

“The results of this school attack are horrific. The majority of those killed in the strikes were girls between the ages of 7 and 12 years old. Neither the United States nor the Israeli Government has yet taken responsibility for this attack,” the letter states.

In addition to Reed and Whitehouse, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Maizie K. Hirono (D-HI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Edward Markey (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tina Smith (D-MN), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Gary Peters (D-MI), Mark Kelly (D-AZ),Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Chris Coons (D-DE), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Mark Warner (D-VA), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Chris Murphy (D-CT), and Angus King (I-ME).

“There have also been reports of airstrikes that have hit multiple hospitals, cultural heritage sites, and other critical civilian infrastructure. This includes the use of explosive weapons in major Iranian cities and populated areas, including the capital, Tehran, which is home to approximately 9 million people. As of March 10, 2026, there have been over 1,245 civilians killed and over 12,000 civilians injured in the war, according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA). Massive civilian casualty incidents like the attack in Minab are not only detrimental to the Iranian people, who have already suffered so much at the hands of its own government, but they also undermine U.S. national security interests. These concerns are compounded by the reported use of artificial intelligence tools to select and prioritize targets in Iran,” the Senators stress.

The Senators go on to press for answers to the following questions:

1. Did U.S. forces conduct the strikes that struck the girls’ school in Minab, Iran on February 28, 2026? If not, did the United States play any role in planning, coordinating, or supporting the strikes?

a. If U.S. forces carried out the strikes on the school, what was the intended target? What led to the errant strike? At what command level was authorization granted? What weapons and systems were used in the strikes?

b. What analysis was done to determine the purpose of the building? When was this analysis completed? What measures were implemented to reduce the risk of civilian casualties? What was the intended military objective? Were AI tools used in planning or executing these strikes?

c. What analysis, if any, led the U.S. military to conclude that the expected civilian harm would not be excessive in relation to the concrete and direct military advantage anticipated?

2. You said U.S. forces would follow “no stupid rules of engagement.” Are you complying with rules to prevent the commission of war crimes? If so, what procedures are in place to implement those rules?

3. What steps has the U.S. military taken to prevent and mitigate civilian harm in its operational planning and targeting? Was a “no-strike list” established prior to the commencement of U.S. military operations in Iran?

4. Have any U.S. military operations in Iran utilized, or will any utilize, artificial intelligence tools, and if so, provide specifics of how they are being used and for what purpose? What human verification and redundancy policies are in place, if any, to evaluate the accuracy and legitimacy of AI-generated targets? Please provide a copy of any procedures service members use to verify AI-generated targets and recommend them for execution.

5. What role do civilian harm mitigation and response (CHMR) staff at CENTCOM play in operational planning and targeting? How has CENTCOM compensated for the reduction in resources dedicated to this effort, including the loss of dedicated civilian harm mitigation teams?

6. The U.S. has reported that it struck over 1,000 targets in just 24 hours. Given this volume, the compressed timeframe, and the presence of targets in populated areas, what steps and precautions has the U.S. taken to ensure compliance with the laws of war during these strikes? How has the U.S. implemented established CHMR policies and practices?

The letter was also shared with the U.S. Department of Defense’s Office of Inspector General for possible action by the DOD’s watchdog.

Full text of the letter follows:

Secretary Hegseth,

We write with grave concern regarding the airstrikes on a girls’ elementary school that reportedly killed at least 168 people – mostly children – in Minab, Iran during the opening salvo of U.S. and Israeli operations on Iran on February 28. To be clear, the war against Iran is a war of choice without Congressional authorization. Nonetheless, as these military actions continue, the United States and Israel must abide by U.S. and international law, including the law of armed conflict. There must be a swift investigation into the strikes on this school and any other potential U.S. military actions causing civilian harm, and the findings must be released to the public as soon as possible, along with any measures to pursue accountability.

The results of this school attack are horrific. The majority of those killed in the strikes were girls between the ages of 7 and 12 years old. Neither the United States nor the Israeli Government has yet taken responsibility for this attack. On March 4, you acknowledged that the United States was looking into the strikes at the school, saying “all I know, all I can say, is that we’re investigating that,” but shared no information about a timeline for review nor a commitment to accountability. A New York Times analysis of available evidence suggests that U.S. forces most likely struck the school amid attacks on an adjacent Iranian naval base, despite satellite imagery showing that the building had been walled off from the military base and used as a school since at least 2016. And U.S. military investigators themselves reportedly believe that U.S. forces were likely responsible.

There have also been reports of airstrikes that have hit multiple hospitals, cultural heritage sites, and other critical civilian infrastructure. This includes the use of explosive weapons in major Iranian cities and populated areas, including the capital, Tehran, which is home to approximately 9 million people. As of March 10, 2026, there have been over 1,245 civilians killed and over 12,000 civilians injured in the war, according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA). Massive civilian casualty incidents like the attack in Minab are not only detrimental to the Iranian people, who have already suffered so much at the hands of its own government, but they also undermine U.S. national security interests. These concerns are compounded by the reported use of artificial intelligence tools to select and prioritize targets in Iran.

These civilian harm events are not taking place in a vacuum. As Secretary of Defense, you set the tone for U.S. military conduct, and your recent comments send a clear message of disregard for the laws of war. On March 3, you said that Operation Epic Fury would have “no stupid rules of engagement.” On March 4, you said while describing U.S. military operations in Iran that there will be “death and destruction from the sky all day long.” This rhetoric only serves to endanger civilians, including American citizens, in the region and around the globe. The United States is a party to the Geneva Conventions and bound by international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution. These are binding and non-negotiable standards designed to protect innocent human life, and it is unacceptable for the Secretary of Defense to suggest otherwise.

