U.S. Senators Katie Britt, Angela Alsobrooks Push for Expanded Women’s Heart Health Screenings

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Ala.) and Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) introduced the Bipartisan Women’s Heart Health Expansion Act to reauthorize and expand access to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Well-Integrated Screening and Evaluation for Women Across the Nation (WISEWOMAN) program, which provides free cardiovascular risk screenings to reduce the risk for heart disease and stroke to low-income, uninsured, and underinsured women ages 35–64.

“Americans deserve ample access to critical health services, particularly as it relates to cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in our country. We know that women are at a higher risk of being affected by heart diseases as conditions often present differently in women. Through the Women’s Heart Health Expansion Act, we have an opportunity to expand access to potentially lifesaving resources—like cardiovascular screenings—to those who need them most,” said Senator Britt.

Introduced during American Heart Month, the program helps participants understand and reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease and benefit from early detection and treatment.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and accounts for 12 percent of total U.S. health expenditures, more than any other disease. Specifically, heart disease and stroke cost the U.S. health care system $216 billion annually and cause $147 billion in lost job productivity.

“Nearly every family has been touched in some way by heart disease and stroke, as the leading cause of death for women in Maryland, Alabama, and across the country. We know heart disease is not just costing American lives, but it is also costing us financially– accounting for 12 percent of total U.S. health expenditures. We must do all we can to prevent this disease and ultimately save lives. The Women’s Heart Health Expansion Act provides critical screenings and services to help women catch and treat heart disease early,” said Senator Alsobrooks.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for all Americans, but significant racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities exist in prevalence and mortality. Women in the United States experience unacceptably high rates of avoidable heart-related illness and death annually, and over half of all American women do not recognize that heart disease is the leading cause of death for women. The Women’s Heart Health Expansion Act is a critical step toward closing those gaps and reducing preventable deaths.

Under existing law, women must not only be eligible for the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) but also be a recipient of NBCCEDP services to be referred to WISEWOMAN. This requirement unnecessarily restricts participation. The WISEWOMAN program currently operates in only a limited number of states and tribal organizations, restricting access for women at highest risk of heart disease.

The Women’s Heart Health Expansion Act would give CDC, states, and tribal organizations the flexibility to develop additional referral pathways and permit other health care providers to participate in the WISEWOMAN program, significantly expanding access. The bill also authorizes $250 million for WISEWOMAN over the next five years to support nationwide expansion and meet increased demand.

You can find additional reporting on the bill here and read the full text of the bill here.

Senator Britt is a leading advocate for expanding affordable health care, especially for those in rural areas and those facing health disparities. She is a lead sponsor of the Access to Breast Cancer Diagnosis (ABCD) Act, which would eliminate copays and other out-of-pocket expenses for breast cancer diagnostic tests. Additionally, she introduced the bipartisan NIH Improve Act, which would ensure consistent funding for research on maternal care and mortality.

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Capito Secures CDS Allocations for Law Enforcement and Public Safety Projects

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a leader on the Senate Appropriations committee, announced Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) allocations for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) to support law enforcement and public safety projects throughout West Virginia.

“I am proud of these projects that will strengthen law enforcement and enhance public safety across West Virginia,” Senator Capito said. “These investments reflect our continued commitment to equipping our community partners with the resources they need to protect and serve. By directing federal funding to critical projects throughout our state, we are helping ensure safer neighborhoods, stronger communities, and a brighter future for all West Virginians.”

Individual allocation details listed below:

$4,600,000 CDS allocation to the Clay County Commission (Clay, W.Va.) to relocate the existing 9-1-1 center and increase connectivity to nearby volunteer fire departments.

$2,841,000 CDS allocation to Ridgeley Volunteer Fire Company (Ridgeley, W.Va.) to construct a new fire station to replace their current 54-year-old facility. This project is an investment for the state as it ensures the protection of life and property in Ridgeley, Carpendale, and the surrounding communities. A well-equipped fire station with adequate firefighting technology and resources strengthens the state's overall emergency preparedness and resilience. It enables firefighters to effectively combat fires, perform rescues, and respond to other emergencies promptly, safeguarding both the residents and businesses.

$2,500,000 CDS allocation to Marshall University (Huntington, W.Va.) for development of a forensic investigative genetic genealogy testbed to serve the forensic community.

$2,400,000 CDS allocation to the Town of Poca (Poca, W.Va.) to construct a new public safety building that will house the Town of Poca’s Police Department, Volunteer Fire Department, and Municipal offices along with a detachment of the Putnam County Emergency Medical Service.

$2,105,000 CDS allocation to the Kanawha County Emergency Ambulance Authority (Charleston, W.Va.) to fund the purchase of six advanced life support (ALS) ambulances and one critical care (CCT) ambulance to replace or supplement similar vehicles.

$1,922,000 CDS allocation to the University of Charleston (Charleston, W.Va.) to enhance the quality of corrections services and retention of corrections employees in West Virginia by delivering a leadership training program for members of the corrections community.

$1,500,000 CDS allocation to the Mullens Volunteer Fire Department (Mullens, W.Va.) for construction of a new fire station.

$1,500,000 CDS allocation to the Pocahontas County Commission (Marlinton, W.Va.) to establish a state-of-the-art facility that enhances emergency response capabilities within the community while addressing critical safety concerns.

$1,105,000 CDS allocation to the Applied Research Foundation of West Virginia (Bluefield, W.Va.) in conjunction with Bluefield State University to strengthen campus safety in response to growing nationwide concerns about violence and emergencies on college campuses. This project aims to modernize our security infrastructure better to protect students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

$1,002,000 CDS allocation to Barbour County OEM (Phillippi, W.Va.) to equip first responders in Barbour County with dual band radios.

$1,000,000 CDS allocation to the City of Fairmont (Fairmont, W.Va.) to renovate and revitalize the existing Watson Fire Station to include a new apparatus bay, staff quarters, and office space.

$750,000 CDS allocation to Capitol Market Inc. (Charleston, W.Va.) to implement a comprehensive Safety and Security Initiative at Capitol Market, a year-round, nonprofit farmers' market in Charleston, West Virginia. This project aims to enhance safety, encourage economic growth, and ensure inclusive access to a historic, high-traffic public space that plays a critical role in the downtown Charleston community.

$684,000 CDS allocation to Lily’s Place, Inc. (Huntington, W.Va.) to address health and wellness in first responders, but this model is exclusive only to City of Huntington police and fire departments.

$643,000 CDS allocation to Fairmont State University (Fairmont, W.Va.) to equip Fairmont States police department with necessary resources to better detect, prevent, and address crime on and off campus.

$642,000 CDS allocation to the City of Nitro (Nitro, W.Va.) for necessary body camera upgrades.

$628,000 CDS allocation to the City of Milton (Milton, W.Va.) to enhance the crime prevention, detection and response capabilities of the Milton Police Department and increase transparency and safety through technological and equipment upgrades.

$600,000 CDS allocation to the Hancock County Commission (New Cumberland, W.Va.) for acquisition and deployment of a public safety radio network.

$525,000 CDS allocation to the City of Morgantown (Morgantown, W.Va.) for a fleet of police cruisers which will replace an aging fleet.

$503,000 CDS allocation to the City of Hurricane (Hurricane, W.Va.) to provide the department with an enhanced ability to prevent, detect and prosecute crime, foster trust within the community through transparency and accountability, promote efficiency and safety for officers in the field and provide the department with an enhanced ability to protect and serve the residents of Hurricane and the surrounding communities whose citizens travel to Hurricane, which is accessible from I-64.

$487,000 CDS allocation to Wyoming County Emergency Services (Pineville, W.Va.) for use of a fully functioning 9-1-1 center with a training facility.

$400,000 CDS allocation to the West Virginia State Police (South Charleston, W.Va.) to assist law enforcement in meeting the rising costs of digital forensic software and investigative tools to identify both victims of child sexual abuse and offenders.

$463,000 CDS allocation to West Liberty University (West Liberty, W.Va.) to enhance policing and security operations at West Liberty University by upgrading vehicles and providing other security measures.

$374,000 CDS allocation to the Hancock County Commission (New Cumberland, W.Va.) to purchase new law enforcement vehicles for the Hancock County Commission.

$340,000 CDS allocation to the City of Ripley (Ripley, W.Va.) to enhance the crime prevention, detection and response capabilities of the Ripley Police Department and foster community trust through technological and equipment upgrades.

$340,000 CDS allocation to the Fayette County Commission (Fayetteville, W.Va.) to equip the Fayette County Sheriff's Department with safe and reliable patrol vehicles for deputies to use to respond to emergencies and to patrol the communities creating safe communities.

$310,000 CDS allocation to the Grant County Commission (Petersburg, W.Va.) to purchase a new ambulance for EMS services in Grant County.

$287,000 CDS allocation to the City of Kenova (Kenova, W.Va.) to enhance the crime prevention and detection capabilities of the Kenova Police Department and empower law enforcement officers in crisis situations through technological and equipment upgrades.

