Rep. Salinas Delivers Opening Remarks During Farm Bill Markup

Click here to watch Rep. Salinas’ full remarks.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06) delivered opening remarks during the House Agriculture Committee’s markup of the 2026 Farm Bill. In her remarks, Rep. Salinas raised concerns about the partisan drafting process of the bill. She also called attention to several harmful provisions in the bill, such as outdated wildfire policy mandates, harmful SNAP cost shifts that would impact nearly 800,000 Oregonians, the lack of direct disaster relief for farmworkers, and the absence of key bipartisan priorities.

Rep. Salinas acknowledged some welcome additions to the Farm Bill, such as the inclusion of key forestry provisions from her Timber Innovation for Building Rural Communities Act. However, she made clear that these improvements do not outweigh the bill’s broader shortcomings.

A transcript of Salinas’ remarks is available below:

Thank you, Chairman Thompson and Ranking Member Craig.

The people of Oregon’s Sixth District sent me here to represent their interests and needs, and since I first arrived to Congress in 2023, I have consistently advocated for the economic and safety-net priorities of Oregonians.

Despite some positive provisions for Oregonians in this Farm Bill Reauthorization, when taken as a whole, this bill is unacceptable. It fails to meet the needs of Oregonians and should in no way be considered a bipartisan compromise.

My district is home to a wealth of agricultural diversity, from Christmas trees to hazelnuts and, of course, our world-famous Willamette Valley wine grapes. I’ve fought to ensure all our producers’ needs, including specialty crop growers’, are prioritized in the Farm Bill. I’m pleased to see the text establishes a specialty crop advisory committee and create a framework for future specialty crop disaster assistance.

As Ranking Member of the Forestry Subcommittee and representing a state that boasts 30 million acres of some of the world’s most productive forests, I have made it my goal to invest in our wild land firefighting workforce, timber industry, and forest recreation, research, and management priorities.

As such, I am grateful that the Chairman’s proposal includes parts of my bill, the Timber Innovation for Building Rural Communities Act, which would reduce the match requirement for the Wood Innovation Grant Program by nearly half and establish a platform for measuring and tracking carbon emissions, sequestration, and storage of wood products.

Even with some of these welcome additions to the Farm Bill, they do not make up for all the ways this bill is lacking. To start, my home state of Oregon is nearly 50 percent forested. With that, comes the reality of forest fires, which are increasingly frequent and more devastating. Despite this reality, this Farm Bill would actually turn back the clock on best practice wildfire mitigation strategies by requiring the Forest Service to suppress fires within 24 hours under what is known as the “10 a.m. policy”.

This practice is so outdated that our own government Forest Service website calls the 10 a.m. policy a, in quotes, “strategy of the past that unfortunately helped create the wildfire crisis of today.”

Instead of bolstering our wildland firefighter workforce through this Farm Bill, we are instead making the job of firefighters more difficult through outdated and rejected fire science policy.

On top of endangering our firefighters with illogical mandates, this Administration has also cut 4,000 workers from the Forest Service and has gone as far as greenlighting detentions of firefighters by ICE. This past August, my constituent, who is here legally on a U Visa, was arrested at a fire camp during an active fire on the Olympic Peninsula. Tell me what message this sends to our firefighters about how much we value the lifesaving work they do on our behalf.

Across the board, families and farmers are struggling to make ends meet, and this bill does little to nothing to make up for the harm caused to farmers from the Trump Administration’s hostile trade policies and the harm caused to families when this Committee slashed nearly $200 billion dollars from SNAP last year.

I recognize this Farm Bill is repurposing dollars from the One, Big Beautiful bill Act to fund Market Access and Foreign Market Development programs, but the impact of that funding is blunted by the tariffs that have led to nearly $44 billion dollars in agricultural trade deficit and skyrocketing input costs.

Let’s not forget that the funding for these programs was off the backs of millions of people who will be kicked off their SNAP benefits at a time when grocery prices are only skyrocketing.