Your comments reflect a broader pattern of policies abandoning the Defense Department’s commitment to minimizing civilian harm in U.S. military operations. Under this administration, budgetary and personnel cuts at the Department have robbed military commands of crucial resources to prevent and respond to civilian casualties, including at U.S. Central Command and the Civilian Protection Center of Excellence, which supports commands in this work and was codified into law with bipartisan congressional support. You have also removed senior, nonpartisan Judge Advocate General (JAG) officers who provide essential legal guidance to U.S. service members, particularly regarding compliance with the law of armed conflict and U.S. policies aimed at reducing civilian harm. These actions, combined with your comments and the horrific reports of civilian casualties stemming from the war against Iran, suggest the administration has abandoned its duty to protect civilians.

We request answers to the following questions regarding the February 28 attack on the elementary school no later than March 18, 2026.

1. Did U.S. forces conduct the strikes that struck the girls’ school in Minab, Iran on February 28, 2026? If not, did the United States play any role in planning, coordinating, or supporting the strikes?

a. If U.S. forces carried out the strikes on the school, what was the intended target? What led to the errant strike? At what command level was authorization granted? What weapons and systems were used in the strikes?

b. What analysis was done to determine the purpose of the building? When was this analysis completed? What measures were implemented to reduce the risk of civilian casualties? What was the intended military objective? Were AI tools used in planning or executing these strikes?

c. What analysis, if any, led the U.S. military to conclude that the expected civilian harm would not be excessive in relation to the concrete and direct military advantage anticipated?

2. You said U.S. forces would follow “no stupid rules of engagement.” Are you complying with rules to prevent the commission of war crimes? If so, what procedures are in place to implement those rules?

3. What steps has the U.S. military taken to prevent and mitigate civilian harm in its operational planning and targeting? Was a “no-strike list” established prior to the commencement of U.S. military operations in Iran?

4. Have any U.S. military operations in Iran utilized, or will any utilize, artificial intelligence tools, and if so, provide specifics of how they are being used and for what purpose? What human verification and redundancy policies are in place, if any, to evaluate the accuracy and legitimacy of AI-generated targets? Please provide a copy of any procedures service members use to verify AI-generated targets and recommend them for execution.

5. What role do civilian harm mitigation and response (CHMR) staff at CENTCOM play in operational planning and targeting? How has CENTCOM compensated for the reduction in resources dedicated to this effort, including the loss of dedicated civilian harm mitigation teams?

6. The U.S. has reported that it struck over 1,000 targets in just 24 hours. Given this volume, the compressed timeframe, and the presence of targets in populated areas, what steps and precautions has the U.S. taken to ensure compliance with the laws of war during these strikes? How has the U.S. implemented established CHMR policies and practices?

Sincerely,


Wyden, Merkley, Crapo Call on Trump to Prioritize Opening Japanese Market to U.S. Potatoes

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, and Jeff Merkley, ranking member of the Senate Budget Committee, with Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, today asked Donald Trump to prioritize gaining market access for U.S. fresh potatoes during Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae’s upcoming visit to the United States.

Ending Japan’s restrictions on U.S. fresh potatoes would result in an estimated $150 million a year in new U.S. exports, benefitting farming communities in Oregon and nationwide.

“U.S. potato growers produce the best potatoes in the world. International trade and foreign export markets are critical to the U.S. potato industry,” Wyden, Merkley, Crapo, and other lawmakers from the Senate and House wrote to Trump.

“With low commodity prices and increased input costs this year, the potato sector, and specialty crops more broadly, are facing a major economic crisis. Japan represents a massive market with significant export opportunities for American potato growers,” continued the legislators. “Securing this long-delayed market access petition and unlocking the critical Japanese export market would make a meaningful difference for potato growers in our states and across the country.”

Oregon ranks fourth among the states for production of potatoes, the official state vegetable. The Pacific Northwest accounts for more than 50% of all U.S. production.


Wyden, Merkley Demand Answers from Defense Department on the School Bombing and Civilian Casualties in Iran

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today pressed the Department of Defense to provide answers to the American people regarding the airstrikes on a school and civilian casualties in Iran.

Trump’s Defense Department airstrikes on a girls’ elementary school reportedly killed 168 people – mostly children – in Minab, Iran, during the opening attack from the United States and Israel on February 28.

In their letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the senators underscored, “There must be a swift investigation into the strikes on this school and any other potential U.S. military actions causing civilian harm, and the findings must be released to the public as soon as possible, along with any measures to pursue accountability.”

The senators continued, “Massive civilian casualty incidents like the attack in Minab are not only detrimental to the Iranian people, who have already suffered so much at the hands of its own government, but they also undermine U.S. national security interests. These concerns are compounded by the reported use of artificial intelligence tools to select and prioritize targets in Iran.”

Reports have also surfaced about Defense Department airstrikes hitting multiple hospitals, cultural heritage sites, and other critical civilian infrastructure, including in the capital, Tehran. Since March 10, 2026, the Human Rights Activists News Agency has reported more than 1,245 civilians killed and more than 12,000 civilians injured in light of Trump’s war.