$263,000 CDS allocation to the Harrison County Commission (Clarksburg, W.Va.) to increase transparency, accountability, and member safety.

$250,000 CDS allocation to the City of Charleston (Charleston, W.Va.) for technology and equipment for a Police & Public Safety Headquarters to be constructed with public bond proceeds.

$250,000 CDS allocation to the City of Wheeling (Wheeling, W.Va.) to establish Neighborhood Resource Units - dedicated, non-dispatch patrol teams, that proactively address crime trends and quality-of-life issues in high need neighborhoods.

$214,000 CDS allocation to the City of Clarksburg (Clarksburg, W.Va.) to fund cancer screening and wellness programs for firefighters in the community.

$210,000 CDS allocation to the City of Hurricane (Hurricane, W.Va.) to enhance the crime prevention and detection capabilities of the Hurricane Police Department and improve response abilities through equipment upgrades.

$166,000 CDS allocation to the City of Oak Hill (Oak Hill, W.Va.) to expand the city’s UAS Program and purchase a body camera system for the Oak Hill Police Department.

$140,000 CDS allocation to the Calhoun County Commission (Grantsville, W.Va.) to upgrade the sheriff’s fleet.

$123,000 CDS allocation to the City of St. Albans (St. Albans, W.Va.) to provide critical technology upgrades to local law enforcement agencies.

$120,000 CDS allocation to the Jefferson County Commission (Charles Town, W.Va.) for the acquisition of law enforcement equipment.

$61,000 CDS allocation to the City of Winfield (Winfield, W.Va.) to purchase and equip a police interceptor vehicle to enhance public safety and support officer retention.


Cassidy Celebrates Groundbreaking of New Lipsey’s Headquarters

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) last Friday spoke at the groundbreaking for the new headquarters of Lipsey’s Guns in Baton Rouge, which will open next year. Cassidy thanked Mr. Richard Lipsey and his team for creating jobs and supporting the Baton Rouge community.

“Lipsey’s is a family business committed to our state which made tough decisions in order to go from a good business to a great business, and we all benefit from them,” said Dr. Cassidy. “They went from one sporting goods store with a single location, to the largest gun wholesaler in the nation.”

Then known as S&S Wholesale Sporting Goods, Lipsey’s was founded in 1953 and has evolved into a major wholesale firearms and shooting-sports distributor, supplying products to gun dealers and retailers. Those products include handguns, rifles, shotguns, suppressors, optics, and accessories. They employ about 200 people in Louisiana.

Cassidy was joined at the groundbreaking by Mr. Richard Lipsey, who thanked the Senator for his attendance.

“Senator Cassidy, thank you for being here today,” said Mr. Lipsey. “Moments like this reminds us that Lipsey’s has never been about buildings, it has always been about people. Your support helps us continue serving our community with honor, excellence, and heart.”

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ICYMI: Daines Joins Interior Secretary Burgum and Congressman Zinke for Exclusive Interview on KBZK

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Steve Daines joined Montana This Morning last Friday in an exclusive interview with U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum alongside U.S. Representative Ryan Zinke to discuss the Stillwater Mine and Made-in-Montana energy.

Watch the full interview HERE.

Daines on Stillwater Mine visit:

“We wrap up here this morning. The Secretary and the Congressman are going to head west to Butte. I’m heading east to Columbus. We’ve got a great story of a win by the Trump administration. What was happening is the Russians were dumping palladium in the country below market price. It forced the layoff of 700 Montana miners. These are great jobs with great benefit packages and has a huge effect on families. We battled the Russians, thanks to President Trump who got a 133 percent tariff now against the Russians. What that did is it moved the palladium prices back up to where now that mine is viable again. Palladium is so important, of course, it’s part of our catalytic converters, it’s part of our semiconductor industry, it’s part of our pharmaceutical manufacturing industry. What’s really important, there’s only three places in the world where it’s mined: South Africa, Russia, and Montana. I’m going to be there with the miners talking about bringing these jobs back and fighting on behalf of hardworking Montanans.”

Daines on State of the Union address:

“Remember, we had prices with record-level highs, they’re now the lowest in five years. There’s a really positive message of where we’re at now versus where we were just a few years ago. But going forward, it’s going to stay focused here on our natural resources, continuing to grow this economy, continuing to find ways to bring prices down. It’s great to see 30-year fixed mortgages are now in the five percent range, the first time it’s been there in years. There’s a lot of good things to talk about, but the work is still to be done. We’re going to have a lot left to do between now and certainly the end of the year.”

Daines on trade policy:

“It’s always important to remember for Montana, we are an ag state. In fact, it’s the number one driver of our economy. Ninety-five percent of the world’s consumers live outside the United States. What President Trump has done is he has been fighting hard to make sure we’ve got equal and fair access into these foreign markets. Think about the ag-specific markets, it’s very important for our wheat producers, barley producers, our beef producers. What he’s done is he’s been an incredible negotiator. He has gone to the table, he’s crafting these great deals that are bringing tariff and non-tariff barriers down for American producers, and he’s still in the fight. This isn’t over yet. There’s still a long ways to go, but we are opening up markets now for U.S. producers, particularly for Montana ag.”

Daines on meeting Ryan Zinke:

“We were Boys State. We first crossed paths in 1979. I was a junior at Bozeman High School. Ryan was a junior at Whitefish Bulldog. We ended up in Dillon, Montana, what used to be a Western college there at Boys State. Who knew we would be standing here this morning at KBZK with you this morning?”

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Duckworth Excoriates Trump for Launching an Illegal Attack Against Iran, Putting Our Servicemembers and National Security at Needless Risk

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services (SASC) and Foreign Relations Committees (SFRC)—excoriated Donald Trump for launching an illegal attack against Iran without Constitutionally-required authorization from Congress, without any known imminent threat to our national security and without a plan to mitigate the instability that will come next. In her remarks on the Senate floor, Duckworth pleaded with her Republican colleagues to consider the lives of our servicemembers and help stop this Trump-manufactured conflict by voting in support of Senator Kaine’s War Powers Resolution, which the Senate will vote on later this week. Duckworth’s full remarks can be found on the Senator’s Twitter/X, Facebook and YouTube.

Key Quotes:

“I ran for Congress so that when the drums of war started beating, I’d be in a position to make sure that our elected officials fully considered the true costs of war—not just in dollars and cents, but in human lives as well. That was the vow I made to the troops I deployed with and all those who’ve served since I hung up my uniform.”

“Look, I believe there are certain solemn, urgent times when our military must be called upon to defend us. There are certain moments when the threat in question is significant and imminent… Instances when military force is the most effective tool at hand—and that using it is necessary to protect America and her interests. The thing is, from what little information Trump has shared publicly, this is not one of those times.”

“If [the Trump Administration] actually believe that this war is justified, then they need to come to Congress and do their jobs, explaining their case and giving the American people a say through their elected representatives. They need to respect the American people enough to actually tell them why they’re being forced to bear the costs of this conflict—both in dollars and cents, and daughters and sons.”

Senator Duckworth’s full remarks as prepared:

You know, I’m proud of every mission I completed in Iraq. But I would never wish another needless, endless, unjustified war like the one I served in on anybody else.

I wouldn’t wish it on the heroes whose blood would be soaked into that desert sand.

I wouldn’t wish it on their families, who’d spend their days anxiously waiting for news from half-a-world-away.

And I wouldn’t wish it on the American people, who are desperate for their president to focus on bringing their costs down here at home, not starting new, expensive forever wars continents away.

So I’m here today to keep true to a promise I first made two decades ago.

I ran for Congress so that when the drums of war started beating, I’d be in a position to make sure that our elected officials fully considered the true costs of war—not just in dollars and cents, but in human lives as well.

That was the vow I made to the troops I deployed with and all those who’ve served since I hung up my uniform.

And today, I’m speaking here, under this great Capital Dome, to keep that most sacred oath.

Because sadly, right now, American servicemembers are already in harm’s way 6,000 miles east for what could be yet another preventable war.

These troops are ready to do their jobs, no matter what—just as they’ve done time after time, tour after tour.

So to me, it’s tragic that even as they prepare do their jobs, our president and certain members of this chamber seem so ready to neglect their own.

As we all know, on Saturday morning, without any known imminent threat to America or American interests, Donald Trump launched an illegal military campaign against Iran.

Look, I want a democratic Iran and I want to see its people free from the iron grip of its brutal authoritarian regime.

And, I’m not about to shed a tear for the Ayatollah’s death.

He was no friend to the United States. Nor to his own people.

He was responsible for the brutal murders of thousands of his own citizens in just the past few months alone.

However, my first concern is always going to be the national security of the United States.

And I’m troubled because of the consequences that are sure to come because of Trump’s actions.

Our troops—and Americans around the world—are at greater risk because Trump wanted to thump his chest and look like a tough guy on TV.

For no real reason he can explain, Trump is marching us closer and closer to another costly, bloody, protracted conflict… A war without any defined end-state… And without even a “concept of a plan” for how to prevent the chaos and instability that will come next.