In fact, these cuts to SNAP will cause nearly 800,000 Oregonians to lose their food benefits. Of these Oregonians, one in four are children, and one in eight are seniors. In less than a year, every state will also be required to pick up double the cost of administering the SNAP program. In Oregon, that is $80 million dollars the state is expected to absorb.

As Ranking Member of the Horticulture Subcommittee, I have consistently said that specialty crops have been left behind for too long. The majority’s Farm Bill does not do nearly enough for the specialty crop growers in my district. There is no new money for disaster assistance, no enhancements to specialty crop insurance, and nothing to address the headwinds producers are facing from rising input costs and labor difficulties. This bill only perpetuates the status quo — leaving specialty crops behind.

And I’m not finished. This bill comes up short in so many other ways. It does not include direct disaster relief for farm workers who keep our food systems running. It does not include summer food delivery for hungry children in rural communities. It does not include my bipartisan and bicameral Domestic Organic Investment Act that would give organic producers tools to increase capacity, modernize their operations, and expand their businesses.

I could go on. My colleagues and I in the minority understand that compromises must be made to get a Farm Bill passed. None of us expect to get everything on our wish list. At the very least, we expect good-faith engagement and a good-faith proposal that matches our commitment to bipartisanship.

Instead, we were locked out of this process and only given five business days to review the text, consult stakeholders, and prepare for this one-sided hearing. The only reason we ended up with more time to review this bill was because of a blizzard, not bipartisanship.

Farmers deserve better. Families deserve better. Thank you, and I yield back.

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Rep. Scholten Announces More Than $1 Million in Community Project Funding for the Grand Rapids Water Resource Recovery Facility

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Representative Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03) announced the City of Grand Rapids will receive $1,092,000 in federal support through the Community Project Funding (CPF) process. The funding will be used to upgrade the ultraviolet (UV) disinfection system at the city’s water resource recovery facility. Congresswoman Scholten spoke at the facility last week to celebrate the funding.

“I’m thrilled to announce this Community Project Funding award of more than a million dollars to support the City of Grand Rapids’ water resource recovery facility,” said Rep. Scholten. “This project will help upgrade important equipment to ensure every family in our community has access to clean, safe drinking water, as well as protect our local waterways through effective disinfection processes. I’m always proud to deliver high-impact federal investments like this one to my district, and I look forward to seeing the positive impacts of the funding.”

"On behalf of Grand Rapids, I extend sincere thanks to Representative Hillary Scholten for her crucial role in securing federal funding for the UV disinfection system upgrade at our Water Resource Recovery Facility. This project is vital as our current equipment, over 20 years old, is unsupported and costly to maintain. The upgrade will ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, enhance wastewater disinfection, protect public health, and preserve our waterways. We deeply value the partnership that enables such essential infrastructure improvements," said Grand Rapids City Manager Mark Washington.

Specifically, the funding will be used for the design and construction of a new system to replace outdated equipment. The overarching goal is to ensure continued compliance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), protect public health, and safeguard the Grand River and Lake Michigan by maintaining effective wastewater disinfection.

Each year, Congress considers appropriations bills that fund the federal government, and Community Project Funding (CPF) is part of that process. The House Appropriations Committee allows Members of Congress to request these resources for a limited number of local projects, which reflects Rep. Scholten’s ongoing work to bring federal investment back to Michigan’s Third Congressional District.

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Ranking Member Subramanyam Demands Immediate Action to Assist American Citizens Stranded in Middle East

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Ranking Member of the Military and Foreign Affairs Oversight Subcommittee, demanded immediate action from the State Department to assist American citizens who have been stranded in the Middle East. Thousands of American citizens have been told to catch commercial flights and leave the region immediately days after the United States started bombing Iran. Multiple American embassies, military bases, and other locations housing Americans have been hit by retaliatory strikes by Iran.