The letter was led by U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., Tim Kaine, D-Va., Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., Brian Schatz, D-Hawai’i, and Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. Joining Wyden and Merkley, the letter was signed by Reed, D-R.I., Shaheen, D-N.H., Hirono, D-Hawai’i, Blumenthal, D-Conn., Gillibrand, D-N.Y., Bennet, D-Colo., Murray, D-Wash., Heinrich, D-N.M., Baldwin, D-Wis., Markey, D-Mass., Welch, D-Vt., Duckworth, D-Ill., Alsobrooks, D-Md., Smith, D-Minn., Kim, D-N.J., Sanders, I-Vt., Gallego, D-Ariz., Warnock, D-Ga., Durbin, D-Ill., Padilla, D-Calif., Whitehouse, D-R.I., Luján, D-N.M., Blunt Rochester, D-Del., Klobuchar, D-Minn., Hickenlooper, D-Colo., Peters, D-Mich., Kelly, D-Ariz., Slotkin, D-Mich., Coons, D-Del., Rosen, D-Nev., Booker, D-N.J., Ossoff, D-Ga., Cortez Mastro, D-Nev., Schiff, D-Calif., Warner, D-Va., Cantwell, D-Wash., Hassan, D-N.H., Murphy, D-Conn., and King, I-Maine.

The senators pressed for answers to the following questions:

Did U.S. forces conduct the strikes that struck the girls’ school in Minab, Iran on February 28, 2026? If not, did the United States play any role in planning, coordinating, or supporting the strikes?

If U.S. forces carried out the strikes on the school, what was the intended target? What led to the errant strike? At what command level was authorization granted? What weapons and systems were used in the strikes?

What analysis was done to determine the purpose of the building? When was this analysis completed? What measures were implemented to reduce the risk of civilian casualties? What was the intended military objective? Were AI tools used in planning or executing these strikes?

What analysis, if any, led the U.S. military to conclude that the expected civilian harm would not be excessive in relation to the concrete and direct military advantage anticipated?

You said U.S. forces would follow "no stupid rules of engagement." Are you complying with rules to prevent the commission of war crimes? If so, what procedures are in place to implement those rules?

What steps has the U.S. military taken to prevent and mitigate civilian harm in its operational planning and targeting? Was a “no-strike list” established prior to the commencement of U.S. military operations in Iran?

Have any U.S. military operations in Iran utilized, or will any utilize, artificial intelligence tools, and if so, provide specifics of how they are being used and for what purpose? What human verification and redundancy policies are in place, if any, to evaluate the accuracy and legitimacy of AI-generated targets? Please provide a copy of any procedures service members use to verify AI-generated targets and recommend them for execution.

What role do civilian harm mitigation and response (CHMR) staff at CENTCOM play in operational planning and targeting? How has CENTCOM compensated for the reduction in resources dedicated to this effort, including the loss of dedicated civilian harm mitigation teams?

The U.S. has reported that it struck over 1,000 targets in just 24 hours. Given this volume, the compressed timeframe, and the presence of targets in populated areas, what steps and precautions has the U.S. taken to ensure compliance with the laws of war during these strikes? How has the U.S. implemented established CHMR policies and practices?


Wyden, Merkley Join Colleagues in Introducing Bipartisan Bill to Update, Expand Lifeline Benefits for Seniors, Americans with Disabilities

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today joined their colleagues in introducing a bipartisan bill that would strengthen critical Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits that support nearly 8 million seniors and people with disabilities, including over 80,000 Oregonians.

The Supplemental Security Income Restoration Act would make much-needed updates to the benefits program — much of which hasn’t been updated since it was first established over five decades ago. The bill also would expand benefits eligibility, increase cash payments, and fix rules that penalize Americans trying to save money for even emergency expenses.

“As America barrels toward a health care crisis because of the Republican Big Ugly Bill, it’s become more important than ever to protect the benefits of people who are walking an economic tightrope,” said Wyden, ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee. “We must bring our SSI system into the 21st century to alleviate pressure off the backs of seniors, people with disabilities, and families.”

“Too many seniors and Americans with disabilities are forced to live on the edge because SSI hasn’t kept up with the real cost of living,” said Merkley, ranking member of the Senate Budget Committee. “The bipartisan Supplemental Security Income Restoration Act takes on this crisis by boosting benefits, updating outdated asset limits, and ending penalties that punish people for getting help from loved ones. Folks shouldn’t have to choose between paying for groceries, medicine, or rent just to access the benefits they need.”

SSI was first signed into law in 1972, becoming the first fully federalized disability program to provide low-income disabled Americans with benefits. Today, nearly eight million Americans rely on SSI to meet their basic needs.

While SSI is still a key source of federal income support for older and disabled Americans, the system has not been updated since it was first established more than fifty years ago. Many of the program’s original income and asset limits — which eligible recipients may not exceed — fall below the poverty line, often trapping beneficiaries in poverty and falling far short of the program’s mission.

The SSI Restoration Act would expand and strengthen benefits by:

Increasing “income disregard” amounts, which have not changed since 1974

Updating the asset limit to $10,000 / $20,000 for an eligible couple and indexing it to inflation

Increasing the benefit rate to 100% of the federal poverty level and repealing the marriage penalty

Repealing penalties for in-kind support, resource transfers, state taxes and tribal benefits

Streamlining lump-sum and back payments

Extending the program to the U.S. territories

The SSI Act was led by U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Representatives Adelita Grijalva (D-Ariz.), Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), and James Moylan (R-GU). In addition to Wyden and Merkley, the bill was cosponsored in the Senate by Senators Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), and Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.).