Far from making America greater, or better, or stronger, or whatever new adjective he’s using this week, Trump’s actions have made our nation and our allies less safe.

He’s made them less secure.

By continuing to strain our military with wars of choice, Trump is a handing a gift to bad actors like Russia and the PRC, as his never-ending chaos makes it harder for our Armed Forces to focus on defending our critical interests in places like the Pacific.

So no. Trump’s actions over the past 72 hours—or ever—haven’t put America first.

They’ve made the situation for America worse.

The sad fact of the matter is that what we’re facing today is in large part a manufactured crisis.

Iran is no ally of ours. We’ve been adversaries since long before Trump took office.

I’ve always condemned their proxy activity and ballistic missile program, and I certainly agree that they cannot obtain a nuclear weapon.

But we can’t forget that Donald Trump is the one who pulled the U.S. out of the very deal that was limiting their weapons development program.

Trump is the one who made sure Iran no longer had to play by the rules that curbed their nuclear production.

His inability to conduct foreign policy is what made today’s nightmare a reality.

His historical incompetence is what gave them the matchbox and the motivation to start this fire. And now he’s angry that their kindling has started to catch.

He’s mad because they’re doing the very things his actions encouraged them to do.

It’s circular logic—with already fatal consequences. Fatal for the six American heroes who’ve already lost their lives in this conflict… And fatal for the hundreds of civilians who’ve already become the most horrible kind of collateral…

Moms and dads who, this evening, should be able to sit down to eat dinner with their little girl… who should be able to kiss their little boy good night… who should be able to go to bed dreaming of a tomorrow that doesn’t include missiles or misery.

Now, he has created a power vacuum in Iran, resulting in an unstable regime that is willing to do anything to hold on to power.

Now, he’s created an open invitation for well-funded, organized terrorist groups to swoop in and snatch away any chance the Iranian people have of freedom and self-governance.

War is always tragic. But when it’s preventable… it’s not just tragic, but a travesty, too.

Trump wouldn’t let himself be dragged by the bone spurs to serve in uniform when his country needed him. So how dare he try to drag us into yet another war of choice today.

But this draft-dodger is too infatuated with maximum pressure to consider even minimum diplomacy.

Once again, the Trump Foreign Policy Doctrine has proven reckless, senseless and dangerous…

A doctrine in which fact and fiction are one and the same.

And one in which avarice outweighs advice every damn time.

It’s shameful—terrifying—that we have a Commander-in Chief who seems to come to military decisions by virtue of temper tantrum and announces them via tweet.

A president who doesn’t seem to care that if he keeps to the path of fire and fury that he’s been treading, our own homeland will be in greater danger… more Wounded Warriors will be sent to Walter Reed… and more fallen heroes will be laid to rest at Arlington.

A president who’s so obsessed with “being the tough guy” that he doesn’t seem to give a shi—

A president who’s happy to squander the lives of our heroes for his own personal gain.

Now, after this weekend, he has officially traded deterrence for instability and chaos—and made us all less safe in the process.

Americans, certainly.

But also our partners in the region and the Iranian people themselves, who did not ask for any of this… Iranian families who’ve suffered for decades under the Ayatollah’s tyrannical iron grip and who, at long last, just want to feel safe and secure.

Look, Trump may have run to his podiatrist instead of running toward danger in Vietnam, but I actually know what it’s like to leave your blood… your sweat… your limbs in a warzone half-a-world away.

So I know what’s at stake for the thousands of troops this Administration is getting ready to send into harm’s way.

And I can tell you this: It’s a whole lot easier to cover your eyes and order other Americans to sacrifice if you don’t have to sacrifice anything for it yourself.

It’s much easier to ignore the everyday realities of war from inside the hallowed halls of the White House. But it’s nearly impossible if you’ve been outside the wire yourself.

So as those drums of war echo louder than they have in years, I’m here today because despite what he thinks, Donald Trump does not have the authority to unilaterally force us into war.

He may have never read the Constitution, but I have.

So let me direct his attention to Article I, which makes clear that the president does not have the power to declare war. Only Congress does.

We are the ones tasked with deciding when and how Americans are sent into combat.

We are the ones charged with that most solemn duty.

Yet Trump is acting as if Article I simply doesn’t exist… as if obeying the Constitution is optional... as if our founding document is just a yellowing, crumbling piece of paper he can crumple up at will.

Refusing to allow him to get away with this should not—must not—be a partisan issue.

No matter if you’re struggling to pay rent or your name is plastered in fake gold on a building on Fifth Avenue, no one can ignore the Constitution.

No matter if you’re a Mar-a-Lago worker pulling double-shifts or the President of the United States, no one is above the law.

Look, I believe there are certain solemn, urgent times when our military must be called upon to defend us.

There are certain moments when the threat in question is significant and imminent… Instances when military force is the most effective tool at hand—and that using it is necessary to protect America and her interests.

The thing is, from what little information Trump has shared publicly, this is not one of those times.

But if the Administration thinks I’m wrong, then the floor is theirs.

We’re only a 20-minute walk from the White House. It’s not hard to find. We’re the building with the big dome on top.

If they actually believe that this war is justified, then they need to come to Congress and do their jobs, explaining their case and giving the American people a say through their elected representatives.

They need to respect the American people enough to actually tell them why they’re being forced to bear the costs of this conflict—both in dollars and cents, and daughters and sons.

They need to respect our servicemembers enough to prove why war with Iran is worth turning more moms and dads into Gold Star parents.

They need to prove that they’ve thought this through enough that they can tell us what an end-state in Iran would even look like.

Then, when their case has been made… when Congress’ debate is done… we must vote.

It’s our duty. It’s our burden. It’s the least we can do for those willing to sacrifice everything to safeguard our democracy.

But if the Trump Administration refuses to do that? If they refuse to adhere to the first article of the Constitution?

Well, then it begs the question: What are they hiding?

You know, this week, we’ll vote on Senator Kaine’s War Powers Resolution.

And I’m well-aware that many of my colleagues are claiming to have a difficult time deciding how to vote.

To them, let me say this: We ask a lot of tough things of our troops and military families.

Serving in a combat zone is hard.

Hugging your husband or your wife… your father or your daughter… for the last time before they deploy, not knowing if you’ll ever see them again… that’s hard.

The least we can do in return is ensure that we Senators take our duties as seriously as they do theirs.

So to my Republican colleagues, please:

Think about the fact that Trump cared so little about your beliefs on this matter that he willfully, illegally circumvented our chamber entirely… Preferring to sow chaos and fear… Leaving Americans in the lurch and United States Senators in the dark…

Choosing to start an unlawful war rather than simply ask for your expertise… for your Constitutionally-mandated vote.

And think about that Trump still hasn’t been able to tell us of an imminent threat to American interests that would’ve actually required military action anywhere near this scale.

Then, after reflecting on all of that, all I’m asking is that you vote for what you know is right.

Moving forward, I’ll come back to this chamber every afternoon, if necessary…

Reminding the nation of the hard lessons learned the last time a president rashly sent our sons and daughters into another unjustified war in the Middle East…

Trying to ensure that, this time, we do right by our troops…

Trying to ensure that, this time, we actually… fully… soberly… consider the consequences of Washington’s decisions on those who serve and their families.

Thank you.

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Durbin Calls Out DHS’ Cruel Immigration Enforcement Tactics Ahead Of Secretary Noem’s Testimony In The Senate Judiciary Committee

Durbin: “Under Secretary Noem’s leadership, DHS is operating without a moral compass or respect for the rule of law. Tomorrow, she must answer for this recklessness.”

WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, previewed tomorrow’s Senate Judiciary Committee oversight hearing on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), during which Secretary Kristi Noem will be questioned about the agency’s weaponization. As Durbin noted in his speech, Secretary Noem has undermined the mission of DHS by directing federal agents to indiscriminately arrest U.S. citizens and immigrants—most of whom do not have a criminal record and do not pose a threat to their community—and detain them in inhumane conditions without access to legal representation.

“Tomorrow, the Senate Judiciary Committee will convene an oversight hearing where we will finally hear from DHS Secretary Kristi Noem,” Durbin said. “I want to thank Chairman Grassley for holding the hearing after months and months of stonewalling by the Secretary… Under Secretary Noem’s leadership, DHS is operating without a moral compass or any respect for the rule of law. Tomorrow, she must answer for this recklessness.”

Durbin then criticized Secretary Noem’s approach to immigration policy. Rather than focusing on the “worst of the worst,” as President Trump repeatedly promised on the campaign trail, DHS has terrorized communities by indiscriminately arresting people and wielding unnecessary and violent force against people, including American citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti, both of whom were killed by federal immigration agents.

