PASSED: Rep. Pfluger's Legislation to Defend American Property Abroad

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman August Pfluger's (TX-11) bipartisan legislation to protect American companies operating abroad passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 247-164, with 41 Democrats joining Republicans on this commonsense bill.

“Today’s House passage of my Defending American Property Abroad Act of 2026is a necessary step to protect American businesses and workers from unfair treatment overseas,” said Rep. Pfluger.“When countries violate trade agreements and illegally seize assets from U.S. companies, it puts American job security, economic security ,and national security at risk. This legislation is critical because it ensures there are enforceable consequences for those actions. It sends a clear message to any foreign government that the United States will not tolerate this behavior and that we will defend our economic interests, uphold the rule of law, and stand firmly behind American companies operating abroad. I am thrilled to see this pass with overwhelming bipartisan support, and I will continue advocating for it until it passes through the Senate and is signed into law.”

The Defending American Property Abroad Act of 2026 strengthens U.S. maritime security law to address the unlawful seizure of any U.S.-owned property by foreign governments. Simply put, this bill is designed to ensure that U.S. businesses are not unfairly targeted or stripped of their assets when operating abroad.

The need for this legislation is clear. For years, the Mexican government has been attempting to seize control of a deep-water port owned by U.S.-based Vulcan Materials Company. This action directly violates the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) that governs trade between our countries, and threatens American jobs and economic interests.

Watch Rep. Pfluger's remarks on the House floor ahead of his legislation's passage HERE or by clicking the image below:

Several key House Republican leaders praised Rep. Pfluger for his leadership on this critical legislation and its passage:

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (LA-04) said, “Today’s passage of the Defending American Property Abroad Act reaffirms America’s commitment to the rule of law by ensuring U.S.-based entities operating and investing globally are protected from foreign governments undermining basic property rights. U.S. investments abroad have long been essential to both our economic development and national security, and this legislation takes a crucial step to protect and defend U.S. business interests globally. We are grateful to RSC Chairman Pfluger for leading on this important issue.”

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (LA-01) said, “To safeguard our country’s economic growth and national security, it’s imperative that we defend the property rights of American companies abroad. TheDefending American Property Abroad Actdeters foreign nations from unlawfully seizing American property by imposing retaliatory prohibitions on those that commit this blatant theft, protecting the interests of American property owners and mitigating risks for American businesses operating globally. I’m grateful to Rep. Pfluger for his leadership on this issue and am glad to see his critical legislation pass through the House.”

House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (MN-06) said,“Today, House Republicans voted to protect American companies and property abroad from foreign governments. By passing Congressman Pfluger’s Defending American Property Abroad Act, we’re not only upholding the property rights of American companies, but we’re ensuring the stability of our global supply chain and domestic economy.”

House GOP Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (MI-09) said, “House Republicans are putting America first and drawing a clear line for foreign governments: you do not get to steal from American companies and expect us to sit back and do nothing about it. Democrats have spent years letting bad actors take advantage of the United States with little consequence; that ends here. If you mess with American property, we will make you pay.”

Background:

In May 2022, then-Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) abruptly shut down Vulcan Materials Company’s operations with false claims that the firm was violating its contract, and his government subsequently waged an unceasing pressure campaign against Vulcan, including multiple lawsuits and sending military and law enforcement to its facilities.

Since then, Rep. Pfluger has been a strong leader on this issue:

· In December 2023, Rep. Pfluger led a bipartisan letter to the Mexican Ambassador demanding answers about Mexico's actions against the American company.

· In May 2024, Rep. Pfluger introduced the Defending American Property Act of 2024.

· In March 2025, Rep. Pfluger also led a letter commending President Trump's commitment to this issue by protecting American industries and jobs, which was first reported in The Blaze.

· As also first reported in The Blaze, Rep. Pfluger introduced the Defending American Property Act Abroad of 2025 in July 2025.

· In January 2026, the Defending American Property Abroad Act of 2026 passed through the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.


Rep. Pfluger Questions Witnesses on Updated Guidance to the 1996 Telecommunications Act

Read Rep. Pfluger's exchange with witnesses below:

Rep. Pfluger: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I thank the witnesses for being here. Some of my colleagues and many of you have pointed out today that technology has changed significantly over the past thirty years, and although the networks have advanced from copper lines and circuit-switched voice to broadband, streaming, and wireless, many of the regulations still remain outdated. I know we've been talking about this, and it underscores the gap between technological progress and regulatory adaptation. For example, in the 1996 [Telecommunications] Act was most effective, I believe, when Congress limited government intervention, removed the outdated rules, and allowed private investment and innovation to flourish. And I commend Chairman Carr and the FCC for the new “Delete, Delete, Delete” Initiative, which reviews all FCC rules and guidance documents to identify and remove unnecessary burdens. And I think that Congress should follow the FCC example and act promptly to systematically remove the obsolete and technology-specific mandates from our laws. And updating these statutes is essential to that.

Rep. Pfluger: Mr. Thierer, I'd like to ask you how Congress should update the framework of the 1996 Telecommunications Act to match the work that Chairman Carr is doing, such as deleting obsolete technology-specific rules and statutes and moving us towards a more technology-neutral solution? And what examples can you give us specifically on that?

Mr. Thierer: Thank you, Congressman, for that question. Absolutely agree with it, and what we need to do is move towards date-certain timetables for how we might go about sunsetting certain things. The “Delete, Delete, Delete” proceeding is a really good example of how we can try to move in that direction. We should have been doing that a long time ago. Instead, Congress and the Telecom Act delegated broad forbearance authority and said, well, we hope that the FCC will voluntarily just loosen the chains, and it hasn't worked out that way. Congress even required the agency to do reports on this. Never really mentioned much came out of that process. So I would encourage this committee to go back and actually provide some very clear timetables and a process like Michael Riley identified here about very specific types of things that you expect them to do.

Rep. Pfluger: So you’re saying we’re [Congress] the problem?

Mr. Thierer:When we agree on allocating vague authority, that is a serious problem.

Rep. Pfluger: I agree, as well as kind of moving in the same direction. Commissioner O'Rielly, what are the most important lessons from the successes and failures of the 1996 Telecommunications Act, and which ones of those should guide Congress as we update our laws to protect our national security, our economic security, and continue to innovate? What can you point to in that act that we should be looking at?

Commissioner O’Reilly: I outlined six in my testimony, but I'll give you just the two. I think one is, don't wait for a comprehensive reform. You can do it, whether it be piecemeal or smaller, bite-sized chunks, and you can really be effective in reframing how the commission looks at things. Two is, don't, and this is not about this commission, but you cannot rely on a commission to do the work that you expect it will deviate from whatever you thought it was going to. Everyone thought it was going to go here, and it went this way. And then provisions that are, years later, still reinterpreting provisions far, you know, in thirty years, reinterpreting provisions on a new creative mindset. So what I tell people and tell policymakers is, write in what you don't want the commission to do, not do X, do not do Y, you don't have the authority to do Z. Be very clear what you cannot do is really important.

Rep. Pfluger: Take some lessons from the Chevron deference case as well. Lastly, I've introduced the bipartisan Keep It Moving Act to establish clear timelines for the FCC merger review process, and this act would require a full commission vote to deny an application, ensuring the critical decisions are made transparently and don't create unnecessary barriers. And so, go to Chip Pickering, in your view, how would legislation like the Keep It Moving Act set the right framework and provide market certainty and predictability?

Chip Pickering: Whereas I keep saying, we're in a build period, there's going to be a heightened time of mergers and acquisitions as the scope and scale to build the big infrastructure that's going on. So the faster that we can go through merger reviews, the more transparent, and we welcome legislative initiative on your part, and whether it's denial and approval for a full vote or having a dissenting debate, the better we have an open, transparent process with a shot clock is the best way to go.


Rep. Pfluger Votes to Fund the Department of Homeland Security

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11), Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security's Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence, released the following statement after voting to fund the Department of Homeland Security.

"Democrats have once again made their priorities clear. They are willing to let Americans endure endless airport lines, force TSA, Border Patrol, and Coast Guardsmen to work without pay, and stretch all DHS personnel thin while politicizing their mission. That puts their livelihoods and our nation’s safety at risk. Democrats are playing political games with real American families, and it’s indefensible. I’ve now voted five times to fund the Department of Homeland Security. 203 Democrats voted no again tonight. Protecting Americans and backing those who serve us should never be controversial."


Pfluger Fly-By: March 27, 2026

Friend,

Welcome back to the Pfluger Fly-By, a weekly roundup of the work I am doing to represent you and our communities in Congress.

This week, I participated in a hearing to examine the real-world impact of the Democrats' DHS shutdown, where I called out my Democrat colleagues for their hypocrisy and unwillingness to support the men and women of TSA, Border Patrol, ICE, and Coast Guard.

On the legislative front, I'm proud to share that my bill to protect American companies operating abroad passed the U.S. House, and my Mystic Alerts Act advanced out of committee. I also participated in additional hearings focused on modernizing the 1996 Telecommunication Act and strengthening Arctic security, and joined national conversations on the Fox News Rundown Podcast and The Hugh Hewitt Show.

Back in the district, I helped secure $14.3 million for the Midland Air and Space Port and joined the KWEL Morning Show hosted by Craig Anderson. My office is also continuing to support students through incredible opportunities such as the Service Academy Night in Llano and the 2026 Congressional Art Competition.

Below, you'll find highlights from the week, including pictures, in-depth updates, and information on how my office can help you with any federal concerns. As always, my team and I are here to serve you. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need assistance.