The bill is cosponsored in the House by Representatives Becca Balint (D-Vt.), Andre Carson (D-Ind.), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), Summer Lee (D-Pa.), Ted Lieu (D-Calif.), Gwen Moore (D-Wis.), Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), Stacey Plaskett (D-Virgin Islands), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), Dina Titus (D-Nev.), and Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.).

The bill is endorsed by AFL-CIO, AFSCME, Alliance for Retired Americans, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association on Health and Disability, American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR), American Society on Aging, ASSIST Program, Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), Benefits Law Center, Bread for the City, California Alliance for Retired Americans, California Association of Food Banks. Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), Center for Medicare Advocacy, Community Legal Services of Philadelphia, Cure SMA, Disability Belongs, Economic Policy Institute, Educate. Advocate., Empire Justice Center, Epilepsy Foundation of America, Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, Homeless Action Center, Homeless Advocacy Project, Inner City Law Center, Justice in Aging, Lakeshore Foundation, Latinos for a Secure Retirement, League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), Legal Council for Health Justice, Maryland Latinos Unidos (MLU), National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), National Alliance to End Homelessness, National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, National Association of Disability Representatives, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, National Council of Gray Panthers Networks, National Council on Aging, National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC), National Hispanic Council on Aging (NHCOA), National Organization for Women, National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR), National Respite Coalition, National Women's Law Center Action Fund, New York Legal Assistance Group, Paralyzed Veterans of America, People With Disabilities Foundation, Public Justice Center, SAGE Service Employees International Union, Social Security Works, Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC), Strengthen Social Security Coalition, The Arc of the United States, Triage Cancer, USAging, and Women's Institute for a Secure Retirement (WISER).


Young, Colleagues Introduce Fiscal Commission Act

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) joined Senators John Curtis (R-Utah) and Angus King (I-Maine) to introduce the Fiscal Commission Act,legislation to strengthen America’s fiscal health. The bill would create a bipartisan, bicameral fiscal commission tasked with finding legislative solutions to stabilize spending and decrease the national debt, which now exceeds $38.8 trillion.

“Our nation’s finances must be stabilized for future generations,” said Senator Young. “I’ve long been a supporter of creating a fiscal commission to examine federal spending in a non-partisan way. We must identify areas for meaningful reforms and then enact real change to get our budget and debt under control.”

“Our national debt has ballooned to over $38 trillion—a staggering figure that threatens higher costs for families, fewer economic opportunities, and a heavier burden for future generations,” said Senator Curtis. “Our children and grandchildren need real reform, which is why we’re introducing the Fiscal Commission Act. This legislation creates a bipartisan, bicameral process to develop meaningful solutions to confront our unsustainable debt, safeguard our economic strength, and ensure fiscal stability well into the future.”

“Right now, the national debt breaks down to over $113,000 for every man woman and child in this country—that’s overwhelming and unsustainable. To add insult to injury, payments on interest alone—just this year—have become a larger source of spending than both Medicare and national defense spending,” said Senator King. “The Fiscal Commission Act will ensure that our government works in a bipartisan, bicameral manner to find legislative solutions that stabilize spending and decrease the national debt, since both parties dug this hole and we need to work together to get out of it. This bill is an important step forward in fiscal responsibility for future generations and most importantly moves the country in a direction where the government is a more responsible steward of taxpayer dollars.”

U.S. Senators Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), and Mark Warner (D-Va.) also joined the legislation.

Background:

The national debt now exceeds $38.8 trillion, which is approximately 124% of the entire U.S. economy. It’s projected that the federal government will spend more than $1 trillion on interest on the debt alone in 2026, making it a larger expenditure than Medicare and national defense, and second only to Social Security.

How It Works:

The legislation would establish a 16-member bipartisan, bicameral commission consisting of 12 elected officials and four outside experts.

The Speaker of the House, House Minority Leader, Senate Majority Leader, and Senate Minority Leader each appoint four individuals to the Commission, of which three must be members from their respective chambers and one must be an outside expert.

The Commission would produce a report and propose legislation aiming to improve the long-term fiscal condition of the Federal Government, stabilize the ratio of public debt to GDP within a 15-year period, and improve the solvency of Federal trust funds over a 75-year period.

The Commission would be required to vote on approval of the report and legislative language by May 17, 2027.

Any report or legislative language produced by the Commission must be approved by a majority of the 12 elected official members, with at least two being from each party.

If the Commission approves proposed legislative language, it would receive expedited consideration in both chambers.

While 60 votes would be required to invoke cloture prior to final passage in the Senate, only a simple majority would be needed for the motion to proceed, which would be privileged.


Young: Time for Democrats to Fund DHS, Protect Our National Security

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) issued the following statement regarding the ongoing shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS):

“When the shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security began 26 days ago, Democrats called for significant reforms to ICE in exchange for DHS funding. Since then, the Trump administration has made a number of changes at ICE to ensure the agency is focused on its mission of bringing criminal illegal aliens to justice. In the Senate, Republicans have attempted to negotiate in good faith on a series of ICE reforms Democrats support, including body cameras, deescalation training, and additional oversight of ICE activities. Yet still, Democrats refuse to fund DHS.


Smith Leads Bipartisan Bill to Help Small Businesses Support Working Families

Today, U.S. Representatives Adrian Smith (R-NE), Danny K. Davis (D-IL), and Nathaniel Moran (R-TX) introduced bipartisan legislation to empower small businesses to offer dependent care flexible spending accounts (DCFSAs) to their employees.

The Small Business Dependent Care FSA Opportunity Act would create a tax credit for small businesses to assist with the startup and administrative costs of establishing DCFSAs, making it easier for them to provide child care benefits to working families.