The Ranking Member said, “It is the duty and responsibility of the United States government to ensure the safety of Americans both at home and around the globe. But it's clear this administration did not adequately warn Americans in the region and did not prepare enough to keep them safe. I am demanding this administration spare no expense in protecting Americans in the Middle East. If we have billions to spend on bombs and bullets, we have the money to evacuate Americans in the region and get them home safely.”

The Ranking Member ends his letter to Secretary Marco Rubio asking several questions about specific evacuation plans and assets the State Department needs to carry out necessary evacuations.

In case you missed it, Rep. Subramanyam dragged the Trump administration for their lack of a plan on the House floor.

Ranking Member Subramanyam’s full letter to Secretary Rubio can be found here and below.

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Dear Secretary Rubio,

I write to you with extreme concern over the safety of Americans in the Middle East following the United States engaging in war with Iran. In the days after the initial February 28, 2026 strikes, there have been attacks and instances of violence at multiple U.S. Embassies and consulates, including in Riyadh, Kuwait, Dubai, and Pakistan. As a result, on Monday, March 2, 2026, Assistant Secretary Mora Namdar posted on social media, stating the State Department “urges Americans to DEPART NOW from the countries below using available commercial transportation, due to serious safety risks.” The list includes Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.

There are reportedly 1 million Americans in the region. These Americans were given no advance notice, and urged to depart using “commercial transportation,” even though airlines have cancelled and diverted flights out of the region. Dubai International and Dubai World Central airports, some of the region’s hubs for international travel, suspended flight operations on February 28, 2026. Delta, United, and American Airlines alerted travelers about impacts. According to data from March 1, 2026, approximately 3,000 flights had already been cancelled.

While the United States military had time to move a second carrier group into position, no strategic plan was put in place to evacuate and support the thousands of Americans in the region.

These Americans are now in harm's way. Moreover, a number of countries in the region have no confirmed U.S. Ambassador and clear leadership that could assist Americans abroad. Additionally, in the days leading up to the military operation, FBI Director Kash Patel fired a dozen agents and staff members from a counterintelligence unit “tasked with monitoring threats from Iran.”

It is the duty and responsibility of the United States government to ensure the safety of Americans both at home and around the globe. However, based on the evidence thus far, I am increasingly concerned that the United States government’s unpreparedness is putting Americans at an elevated risk of harm.

As this war continues, I urge the Department to immediately put a plan in place to safely evacuate Americans in the region who are in harm's way. A plan that goes beyond “using available commercial transportation.” I also respectfully request answers to the following questions:


Rep. Vasquez Demands Clarity for Seniors After Administration’s Conflicting Claims Cause Tax Confusion

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On March 3, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) pushed for clarity and honesty for seniors on taxes on Social Security. In a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Social Security Administration (SSA) Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano, Rep. Vasquez requested clear answers after Congressional Republicans, White House officials, and the Social Security Administration issued conflicting claims as to whether taxes on Social Security have truly been eliminated.

Congressional Republicans and the Administration have repeatedly claimed they eliminated taxes on Social Security, but in July, the Social Security Administration issued a correction clarifying that taxes on Social Security benefits had not been eliminated. These conflicting reports have caused confusion among Americans trying to file their taxes.

In reality, seniors will still pay federal taxes on Social Security. The Republican tax law created a temporary tax deduction of $6,000 for eligible seniors through 2028 — which nonpartisan estimates indicate that fewer than half of seniors nationwide will benefit from at all. At the same time, the Republican tax law provided permanent and massive tax breaks for billionaires and corporations, implemented crippling cuts to health care, put many rural hospitals and nursing homes at risk of closing, and raised prices for many seniors.

With tax season approaching, Rep. Vasquez is pushing for answers and clarity to protect seniors.

Watch Rep. Vasquez’s Latest Video on Taxes on Social Security Here.

“America’s seniors deserve honesty from their government as they plan for retirement and prepare to file their taxes,” stated Rep. Vasquez in the letter.

Specifically, the Congressman’s letter requests specific answers to three questions regarding taxes on social security:

Did the One Big Beautiful Bill Act directly eliminate federal taxes on Social Security? If so, will agency guidance be corrected? If not, will administration officials commit to correcting public statements that claim otherwise?