Best,


Mystic Alerts Act from Carter, Pfluger advances

Originally Published in the Ripon Advance on March 27, 2026.

The U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee on March 25 voted 52-0 to pass a bipartisan bill introduced by U.S. Reps. Buddy Carter (R-GA) and August Pfluger (R-TX) that would strengthen emergency alert systems, especially in rural or remote areas.

The Mystic Alerts Act, H.R. 7022, which Rep. Pfluger sponsored on Jan. 12 alongside three original cosponsors, including Rep. Carter and U.S. Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX), is named for Camp Mystic, a private Christian summer camp for girls established in 1926. Catastrophic floods in Texas on July 4, 2025 killed 25 campers and two counselors at the camp, which did not have a specialized emergency alert system in place.

“My granddaughters were staying at Camp Mystic when the devastating floods claimed the lives of many young girls, including their cousin, Janie Hunt,” said Rep. Carter. “Camp should be a place of joy, adventure, and lasting memories. But for these girls, the trauma they experienced will stay with them forever.”

H.R. 7022, which now heads to the full House for a vote, would integrate satellite networks into wireless emergency alert processes so that emergency alerts would be sent via satellite.

“When disaster strikes, communication infrastructure is often the first thing to fail, especially in rural areas. After the devastating floods of July 4 in central and west Texas, we must ensure every American receives life-saving emergency alerts when it matters most,” Rep. Pfluger said Wednesday. “I’m grateful the Mystic Alerts Act passed out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee today with unanimous, bipartisan support.”

The proposed bill also calls for the the Federal Communications Commission to publish a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking within six months after the bill’s enactment to establish relevant technical standards, protocols, procedures, interoperability requirements, and other technical requirements necessary to enable satellite alerting capability for providers of commercial mobile service that voluntarily elect to transmit emergency alerts, including standards for training such providers on enabling such capability, according to the bill’s text.

“Like Rep. Pfluger, this issue is deeply personal to my family, and I look forward to our continued work to pass the Mystic Alerts Act so that no child or family has to endure a tragedy like this again,” Rep. Carter added.


House Passes Legislation to Combat Mexican Government’s Seizure of American-Owned Port

Originally Published in the Daily Signal on March 27, 2026.

The House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation to grant the president authority to limit U.S. port access for countries that have seized American property abroad.

As Congress remains bitterly divided on the SAVE America Act and funding for the Department of Homeland Security, the Defending American Property Abroad Act of 2026 passed with bipartisan support. The bill, introduced by Rep. August Pfluger, R-Texas, passed by a vote of 247 to 164.

“Today’s House passage of my Defending American Property Abroad Act of 2026 is a necessary step to protect American businesses and workers from unfair treatment overseas,” Pfluger told The Daily Signal.

The impetus for Pfluger’s legislation was a longtime dispute involving the Mexican government and a U.S.-owned port in Mexico. Lawmakers say that Mexico has violated the USMCA trade agreement by attempting to seize control of a port operated by Vulcan Materials.

Vulcan Materials Company, based in Alabama, is one of the nation’s largest producers of construction aggregates.

Pfluger has raised concerns about this dispute since 2022, but in March 2023, Vulcan’s deep-water port at Punta Venado was seized by the Mexican government.

“When countries violate trade agreements and illegally seize assets from U.S. companies, it puts American job security, economic security, and national security at risk. This legislation is critical because it ensures there are enforceable consequences for those actions,” Pfluger said.

“It sends a clear message to any foreign government that the United States will not tolerate this behavior,” Pfluger continued. “We will defend our economic interests, uphold the rule of law, and stand firmly behind American companies operating abroad.

The legislation stipulates that ships may be restricted from entering U.S. waters or unloading at U.S. ports without the president’s approval if these vessels previously stopped at ports previously owned by U.S. entities but later taken over by foreign governments in the Western Hemisphere.

Speaker Mike Johnson congratulated Pfluger on the House passage of the legislation. “U.S. investments abroad have long been essential to both our economic development and national security,” Johnson, R-La., claimed, “and this legislation takes a crucial step to protect and defend U.S. business interests globally.”

“I am thrilled to see this pass with overwhelming bipartisan support,” Pfluger said, “and I will continue advocating for it until it passes through the Senate and is signed into law.”


WATCH: On House Floor, Pressley Honors Emmanuel Damas, Constituent Who Died in ICE Custody

Transcript: On House Floor, Pressley Honors Emmanuel Damas, Constituent Who Died in ICE Custody

U.S. House of Representatives

March 26, 2026

Mr. Speaker,

I rise to remember Emmanuel Damas. 56 years old, a father, brother, son, valued community member, and neighbor of the Massachusetts 7th.

Like so many, Emmanuel came to this country seeking safety from the violence, the instability, and the crisis in Haiti, only to be abducted by ICE and transferred far from his family.

Now while in custody, Emmanuel pleaded for necessary medical care for a toothache—a basic human right. He was repeatedly denied medical care.

That toothache became an infection, an infection that resulted in septic shock, as infection took over Emmanuel’s body.

I can only imagine the agony he was in.

Eventually, Emmanuel fell into a coma and he died—a tragic, preventable, shameful death.

Mr. Speaker, this is not an isolated tragedy, but a pattern of cruelty and neglect that is robbing us of lives.

Emmanuel was at least the tenth person to die in ICE custody this year, and his death was entirely preventable.

So while there can never be true justice for Emmanuel—in a just world, he would still be alive and home with his family—there must be accountability.

Today, we extend our deepest condolences to his loved ones and community, and together, we’ll keep pushing for the accountability, transparency and the healing they deserve.


Congresswoman Ross Statement on Republicans Refusing to End Airport Chaos and Fund TSA

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) released the following statement after the House Republican leadership refused to put the bipartisan, Senate-passed legislation on the floor that would fully fund the TSA, FEMA, Coast Guard, CISA, and other Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agencies that are not involved in executing the Trump administration’s cruel and unconstitutional immigration policies.

“For more than 40 days, Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans have refused to negotiate in good faith with Democrats to reopen DHS and implement urgently needed reforms to ICE and CBP,” said Congresswoman Ross. “In the meantime, hardworking federal employees in North Carolina and across the country have been forced to go without pay, while travelers and families are experiencing chaos at airports nationwide.

“This crisis was entirely avoidable, and Congress has the power to end it. The Senate has already passed a bipartisan solution that would immediately fund TSA, FEMA, the Coast Guard, and other essential DHS agencies while allowing Congress to continue working towards essential changes to the way ICE and CBP have been operating. Instead of taking up this commonsense measure, Speaker Johnson and House Republicans would rather watch this dysfunction continue and protect Trump’s extreme immigration agenda.

“Democrats are absolutely united in ending this crisis, funding TSA, and protecting communities across the country. It’s time for Speaker Johnson to do the right thing and put the Senate-passed bill on the floor for a vote.”

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Rep. Rulli Honors Wrestling Legend Bobby Douglas in Congressional Record

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Mike Rulli (OH-06) entered into the Congressional Record a tribute honoring the life and legacy of Robert “Bobby” Douglas of Bellaire, Ohio, an esteemed wrestler and coach who exemplified the very best in Eastern Ohio.

Born in Bellaire, Ohio, Bobby attended Bridgeport High School, where he rose through the wrestling ranks, winning the Ohio 112-pound state title as a sophomore. From winning back-to-back state titles at Bridgeport High School to captaining the United States Olympic freestyle team at the 1968 Games, Bobby carried the values of hard work, toughness, and pride in every competition he entered. He finished his competitive career with a stunning record of 303–17, earned silver and bronze medals at the World Championships, and placed fourth at the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

“Bobby Douglas represented the very best our region has to offer,” said Congressman Rulli. “He grew up in Bellaire, competed at the highest levels in the world, and then spent the rest of his life giving back to the sport and the next generation of young athletes. That kind of legacy deserves to be recognized, and I am proud to have entered it into the Congressional Record for all time.”

Bobby’s impact did not end when he stepped off the mat. As a coach at UC Santa Barbara, Arizona State University, and Iowa State University, he won more than 400 collegiate dual meets, claimed a 1988 NCAA team national title at Arizona State, and guided Cael Sanderson to a gold medal at the 2004 Olympic Games. His coaching resume includes 13 NCAA individual champions, 110 All-America performances, and 68 conference titles. He was inducted into the NAIA Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1985 and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1987.

Congressman Rulli called on his colleagues in the House to join him in honoring Bobby’s memory and recognizing the contributions he made to Ohio, to American athletics, and to every young wrestler who had the privilege of learning from him.

See the entry in the Congressional Record here.


Rep. Sewell Votes for Bipartisan Legislation to Defend Vulcan Against Mexican Government's Illegal Attacks

Washington D.C. — Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) voted in favor of the Defending American Property Abroad (DAPA) Act, narrowly-tailored legislation that would protect the Birmingham-headquartered Vulcan Materials Company against continued attacks by the Government of Mexico. The bill passed the House today by a bipartisan vote of 247 to 164.

Watch on YouTube here.

“I am proud to support the Defending American Property Abroad Act,” said Rep. Sewell. “Since 2018, the President of Mexico used a number of illegal tactics to intimidate Vulcan Materials and their workers, including a military seizure of Vulcan-owned property in Mexico. I have worked closely with Vulcan in recent years as we pursued all diplomatic and legislative options, and I am glad the bill today passed with broad bipartisan support. I will continue to fight for all the workers in my district who have suffered from illegal trade actions by foreign nations.”

The DAPA Act would:

Protect U.S. Assets Abroad: Seeks to deter and punish foreign government actions that seize, nationalize, or interfere

with property or assets owned by U.S. persons.