“Small businesses are the backbone of communities across the nation, and their ability to thrive depends on attracting and retaining talented employees. Yet the startup and administrative costs make providing competitive benefits challenging. Our bipartisan bill will empower small businesses to offer DCFSAs, easing the financial burden of child care for working families while helping these businesses remain competitive in today’s hiring landscape. I am proud to lead this effort and look forward to working with my colleagues to turn this commonsense legislation into law,” said Smith.

“The tax code is an important part of a comprehensive federal effort to help families struggling with the high cost of child care. I am happy to work with my colleagues to assist the millions of employees who work for small businesses in accessing the dependent care flexible spending accounts by offsetting the program start-up costs for these small businesses. This change will work together with essential child care grants and child care tax credits to give a tax break to families to help them thrive,” said Davis.

“A key Republican priority during the 119th Congress has been serving working families and empowering small businesses. I am proud to co-lead this bill with Rep. Smith (NE) and Rep. Davis (IL). When we can get government out of the way and encourage small businesses to support their employees, we help ensure that hardworking Americans can keep their jobs while raising a family,” said Moran. “As a father of four and a former small business owner, I understand the value of making it easier for small businesses to remain competitive when hiring by offering child-care benefits. This legislation helps do exactly that by reducing the startup costs for employers who want to provide dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) to their employees. That’s good for working families, and it helps small businesses attract and retain the talented workers they need to grow.”

BACKGROUND:

DCFSAs allow employees to set aside pre-tax income to pay for eligible child care and dependent expenses, including daycare and after-school care. Due to startup and administrative costs, only 29 percent of employees at businesses with fewer than 100 employees have access to a DCFSA, compared with 63 percent of employees at larger businesses.

The Small Business Dependent Care FSA Opportunity Act would incentivize small businesses to offer DCFSAs to their employees by:

Creating a tax credit for small businesses with 100 or fewer employees earning at least $5,000 annually to establish and administer DCFSAs.

Covering the startup and administrative costs, as well as employee education about the benefit.

Providing a credit of up to $250 per non-highly compensated employee.

Setting a minimum credit of $500 and a maximum credit of $5,000 per year.

Allowing employers to claim the credit for the first three years they offer a DCFSA plan.


Reps. Ansari, Jacobs, Crow Lead Majority of House Democratic Caucus Demanding Answers on Reported U.S. Strike on Iranian School

Washington, D.C. — Rep. Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), the first Democratic Iranian-American Member of Congress, along with Reps. Sara Jacobs (CA-51) and Jason Crow (CO-06), Founders and Co-Chairs of the Protection of Civilians in Conflict Caucus, led a total of 121 House Democrats in demanding answers on civilian harm during Operation Epic Fury, including a reported U.S. strike on an Iranian girls’ elementary school, where at least 175 civilians, many of them children, were killed. In a letterto Secretary Hegseth, the lawmakers requested detailed information about the strikes on Shajareh Tayyebeh school, the nature of the military targeting, the steps taken to mitigate and respond to civilian harm, and more. The lawmakers also called for the public release of the findings of the investigation into the strikes on the Shajareh Tayyebeh school.

Read the Letter Here

The lawmakers wrote:

Dear Secretary Hegseth:

We write to express alarm regarding reports of civilian casualties arising from Operation Epic Fury in Iran and urgently request detailed information about the steps the U.S. is taking to prevent and respond to civilian harm. We are particularly disturbed by reports of what appears to be the deadliest attack on civilians thus far: a girls’ elementary school, where at least 175 civilians, many of them children, were reported killed and 100 children and staff wounded. The New York Times recently reported that the U.S. preliminary investigation found that the United States is responsible for this strike due to outdated targeting data. With reportedly over 1,000 total civilian deaths already and a lack of clarity about the anticipated scale and duration of operations, we demand clear answers on how the Department plans to investigate these reports and prevent the risk of further civilian harm.

Longstanding U.S. military policy and the law of armed conflict, also known as international humanitarian law, apply during wartime and protect civilians and military service members alike. Under the law of armed conflict, the U.S. must distinguish between civilians and combatants, ensure proportionality, and take all feasible precautions to protect civilians. The Department of Defense has in recent years improved the way it prevents, mitigates, and responds to civilian harm, including through its Department of Defense Instruction on Civilian Mitigation and Response (DOD-I 30001.7) and the Civilian Protection Center of Excellence that provides direct support to warfighters.

We are therefore deeply concerned by reports of U.S. and Israeli strikes in Iran that have resulted in significant and growing civilian harm. The U.S. and Israel have reportedly struck or impacted numerous civilian sites—including schools, hospitals,gymnasiums, public gathering spaces, and a UNESCO heritage site. In addition to civilian casualties, these strikes have disrupted civilian life and damaged infrastructure. The U.S. military must refrain from using explosive weapons in densely populated, civilian areas in line with its commitments under the Political Declaration on the Use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas. Civilians and civilian infrastructure may under no circumstances be the object of attack and must at all times be respected and protected by all parties.