Are Americans still required to report Social Security income on their federal tax filings?

Is implementation of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act expected to accelerate insolvency of Social Security?

“New Mexico seniors work their entire lives to earn Social Security benefits. It’s ridiculous that this Administration has willfully caused so much confusion by openly lying about cutting taxes on Social Security,” said Vasquez. “I’m calling on the Treasury Department to straighten this out before Tax Day, and I’ll always keep working to protect New Mexicans’ hard-earned benefits.”

Representatives Sharice Davids (KS-03), John Mannion (NY-22), Eric Sorensen (IL-17), Seth Magaziner (RI-02) and Angie Craig (MN-02) joined Rep. Vasquez in sending the letter.

“Hearing one thing and seeing another on your benefits statement is confusing, frustrating, and an unacceptable way to treat the hardworking seniors who spent their careers paying into Social Security,” said Davids. “I'm demanding honesty and transparency from the White House on whether or not federal taxes are being taken out of Social Security benefits due to the Republican tax bill. Kansas seniors — and seniors around the country — need clarity to plan for their future.”

“Seniors need honesty from their government and clarity when it comes to their retirement and Social Security benefits. Misleading statements about the GOP tax bill have only made it harder for retirees to plan responsibly. My constituents have questions, and they deserve clear, factual answers,” said Mannion. “That’s why I’m joining my colleagues in requesting written clarification from the Treasury Secretary and the Social Security Administration — so seniors know exactly what they owe, what has changed, and that the benefits they earned over a lifetime of work remain protected.”

Vasquez has repeatedly pushed to both protect and improve Social Security benefits, including:

Co-sponsoring the bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act, a bill to strengthen social security benefits for public servants.

Condemning attacks of the Social Security Administration (SSA) from the Trump Administration, warning that mass layoffs and service cuts will devastate seniors and working families across New Mexico and the country, particularly seniors in rural communities.

Urging the SSA to address long wait times facing New Mexico seniors attempting to access their benefits.

Meeting with Las Cruces seniors to hear directly about how the rising costs of groceries, housing, and health care are impacting their daily lives.

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Rep. Vasquez Ranks Among Top House Dems on Bipartisanship in New Report

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Roll Call just released new research ranking U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) as the 14th-most bipartisan House Democrat for his ongoing willingness to work across the aisle on commonsense solutions for New Mexicans.

Roll Call’s research ranked lawmakers by how often they voted in alignment with the President’s policy positions, using the percentage of recorded votes cast in 2025 on which President Trump took a position. Congressman Vasquez voted in line with the President 25 percent of the time, ranking highest in the New Mexico delegation and in the top 7 percent of House Democrats nationwide.

“The people of New Mexico’s 2nd District elected me to serve our communities and our families, not a political party, not big corporations, and not special interest groups,” said Vasquez. “That’s why I’ve focused on supporting policy and funding that reflects the needs of our district, regardless of party. I’ll continue working to bring costs down, improve public safety, protect our public lands, and reform our nation’s broken immigration system.”

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Walkinshaw Secures $13.4 Million for Northern Virginia Community Projects in FY26 Funding Bills

Washington, D.C. – Congressman James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11) announced today that $13,409,000 in federal funding for critical community projects across Northern Virginia has been secured in the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bills.

These projects, most of which Walkinshaw originally submitted to then-Congressman Gerry Connolly on behalf of Fairfax County while serving as the Board of Supervisors Legislative Chair, were continued and advanced by Walkinshaw upon his election to Congress. As a Member of Congress, Walkinshaw supported the Appropriations legislation that ultimately funded these community priorities for Virginia’s 11th District.

“From safer streets and stronger public safety infrastructure to clean drinking water, workforce development, and environmental resilience, these investments reflect what Northern Virginia needs to stay safe, competitive, and forward-looking,” said Rep. Walkinshaw. “I was proud to put forward many of these priorities as Braddock District Supervisor, and I was equally proud to support the funding bills in Congress that delivered for our community.”