Expand Trade Act Protections: Amends Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 to include expropriation of U.S. assets as grounds for trade enforcement action.

Authorize U.S. Retaliation: Enables U.S. authorities to block imports and vessels from entering the U.S. from entities

operating on expropriated or nationalized port infrastructure property that is owned by a U.S.

company.

Background

On May 5, 2022, the Mexican government illegally shut down Vulcan’s operations via military force. In March of 2023, the Mexican government invaded and occupied Vulcan’s property again to benefit CEMEX, a private Mexican company.

On September 23, 2024 President López Obrador decreed the property a Naturally Protected Area (NPA) on September 23, 2024, precluding Vulcan from using its property for productive purposes. Now, the Government of Mexico is utilizing baseless criminal charges to re-invade Vulcan’s property and potentially seize Vulcan’s assets.

Shepherding the DAPA Act through the House is the latest in a series of steps taken by Rep. Sewell and her Alabama colleagues to defend Vulcan against attacks by the Mexican government. Rep. Sewell previously led Alabama's House delegation in a letter to Mexico’s Foreign Relations Secretary Alicia Bárcena demanding a remedy to their illegal invasion and warning of consequences.

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Stanton, Colleagues Introduce Energy Bills Relief Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Greg Stanton (D-Ariz.) and 120 House Democrats this week introduced the Energy Bills Relief Act, legislation aimed at lowering rising energy costs by expanding renewable energy and modernizing the electric grid to meet rising demand.

"Arizonans are being squeezed by rising energy costs — and Washington has made it worse. Electricity rates have surged as the Trump Administration cancelled clean energy projects and eliminated the tax credits that were actually keeping bills affordable,” Stanton said. “As we head into another scorching Arizona summer, Congress has a responsibility to act. The Energy Bills Relief Act is about putting families first: lowering costs, strengthening reliability, and building a cleaner, more resilient energy system for the long haul."

The Energy Bills Relief Act prioritizes consumers and ensures access to low-cost energy for our homes, businesses, and economy by:

Reinstating tax credits for home and system-wide energy improvements ended by President Trump and Congressional Republicans

Incentivizing utility companies to make their systems more efficient, saving consumers’ money

Providing financial assistance to help families avoid utility shutoffs

Cracking down on price gouging to stop energy companies from taking advantage

Ensuring that large facilities, such as data centers, cover their own energy costs.

Expanding community input so Americans benefit from local energy projects.

Text of the Energy Bills Relief Act can be found HERE.

This bill is a continuation of Stanton’s work to lower costs for Arizona families. Last month, he joined the 115-member New Democrat Coalition to unveil their Affordability Agenda, a policy roadmap focused on reducing the five biggest expenses for working families: health care, housing, energy, family care, and everyday essentials like groceries.

The agenda calls for several policies to lower energy costs for Americans, including:


Stefanik, Cotton Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Propel America's Robotics Superiority, Protect U.S. National Security

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Chairwoman of House Republican Leadership, along with Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR) and Chuck Schumer (D-NY), introduced the American Security Robotics Act to propel and protect America's robotics superiority while safeguarding U.S. national security and citizens' data.

"One of America’s greatest strengths is the ingenuity of our people—our visionaries, inventors, engineers, and dedicated workers. We must continue to promote and propel America’s robotics superiority while safeguarding our privacy and national security from adversaries. This is why I am introducing bicameral, bipartisan legislation with my colleague, Senator Cotton," said Stefanik.

“Robots made by Communist China threaten Arkansans’ privacy and our national security. Our bill will ban the federal government from buying and operating these devices made in countries that wish us harm,” said Cotton.

“The Chinese Communist Party has shown that they are willing to lie and cheat to get ahead at the expense of the American people and our national security. They are running their standard playbook—this time in robotics—trying to flood the U.S. market with their technology, which presents real security risks and threats to Americans’ privacy and American research and industry. We must protect our country from these threats, starting with a ban on the federal government buying this CCP technology,” said Schumer.

The American Security Robotics Act would:

Ban federal government from procuring and operating unmanned ground vehicle systems manufactured by foreign entities of concern, including humanoid robots and autonomous patrol technology.


Rep. Sykes Blasts House Republicans and Trump for Prolonging DHS Shutdown

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) released the following statement after voting against House Republicans’ latest proposal and criticizing their rejection of a bipartisan Senate agreement to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS):

“The games need to end. A funding bill can only pass if it can get enough votes,” said Rep. Sykes. “But instead of working towards a solution, partisan bills with no chance of passage keep coming up for a vote and failing. Finger-pointing doesn’t get TSA employees paid. Finger-pointing doesn’t ensure disaster relief funds. And finger-pointing doesn't keep us safe. Let’s get a real solution on the floor and pass it immediately.”

Rep. Sykes is continuing to uplift her bipartisan Pay Our Military Act, which ensures that service members, civilian Department of Defense personnel, Coast Guard members, reservists, and contractors receive uninterrupted pay during government shutdowns. Government shutdowns should never put our military families or national security at risk.


Tlaib Introduces Two Resolutions Standing with the People of Lebanon against the U.S.-backed Israeli Invasion

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), introduced two resolutions to stand with the people of Lebanon against the devastating bombing campaign and ground invasion of their country by the Israeli military and to end U.S. support for this illegal invasion. This legislative package includes a House Resolution Standing with the People of Lebanon Against the Illegal Invasion, War Crimes, and Ethnic Cleansing Perpetrated by the State of Israel and Lebanon War Powers Resolution.

“Thousands of families in our district with strong ties to Lebanon are living through immense pain,” said Congresswoman Tlaib. “Many have lost loved ones, watched their grandparent’s towns and villages be completely destroyed, and seen relatives uprooted from their homes not knowing if they will ever be able to return. We are witnessing the same genocidal playbook used against Palestinians in Gaza, now in Lebanon. Israeli leaders are openly celebrating it. This ethnic cleansing campaign is only possible because of U.S. support, funded by our tax dollars. We must act now to stop these crimes against humanity and illegal invasion of Lebanon.”

The Israeli government’s latest assault on Lebanon has already killed over 1,116 people, including 121 children. Over 1.2 million people—around one fifth of Lebanon’s entire population—have been forcibly displaced from their homes and told by the Israeli military that they will not be allowed to return. High-ranking Israeli government and military officials have openly announced plans for Lebanon that involve implementing, in their own words, “the Gaza model, but in Lebanon” and an intent to ethnically cleanse and indefinitely occupy Lebanese territory.

The House Resolution Standing with the People of Lebanon Against the Illegal Invasion, War Crimes, and Ethnic Cleansing Perpetrated by the State of Israel calls on the United States to use its immense leverage to force an end to the Israeli military invasion, reject threats of territorial expansion and the illegal occupation of Lebanese territory, investigate and prosecute war crimes, end U.S. support and participation in this invasion, deliver unconditional humanitarian and reconstruction aid, extend Temporary Protected Status for Lebanese nationals in the United States, and support the safe and inalienable right of return of all displaced Lebanese to their homes.

The evidence of war crimes committed by the Israeli military in this invasion is apparent: it has ordered the forced displacement of around 15 percent of Lebanon’s entire territory under threat of indiscriminate violence; targeted medical facilities, ambulances, and first responders; destroyed critical civilian infrastructure, including homes, apartment buildings, churches, mosques, bridges, electricity networks, water and sanitation networks; and has fired white phosphorous on residential neighborhoods.

This legislation is endorsed by: 99 Coalition, A New Policy, Action Corps, ActionAid USA, Adalah Justice Project, Afghans For A Better Tomorrow, Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture, Albuquerque DSA, American Muslims for Palestine (AMP), American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), Americans for Justice in Palestine (AJP Action), Arab American Civic Council, Arab American Civil Right League, Arab American Heritage Council, Arab American Institute (AAI), Arab Caucus of the North Carolina Democratic Party, Arab Resource & Organizing Center Action (AROC Action), Beyt Tikkun, Borderlands for Equity, CAIR Action, CAIR Washington, Center for Islamic Life at Rutgers University, CODEPINK, CodePink Detroit, Community Alliance for Peace and Justice, Council on American-Islamic Relations, Defending Rights & Dissent, Democratic Socialists of America, Detroit Anti-War Committee, Disability Justice for Palestine, Emgage MI, Engineers Against Apartheid, Environmentalists Against War, For the Binat, Forensic Architecture, Friends of Sabeel North America (FOSNA), Gen-Z for Change, Global Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and United Church of Christ, Hind Rajab Foundation, Hindus for Human Rights Action, Historians for Peace and Democracy, IMEU Policy Project, Indiana Center for Middle East Peace, Institute for Policy Studies New Internationalism Project, Islamic Society Of Central Jersey, Jewish Voice for Peace Action, Jewish Voice for Peace Albuquerque, Just Foreign Policy, Justice Democrats, Justice is Global, Justice4Palestine Actions Enablement Network (J4P), Kalamazoo Nonviolent Opponents of War, Lansing Area Peace Education Center, Macomb Defenders Rising, MADRE, Majdal: Arab Community Center of San Diego, MARUF CT, Massachusetts Peace Action, Methodist Federation for Social Action, Metro Detroit DSA, Michigan Coalition Against Genocide, Michigan Divest, MidEast: Just Peace, Minnesota Peace Project, Moratorium Now Coalition, Movement for Black Lives Action Fund (M4BL Action Fund), MPower Change Action Fund, MPower Change Action Fund , Musicians Against Genocide, Muslim Civic Coalition, Muslim Counterpublics Lab, Muslim Democratic Caucus of Texas, Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC), Muslims for Just Futures, Muslims United PAC, National Lawyers Guild, Detroit & Michigan Chapter, National Nurses United, NEPA DSA, New Hampshire Peace Action, NH World Fellowship Center, New Mexico Alliance for Justice in Palestine, North Carolina Peace Action, OF/BY/FOR, Orange County for Justice in Palestine, Peace Action, Organize for Peace, Our Revolution, Peace Action of Michigan, Peace Justice Sustainability NOW!, Philadelphia Arab-American Development Corps, Pittsburgh Palestine Solidarity Committee, Progressive Caucus of the Michigan Democratic Party, Progressive Democrats of America – Central New Mexico, Progressive Peace Coalition, Project South, Queer Folk®, Inc., Rabbis for Ceasefire, Rachel Corrie Foundation for Peace and Justice, Racine Coalition for Peace and Justice, ReThinking Foreign Policy, RootsAction, San Francisco Bay Physicians for Social Responsibility, Stand up Fight back Southeastern Michigan, State Wide Indivisible Michigan (SWIM), The American Council for Judaism, The Justice Coalition, The Palestine Justice Network of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), The People’s Coalition, The Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy (TIMEP), Transition Security Project, United Church of Christ, United Methodists for Kairos Response (UMKR), US Campaign for Palestinian Rights Action, Veterans For Peace, Veterans For Peace Chapter 74, Washington for Peace and Justice, Western Michigan University’s Students for Justice in Palestine, Win Without War, Women Cross DMZ, World BEYOND War, Yemen Relief and Reconstruction Foundation, YUSRA Action.