Reported civilian harm by the U.S. and Israel during Operation Epic Fury is particularly alarming yet unsurprising given the recent strain on our civilian protection institutions. For example, we understand that budget reductions at the Department have deprived military commands—including at U.S. Central Command—of essential resources needed to meaningfully address civilian casualties. In February 2025, you fired top military lawyers responsible for ensuring compliance with the laws of war, including those designed to protect civilians in conflict. And on March 2, 2026, you asserted that there would be “No stupid rules of engagement.” President Trump has likewise declared that “I don’t need international law.” This attitude is not only lawless but counterproductive. General Joseph Votel, former Commander of U.S. Central Command, recently stated “If you cause so many civilian casualties and you cause so much civilian harm here, it can actually undermine the mission that the military has been sent in to do [...] the benefit to be gained by supporting these [Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response (CHMR)] positions, I think it outweighs the movement of resources to other places.” Now is not the time to admonish the principles of civilian protection and undermine the important work the Department has undertaken in recent years to advance CHMR policy and practice.

To that end, we seek detailed information regarding civilian protection during Operation Epic Fury and steps the military is taking to mitigate and respond to civilian harm. We also urge your Department to make public the findings of the ongoing investigation with respect to the strikes on the Shajareh Tayyebeh school.

Specifically, we request written responses to the following questions:

Did the United States Armed Forces carry out the strikes on the Shajareh Tayyebeh school? If so, what was the target and why was the decision taken to execute the strikes? What was the assessed civilian harm risk of the strikes, and what steps were considered or taken to prevent civilian harm?

What is the U.S. military’s assessment of civilian casualties from the airstrikes on the Shajareh Tayyebeh school? In light of the scale of reported deaths of children in Minab, will the Department investigate the airstrikes on the Shajareh Tayyebeh school as a possible war crime?

What is the role of artificial intelligence, if any, in selecting targets, assessing intelligence, and making legal determinations during Operation Epic Fury? If AI is used, is it subject to human review and at what point? Was artificial intelligence, including the use of Maven Smart System, used to identify the Shajareh Tayyebeh school as a target? If so, did a human verify the accuracy of this target?

How are congressionally mandated civilian harm mitigation and response (CHMR) policies and institutions, including DoD-I 3000.17 and the Civilian Protection Center of Excellence, being resourced, implemented, and operationalized during Operation Epic Fury?

What steps is the Department taking to prevent and mitigate civilian harm in its planning and targeting during Operation Epic Fury? What precautions is the U.S. taking to avoid and minimize civilian harm?

Please describe the Department’s process for target selection and review in Operation Epic Fury. Has the Department employed red-teaming and used civilian environment teams to mitigate civilian harm in this operation? If so, how do you assess the success of these actions? How many personnel are responsible for civilian harm mitigation and response in Operation Epic Fury?

What steps does the U.S. plan to take to respond to civilian harm reports from Operation Epic Fury, including development of lessons learned and post-harm responses to civilians?

Will the Department commit to surging CHMR capabilities to protect civilians in the context of Operation Epic Fury? Please indicate your plan for doing so, and any resources required from Congress.

Has the Department established accessible channels for civilians to report alleged civilian harm in Operation Epic fury? Are those channels available in Persian, Kurdish, and other major Iranian languages?

How is the Department working with Israeli authorities to harmonize civilian harm practices and policies between U.S. and Israeli forces?

We request a response no later than March 20, 2026. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.


Ansari Celebrates $830,000 in Community Project Funding for Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS)

PHOENIX – Today, Representative Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03) celebrated securing $830,000 in Community Project Funding (CPF) for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) for the Central Arizona Shelter Services’ (CASS) Single Adult Center in downtown Phoenix.

“I’m extremely proud to have secured crucial resources to support the renovation of CASS’ Single Adult Shelter facility, allowing for reconstruction and rehabilitation that will strengthen emergency shelter services for residents facing homelessness across the Valley,” said Rep. Ansari. “CASS has been an incredible partner, doing lifesaving work every day, especially as our state faces deadly extreme heat. Access to a safe, cool shelter will make the difference between life and death.”

“At CASS we believe everyone deserves to have a dignifying place to rest their head. The funds we've received through Congresswoman Ansari's office will be used to beautify our 600-bed shelter and make functional improvements to the bathrooms and security area. We are building an inspiring environment that lifts people to be the best version of themselves. This is a big part of our process to end homelessness. We're incredibly grateful to the Congresswoman for her investment in CASS and the people we serve. This is how community comes together to solve problems,” said Nathan Smith, CEO of Central Arizona Shelter Services.

“Coming from Florida to Arizona, just getting out of prison, I had no birth certificate, no ID, no job, and no place to live. I stumbled into CASS and left upright on two feet thanks to the assistants’ programs at CASS. The ID, and birth certificate program enabled me to begin filling out applications for my job search. CASS stayed with me and guided me every step. Don't get me wrong, it was not easy starting from nothing. But CASS provided the essential help I needed,” said Marcus J. Ross, former client of CASS.

Across its three shelters, CASS provided safe shelter and supportive services to 4,585 individuals experiencing homelessness last year. In Maricopa County, there are approximately 3,642 emergency shelter beds. CASS operates 850 of those beds, representing nearly one quarter of the county’s total emergency shelter capacity. Through the 600-bed Single Adult Shelter, CASS plays a key role in the regional homelessness response system, serving individuals from throughout the metropolitan area.

Ansari worked to secure the funding through her Community Project Funding (CPF) requests for Arizona’s Third Congressional District. In total, Ansari secured more than $17.7 million in CPF requests that have been signed into law by the president.

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Ansari, Stanton, Grijalva Demand Answers on Surprise Facility Contract Awards

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Representatives Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Greg Stanton (AZ-04), and Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07) wrote two letters demanding answers about the recent $313.4 million contract awarded to GardaWorld Federal Services LLC (GardaWorld) by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to renovate the Surprise, Arizona immigration facility.