Transportation, Safety, and Infrastructure Investments

$3,150,000 for Fairfax County Transportation Safety Initiative - Springfield: The Fairfax County Transportation Safety Initiative - Springfield project will implement safety projects in several locations with high crash rates. The project will include evidence-based countermeasures proven to significantly reduce crashes. This is critical to reducing serious bicycle and pedestrian accidents, which continues to be vital as more Virginians walk, bike, and utilize transit to travel across the Washington Metropolitan area and the Commonwealth.

$500,000 for Northern Virginia Community College Annandale Critical Pipeline Infrastructure Modernization - Annandale:

This project replaces aging underground utilities at NOVA’s Annandale Campus to prevent outages and closures that disrupt classes, labs, and essential student services. The investment supports continuity for NOVA’s 16,000 students and strengthens the region’s workforce development pipeline.

Strengthening Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

$1,031,000 for Fairfax County Public Safety Communications Critical Infrastructure Project:

This project will fund technology to support an alternate Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP/9-1-1 Center), strengthening continuity of operations so Fairfax can maintain near-zero downtime for emergency communications during outages, emergencies, or other disruptions.

$1,031,000 for Fairfax County Real Time Crime Center Enhancements for Emerging Threats:

This investment upgrades the Fairfax County Police Department’s Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) with enhanced tools to respond to emerging threats, improve real-time information sharing, and strengthen regional situational awareness — building on an asset that has supported thousands of cases and multi-jurisdictional coordination.

$1,000,000 for Strategic Addition and Special Enhancement to the City of Fairfax Police Station:

The City of Fairfax will build a special-purpose 7,000-square-foot addition connected to the existing police station to strengthen training capacity, specialty vehicle storage, and community policing resources. The project will also support recruitment and retention, including upgraded facilities for women officers.

$850,000 for Fairfax County Emergency Vehicle Preemption (EVP) Program:

Funding will support installation of emergency vehicle preemption equipment at key traffic signals along primary response routes, improving response times and reducing crashes involving emergency vehicles and civilian drivers. By safely clearing intersections, the project will help first responders reach emergencies faster and protect the public on heavily traveled roads.

$741,000 for George Mason University Evidence-Based Policing Initiative: GMU will provide a training program to help law enforcement agencies implement evidence-based practices that prevent crime, strengthen community trust, and improve organizational effectiveness. The program combines classroom and field components and will generate best practices that can be replicated by other agencies.

$175,000 for Fairfax County Advanced Disaster Management Simulator (ADMS) Training Project:

This funding supports a virtual reality incident command training platform that helps emergency responders practice complex scenarios in a safe, realistic environment — improving decision-making and disaster readiness without the logistics of large-scale live exercises.

$150,000 for Fairfax County DNA Forensic Project:

This investment will procure a sterile wet-vacuum DNA recovery system that can collect DNA from surfaces traditional methods often miss, strengthening the County’s ability to solve violent crimes and cold cases while reducing costly outsourcing.

Cybersecurity, Environmental Protection, and Public Health

$2,000,000 for W&OD Trail & Town of Vienna Initiative - Vienna:

This funding will help the Town of Vienna acquire and redevelop deteriorated properties along the W&OD Trail to build a welcome center, expand public green space, and improve trail safety through a safer dual network for pedestrians and bicyclists. The welcome center would serve the full 45-mile W&OD Trail, turning a blighted area in Vienna’s commercial core into a vibrant destination that supports economic development while improving safety and access for trail users.

$1,031,000 for PFAS Drinking Water Research Center (Metropolitan Washington Region):

This funding will establish a regional research center to help drinking water systems mitigate PFAS contamination and comply with EPA’s finalized PFAS drinking water standards. The center will coordinate partners, prioritize urgent research, and develop a science-based implementation plan to ensure infrastructure investments are data-driven and protect public health.