The full text of the resolution is available here.

The Lebanon War Powers Resolution, co-led by Congresswoman Delia Ramirez (IL-03), orders the removal of all U.S. Armed Forces’ participation in unauthorized hostilities in Lebanon, including involvement in targeting assistance and intelligence sharing for the Israeli airstrikes and ground invasion.

The United States is assisting this destruction through the weapons, intelligence, logistics, and diplomatic cover it provides the Israeli government, and Congress has the power and duty to put an end to this illegal invasion.

War Powers Resolutions are privileged, meaning that any member of the House of Representatives can force a vote on the legislation.

This legislation is cosponsored by Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez (NY-07).

This legislation is endorsed by: 99 Coalition, A New Policy, Action Corps, ActionAid USA, Adalah Justice Project, Afghans For A Better Tomorrow, Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture, Albuquerque DSA, American Muslims for Palestine (AMP), American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), Americans for Justice in Palestine (AJP Action), Arab American Civic Council, Arab American Civil Right League, Arab American Heritage Council, Arab American Institute (AAI), Arab Caucus of the North Carolina Democratic Party, Arab Resource & Organizing Center Action (AROC Action), Beyt Tikkun, Borderlands for Equity, CAIR Action, CAIR Washington, Center for Islamic Life at Rutgers University, CODEPINK, CodePink Detroit, Community Alliance for Peace and Justice, Council on American-Islamic Relations, Defending Rights & Dissent, Democratic Socialists of America, Detroit Anti-War Committee, Disability Justice for Palestine, Emgage MI, Engineers Against Apartheid, Environmentalists Against War, For the Binat, Forensic Architecture, Friends Committee on National Legislation, Friends of Sabeel North America (FOSNA), Gen-Z for Change, Global Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and United Church of Christ, Hind Rajab Foundation, Hindus for Human Rights Action, Historians for Peace and Democracy, IMEU Policy Project, Indiana Center for Middle East Peace, Institute for Policy Studies New Internationalism Project, Islamic Society Of Central Jersey, Jewish Voice for Peace Action, Jewish Voice for Peace Albuquerque, Just Foreign Policy, Justice Democrats, Justice is Global, Justice4Palestine Actions Enablement Network (J4P), Kalamazoo Nonviolent Opponents of War, Lansing Area Peace Education Center, Macomb Defenders Rising, MADRE, Majdal: Arab Community Center of San Diego, MARUF CT, Massachusetts Peace Action, Methodist Federation for Social Action, Metro Detroit DSA, Michigan Coalition Against Genocide, Michigan Divest, MidEast: Just Peace, Minnesota Peace Project, Moratorium Now Coalition, Movement for Black Lives Action Fund (M4BL Action Fund), MPower Change Action Fund, MPower Change Action Fund , Musicians Against Genocide, Muslim Advocates, Muslim Civic Coalition, Muslim Counterpublics Lab, Muslim Democratic Caucus of Texas, Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC), Muslims for Just Futures, Muslims United PAC, National Lawyers Guild, Detroit & Michigan Chapter, National Nurses United, NEPA DSA, New Hampshire Peace Action, NH World Fellowship Center, New Mexico Alliance for Justice in Palestine, North Carolina Peace Action, OF/BY/FOR, Orange County for Justice in Palestine, Organize for Peace, Our Revolution, Peace Action, Peace Action of Michigan, Peace Justice Sustainability NOW!, Philadelphia Arab-American Development Corps, Pittsburgh Palestine Solidarity Committee, Progressive Caucus of the Michigan Democratic Party, Progressive Democrats of America – Central New Mexico, Project South, Progressive Peace Coalition, Queer Folk®, Inc., Rabbis for Ceasefire, Rachel Corrie Foundation for Peace and Justice, Racine Coalition for Peace and Justice, ReThinking Foreign Policy, RootsAction, San Francisco Bay Physicians for Social Responsibility, Stand up Fight back Southeastern Michigan, State Wide Indivisible Michigan (SWIM), Sunrise Movement, The American Council for Judaism, The Justice Coalition, The Palestine Justice Network of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), The People’s Coalition, Transition Security Project, United Church of Christ, United Methodists for Kairos Response (UMKR), US Campaign for Palestinian Rights Action, Veterans For Peace, Veterans For Peace Chapter 74, Washington for Peace and Justice, Western Michigan University’s Students for Justice in Palestine, Win Without War, Women Cross DMZ, World BEYOND War, Yemen Relief and Reconstruction Foundation, YUSRA Action.

The full text of the resolution is available here.

###


Rep. Tokuda Rejects Partisan Plan to Extend Government Shutdown

Washington D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) released the following statement after voting against the Republican funding bill that would further prolong the 42-day government shutdown instead of restoring funding for essential workers in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS):

“Essential workers and their livelihoods should never have been used as political leverage. House Republicans rejected a bipartisan funding deal that was adopted by the Senate and would have ended this shutdown immediately. Only after weeks of missed pay and airport chaos did Trump suddenly find the authority to issue an executive order to pay TSA officers. You do not stand with our essential workers by prolonging the shutdown that is hurting them. You do not help TSA officers, FEMA personnel, or Coast Guard servicemembers by holding their paychecks hostage to extract more funding for ICE and CBP, who already received a $140 billion blank check from the Big Ugly Bill. It’s completely backwards that Republicans chose ICE over the FEMA teams who have been on the ground helping our Hawaiʻi communities recover from both wildfires and floods.

Republicans continue to choose ICE over everyday Americans. You deserve better, and I refuse to support a 60-day patch that drags on this shutdown when we should be voting to pass a bipartisan solution that will fund DHS right now.”

The bill passed the House by a vote of 213 to 203.

###


Congressman Valadao Hosts Launch Event for Bipartisan Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus

WASHINGTON – Yesterday, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) hosted the launch of the Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus alongside caucus co-chairs Reps. Troy Carter (LA-02), Laurel Lee (FL-15), and Lucy McBath (GA-06), as well as founding members Reps. Vince Fong (CA-20) and John McGuire III (VA-05).

“Human trafficking is a complex and deeply troubling issue, and the launch event for the bipartisan Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus brought together lawmakers, advocates, survivors, and industry leaders committed to confronting this crisis head-on,” said Congressman Valadao. “Hearing directly from those on the front lines reinforces the urgent need for stronger coordination, greater awareness, and federal policy that reflects the reality in our communities. This caucus will serve as a critical platform to elevate those voices, and I look forward to working together to prevent exploitation, prosecute traffickers, and protect survivors.”

Attendees included representatives from the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), U.S. Chamber of Commerce, American Gaming Association (AGA), Protect All Children from Trafficking (PACT), Kids in Need of Defense (KIND), 3Strands Foundation, Interparliamentary Taskforce on Human Trafficking, International Justice Mission, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Woodmont Lodging, Hyatt, Hilton, Donohoe Hospitality Services, Rights4Girls, JLL, Xenia Hotels, PM Hotels, and My Place Hotels.

Click here for photos from the event.

###


Congressman Van Drew: Pay Our Coast Guard Now

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Van Drew issued the following statement as the partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security continues, leaving Coast Guard service members without pay for 42 days.

"Our Coast Guard men and women are good people," said Congressman Van Drew. "They have committed their lives to serving this country and protecting all of us. What is happening right now is painful, wrong, and downright shameful. It is unbelievable that in the United States of America, we have Coast Guard members going to food banks, holding fundraisers, and struggling to make ends meet. That is not who we are as a country, and it should make every single person in Washington embarrassed.

"South Jersey is home to Coast Guard Training Center Cape May, the only recruit training center in our nation. I meet these men and women all the time. They are hardworking, decent, committed people, and they do not deserve to be treated this way. Despite all this, they continue to show up every single day and carry out their mission without pay. They deserve a government that shows up for them as well. I have spoken directly with President Trump and asked him to consider every possible option, including executive action, to get our Coast Guard paid during this shutdown, just like he has for TSA. For God's sake, stop playing politics with the people who protect this country. Pay our service members now."