“Arizonans are fed up with ICE terrorizing our communities and they don’t want to see yet another detention center here in Arizona, especially not one in a hastily converted warehouse, run by an unqualified contractor, that is being built with no input from the local community. That’s why Reps. Stanton, Grijalva, and I are demanding answers,” said Rep. Ansari.

“Once again, DHS leaves Arizonans in the dark, awarding a massive contract to a firm with no experience in detention center oversight. This is Trump’s mass deportation agenda at work, and none of this makes our community safer or more prosperous—just the opposite,” said Rep. Stanton.

“At a time when in-custody deaths are reaching record highs, it is deeply alarming that DHS is handing out massive federal contracts to companies with no experience operating detention facilities,” said Rep. Grijalva. “This reckless expansion is being driven by Trump’s arbitrary deportation quotas and a for-profit detention industry cashing in on the suffering of families, including children and the elderly."

In a letter directed to outgoing DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Todd Lyons, the lawmakers continued to press the administration over its failure to notify local government leaders, raising concerns about community impacts and mitigation measures.

The letter also demands greater transparency into the decision-making process behind the contract, questioning whether it represents a responsible use of taxpayer dollars and why it was awarded through a Department of Defense (DOD) procurement system that bypasses the normal competitive bidding process.

The letter to DHS and ICE is HERE.

In the second letter, sent to GardaWorld Federal Services President Pete Dordal Jr., the lawmakers question the firm’s ability to convert a warehouse not designed or zoned for human habitation and how code-compliance reviews will be conducted. A report from the Washington Post also shows that GardaWorld has not previously been directly contracted by DHS to oversee a detention facility.

“The decision to convert a warehouse not designed or zoned for human habitation into a large-scale detention facility on an expedited basis raises profound questions about contractor qualifications, concern for human health and safety, and the humane treatment of individuals who will be held there,” the lawmakers wrote.

The Letter to GardaWorld Federal LLC is HERE.

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Arrington Statement on Latest Inflation Report

Washington, D.C. – Today, House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) released the following statement after the Bureau of Labor Statistics released the Consumer Price Index (CPI) report for February 2026, which shows inflation held steady at a 2.4 percent annual rate. Core inflation, which excludes the volatile food and energy prices, increased 2.5 percent year-over-year, in line with expectations:

“Under President Biden’s failed economic policies and unbridled spending, prices skyrocketed over 20 percent and annual inflation averaged 5.0 percent.

“Thanks to President Trump and Republican leadership in Congress, Americans are finally getting relief. Under Trump, annual inflation is averaging 2.6 percent—nearly half the Biden average, and core inflation is at its lowest level since early 2021.

“President Trump and Congressional Republicans are Making America Affordable Again, and Trump’s historic presidency is proof America First, pro-growth policies work. Now, we must finish the job in reconciliation 2.0.” – Chairman Arrington.

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Sanders, Welch, Balint Statement on Recent ICE Raids in South Burlington

BURLINGTON, VT – The Vermont Congressional Delegation, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL), today released the following statement regarding the recent ICE raids in South Burlington:

“President Trump’s domestic army, ICE, came into Vermont yesterday from out of state and, as is virtually always the case, acted in an irresponsible, reckless and unprofessional manner.

“What happened yesterday in South Burlington was outrageous and avoidable. Rather than notifying local and state law enforcement of a planned arrest, ICE created a crisis that resulted in them using flashbang grenades and tear gas against protestors. To make matters worse, they failed to arrest the person they were initially pursuing and instead arrested at least three individuals who were not named on the warrant.

“As a result of the reckless actions of ICE, local and state police were put in an impossibly difficult situation.

“At a time when our country is deeply divided, this is not the way a federal agency should be conducting itself. It is long past time for Congress to take action to rein in ICE’s lawlessness.”

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ICYMI: A weaker Iran means a stronger America

After nearly 5 decades of terror from Iran, President Donald Trump took decisive action to weaken and confront the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism.

Over those decades, Iran crossed every single red line.

Now, the bravery of the United States Armed Forces is on full display, and President Trump has made his message clear: the conflict will end when Iran can no longer threaten the United States, our allies, and the rest of the world with thousands of its missiles and its pursuit of nuclear weapons.

In case you missed it, Rep. Buddy Carter discussed President Trump's decisive military action on Fox News.

Fox News, March 8, 2026

Mike Emanuel (host): “What is your analysis of where we are one week into this operation in Iran?”

Rep. Carter: “…America and the world are safer today than [we] were two days ago.”

Mike Emanuel: “On the issue of American boots on the ground, is it your sense the President as Commander in-Chief doesn't want to tie his hands or the hands of his commanders by saying what he will or won't do?”

Rep. Carter: “He's being strategic …that's what the president's doing here. No one wants troops on the ground. The President doesn't want it. We don't want it. But you don't tell the enemy what you're going to do or what you're not going to do… He's making sure they understand that option is on the table.”

Mike Emanuel: “We've seen oil prices shoot up since the start of this operation. How concerned are you about fuel prices going forward?”

Rep. Carter: “… can you imagine what would be the case if the President had not unleashed American energy…? Can you imagine what it would be like if we were still under the policies of the Biden-Harris Administration, what oil prices would be like now and gasoline prices? This is going to add stability in the future so that Iran will not be able to really manipulate the markets like they have in the past. … There's going to be some short-term pain, but I can assure you it's going to be for the benefit of the long-term gain.”