“The Administration has claimed it’s targeting the ‘worst of the worst,’ but DHS’ own data shows that, during the President’s first year back in office, fewer than 14 percent of those arrested had charges or convictions for violent offenses,” Durbin said. “Here’s the reality: the Administration has not backed down from Stephen Miller’s arbitrary quota of 3,000 arrests a day. To meet that number, ICE is casting a wide net, sweeping up American citizens, people with legal status, Dreamers, and people with no criminal records—people who have built their lives and raised their children here, becoming valued members of our communities.”

Durbin spoke about the impact of the Trump Administration’s so-called “Operation Midway Blitz,” which wreaked havoc on the Chicago area, and he recounted the story of Chicagoan Marimar Martinez, who was shot five times by a federal immigration agent.

“Let’s call this what it is—political theater and deliberate cruelty intended to terrorize our communities. My home state of Illinois saw it play out on our streets, with dangerous consequences,” Durbin said. “Last month, I met Marimar Martinez, a U.S. citizen and a teaching assistant at a Montessori school in Chicago… She didn’t do anything provocative and agents turned their weapons on her and shot her five times. Five times! Miraculously, she survived. But the agent involved bragged about shooting her and covering up the evidence… The Administration brought trumped-up charges against her, and what happened several weeks later? They dropped all the charges.”

Durbin spoke about the ongoing negotiations to reform DHS, and he made the case for federal immigration agents to remove their masks, display their identification, and use judicial warrants.

“The American people are sick and tired of seeing this campaign of terror and lawlessness unfold before their very eyes. That’s why Senate Democrats have drawn a hard line in DHS funding negotiations, demanding commonsense basic police reforms to rein in ICE’s lawlessness. These reforms include removing the masks, displaying identification, stopping roving patrols, obtaining judicial warrants to enter private homes, and following the same use-of-force standards that law enforcement agencies across America already follow,” Durbin said.

Durbin concluded his speech by emphasizing that Senate Judiciary Democrats will use tomorrow’s hearing to hold the Trump Administration accountable for its unconscionable actions against U.S. citizens and immigrants.

“Tomorrow, Secretary Noem will finally come before the Senate Judiciary Committee and answer for what happened on her watch. Believe me, she has a lot to answer for. Under her leadership, DHS has become President Trump’s de facto paramilitary force—an agency determined to violate court orders, lie to the American people, disregard our [First and Fourth] Amendment rights, and racially profile immigrants and U.S. citizens alike with the ‘Kavanaugh stops,’” Durbin said.

Durbin concluded, “The American people are demanding answers, and it is the duty of the Senate Judiciary Committee to ask these important questions. My Democratic colleagues and I intend to do just that.”

Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.

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Durbin Delivers Floor Speech On The U.S. Strikes On Iran This Weekend

Durbin: The impulsiveness of President Trump, particularly without Congressional approval in matters of war, is a further concern.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) spoke on the Senate floor today following the U.S. strikes on Iran this weekend, which killed Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

During his speech, Durbin announced support for Senator Tim Kaine’s (D-VA) war powers resolution. Article 1, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution states that the power to declare war is an explicit power of Congress and Congress overwhelmingly reaffirmed this constitutional provision when it passed the War Powers Act in 1973 over the veto of President Nixon. Durbin was one of 23 Senators who voted against the war in Iraq.

Durbin said, “While there has long been bipartisan backing for stopping Iran’s development of nuclear weapons for many years and its support for regional terrorist proxies… there is no consensus in America for another interminable war in the Middle East. A war in Iran could create another long-term military commitment with deadly consequences. Already, we’ve seen the tragic death of four U.S. service members [and increasing] and serious injury of several others, as well as attacks in nine countries around the region.”

Durbin continued, “The impulsiveness of President Trump, particularly without Congressional approval in matters of war, is a further concern. Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution says the American people should make this decision through their elected Members of Congress. The power to declare war in our Constitution is an explicit power of Congress… Congress overwhelmingly reaffirmed this provision when it passed the War Powers Act in 1973 over the veto of President Nixon… Under the law, the President has the authority to approve military attacks as a response to an imminent threat or with the expressed authorization of Congress—neither of those [points] apply to the situation today with Iran.”

“Let me be clear: the Iranian regime sponsors terrorism, wants to destroy Israel and undermine U.S. interests, has pursued nuclear weapons, and they are guilty of brutally repress[ing] their people. These issues are troubling, but they do not result in [us] ignoring the Constitution,” said Durbin. “I support Senator Kaine’s war powers resolution requiring Congressional approval for any further war with Iran.”

“Our Founders were very wise on this key point: one should never send our sons and daughters into war without the consent of the people. I have made this argument throughout my Congressional career regardless if the occupant of the White House is a Democrat or Republican,” Durin concluded.

Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.

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Durbin Introduces Resolution Designating National Social And Emotional Learning Week

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today introduced a resolution designating the week of March 2, 2026, as National Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Week. SEL is centered on developing the self-awareness, ability to manage emotions, and interpersonal skills necessary for school, the workplace, and life. Research shows that SEL promotes student academic outcomes, self-efficacy, and positive mental health, especially for students who have experienced trauma, by helping them cope and thrive. A 2024 study found that 84 percent of employers say job candidates must demonstrate social and emotional skills—with the majority of employers stating that these types of skills were the most important.

“In 2026, many kids are weighed down by significant stress at home, in their communities, and in school settings. It’s critical that we invest in the social and emotional learning of students to help them build resiliency and succeed both inside and outside of the classroom,” Durbin said. “I’m introducing this resolution to designate this week National Social and Emotional Learning Week, raising awareness around the need to support students’ social and emotional well-being.”

“Students today are facing a time of uncertainty. More than ever, they need support to develop the skills so they can thrive academically, professionally, and throughout their lives. Social and emotional learning is critical in our efforts to equip them for success in a changing world,” said CASEL Interim CEO Dr. Sheldon Berman. “I want to thank Senator Durbin for introducing this resolution and call on leaders across the country to join his effort to recognize the importance of social and emotional learning as critical to the future of young people.”

The National Social and Emotional Learning Week resolution would:

Recognize the role that social and emotional learning plays in promoting academic achievement, mental and behavioral health, and future career success for students;

Express support for expanding access to social and emotional learning for students and teachers;

Encourage the identification of opportunities among federal agencies to advance social and emotional learning to support the academic success and overall well-being of students, educators, and their communities; and

Recognize March 2 through March 6, 2026, as National SEL Week.

The resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Angus King (I-ME), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Andy Kim (D-NJ).

Durbin has long been a champion for SEL and an advocate for improving services for youth mental health and mentorship. Durbin has worked across the aisle to introduce the RISE from Trauma Act, which would dramatically increase funding for community-based efforts to prevent and mitigate the impact of trauma, and expand training and workforce development efforts to support health care, education, social services, first responders, and community leaders to foster resilience and deliver services to heal the impact of trauma.

Durbin is also the author of the Mentoring to Succeed Act. The legislation would provide competitive grants to youth mentoring programs that train mentors in SEL and help at-risk students develop life skills.

Full text of the resolution is available here.

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Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, Sunset Scoops

RED OAK, Iowa – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, today announced her Small Business of the Week: Sunset Scoops of Shelby County. Throughout the 119th Congress, Chair Ernst plans to recognize a small business in each of Iowa’s 99 counties.

“Sunset Scoops is a sweet spot for folks, offering banana splits, sundaes, root beer floats, and their best-selling ice cream nachos,” said Chair Ernst. “Open past sunset, this family-run small business is adding flavor to downtown Harlan scoop by scoop, giving families and community members a place to enjoy a sweet treat together.”

Founded in April 2025 by Tina and Jeremy Schechinger, Sunset Scoops was created to fulfill Tina’s lifelong dream of owning an ice cream shop. A physician by day and proud “scooperista” by night, Tina envisioned a welcoming place where her children and neighbors could gather after work or a movie. The business also hosts birthday parties and even offers curbside pickup for a cozy night in.

Stay tuned as Chair Ernst continues to recognize outstanding Iowa small businesses with her Small Business of the Week award.

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Fetterman, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Expand Nutrition Assistance for Puerto Rico

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Democratic Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) introduced the Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act to address inequalities in food assistance for Puerto Ricans by allowing Puerto Rico to fully participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

“I’ve always maintained that SNAP is a critical lifeline, yet Puerto Ricans aren’t fully eligible. We all get hungry and we shouldn’t punish people when they need food,” said Senator Fetterman. “I’m proud to support the Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act to make USDA nutrition programs more fair and accessible.”

“Puerto Rico’s exclusion from SNAP has needlessly punished Puerto Ricans, ripping away essential nutrition benefits and billions of dollars in funding to the island,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The vital Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act would correct this injustice by enabling Puerto Ricans to participate in SNAP and receive Disaster SNAP in the wake of natural disasters and other emergencies. I’m proud to lead the charge to get this legislation passed, and I’ll keep fighting until Puerto Ricans have the same benefits that are afforded to other American citizens.”

“Our fellow citizens in Puerto Rico have been unjustly excluded from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for decades,” said Senator Schumer. “I’m proud to champion this legislation with Senator Gillibrand to right past wrongs by enabling our fellow citizens in Puerto Rico to fully participate in SNAP and ensuring the people of Puerto Rico have the full access to federal resources that they deserve.”