Watson Coleman Statement on Opposition to Republican Messaging Bill

Washington, D.C. (March 27, 2026) - Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) voted against House Republicans’ most recent messaging bill that fails to address the deep issues within ICE and CBP. The Congresswoman made the following statement about her vote:

The bill brought to the floor tonight is political theater for House Republicans.

Late last night, after considerable negotiations, the Senate unanimously passed a bill by voice-vote that provided funding for TSA, FEMA, the Coast Guard, and other agencies within DHS while granting time for further negotiations on reasonable safeguards to rein in ICE and CBP that protect the rights of citizens and non-citizens from abuse by DHS agents.

For House Republicans to throw out that bill and pass yet another messaging bill that doesn’t stand a chance in the Senate is an insult to every DHS employee and the thousands of travelers who have been inconvenienced over the past month.

For the past six weeks, TSA agents have gone without pay as Republicans and President Trump rejected several proposals from Democrats to pay our TSA agents. Hundreds have quit, and many have called out because they could not afford gas, childcare, or their bills. The resulting airport security lines stretched for hours and crippled airports across the country.

What a stunning embarrassment by House Republican leadership.


Rep. Webster – Congress Must Fully Fund Homeland Security

Washington, D.C. — Florida Congressman Daniel Webster, R-Clermont, voted to pass the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 7147, legislation that would fully fund the Department of Homeland Security for 60 days.

“Congress has a fundamental responsibly to safeguard our nation and ensure that the agencies tasked with defending our homeland have the resources necessary to carry out their mission,” said Rep. Webster. “While I generally oppose Continuing Resolutions, this legislation ensures continuity of operations at DHS while Congress continues to work toward a long-term solution.”

“This legislation stands in contrast to the proposal put forward by the Senate, which failed to fund key components of DHS, leaving many personnel without pay and undermining critical operations. While the One Big Beautiful Bill continues to fund critical functions of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), their proposal failed to fully fund border security operations and neglected essential functions that are vital to keeping our country safe."

###


Womack Votes to Pay All Department of Homeland Security Personnel

WASHINGTON, D.C.—March 27, 2026… Today, Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) voted for the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R. 7147. This bill provides for a continuing resolution for the Department of Homeland Security through May 22, 2026.

Congressman Womack said, “We should not be picking winners and losers when it comes to securing our homeland. Today’s stopgap measure is neither a permanent fix nor does it provide long-overdue, updated levels in funding, but it does fund the Department of Homeland Security in its entirety—a proposal that ensures all of the department’s hard-working federal workers are paid and ultimately protects the American public.”

Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) has represented Arkansas’s Third Congressional District since 2011. He is a member of the House Appropriations Committee.

womack.house.gov


From the Front: March 27, 2026

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From the Front: March 27, 2026
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Baldwin Presses Trump on Skyrocketing Gas Prices, Decision to Ease Sanctions on Russia and Iran

WASHINGTON, D.C.– Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) joined a group of her colleagues in pressing the Trump Administration about its decision to ease sanctions on Russian and Iranian oil exports and its lack of planning regarding the economic fallout of President Donald Trump’s war of choice against Iran. Since the war began, the price of U.S. crude oil has risen by more than 40 percent, and the average price of gasoline has risen by more than a dollar per gallon as a result of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz—something that President Trump and his top national security advisers were warned about prior to the start of the war.

“We write with deep concern and confusion over your administration’s recent decision to ease sanctions on Russian and Iranian oil exports,” wrote the Senators in a letter to President Trump. “These actions speak once again to the troubling lack of strategic foresight that has marked your administration’s decision-making prior to and during its war of choice with Iran, jeopardizing the lives of our servicemembers across the region and raising costs for Americans here at home.”

“Open source reporting suggests that prior to starting this war of choice, you and your administration were regularly briefed on, and dismissed, the potential economic fallout of a conflict with Iran. These warnings included the regime’s likely closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the resulting severe spike in global oil prices,” the Senators continued. “Now that those impacts are being felt in Americans’ pocketbooks, your administration is scrambling – and failing – to contain this fallout.”

In the letter, the senators also raise concerns about easing Russian sanctions given recent reporting that Russia has been sharing intelligence with Iran regarding the movements of U.S. forces in the Middle East, and the risk this decision poses to U.S. servicemembers.

“The economic effects of the war are already raising costs, with Americans being asked to pay even more for gas, groceries, and travel. Relieving sanctions on U.S. adversaries during an active conflict is just the most recent indicator of an incoherent and disordered policy approach,” the Senators wrote.

“We demand that you make senior officials of your Administration immediately available for public hearings in order to fully explain to the American people the rationale behind the decision to release these funds to the Russian and Iranian regimes,” the Senators concluded.

The letter was led by Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ).

The full text of the letter is available here and below:

Dear President Trump:

We write with deep concern and confusion over your administration’s recent decision to ease sanctions on Russian and Iranian oil exports. These actions speak once again to the troubling lack of strategic foresight that has marked your administration’s decision-making prior to and during its war of choice with Iran, jeopardizing the lives of our servicemembers across the region and raising costs for Americans here at home.

The administration’s lack of strategic cohesion on the war in Iran is having a direct impact on the economy and is endangering our servicemembers. Open source reporting suggests that prior to starting this war of choice, you and your administration were regularly briefed on, and dismissed, the potential economic fallout of a conflict with Iran.[1] These warnings included the regime’s likely closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the resulting severe spike in global oil prices. Now that those impacts are being felt in Americans’ pocketbooks, your administration is scrambling – and failing – to contain this fallout. The administration’s abrupt March 20 decision to waive certain sanctions on Iranian oil sales will do little to mitigate rising costs even while opening a massive source of new revenue – per press reports, as much as $14 billion – for the very regime that U.S. servicemembers are risking their lives to strike.[2]

Open source reporting also suggests Russia began sharing sensitive intelligence with the Iranian military within the first days of the start of this conflict, including targeting information for U.S. military forces in the Middle East.[3] Russia’s direct military support for Iran would alone make shocking your decision to ease sanctions on their oil exports, but Russia is already set to make as much as $4.9 billion from surging oil prices alone- your sanctions waiver will undoubtedly add to that sum, enabling Russian President Vladimir Putin to redouble and extend pressure on our Ukrainian partners as they struggle to defend their country against his aggression.[4] [5]

The war in Iran is deeply unpopular, and Americans have made clear that they do not want another costly, protracted conflict in the Middle East.[6] The economic effects of the war are already raising costs, with Americans being asked to pay even more for gas, groceries, and travel. Relieving sanctions on U.S. adversaries during an active conflict is just the most recent indicator of an incoherent and disordered policy approach. Economic relief for Americans starts with the cessation of wars of choice, not the continuation of them.

We demand that you make senior officials of your Administration immediately available for public hearings in order to fully explain to the American people the rationale behind the decision to release these funds to the Russian and Iranian regimes.

###


Bennet, Cramer Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Indo-Pacific Space Cooperation

Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, and Senator Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, introduced the Indo-Pacific Space Partnership Act of 2026. This legislation would require the U.S. Space Force’s Chief of Space Operations to submit a report to Congress on the feasibility and advisability of expanding Multinational Force-Operation Olympic Defender (MNF-OOD) to incorporate additional allies in the Indo-Pacific, including Japan and South Korea.

“As China and Russia rapidly develop advanced space capabilities, the United States must bolster space cooperation with our allies to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said Bennet. “Bringing additional allies into MNF-OOD will increase resilience, enhance burden-sharing, and reinforce deterrence – strengthening our collective capacity to protect the space assets that underpin our national security and economies.”

“Expanding Operation Olympic Defender with allies like Japan and the Republic of Korea makes us stronger together,” said Cramer. “Our coalition boosts deterrence, reinforces resilience, and protects our space infrastructure. By expanding the network to include allies in the same region as some of greatest adversaries and competitors, we are much more capable of countering hostile actions in space.”

MNF-OOD is a U.S.-led coalition of seven allies – Australia, Canada, France, Germany, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States – focused on developing interoperability, addressing orbital debris, improving resilience of space-based infrastructure, enabling space domain awareness, and deterring hostile acts by adversaries. In 2025, the United States conducted two successful bilateral maneuvers with MNF-OOD partners, demonstrating alliance interoperability.

Bennet is a leading advocate of continued U.S. and allied space superiority, and of cooperation with Indo-Pacific allies to enhance regional deterrence.

The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation recently passed Bennet, Senator Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), and Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.)’s legislation to address gaps in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s ability to partner with Taiwan on space efforts.

As part of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Bennet secured passage of his legislation requiring the Secretary of Defense to develop and implement a strategy to strengthen U.S.-led multilateral efforts – with allies including Australia, Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines – to deter China’s aggression in the Indo-Pacific. Bennet also helped secure passage of legislation in the FY2026 NDAA to strengthen the AUKUS partnership, bar U.S. investment in China’s military technologies, and counter China’s efforts to open new military bases globally.

Additionally, Bennet and Cramer secured language – in line with their Quad Space Act – in the NDAA report requiring Department of Defense officials to brief Congress on efforts to coordinate best practices in space with allies and partners, including Japan, South Korea, Australia, and India.

As part of the FY 2025 NDAA, Bennet also helped secure passage of the Coordinating AUKUS Engagement with Japan Act, which requires the Department of Defense and State Department to determine how Japan can contribute to the AUKUS partnership comprising Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

The text of the bill is available HERE.

###


Bennet Statement on DHS Funding Deal

Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet released the following statement after the Senate unanimously passed the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding bill:

“For over a month, Democrats have been working to fund TSA, FEMA, and Coast Guard employees, putting forward multiple proposals to do exactly that. Yet, Republicans blocked every attempt until chaos broke out across our airports. Only then did they finally decide to come to the table.