$1,000,000 for George Mason University’s Internet Namespace Security Observatory (INSO):

This funding supports a first-in-the-nation research center focused on Domain Name System (DNS) security and resiliency — strengthening the internet against cyberattacks and improving resilience for disruptions, including natural disasters. The center will produce monitoring and research to support DNS modernization and adoption of best practices like DNSSEC.

$750,000 for Fairfax County Street Tree Planting and Heat Island Reduction:

Fairfax County will retrofit areas within VDOT rights-of-way for street tree planting to expand the urban tree canopy, reduce heat island impacts in areas with lower canopy coverage, and improve air quality and public health outcomes.

“These investments are about protecting families, strengthening our economy, and preparing Northern Virginia for the challenges ahead,” Walkinshaw said. “Whether it is modernizing 9-1-1 infrastructure, keeping our drinking water safe, improving campus reliability for working students, or advancing cybersecurity research, this funding reflects responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars and a clear commitment to results.”

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Baldwin, Klobuchar, Smith Demand Secretary Duffy Release Blatnik Bridge Project Funding

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Tina Smith (D-MN) called on U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Sean Duffy to give final approval and release the $1.05 billion grant for the Blatnik Bridge replacement project so construction on the project can begin. The call comes as the Trump Administration has attempted to illegally cut funding for infrastructure projects as a tool for political retribution on other states and threatened to block the opening of a bridge between Michigan and Ontario last month.

“The folks in Minnesota and Wisconsin who are planning the reconstruction of the Blatnik Bridge have dotted their I’s and crossed their T’s. Now, it’s time the President and Secretary Duffy give the final greenlight for this project to move forward so we can keep Wisconsinites safe and support the local economy,” said Senator Baldwin.

“After over 60 years of connecting commuters and visitors to Minnesota, this funding for a replacement project will bolster safety and increase reliability of the Blatnik Bridge,” said Senator Klobuchar. “The U.S. Department of Transportation must release this grant so this incredibly important project can move forward without further delay and increased costs.”

“Delays in replacing the Blatnik Bridge would be incredibly costly to Minnesota and Wisconsin,” said Senator Smith. “The administration should act swiftly to make sure this project moves forward on schedule and doesn’t cost Northland taxpayers more. Let's get this done on time and within budget.”

The Blatnik Bridge is a vital connection between Duluth, Minnesota, and Superior, Wisconsin, with over 33,000 vehicles passing through daily and 265,000 trucks transporting nearly $4 billion in goods annually. Since the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which all three Senators supported, Senators Baldwin, Klobuchar, and Smith have been advocating for federal funds to replace the Blatnik Bridge.

Full text of the letter is available here and below.

Dear Secretary Duffy,

We write in support of executing the amended grant agreement submitted by the Minnesota Department of Transportation and Wisconsin Department of Transportation for $1.05 billion in awarded funding through the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) and National Infrastructure Project Assistance (Mega) programs for the Blatnik Bridge replacement project. Execution of the amended grant agreement will allow the Departments to advance to the construction phase of the project.

The Blatnik Bridge carries Interstate Highway 535 and serves an average of 33,000 vehicles per day traveling over the St. Louis Bay. It is essential for freight movement and commercial traffic for not only the Twin Ports of Duluth and Superior, but also for the entire Upper Midwest region. Many businesses and industries in the region rely on the bridge, as the port is a vital shipping center, and commuters, students, and workers also use the bridge to drive to the office, visit friends, and shop. The Port of Duluth-Superior is also the largest U.S. port on the Great Lakes and one of the largest marine gateways for U.S. trade with Canada, one of the top trade partners of Minnesota, Wisconsin and the whole United States.

The Blatnik Bridge has been in service for over sixty years, and in that time, it’s fallen into poor condition with significant structural deterioration. This has created serious capacity, mobility, and safety concerns. The awarded funding for the project will replace all structural elements of the bridge and restore the bridge to its original operational condition - improving the safety, efficiency, and reliability of this key regional connection.