“This Senate bill builds on the work we have done in the House to address the cost-of-living challenges that Puerto Ricans face,” said Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández. “I commend Senator Gillibrand for her leadership in introducing the Senate companion and strengthening this effort to improve affordability in Puerto Rico.”

“Puerto Rico’s Nutrition Assistance Program (NAP) lacks several important tools that are available under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and are designed to provide direct support to beneficiaries,” said Puerto Rico Governor Jeniffer González-Colón. “Aside from providing greater benefit assistance, SNAP offers opportunities for economic development via education, training, and employment, and offers robust assistance in the aftermath of natural and other disasters. This is why Puerto Rico needs a transition from NAP to SNAP, a goal that I support and have worked on for many years, first as a member of Congress and now as Governor. One of the bills I introduced on this issue while in Congress was the Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act, bipartisan legislation to secure a structured and successful transition. Senator Gillibrand has historically been our lead for this bill in the Senate, and I am thankful that we can count on her once more as she reintroduces this important proposal in the 119th Congress. I look forward to continuing to work together.”

Currently, U.S. citizens living in Puerto Rico participate in the Nutrition Assistance Program (NAP), a capped block grant that is not needs-based or reactive to increased participation. This has led to lower nutrition benefits for residents of Puerto Rico than for residents of the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Furthermore, the NAP block grant has no equivalent to Disaster SNAP, meaning that Puerto Rican disasters or emergencies require separate, new appropriations from Congress which can take months. There are currently approximately 1.5 million NAP participants.

The Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act would transition Puerto Rico from NAP to SNAP, and is endorsed by the Hispanic Federation, Coalition for Food Security, MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger, and Bread for the World.

“For more than four decades, American families in Puerto Rico have endured unequal treatment in federal nutrition assistance programs, resulting in hundreds of thousands of families going hungry as nutrition assistance fails to keep pace with the growing costs of groceries,” said Charlotte Gossett Navarro, Puerto Rico Chief Director for Hispanic Federation. “Hispanic Federation has long advocated for Puerto Rico’s inclusion in SNAP, and the Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act, led by Senator Gillibrand, represents a crucial step to achieve this. Congress must seize this moment and include Puerto Rico’s transition from NAP to SNAP in the Farm Bill.”

“For almost eight years, the Coalition for Food Security Puerto Rico has dedicated its efforts to securing equitable nutrition funding for American citizens residing in Puerto Rico to combat hunger,” said Lillian Rodriguez Lopez of the Coalition for Food Security. “A central focus of these initiatives is advocating for Puerto Rico’s transition to SNAP, thereby addressing longstanding disparities that have existed since the territory’s exclusion more than 45 years ago. The Senate bill, with the support of Senators Gillibrand, Fetterman, Lujan, Padilla, and Senate Leader Schumer, proposes a transparent and strategic ten-year timeline for this transition. It is recommended that all members of the Senate endorse S.XXX to promote nutrition equity as part of the Farm Bill 2026 framework.”

“All people deserve to be able to feed themselves and their families, and this must include the people of Puerto Rico who have been ignored for far too long,” said Liza Lieberman, Vice President of Public Affairs at MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger. “The Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act will ensure that the people of Puerto Rico can access the same nutrition benefits as all other American citizens. MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger is committed to supporting and uplifting our partners in Puerto Rico, and we are proud to fight for the structural changes needed to address growing food insecurity across our communities.”


In Letter to Department of Education, Fetterman Expresses Opposition to Professional Degree Reclassification

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon urging the Department of Education to reconsider finalizing a proposed rule that would reclassify nursing degrees as non-professional and narrow federal student loan eligibility.

“Since the beginning of the second Trump Administration, the Department of Education has implemented several changes that have effectively dismantled pathways to higher education, weakened oversight and student protections, and reshaped nearly every corner of the nation’s education system. Thousands of Pennsylvanians who have invested their time, effort, and hard-earned money to achieve graduate degrees in essential fields, like nursing, have had their student loan repayment thrown into total chaos by the Department’s shortsighted actions and policies,” wrote Senator Fetterman.

The Department’s proposed reclassification would limit total borrowing to $100,000 for most graduate programs and $200,000 for professional degree programs. This would drastically reduce critical financial assistance for students, making these programs inaccessible to otherwise qualified students.

Pennsylvania is estimated to face a nursing shortage of more than 20,000 nurses this year. These shortages disproportionately affect rural and underserved communities, where nurses are often the primary or sole point of access to care. Access to education is a key component of meeting growing demands, and anything that threatens the development of a robust nursing workforce threatens access to care in the communities they serve.

“An effective education system cannot rely on a one-size-fits-all approach. Students deserve a lending system that reflects the full range of educational goals and the evolving needs of our nation. Further, students deserve the opportunity to pursue careers that reflect their skills, interests, and aspirations. I urge the Department to reconsider finalizing this proposed rule and to reevaluate the reclassification of professional degree programs and associated borrowing limits,” continued the Senator.

Read the full text of the letter below and here.

—

Dear Secretary McMahon:

I write regarding the Department of Education’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, Reimagining and Improving Student Education (Docket ID ED–2025–OPE–0944), which would narrow the definition of “professional” graduate degree programs and significantly reduce federal student loan eligibility for many advanced degree students. I am particularly concerned that the proposed rule would prevent many graduate nursing students from receiving the loans they need to pay for school, make rent, and support their families, placing advanced education out of reach for many otherwise qualified students.

Since the beginning of the second Trump Administration, the Department of Education has implemented several changes that have effectively dismantled pathways to higher education, weakened oversight and student protections, and reshaped nearly every corner of the nation’s education system. Thousands of Pennsylvanians who have invested their time, effort, and hard-earned money to achieve graduate degrees in essential fields, like nursing, have had their student loan repayment thrown into total chaos by the Department’s shortsighted actions and policies.

Among other changes, the Department’s proposal would reclassify certain graduate degree programs as non-professional and establish new lifetime federal borrowing limits of $100,000 for most graduate programs, $200,000 for designated professional degree programs, and $65,000 per dependent student for Parent PLUS loans. These proposed caps do not reflect the actual cost of many graduate and workforce-critical professional programs and risk limiting access for students pursuing high-need fields. As a direct result, students will likely hesitate to enroll in graduate nursing programs, posing a threat to the already strained nursing workforce in Pennsylvania.

The Commonwealth is home to more than 150 hospitals that train and employ nurses at all levels of the profession, providing the clinical experience and professional pathways necessary to sustain a strong nursing workforce. When monitors go off, medication is due, or patients need an advocate in the absence of family, nurses are the ones who respond.

In rural and underserved communities across Pennsylvania, nurses are often the primary or sole point of access to care, supporting patients where physician shortages persist. Pennsylvania is projected to face a significant nursing shortage, with estimates pointing to a shortage of more than 20,000 nurses this year, a crisis expected to worsen as thousands of nurses approach retirement age. It is no surprise that nursing shortages of this magnitude are associated with worse patient outcomes, longer hospital stays, and a greater likelihood of readmission.

Data from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing reflects a hopeful trend for the nursing profession when the tools and resources make it possible to pursue higher education. More than 92 percent of graduates are either employed or enrolled in continuing education within six months of graduation, and a majority of surveyed graduates remain in Pennsylvania to work following completion of their degrees. Each year, Penn Nursing also prepares approximately 30 Master of Science in Nursing graduates, the majority of whom are primary care nurse practitioners, who serve in medically underserved and rural communities.

Pennsylvania’s ability to deliver timely and reliable care depends on having enough trained nurses to meet growing demands. This starts with making school affordable for nurses who are the backbone of our health care system. Student loan limits should reflect the real cost of nursing programs and today’s cost of living. We have a responsibility to support students pursuing nursing and the communities that depend on them for care.

It is unclear how the proposed loan caps and program redesignations were determined or what data the Department relied upon in reaching these decisions. I request responses to the following questions by March 30, 2026.

What analysis has the Department conducted to assess how the reclassification of nursing degree programs and reduced borrowing limits will affect nursing workforce capacity, particularly in rural and medically underserved areas?

Does the Department plan to expand Public Service Loan Forgiveness or related loan relief programs to address the increased financial burden that would be created by the reclassification of professional degrees? If so, what is the anticipated scope and timeline for such changes?

An effective education system cannot rely on a one-size-fits-all approach. Students deserve a lending system that reflects the full range of educational goals and the evolving needs of our nation. Further, students deserve the opportunity to pursue careers that reflect their skills, interests, and aspirations.

I urge the Department to reconsider finalizing this proposed rule and to reevaluate the reclassification of professional degree programs and associated borrowing limits. Should you have any questions or require additional detail, please don’t hesitate to contact my office. I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,


Gallego, Colleagues Criticize DOE for Illegally Cancelling Puerto Rico Energy Projects

WASHINGTON — Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, joined 19 colleagues in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) slamming the agency for illegally cancelling energy projects designated under the Puerto Rico Energy Resilience Fund and requesting that the cancelled awards be reinstated.