“This deal does not go far enough, but it does ensure our federal workers get their paychecks and ensure our ports of entry are open — all without providing any additional funding for ICE or Customs and Border Patrol.

“Since President Trump took office, he has implemented cruel immigration enforcement policies. I will continue to fight for real reforms and hold DHS and ICE accountable. I will not back down as we work to prevent federal agents from wearing masks and require body cameras, stop children from being stripped from their families, ensure federal immigration agents are subject to the same common-sense practices as local law enforcement, and make a complete overhaul of leadership and operations at DHS.”

###


Blackburn Introduces Legislation to Promote New Business Innovation

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) introduced the American Innovation Act to spur new business innovation by expanding tax incentives for offsetting startup costs and removing initial barriers for creating new businesses:

“Entrepreneurship is the beating heart of the American Dream, and we must remove barriers that prevent hardworking Americans from launching their own businesses,” said Senator Blackburn. “The American Innovation Act would help Tennesseans invest in their own communities by kickstarting small businesses, supporting families, and growing our local economies.”

U.S. Representative Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.) introduced companion legislation in the House.

BACKGROUND

Startup costs are the upfront costs a business incurs while determining whether to create or acquire a business and while getting that business off the ground. They include expenses like researching potential markets or products, studying labor availability or logistics, advertising before opening, paying and training early employees, conducting surveys and market studies, and covering basic expenses like rent and utilities during the startup phase.

Startup costs are required to be amortized over 15 years, with the exception of a limited amount that can be deducted in the first year. This amount has been set at $5,000 since the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 was signed into law, with a phase-out for this deduction starting at $50,000.

According to the Small Business Administration, over 50% of new small businesses established between 1994-2001 failed within five years. A U.S. Census Bureau report also found that 46% of businesses began with less than $25,000, underscoring the need to support small businesses with increased access to capital at the early stages of business creation.

AMERICAN INNOVATION ACT

The American Innovation Act would promote new business innovation by expanding the deduction allowance for startup costs associated with new businesses. Specifically the bill would:

o Quadruple the amount of startup costs small business owners can deduct in the first year, raising it from $5,000 to $20,000;

o Increase the phase-out threshold for deductions from $50,000 to $120,000; and

o Allow partnerships and S corporations to take advantage of the deduction.

ENDORSEMENTS

This legislation is supported by theSmall Business & Entrepreneurship Council:

“These reforms put more resources into the hands of entrepreneurs during their critical launch year, empowering founders to reinvest in their companies. By lowering the tax burden on risk-taking and innovation, the ‘American Innovation Act’ supports job creation, fuels investment, and strengthens the broader economy. SBE Council applauds Senator Blackburn for her leadership in introducing this important legislation, and we urge every member of the U.S. Senate to strengthen entrepreneurship by supporting this important bill,” said Karen Kerrigan, President & CEO of the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council.


Blumenthal Introduces Bill Restoring Fairness in Federal Student Aid

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) along with U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), and Tim Kaine (D-VA) introduced a bill to re-establish flexibility and accountability in federal student aid after President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act imposed burdensome provisions restricting access to affordable higher education. The Restoring College Access and Affordability Act reinstates student loan programs and borrower protections, making higher education more affordable and accessible to more Americans.

“This critical legislation restores much needed fairness and flexibility in federal student aid, helping more Americans take advantage of educational opportunities to learn and grow,” said Blumenthal. “The Trump Administration has led a campaign of targeted attacks against higher education in our country, blocking access to higher education for the very students the federal aid system is meant to serve. The Restoring College Access and Affordability Act pushes back against such attacks and ensures that students have the educational resources and support needed to set them up on pathways to success.”

“The ‘Big, Ugly Betrayal’ is the hallmark of the Trump Administration’s ‘families lose, billionaires win’ agenda—savaging programs families rely on and increasing tax giveaways for Trump’s billionaire friends,” said Merkley. “This critical legislation will restore the college access programs that open the doors of opportunity to good-paying jobs.”

“On top of ripping health care away from millions and taking food off the tables of hungry children, the Republican Budget Betrayal also cuts off access to education for students in New Mexico and across the country,” said Luján. “Every student deserves the opportunity to pursue an education. That’s why I’ve partnered with my colleagues to introduce the Restoring College Access and Affordability Act. Our legislation will reverse harmful changes in the Republican Budget Betrayal that block access to higher education and will restore fairness in federal student aid. Students in New Mexico deserve pathways to higher education, and this bill helps deliver just that.”

“Students across the nation are carrying burdensome loan debt that too often limits their ability to pursue or complete their education and pursue their dreams,” said Booker. “In New Jersey, that reality is especially stark. It’s time we put students first and keep college truly accessible, so every young person has a fair shot at achieving their goals and building the future they envision. This bill helps restore opportunity and ensures higher education remains a pathway forward—not a lifelong financial weight.”

“My north star is economic opportunity – I believe Marylanders shouldn’t be living on the margins, but creating lives where they can truly thrive. Access to higher education creates pathways to generating wealth as well as opportunities to learn and grow – yet Congressional Republicans and this Administration made that pathway more difficult to access for so many with their big ugly bill. Our Restoring College Access and Affordability Act is just one of the ways I am trying to create prosperity and rebuild and restore the damage this Administration has unleashed on Americans,” said Alsobrooks.

“We should be making it easier for students to access higher education, but Republicans instead made major changes in the megabill they passed last year that cuts financial aid off for many students,” said Kaine. “I’m introducing this legislation to reverse these changes, restore fairness in federal financial aid, and help ensure equal opportunity to higher education for all.”

President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act undermines affordability and equity in higher education—eliminating loan programs, weakening borrower protections, and threatening institutional stability. The Restoring College Access and Affordability Act better serves American students by combatting the Trump Administration’s attacks on higher education and restoring fairness, flexibility, and accountability, re-establishing critical loan programs and protecting loan borrowers from predatory practices.

The Restoring College Access and Affordability Act is supported by a number of organizations, including Protect Borrowers, The American Federation of Teachers, The Institute for College Access and Success, National Consumer Law Center, National Association for College Admission Counseling, and Student Debt Center.

The full text of the bill can be found here, and a one-pager on the bill can be found here.

-30-


Senator Blumenthal: Week in Review 3/20/2026-3/27/2026

Condemning DHS Policies Brutalizing Children

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, and U.S. Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, held a bicameral public forum to receive testimony on how violent tactics, a disregard for laws and constitutional rights, and new Department of Homeland Security (DHS) policies have harmed children in America.

The forum, entitled “Our Values at Stake: How Trump’s Immigration Agenda Endangers Children,” featured testimony from young people and mothers about their personal experiences being assaulted or separated from their families by DHS agents. The forum also featured testimony from a school administrator about the impact of current DHS policies on schools and children. Blumenthal delivered an opening statement at the forum, highlighting how DHS’s cruel policies are leaving American children with lasting trauma.

“The second Trump Administration’s immigration enforcement has known no limits in its cruelty. They punish people simply for exercising their constitutional rights, like the First Amendment that protects people’s right to speak and dissent and protest. They’ve dragged people out of their cars, tear-gassed and beaten anyone who happened to be in their path. They’ve murdered American citizens. But even through all of it, nothing is more emblematic of the cruelty and inhumanity and callousness of this Administration than the way they have treated children,” Blumenthal said.

Blumenthal continued, “And I just want to say, part of the reason why we’re here today is the persistent reporting of journalists who also have shown indomitable courage in making these stories real. Today, we’re going to hear from six brave witnesses about ICE and CBP and about how they are terrorizing children in our neighborhoods. These extraordinary individuals have shown incredible courage, not just to persevere, but to come forward and tell the world about the callousness that should shock the conscience of all Americans.”

“The heartless indifference to the safety and well-being of our children across America is an indelible stain. It is indelible. It is now part of our history. And in making it part of our history and highlighting it today, we want to reverse those practices and reform the agency. And right now, in the United States senate, we are debating legislation that would in fact, reform this out-of-control, reckless, lawless agency. The shock value of your testimony today should move our nation and should persuade my colleagues that now is the time for reform,” Blumenthal concluded.

A video of Blumenthal’s opening remarks at today’s forum is available here.

Blumenthal further slammed DHS’s brutal policies hurting young people on Twitter/X.

“The ripple effect of ICE & DHS cruelly against children is far reaching. I was honored to hear these brave young people share their powerful stories of harrowing ICE violence & trauma. No one—let alone kids—should have to endure this unconscionable & intolerable inhumanity,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X.

At the forum, Blumenthal heard testimony from three young Americans that were assaulted or separated from their families by DHS agents.

Arnoldo Bazan: Arnoldo is a 16-year-old U.S. citizen from Houston, Texas. Arnoldo was assaulted by federal immigration agents on his way to school; he sought treatment at a nearby hospital for neck injuries described by the hospital as resulting from being beaten and choked. He still experiences physical and mental side effects.

“Officers grabbed and ripped my shirt. One officer put me in a chokehold. The officer choking me told me, ‘You’re done. You’re done.’ His grip was so tight that I wondered if I would make it out alive. With all of my strength, I screamed that I was underage and from the United States...All of this affects me to this day. When I go to school, I pray I come home safely. Whenever I hear sirens or I see an officer, my heart starts racing. I don’t even know when I will see my father again. I’m sharing this story so it doesn’t happen to other people. This is not the America that I know,” Arnoldo said.

Arnoldo’s written testimony is available here. A video of Arnoldo’s testimony is available here.