Mike Emanuel: “Do you worry about Iran taking your fellow Republicans off message in terms of the pocketbook issues that so many Americans are worried about heading into the midterms?”

Rep. Carter: “No, I think we're concentrating on making sure people know that President Trump and our policies, particularly the Working Families Tax Cut Act that I voted for, that our Democratic Senator here in the state of Georgia, John Ossoff, voted against, [are] putting more money in people’s pockets. …the average refund for the IRS was up 10.2%. And as we see the impact of the Working Families Tax Cut Act, that's no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, no tax on social security, increased child tax credit; all of that is going to make for more money in people's pockets, and it's going to make for a better economy.”

Watch the full interview here.


Budzinski Holds Roundtable to Discuss Rural Health Transformation Funding Needs in Wake of OBBBA Cuts

SPRINGFIELD, IL – This week, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) hosted a roundtable conversation with the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) to discuss cuts to rural care in President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act and the fight for funding through the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) program.

In November, Budzinski led every Democratic Member of the Illinois delegation in a letter to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz expressing support for Illinois’ application for the RHT program. In December, it was announced that Illinois has been awarded $193,418,216 million per year for five years through the RHT program.

“Medicaid is a lifeline for countless Illinoisans – and the $137 billion in rural Medicaid cuts made in President Trump’s so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” put that care in jeopardy. While I am hopeful that the funding Illinois received via the Rural Health Transformation program will aid our rural communities, this is a band-aid on a massive hole for healthcare in Illinois,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “This roundtable was a productive conversation with over 50 rural health providers who are on the front lines of this challenge. They shared their concerns, discussed what the road ahead looks like, and highlighted how we can work together to protect access to care.”

The roundtable included representatives from the Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network, Community Behavioral Healthcare Association of Illinois, Chestnut Health Systems, Macoupin County Public Health Department, and more.

“HFS is grateful for the support of Congresswoman Budzinski’s office as we navigate the next steps of disseminating Rural Health Transformation Program funds,” said HFS Director Elizabeth M. Whitehorn. “HFS looks forward to pursuing the initiatives outlined in our application to serve the rural communities of Illinois through the establishment of grant parameters, the kickoff of workforce initiatives and the establishment of rural provider partnerships. These efforts will be key in expanding healthcare access to all communities in the state, which will help create better health outcomes for Illinoisans for years to come.”

“I appreciate the efforts of Congresswoman Budzinski in coordinating informational webinars between the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services and rural healthcare representatives. These sessions are helping stakeholders better understand the opportunities and implementation guidelines associated with the State of Illinois Rural Healthcare Transformation (RHT) Grant process. This collaboration will be instrumental in supporting rural healthcare organizations as they navigate the program and work to maximize the benefits of this transformational grant opportunity,” said Larry Spour, President of Community Hospital of Staunton.

“ICAHN appreciated the opportunity to work with Congresswoman Budzinski to bring rural healthcare providers together with the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services to discuss the Rural Health Transformation Program. Rural hospitals are eager to better understand how these resources will be implemented and how they can help strengthen access to care in rural communities. Continued communication and transparency will be essential as Illinois moves forward with this important investment in rural health,” said Tracy Warner, Executive Director of the Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network.

“Having the opportunity to join the call hosted by Representative Budzinski, it has allowed me to familiarize myself with the planning and processes of the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) and other agencies. I now have confidence that we, as a small rural independent critical access hospital, will be able to benefit from a portion of the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Funding. Medicaid funding translates to roughly 28% of our payor mix, and the H.R.1 bill will negatively impact our organization. The Illinois HFS and other sister agencies have worked diligently around the Rural Health Transformation funding rules to prepare and develop a comprehensive plan to strengthen Illinois’ rural healthcare for the future. It will serve as an invaluable resource for many of our rural hospitals in central and southern Illinois. I am grateful that Representative Budzinski allowed organizations outside of her district to join the call. It shed light on an otherwise frustrating chapter in healthcare,” said Don Robbins, CEO of Massac Memorial Hospital.

“As a rural hospital CEO, I want to thank Representative Nikki Budzinski in supporting the Rural Health Transformation Program and providing an essential update this week. Rural hospitals face unique challenges, and programs like this are essential to strengthening care delivery, and ensuring patients can continue to access quality healthcare close to home. Representative Budzinski’s efforts to keep rural providers informed about the status and next steps of the program are greatly appreciated. We value her continued commitment to rural healthcare and look forward to working together to advance solutions that support rural hospitals and the communities we serve,” said Dana Adcock, CEO of Mason District Hospital.

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Rep. Smith condemns the antisemitic terror attack on Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, MI

Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chair of the House Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism, issued the following statement in response to the horrific antisemitic attack at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan:

“My wife, Marie, and I are absolutely appalled by this barbaric act of violence directly targeting American Jews and their fundamental right of freedom of religion.

“Antisemitic violence has no place in the United States—or anywhere else on the planet—and we must remain vigilant in our condemnation of antisemitism, through both word and action.

“We are deeply grateful to the Temple’s security staff and West Bloomfield’s first responders, who acted quickly and effectively to disarm the active shooter, saving countless lives. It is because of their well-prepared and timely response that no casualties—other than the shooter—occurred.

“We are also thankful to FBI Director Kash Patel, who spared no time in dispatching FBI personnel to the scene to assist local law enforcement.

“I urge the appropriate local and federal authorities to leave no stone unturned, thoroughly investigate this terrifying attack, and continue to work to ensure the safety of America’s Jewish communities in Michigan and beyond.”

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