“We write to express strong opposition to the Department of Energy’s (DOE) decision to cancel the remaining projects under the Puerto Rico Energy Resilience Fund (PR-ERF),” the lawmakers began.

After making clear that the “cancellation of the obligated contracts was illegal,” lawmakers stated, “Congress recognized that centralized grid investments alone failed to reach vulnerable households—and that distributed energy resources were necessary to protect the lives, health, and economic security of all Puerto Ricans when outages occur. This was enshrined in statute, which explicitly says funding shall be made available ‘including grants for low- and moderate-income households and households that include individuals with disabilities for the purchase and installation of renewable energy, energy storage, and other grid technologies.’”

In conclusion, the lawmakers asked the Department of Energy to “immediately reverse course and reinstate the cancelled PR-ERF awards so that projects proceed as Congress intended.”


Gallego, Over 150 Lawmakers Introduce Direct File Act to Guarantee Free, Easy Tax Filing for Americans

The Direct File Act would reverse the Trump administration’s decision to cancel Direct File, building on widely successful pilot

WASHINGTON – Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) joined over 150 lawmakers in introducing the Direct File Act to reinstate and permanently codify the highly successful Direct File program which allowed taxpayers to file their taxes online, for free, and directly with the government. The program was canceled by President Trump last year.

“Working families shouldn’t have to pay a preparing company or jump through hoops just to file their taxes,” said Senator Gallego. “The Direct File program cuts the red tape so families don’t have to worry about the tax maze. That’s why I’m backing this bill to make tax filing as straightforward as it should be for Americans.”

The average American taxpayer spends eight hours and $160 each year filing their taxes with tax prep companies. In 2024, the IRS launched Direct File to save families time and money. 94% of users described their experience as “excellent” or “above average,” and more than 70% of taxpayers said they would use Direct File if they were eligible. If fully implemented, Direct File was projected to save families up to $23 billion annually in fees, time, and tax credits.

Despite Direct File’s success, the Trump Administration ended the program after extensive lobbying efforts by tax prep companies. This decision contradicts recommendations from the independent Government Accountability Office and Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, ultimately raising costs for Americans and making the tax filing experience even more burdensome.

In addition to directing the IRS to establish and operate a free online tax preparation and filing program, the Direct File Act would:

Prohibit the IRS from entering into agreements that restrict its ability to provide free online tax preparation or filing services.

Direct the IRS to publish an annual report on use levels, patterns of usage, and ways to improve access to Direct File.

Direct the IRS to enable seamless integration between state tax filing systems and Direct File, including through information sharing and a new grant program for states.

Reduce tax fraud by getting third-party income information to the IRS earlier in the tax season, allowing the agency to verify this information before issuing refunds.

The Direct File Act was led by Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Rep. Brad Sherman (CA-32) and has been endorsed by 115 unions, advocacy groups, and national organizations.


Gillibrand, Colleagues Introduce Legislation To Guarantee Free, Easy Tax Filing For Americans

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) joined Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and dozens of her Democratic colleagues in introducing the Direct File Act, new legislation that would reverse the Trump administration’s decision to end the highly successful Direct File program — which allowed taxpayers to file their taxes online, for free, and directly with the government — and make the program permanent. If fully implemented, Direct File was projected to lower costs and save families up to $23 billion annually in fees, time, and tax credits.

“Filing your taxes shouldn’t be a burden. But President Trump ended the highly successful Direct File program to side with powerful special interests over everyday Americans, making it harder and more expensive for working families to file their tax returns,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I’m proud to cosponsor the Direct File Act to restore this free, easy option so Americans can file directly with the government. I look forward to working to lower tax burdens for New Yorkers and will fight hard to get this important legislation across the finish line.”

“It’s a no-brainer: Americans should be able to file their taxes easily and for free. Donald Trump canceled Direct File after giant tax prep companies spent millions lobbying to protect their profits,” said Senator Warren. “We’re fighting to lower costs for families by bringing Direct File back and making it the law of the land.”

“Direct File helped hundreds of thousands of American taxpayers file their taxes quickly, easily, and for free – so of course President Trump and Republicans killed it,” said Senator Coons. “This year, those Americans will have to go back to expensive tax preparation services owned by President Trump’s donors. This legislation would bring back Direct File, because tax season is already hard enough without having to pay a company to pay your taxes.”

“Trump and the Republicans shut down the IRS Direct File program because they’re bought and paid for by the tax software industry and don’t have a problem with middle-class taxpayers getting ripped off every spring,” said Senator Wyden. “This bill is a promise that Democrats are going to restore Direct File the next time we’re in charge of the IRS, and in the meantime, it’s a shame that the Trump administration is a threat to any public service that saves Americans time, hassle and money.”

The average American taxpayer spends eight hours and $160 each year filing their taxes with tax prep companies. In 2024, the IRS launched Direct File to save families time and money. 94% of users described their experience as “excellent” or “above average,” and more than 70% of taxpayers said they would use Direct File if they were eligible.

Despite Direct File’s success, the Trump administration ended the program after extensive lobbying efforts by tax prep companies. This decision contradicts recommendations from the independent Government Accountability Office and Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, ultimately raising costs for Americans and making the tax filing experience even more burdensome.

In addition to directing the IRS to establish and operate a free online tax preparation and filing program, the Direct File Act would:

Prohibit the IRS from entering into agreements that restrict its ability to provide free online tax preparation or filing services.

Direct the IRS to publish an annual report on use levels, patterns of usage, and ways to improve access to Direct File.

Direct the IRS to enable seamless integration between state tax filing systems and Direct File, including through information sharing and a new grant program for states.

Reduce tax fraud by getting third-party income information to the IRS earlier in the tax season, allowing the agency to verify this information before issuing refunds.

Gillibrand, Warren, Coons, and Wyden were joined on the legislation by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM.), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI). Over 120 representatives introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Read the full text of the legislation here.

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Gillibrand, Schumer, Fetterman Introduce Legislation To Expand Nutrition Assistance For Puerto Ricans

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Senate Democratic Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-NY), and U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) introduced the Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act. This landmark legislation would address inequalities in food assistance to Puerto Ricans by allowing Puerto Rico to fully participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

“Puerto Rico’s exclusion from SNAP has needlessly punished Puerto Ricans, ripping away essential nutrition benefits and billions of dollars in funding to the island,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The vital Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act would correct this injustice by enabling Puerto Ricans to participate in SNAP and receive Disaster SNAP in the wake of natural disasters and other emergencies. I’m proud to lead the charge to get this legislation passed, and I’ll keep fighting until Puerto Ricans have the same benefits that are afforded to other American citizens.”

“Our fellow citizens in Puerto Ricans have been unjustly excluded from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for decades,” said Senator Schumer. “I’m proud to champion this legislation with Senator Gillibrand to right past wrongs by enabling our fellow citizens in Puerto Rico to fully participate in SNAP and ensuring the people of Puerto Rico have the full access to federal resources that they deserve.”

“I’ve always maintained that SNAP is a critical lifeline, yet Puerto Ricans aren’t fully eligible. We all get hungry and we shouldn’t punish people when they need food,” said Senator Fetterman. “I’m proud to support the Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act to make USDA nutrition programs more fair and accessible.”

“This Senate bill builds on the work we have done in the House to address the cost-of-living challenges that Puerto Ricans face,” said Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández. “I commend Senator Gillibrand for her leadership in introducing the Senate companion and strengthening this effort to improve affordability in Puerto Rico.”

“Puerto Rico’s Nutrition Assistance Program (NAP) lacks several important tools that are available under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and are designed to provide direct support to beneficiaries,”said Puerto Rico Governor Jeniffer González-Colón. “Aside from providing greater benefit assistance, SNAP offers opportunities for economic development via education, training, and employment, and offers robust assistance in the aftermath of natural and other disasters. This is why Puerto Rico needs a transition from NAP to SNAP, a goal that I support and have worked on for many years, first as a member of Congress and now as Governor. One of the bills I introduced on this issue while in Congress was the Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act, bipartisan legislation to secure a structured and successful transition. Senator Gillibrand has historically been our lead for this bill in the Senate, and I am thankful that we can count on her once more as she reintroduces this important proposal in the 119th Congress. I look forward to continuing to work together.”

Currently, U.S. citizens living in Puerto Rico participate in the Nutrition Assistance Program (NAP), a capped block grant that is not needs-based or reactive to increased participation. This has led to lower nutrition benefits for residents of Puerto Rico than for residents of the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Furthermore, the NAP block grant has no equivalent to Disaster SNAP, meaning that Puerto Rican disasters or emergencies require separate, new appropriations from Congress which can take months. There are currently approximately 1.5 million NAP participants.

The Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act would transition Puerto Rico from NAP to SNAP.

This legislation is endorsed by the Hispanic Federation, Coalition for Food Security, MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger, and Bread for the World.