Fernando Hernández García: Fernando is an 18-year-old U.S. citizen from the Rio Grande Valley in Texas. He has been living on his own and separated from his family since his parents and siblings, including his younger sister, Sara, who is also a U.S. citizen, were removed to Mexico after being detained while on the way to Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston to seek treatment for Sara’s novel medical condition; she had surgery to remove a brain tumor in 2024.

“I remember this day like it was yesterday because it was the last day I remember feeling like a kid. When I heard the news, I couldn’t breathe. I didn’t know what I was going to do. My mom worried about me returning to our home in South Texas alone, but I had to finish high school, and I wanted to make sure I could do everything in my power to stay on top of the bills and keep the home my mom and dad had sacrificed so much for. Over the past year, I’ve worked hard to make sure I was the first in my family to graduate from a U.S. high school. My parents were not there to celebrate this honor with me,” Fernando said.

Fernando’s written testimony is available here. A video of Fernado’s testimony is available here.

Ana Michelle Ramirez Sanan: Michelle is an 18-year-old U.S. citizen from Chelsea, Massachusetts. Michelle was restrained by a DHS agent after her mother and autistic 13-year-old brother, also a U.S. citizen, were dragged from their car and detained. DHS agents then violently arrested Michelle’s 50-year-old mother, who has legal status and has lived in the U.S. for over twenty years, in front of her and her brother.

“I am speaking out today for the families who can’t speak against ICE. I am speaking out today to help people understand who ICE is hurting. I am a citizen. I’m also a sister, a high school student, and a daughter. I like drawing, dancing, and spending time with my family. Kids and teenagers who look like me aren’t safe, even in our own communities, even if we follow all the rules. ICE may have let my family go, but they took so much more from us. They made me feel like my family didn’t matter and that no one would care what happens to us,” Michelle said.

Michelle’s written testimony is available here. A video of Michelle’s testimony is available here.

Blumenthal also heard from two mothers about how DHS agents assaulted them and their children and from a school administrator about the impact of current DHS policies on schools an schoolchildren.

Anabel Romero: Ms. Romero is a U.S. citizen from Gooding, Idaho and mother of three. During an immigration raid, Ms. Romero was separated from her 6- and 8-year-old children at gunpoint; she and her 14-year-old daughter were then assaulted and zip-tied. Ms. Romero’s teenage daughter did not testify but joined her at the forum.

“That day completely changed our lives. We were degraded. Our rights were violated. Our sense of safety and security was demolished. My kids, and I can’t trust enforcement anymore. All that violence was preplanned and targeted on a Sunday afternoon family [outing]. And not a word of apology or regret after. We deserve better from our government. We demand better from our government,” Ms. Romero said.

Ms. Romero’s written testimony is available here. A video of her testimony is available here.

Andreina Mejia: Ms. Mejia is a U.S. citizen from Arleta, California. She and her special needs 15-year-old son were separated, held gunpoint and then handcuffed by DHS agents outside of a local high school.

“I’m just thankful that I was there to protect them, because I just think about that day, and I just think if I wasn’t there to protect them and my son would have gotten scared, what if they had just, you know, they would have shot him or something. So, it’s been kind of difficult for him to go to school. He would wake up crying. He sees cars with tinted windows, and he’s scared. He tells me, ‘Mom, is it them?’ and I’m like, ‘No, it’s just a regular car,’” Ms. Mejia said.

Ms. Mejia’s written testimony is available here. A video of her testimony is available here.

Zena Stenvik: Ms. Stenvik is the Superintendent of Columbia Heights Public Schools, a school district just north of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father were one of several families in the school district terrorized by DHS agents during the “surge” in Minnesota.

“While children are resilient and I’m cautious to not generalize trauma, the patterns we are seeing are consistent and significant. We are seeing increased separation anxiety, with students struggling to be apart from their parents during the school day after months and months of confinement and fear. We’re seeing heightened difficulty with transitions. One student who is detained in Texas now experiences distress when leaving the classroom to go to art or gym class. He reported that separation from their trusted teacher and classroom removes the sense of safety. We’re also seeing increased stress responses such as fight-flight-freeze among students who experienced direct or indirect trauma. Students are more fearful of strangers and unfamiliar vehicles, particularly SUVs or individuals in uniform, which they often associate with ICE agents. Even distant sirens can trigger anxiety,” Ms. Stenvik said.

Ms. Stenvik’s written testimony is available here. A video of her testimony is available here.

Blumenthal amplified the witnesses’ testimonies on Twitter/X.

“While on her way to Texas Children’s Hospital for essential treatment & care, Fernando Hernandez Garcia’s young sister was detained by immigration agents & removed to Mexico—separating the siblings & leaving lasting trauma,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X.

“Ana Michelle Ramirez Sanan discusses how DHS agents dragged her younger brother with autism from a car, violently arrested her mother, & prevented her from helping them,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X.

“A parent’s worst fear is that their child will be hurt or traumatized & yet ICE is making this nightmare a reality. With guts, grit, & grace, Anabel shared her powerful story—exemplifying the harm ICE is inflicting on families across the country,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X.

“A day that changed her family’s life—violation of rights, preplanned violence, a demolishing of safety & security. Anabel Romero demands better from our government after an immigration raid left her & her children terrified & traumatized,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X.

“Columbia Heights Public Schools Superintendent Zena Stenvik shares how DHS agents have terrorized schools & schoolchildren in Minnesota—including 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos,” with an accompanying video on Twitter/X.

Ahead of the forum, Blumenthal and Robert Garcia released a report detailing the scope and scale of the violence and trauma being brought upon children by the Trump Administration’s immigration agenda. Drawing from publicly available information, the report documents 128 children who have been injured, left unattended, or otherwise put at direct risk of harm as a result of operations by DHS personnel.

The report is entitled “Cruelty is the Point: How Trump’s Immigration Agenda Endangers Children.”

“The Trump Administration has pursued a lawless and cruel immigration agenda—brutally damaging countless children across the country,” said Blumenthal. “Our investigation has documented the cases of 128 children who have been injured, assaulted, left unattended, or otherwise put at risk by DHS agents—clearly only a fraction of the victims. Our findings bely the Trump Administration’s claim that they are targeting the ‘worst of the worst’ and reveal the devastating consequences of the Trump Administration’s draconian policies.”

The full text of the Committees’ report is available here.

Promoting Protections for Kids Online Safety

Blumenthal released the following statement after a jury in Los Angeles determined that Meta and YouTube had designed their products to be addictive and had caused immense harm to the plaintiff as a child and teen:

“This verdict is the beginning of real justice for parents across the country that have suffered and faced heartbreaking loss from Big Tech’s greed. It is also powerful proof that the Kids Online Safety Act—to provide accountability and protections for all young people in America—is urgently needed. I would urge any member of Congress that continues to do Mark Zuckerberg’s bidding to look at this verdict and their conscience. It’s time to enact the Kids Online Safety Act into law.”

Blumenthal is the author of the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) with U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN).

Blumenthal and Blackburn first introduced KOSA in February 2022, following reporting by the Wall Street Journal and after spearheading a series of five subcommittee hearings with social media companies and advocates on the repeated failures by tech giants to protect kids on their platforms. KOSA will require platforms to enable the strongest privacy settings by default, force platforms to prevent and mitigate specific dangers to minors, provide parents and educators new controls to help protect children, and require independent audits and research into social media companies.

On the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee

Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Blumenthal released the following statement on a failed vote to strike down the Trump Administration’s abortion ban at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which prohibits abortion counseling and care for more than 462,000 women veterans of reproductive age—even in cases of rape, incest, or if a veteran’s health is endangered.

“Republicans just voted to uphold an abortion ban for 462,000 women veterans—even in cases of rape, incest, or if their health is endangered. Shamefully, they are denying women veterans who have been raped or whose health is at risk the essential health care they need. Today, Republicans showed America they believe in abortion bans—and make no mistake, veterans will suffer as a result.”

50 Senate Republicans voted to strike down Blumenthal’s Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution, which aimed to overturn the Trump Administration’s policy ending abortion counseling entirely and abortion care for veterans who have been raped or whose pregnancy is threatening their health. The vote failed 48-50.

Ahead of the CRA vote, Blumenthal took to the Senate floor to underscore the danger of the Trump Administration’s policy for hundreds of thousands of women veterans. He emphasized the harm of this policy by sharing real-life stories of veterans who have experienced life-endangering complications from pregnancy and sexual assault. A video of Blumenthal’s floor remarks are available here.

Blumenthal’s CRA follows a final rule filed by the Trump VA to end VA’s ability to provide these services for veterans. A CRA resolution is an oversight tool Congress can use to overturn final rules issued by federal agencies with a simple majority vote.

In September 2022, VA began to offer abortion counseling to all pregnant veterans and CHAMPVA beneficiaries, and abortion care in cases of rape, incest, or life or health endangerment of the veteran or CHAMPVA beneficiary. This was in response to the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization ruling, which created urgent risks to the lives and health of pregnant veterans and CHAMPVA beneficiaries in states that banned or otherwise severely restricted access to abortion.

More than 462,000 women veterans of reproductive age are enrolled in VA health care, and more than 112,000 women of reproductive age are enrolled in CHAMPVA. More than half of these women live in states that have enacted abortion bans or restrictions.

Blumenthal held a press conference ahead of the Senate vote on his CRA to overturn the Trump Administration’s policy ending abortion counseling entirely and abortion care for veterans who have been raped or whose pregnancy is threatening their health. Blumenthal was joined by veterans, reproductive health care advocates, and lawmakers.

On Twitter/X, Blumenthal further slammed the Trump Administration’s harmful abortion ban on women veterans and called on his Republican colleagues to support his CRA ahead of the Senate vote.