“For more than four decades, American Families in Puerto Rico have endured unequal treatment in federal nutrition assistance programs, resulting in hundreds of thousands of families going hungry as nutrition assistance fails to keep pace with the growing costs of groceries,” saidCharlotte Gossett Navarro, Puerto RicoChief Director for Hispanic Federation. “Hispanic Federation has long advocated for Puerto Rico’s inclusion in SNAP, and the Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act, led by Senator Gillibrand, represents a crucial step to achieve this. Congress must seize this moment and include Puerto Rico’s transition from NAP to SNAP in the Farm Bill.”

“For almost eight years, the Coalition for Food Security Puerto Rico has dedicated its efforts to securing equitable nutrition funding for American citizens residing in Puerto Rico to combat hunger,” said Lillian Rodriguez Lopez of the Coalition for Food Security. “A central focus of these initiatives is advocating for Puerto Rico’s transition to SNAP, thereby addressing longstanding disparities that have existed since the territory’s exclusion more than 45 years ago. The Senate bill, with the support of Senators Gillibrand, Fetterman, Lujan, Padilla, and Senate Leader Schumer, proposes a transparent and strategic ten-year timeline for this transition. It is recommended that all members of the Senate endorse S.XXX to promote nutrition equity as part of the Farm Bill 2026 framework.”

“All people deserve to be able to feed themselves and their families, and this must include the people of Puerto Rico who have been ignored for far too long,” said Liza Lieberman, Vice President of Public Affairs at MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger. “The Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act will ensure that the people of Puerto Rico can access the same nutrition benefits as all other American citizens. MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger is committed to supporting and uplifting our partners in Puerto Rico, and we are proud to fight for the structural changes needed to address growing food insecurity across our communities.”

The full text of this legislation can be found here.

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Senator Gillibrand Statement On Posthumous Medal Of Honor Awarded To Staff Sergeant Michael H. Ollis Of Staten Island

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement honoring Staff Sergeant Michael H. Ollis of Staten Island, NY, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his service in Afghanistan:

“Staff Sergeant Michael H. Ollis represented the very best of our nation and state,” said Senator Gillibrand. “His bravery, valor, and selfless sacrifice will forever stand as a testament to the courage of our armed forces and the strength of the American spirit. I will always keep Staff Sergeant Ollis and his family in my prayers.”

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Capitol Hill Report, 03-02-26

Audio from this afternoon’s call is available HERE.

Topics include: Iran, taxes, Social Security, Grassley’s 2026 legislative priorities and ICE.


Senators Hassan, Collins Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Help People Diagnosed with Terminal Illness or Serious Disability Access Their Earned Benefits Faster

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced bipartisan legislation to help people diagnosed with a terminal illness or serious disability start receiving their Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits as soon as possible. Under current law, even after the Social Security Administration confirms that someone is disabled and eligible for benefits, they are forced to wait five months before receiving any payments – delaying access to benefits that they have already earned at one of the most difficult times in their lives. The We Can’t Wait Act would give people the option to begin receiving their benefits quicker, in exchange for a modest reduction in their monthly benefit amount, at no additional cost to the federal government.

“People diagnosed with a terminal disease or other serious disability should not be forced to wait five months to start receiving the Social Security Disability Insurance benefits that that they earned while working,” said Senator Hassan. “This bipartisan bill is a commonsense way to give people an option to receive their Social Security Disability benefits more quickly, without increasing the cost for the federal government. I will continue working to help people who experience disabilities access the resources that they need.”

“This bipartisan legislation is a straightforward, compassionate, and fiscally responsible step forward,” said Senator Collins. “It respects the financial integrity of the SSDI program while providing a crucial option to hardworking Americans who simply cannot wait even five months for the benefits they have worked for and desperately need.”

Specifically, the We Can’t Wait Act:

Gives eligible individuals with disabilities the option to bypass the current five-month waiting period and receive the benefits they have earned without further delay, in exchange for a modest reduction in their monthly benefit;

Maintains the actuarial balance in the SSDI Trust Fund over the 75-year projection period; and

Makes no other changes to SSDI – does not alter eligibility criteria, the determination process, or benefit levels for those who choose not to bypass the waiting period.

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Heinrich Announces Opposition to Steve Pearce, Trump’s Nominee to Lead the Bureau of Land Management

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, released the following statement opposing former Congressman Steve Pearce’s nomination to lead the Bureau of Land Management (BLM):

“I have known Congressman Pearce a long time. And while I appreciate his testimony before the Energy and Natural Resources Committee last week, I cannot in good faith vote to advance his nomination to serve as our Bureau of Land Management Director.

“When Congressman Pearce testified, he promised that he would not recommend rolling back national monument designations, which is extremely important to me; and he acknowledged that BLM cannot conduct large-scale sell-offs of public lands under existing law, which is correct. I intend to hold him to these statements.

“But I also know that commitments to follow the law by prior nominees have proven unreliable. And while Congressman Pearce has said that his past actions opposing national monument designations and calling for public land sell-offs are in his rearview mirror, they remain in the memory of every New Mexican who faced his opposition in order to protect the lands they cherish.

“Like my constituents, I cannot ignore Congressman Pearce’s record. For these reasons, I will be voting ‘no’ on his nomination.”

During his time in Congress, Pearce pushed to sell off public lands, opposed a national monument designation in New Mexico, advocated for downsizing national monuments, and pushed to lock up public lands for corporate interests instead of maintaining them for public use and recreation.


Heinrich Cosponsors Bipartisan Legislation to Combat Opioid Overdoses & Save Lives

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) cosponsored the Workplace Overdose Reversal Kits (WORK) to Save Lives Act, bipartisan legislation to help tackle rising rates of opioid overdoses with increased access to overdose reversal medications like naloxone.

The National Safety Council found that while 75 percent of employers report seeing opioid use impact their workplace, only 17 percent report being well-prepared to address it. Though some states reported a decrease in overdose deaths in 2025, New Mexico experienced an increase by an estimated 5-10% when compared to 2024, according to recent NM High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) data.

The WORK to Save Lives Act will ensure workplaces in New Mexico and nationwide have better tools and training to address the opioid epidemic.

“New Mexicans know too well the heartache of losing a loved one to opioids. We need to tackle this epidemic with the urgency it demands,” said Heinrich. “This legislation will expand access to overdose reversal medications and save lives. I remain committed to fighting this crisis and helping New Mexicans access the care and support they need.”

Specifically, the WORK to Save Lives Act will require the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to issue guidance to employers and federal agencies regarding opioid overdose reversal medication attainment, usage, and training.

The legislation is led by U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska.). Alongside Heinrich, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). In the U.S. House of Representatives, the legislation is led by U.S. Representatives Bonnie Watson (D-N.J.) and John Rutherford (R-Fla.). Cosponsors in the U.S. House of Representatives include U.S. Representatives Gabe Amo (D-R.I.), Nikki Budzinski (D-Ill.), André Carson (D-Ind.), Angie Craig (D-Minn.), Danny K. Davis (D-Ill.), Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.), Adelita Grijalva (D-Ariz.), April McClain Delaney (D-Md.), LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Shri Thanedar (D-Mich.), and Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.).

The bipartisan, bicameral bill is endorsed by the National Safety Council and Global Health Advocacy Incubator.

The full bill text is here.

Additional Background on Heinrich’s Work to Tackle the Opioid Crisis

In January, Heinrich, as a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, successfully passed into law language directing the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to develop a comprehensive fentanyl tracking system, which will include documentation of seizure location, chemical composition, probable or known manufacturing location, and probable or known point of entry into the United States. Currently, fentanyl interdiction is compiled at land ports of entry by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), but the DEA does not have readily accessible tracking data on the movement of illicit drugs within the U.S. or their point of origin. Requiring the compilation and organization of that data will complement DHS’ work and improve our country’s work to effectively combat the fentanyl crisis.

In October 2024, Heinrich, along with the N.M. Congressional Delegation, announced over $3 million dollars secured from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to Tribal communities to serve individuals with opioid use disorder and co-occurring substance use disorders by funding culturally specific and evidence-based treatment, including medication for the treatment of opioid use disorder (MOUD). These HHS Tribal Opioid Response Grants were awarded through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration(SAMHSA).

Also in October 2025, Heinrich, alongside U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján, sent a letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. laying out how the Department’s reckless mass firings during Trump’s government shutdown hurt Americans’ health and set back federal efforts to tackle the fentanyl and substance use disorder crisis, and address infant and maternal mortality.

In July 2025, Heinrich announced that his Halt All Lethal Trafficking of (HALT) Fentanyl Act to permanently classify fentanyl-related substances (FRS) as Schedule I drugs, under the Controlled Substances Act, had been signed into law.

In July 2024, Heinrich announced U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee support for $1.4 billion for the U.S. Department of State’s International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Bureau to combat the fentanyl crisis.

In June 2024, Heinrich, along with the N.M. Congressional Delegation announced $9.5 million to combat the fentanyl crisis across the state. This funding came from the Biden White House’s High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Program, which provided New Mexico’s law enforcement agencies with tools to keep communities safe from illicit fentanyl and reduce violent crime associated with drug trafficking.

Also in June 2024, Heinrich welcomed the U.S. Department Health and Human Services’ (HHS) selection of New Mexico into the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) Medicaid Demonstration Program. The program provides states with funding to expand access to mental health care and substance use services.

In April 2024, Heinrich announced the passage of legislation he cosponsored, the FEND Off Fentanyl Act, into law. The bipartisan legislation targets the fentanyl crisis by wielding our country’s economic tools against transnational criminal organizations.

In March 2024, Heinrich welcomed $400 million he fought to pass for U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) to detect and seize fentanyl at our ports of entry. Heinrich also announced he had successfully secured substantial federal funding to combat the fentanyl crisis in New Mexico, including:

$364,000 for the Albuquerque Police Department to purchase equipment to safely identify fentanyl and other illicit substances to increase apprehensions and improve prosecutions.

$300,000 for the City of Santa Fe’s Mobile Integrated Health Office to provide a team of trauma-informed responders and providers to administer care and navigation services to those experiencing a crisis or behavioral health emergency.

$295,000 for Hidalgo, Catron, and Grant Counties to purchase equipment for use by local law enforcement to safely detect fentanyl and other illicit drugs and improve officer and community safety.

$194,000 for the Las Cruces Police Department to Purchase equipment to safely analyze fentanyl and other illicit narcotics and create a community engagement effort to educate youth on the dangers of illicit drugs.

$172,000 for the Silver City Police Department to purchase equipment to safely identify fentanyl and other illicit substances and fund associated training for officers.

Heinrich also cosponsored the Stop Fentanyl at the Border Act, legislation that will enable CBP to hire more Officers and Border Patrol Agents to increase capacity to stop illicit smuggling over the border.

In February 2024, Heinrich led a bipartisan letter to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) urging the agency to include Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD), specifically buprenorphine and methadone, in its List of Essential Medicines. This action would significantly help health care providers address the ongoing opioid epidemic by making these drugs more readily available in medical facilities.

In August 2023, Heinrich announced 24 local projects in the Senate Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill to improve access to quality health care and help medical providers treat mental health and substance use disorders in New Mexico. Heinrich also led a letter to the FDA urging the agency to conduct Tribal consultations and discussions with rural communities to incorporate their feedback prior to finalizing its policy on at-home disposal of prescription opioids. And Heinrich announced federal funding for the Santa Fe Recovery Center, Inc. from HHS to combat the opioid epidemic and substance abuse in communities across New Mexico. The funding went towards recovery addiction treatment, recovery services, and overdose prevention.

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Heinrich to Wall Street: “Leave Our Housing Alone”

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) cosponsored the American Homeownership Act, legislation to get housing out of the hands of corporate landlords and into the hands of New Mexico families.

Wall Street landlords have exacerbated the housing crisis in New Mexico and nationwide by buying up a large share of the housing market – artificially decreasing supply and driving up home prices.

“Mega investors have skyrocketed the cost of housing to make massive profits at the expense of New Mexico families. We've had enough. They need to leave our housing alone,” said Heinrich. “I’m proud to cosponsor this legislation to help make the dream of homeownership a reality for more New Mexicans. And I will keep fighting to lower costs and ensure New Mexico families can afford to put a roof over their head and food on the table.”

Recent data indicates that 7.6% of single-family homes in Albuquerque are owned by large corporate investors. And the median home price in New Mexico has increased by over $100,000 since 2019, which makes it harder for New Mexicans to achieve the American dream of owning a home.

The American Homeownership Act will end federal tax handouts for Wall Street landlords and instead reinvest those savings to increase the supply of housing and lower housing costs for New Mexico families. It will also empower law enforcement to investigate and prevent big corporate buy-ups that prevent families from becoming first-time homeowners.

The American Homeownership Act is led by U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.). Alongside Heinrich, the bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Christopher Murphy (D-Ct.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.).

The American Homeownership Act is endorsed by American Economic Liberties Project, American Federation of Teachers, Americans for Financial Reform, Communications Workers of America, Consumer Action, Grounded Solutions Network, National Community Reinvestment Coalition, National Housing Law Project, National Low Income Housing Coalition, and Private Equity Stakeholder Project.

A summary of the bill is here.

The full text of the bill is here.

As a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, Heinrich has directly secured millions in investments for New Mexico renters and first-time homeowners.

In Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) funding, Heinrich secured:

$3.5 billion to prevent veteran homelessness, including:

$659 million to bolster the Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program, which will help meet the needs of veterans including help with the rising costs of household goods;

$703 million for case management and administration of Housing and Urban Development – Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing vouchers;

$277 million for the Grant and Per Diem Program, which will support transitional housing and assist veterans in achieving housing stability; and

$174 million for Veterans Justice Outreach and Legal Services for Veterans grants to award community-based organizations with funds to assist veterans with legal issues like accessing benefits, navigating family law, and securing safe and stable housing.

$1.715 billion for rental assistance to help ensure Americans living in rural areas have access to safe and affordable housing.

$1 billion in Single Family Direct Loans to help more low-income families and first-time home buyers get mortgages.

In FY24, Heinrich secured:

$1.6 billion for rental assistance — an increase of $120 million over FY23.

A pilot program that decoupled rental assistance from Multifamily Direct Loans, preventing thousands of low-income families from losing rental assistance.

$1,100,000 for Santa Fe Habitat for Humanity to develop land into a mixed-income development focused on building 25 to 30 housing units for working families.

$14,500,000, in total, for Northern New Mexico to help address the housing shortage.

In FY23 funding, Heinrich and the N.M. Congressional Delegation welcomed:

$11,855,081 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to support public housing authorities build, renovate, and modernize public housing across New Mexico.

More than $16 million in federal funding from HUD’ Continuum of Care program to support New Mexico projects that provide housing assistance and supportive services to people experiencing homelessness.

Additional background on Heinrich’s work to lower housing costs, help New Mexico families become first-time homeowners, and address the homelessness crisis.

Earlier this year, Heinrich cosponsored the Humans Over Private Equity (HOPE) for Homeownership Act to kick hedge funds out of the housing market.

Last August, Heinrich reintroduced the First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Act, legislation that aims to support middle-class New Mexicans purchasing their first home. The bill would establish a refundable tax credit worth up to 10 percent of a home’s purchase price – up to a maximum of $15,000 – for first-time homebuyers.

Last April, Heinrich and U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) introduced the Housing for All Act, legislation that will help address the housing shortage and homelessness crises in New Mexico. If passed, the bill will invest in proven solutions to address housing shortages and provide a historic level of federal funding for programs to bolster innovative, locally developed solutions to increase the housing stock in the state and help New Mexicans experiencing homelessness.

Last March, Heinrich demanded that U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner follow the law and deliver $3.6 billion in Congressionally appropriated funding to support Continuum of Care program recipients, a vital local program aimed at curbing homelessness across the country, including in New Mexico.

Last January, Heinrich stood alongside the New Mexico Congressional Delegation in welcoming $17.1 million — a 5.3% increase from the previous year — to support New Mexico projects that provide housing assistance and supportive services to people experiencing homelessness through HUD’s Continuum of Care program.

In 2024, Heinrich introduced the New Homes Tax Credit Act, legislation that will provide tax credits to incentivize new investments and additional resources for single-family home construction and renovations for working families. In Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Las Cruces, New Mexico, for example, this added housing inventory would benefit families with annual incomes of up to $103,680, $109,800, and $78,960, respectively. Heinrich met with leaders from Santa Fe Habitat for Humanity and Homewise to announce this new legislation and see how the $1,100,000 he secured through the Appropriations process is helping Santa Fe Habitat for Humanity develop land and build housing for working families.

Additionally, at a roundtable conversation with local educators in Albuquerque, Heinrich announced his Educator Down Payment Assistance Act, legislation designed to help more educators and school staff in New Mexico purchase a home and keep teachers in the communities where they teach.

As then-Chairman of the U.S. Joint Economic Committee (JEC), Heinrich released a report on housing supply in America, which found that underbuilding, restrictive zoning policies, and home financing hurdles have caused the supply of starter homes to shrink and prices to rise. High interest rates and mangled supply chains have also contributed to increased home prices. Heinrich also chaired a JEC hearing on the report. His full opening statement can be found here.

In 2023, Heinrich introduced the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act, legislation to help build over 14,000 new affordable homes in New Mexico over the next decade, generating over $2.5 billion in wages and business income. The legislation will support the financing of more affordable housing by expanding and strengthening the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, our country’s most successful affordable housing program.

Heinrich also introduced the Delivering Essential Protection, Opportunity, and Security for Tenants (DEPOSIT) Act, legislation to help an estimated 12,000 New Mexican families access rental housing through the Housing Choice Voucher Program to pay security deposits and get into a rental home.

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