“Sickeningly, the Trump Administration has implemented an abortion ban on women veterans, even in cases of rape, incest, or health endangerment. If my Republican colleagues believe in protecting women veterans, they must support my resolution overturning this cruel policy,” wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X.

Slamming Trump Judicial Nominees for Blatant Lack of Impartiality

Blumenthal pressed Sheria Clark, President Donald Trump’s nominee to serve as U.S. District Judge for the District of South Carolina; Kathleen Lane, President Trump’s nominee to serve as U.S. District Judge for the District of Montana; Evan Rikhye, President Trump’s nominee to serve as Judge for the District Court of the Virgin Islands; and Kara Westercamp, President Trump’s nominee to serve as Judge of the United States Court of International Trade, about the results of the 2020 election and the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.

In a hearing before the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary, the nominees repeatedly dodged Blumenthal’s question about who won the 2020 election, instead delivering slight variations of Westerkamp’s response: “Under our Constitution, the Electoral College votes for the President and then that is certified by Congress.”

After Westercamp refused to provide a straightforward answer, Blumenthal said, “I’m not asking you what the Constitution says. I’m asking you for your view, factually. And frankly, we’ve received this kind of canned, ridiculous answer before—as you know, because you were instructed to give this answer, right?”

After each nominee repeatedly dodged Blumenthal’s questions, Blumenthal concluded, “The answers here are obviously canned, pre-rehearsed, Orwellian in their denial of reality, and are a subversion of this process. They are an insult to this committee, but they also fundamentally show a complete lack of independence, backbone, and impartiality, which are the fundamental requirements of a United States District Court judge or a judge on any panel.”

A video of Blumenthal’s remarks is available here.

Blumenthal further called out Trump’s judicial nominees for their inability to demonstrate integrity on Twitter/X.

“Pressed by my questions, Trump’s judicial nominees give identical, nonsensical canned responses—looking ridiculous & demonstrating an abject absence of independence & integrity. Lacking a backbone now, they won’t have one on the bench,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X.

“Trump’s delusional denial of Jan 6 is infectious—installing a plaque honoring courageous Capitol police in the dead of night & force feeding judicial nominees canned responses. Their spineless falsehoods show they’re unfit for the federal bench, lacking independence & integrity,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X.

Blumenthal Bulletin

Blumenthal released a statement on $15.38 billion contract for Electric Boat.

Blumenthal challenged the FCC to conduct a full review of foreign investment concerns in Paramount and Warner Bros. merger.

Blumenthal pressed the Trump Administration to reverse course on the rollback of federal employee protections.

Blumenthal introduced a bill to extend WIC eligibility for new moms.

Blumenthal demanded answers from Secretary Mullin over Lewandowoski’s role in DHS contracts.

Blumenthal introduced a bill restoring fairness in federal student aid.

Blumenthal highlighted the Accountability for Federal Law Enforcement Act.

Blumenthal joined MS NOW to discuss Trump’s war of whim, impulse, and delusion in Iran.

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Booker & Colleagues Introduce Bill Restoring Fairness in Federal Student Aid

WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), and Tim Kaine (D-VA), introduced a bill to re-establish flexibility and accountability in federal student aid after President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” imposed burdensome provisions restricting access to affordable higher education. The Restoring College Access and Affordability Act reinstates student loan programs and borrower protections, making higher education more affordable and accessible to more Americans.

“Students across the nation are carrying burdensome loan debt that too often limits their ability to pursue or complete their education and pursue their dreams,” said Senator Booker. “In New Jersey, that reality is especially stark. It’s time we put students first and keep college truly accessible, so every young person has a fair shot at achieving their goals and building the future they envision. This bill helps restore opportunity and ensures higher education remains a pathway forward—not a lifelong financial weight.”

“This critical legislation restores much needed fairness and flexibility in federal student aid, helping more Americans take advantage of educational opportunities to learn and grow,” said Senator Blumenthal. “The Trump Administration has led a campaign of targeted attacks against higher education in our country, blocking access to higher education for the very students the federal aid system is meant to serve. The Restoring College Access and Affordability Act pushes back against such attacks and ensures that students have the educational resources and support needed to set them up on pathways to success.”

“On top of ripping health care away from millions and taking food off the tables of hungry children, the Republican Budget Betrayal also cuts off access to education for students in New Mexico and across the country,” said Senator Luján. “Every student deserves the opportunity to pursue an education. That’s why I’ve partnered with my colleagues to introduce the Restoring College Access and Affordability Act. Our legislation will reverse harmful changes in the Republican Budget Betrayal that block access to higher education and will restore fairness in federal student aid. Students in New Mexico deserve pathways to higher education, and this bill helps deliver just that.”

“The ‘Big, Ugly Betrayal’ is the hallmark of the Trump Administration’s ‘families lose, billionaires win’ agenda—savaging programs families rely on and increasing tax giveaways for Trump’s billionaire friends,” said Senator Merkley. “This critical legislation will restore the college access programs that open the doors of opportunity to good-paying jobs.”

“My north star is economic opportunity – I believe Marylanders shouldn’t be living on the margins, but creating lives where they can truly thrive. Access to higher education creates pathways to generating wealth as well as opportunities to learn and grow – yet Congressional Republicans and this Administration made that pathway more difficult to access for so many with their big ugly bill. Our Restoring College Access and Affordability Act is just one of the ways I am trying to create prosperity and rebuild and restore the damage this Administration has unleashed on Americans,” said Senator Alsobrooks.

“We should be making it easier for students to access higher education, but Republicans instead made major changes in the megabill they passed last year that cuts financial aid off for many students,” said Senator Kaine. “I’m introducing this legislation to reverse these changes, restore fairness in federal financial aid, and help ensure equal opportunity to higher education for all.”

President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” undermines affordability and equity in higher education—eliminating loan programs, weakening borrower protections, and threatening institutional stability. TheRestoring College Access and Affordability Act better serves American students by combatting the Trump Administration’s attacks on higher education and restoring fairness, flexibility, and accountability, re-establishing critical loan programs and protecting loan borrowers from predatory practices.

The Restoring College Access and Affordability Act is supported by a number of organizations, including Protect Borrowers, The American Federation of Teachers, The Institute for College Access and Success, National Consumer Law Center, National Association for College Admission Counseling, and Student Debt Center.


Booker, Murkowski Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Provide Pregnant Veterans Critical Access to Doula Services

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) have reintroduced bipartisan legislation to create a five-year pilot program providing doula services to pregnant veterans. TheDelivering Optimally Urgent Labor Access for Veterans Affairs Act of 2026 (DOULA Act) would integrate doula care into the VA’s Whole Health Model, ensuring veterans—including those navigating military sexual trauma or PTSD—receive continuous physical, emotional, and informational support throughout pregnancy and postpartum. By expanding access to trained doulas, the bill seeks to improve maternal and infant outcomes, strengthen women’s autonomy in developing birthing plans, and deepen engagement with the VA after childbirth. The legislation was inspired by Senator Booker’s 2018 Veterans Day roundtable with female veterans.

“Pregnant veterans face unique challenges, especially when it comes to mental health, and studies show that doulas can help provide better health outcomes because they are trained to provide physical, emotional, and informational support during pregnancy and after birth,” said Senator Booker. “This bipartisan legislation will expand access to doulas through the VA and give veterans the support they need for safer pregnancies and healthier outcomes for both mothers and their children.”

“This legislation embraces a holistic approach to improving maternal health for those who have served our country, particularly for those who have experienced post-traumatic stress disorder,” said Senator Murkowski.“The development of this program to provide doulas to pregnant veterans builds on the work I’ve done to improve the services that the VA offers that are tailored to women veterans, and to build stronger support systems for them.”

“As more women veterans turn to the VA for their health care, it is essential that the department’s services evolve to meet their needs. DAV proudly supports the DOULA for VA Act because it recognizes that comprehensive maternal health care for veterans must include access to trained doulas who can provide critical physical, emotional and informational support before, during and after childbirth. Doulas have been shown to improve birth outcomes, reduce complications and help address disparities in maternal care—particularly for those who may face higher risks or barriers to access. DAV thanks Sen. Booker and Sen. Murkowski for their leadership in introducing this important legislation that helps ensure women veterans receive the high-quality, patient-centered care they have earned through their service,” said Naomi Mathis, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Deputy National Legislative Director.

“The VFW supports the DOULA for VA Act of 2026, which would expand access to doula services for pregnant and postpartum women veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Women veterans deserve timely, comprehensive, and patient-centered maternity care, including continuous support during pregnancy and childbirth. Integrating doulas into VA maternity care would strengthen care coordination, improve patient experiences, and address disparities in maternal health outcomes. The VFW thanks Senator Booker for introducing this important legislation and looks forward to its swift passage into law,” said Meggan Colemand, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) National Legislative Service Associate Director.

The U.S. maternal mortality rate continues to be the highest among high income countries , and pregnant veterans face even greater risks. A 2010 study found veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan were twice as likely to experience depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia during pregnancy. Evidence shows doulas—trained to provide continuous physical, emotional, and informational support—improve birth outcomes.

The DOULA Act would give eligible veterans up to 10 doula care sessions from providers trained in military sexual trauma and PTSD, supported by Doula Service Coordinators at participating VA facilities. The bill aims to strengthen maternal, mental health, and infant outcomes; integrate doula care into the VA’s Whole Health Model; improve women’s maternity care experiences and autonomy; and increase post-birth engagement with the VA. It is endorsed by Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Service Women’s Action Network (SWAN), and YWCA Northern New Jersey .