With the approval of the Federal Highway Administration, the Minnesota Department of Transportation has issued request for proposal documents for the Blatnik Bridge replacement project. As such, we respectfully request that the amended grant agreement be executed and funding be obligated for the project as soon as possible. Thank you for your attention to this issue.

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WATCH: Baldwin Calls for Immediate End to Trump’s Illegal War with Iran on Senate Floor

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) took to the Senate Floor to condemn President Donald Trump’s illegal war with Iran that is putting American lives and taxpayer dollars on the line without sign off from Congress. Senator Baldwin’s remarks come as the Senate is set to vote on a War Powers Resolution to prevent further military action in Iran unless it is explicitly authorized by Congress.

Immediately following Saturday’s initial strikes on Iran, Senator Baldwin released a statement condemning this unauthorized military action and demanding that President Trump come to Congress before launching us into another potentially open-ended war. Senator Baldwin also co-sponsors the No War Against Iran Act to prohibit the use of federal funds for any use of military force in or against Iran without specific Congressional authorization.

Watch full video of the remarks here.

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ICYMI: Senator Banks Discusses Iran Strikes on America Reports

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

Click the image above for the full discussion

Full Remarks below:

Senator Banks: “We’ll get a briefing to hear more about where do we go from here. But Democrats are already trying to politicize this. They have a so-called war powers resolution that would tie President Trump and our military’s hands. So my biggest hope out of this briefing is that Republicans will remain unified in support of President Trump, our commander in chief, in support of our troops to do what it takes to make sure that Iran never gets a nuclear weapon. That’s the end goal. Stop them from producing uranium, also take out their ballistic missiles, cut off any further supplies that they have to their proxy terrorist groups. We’re well on the way to doing that… this has been a very effective operation. Secretary Hegseth has done a phenomenal job once again in leading our military efforts along with our military leaders. But this briefing in a little bit, hopefully will remind everyone what is at stake, why we have to stand with the president, support our troops, and then vote against a political effort by the Democrats to tie the president’s hands.”

Senator Banks: “This shows why we have to carry out the mission, carry out the job. These are evil and dangerous people…We have to finish the job. And by the way, President Trump has been very transparent, both with Congress, with the American people, and with Iran. He warned Iran over a hundred times. Come to the table and make a deal… or there will be hell to pay, and the Iranians chose the hell to pay. Now we have to finish the job and make sure that they never have a nuclear weapon.”

Senator Banks: “I served in Afghanistan. That was a forever war. What President Trump is doing is de-escalating a situation by wiping out the evil and bad people and their capabilities. He’s not escalating it. And he’s not promising that we’re going to go in for the next 20 years and use our military to rebuild Iran. He’s telling the Iranian people, this is your moment. Take over your country. We’ve given you a window of opportunity that’s a gift to these people and their freedom that President Trump and the American military has given them. So that’s a big difference from forever wars… Secretary Hegseth and President Trump and General Caine, our entire military, they’ve done a phenomenal job with precision strikes going after the capabilities of the Iranian military to make sure that they can’t fight back hard. You see what’s happening in real time. What they want to do is they want to wipe out Americans, America’s allies. They’re even attacking their Muslim neighbor countries like UAE and Saudi Arabia and Qatar. These are the actions of an evil regime and is exactly why President Trump is doing what he’s doing.”

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Operation Epic Fury Will Protect America and Dismantle Iran’s Terrorist Regime

“Operation Epic Fury was President Trump’s commitment to protect our nation. Today, Ayatollah Khamenei is dead. His senior leadership team is dead. His reign of terror is over. Iran’s vast missile arsenal is being dismantled. Its nuclear program has been demolished. Its tentacles of terror are being severed. America is safer. Israel is safer. The Middle East is safer. The world is safer. This is American peace through strength.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Senate Majority Whip, today spoke on the Senate Floor about his unwavering support for Operation Epic Fury and emphasized its critical role in protecting America against Iran’s terrorist regime.

Senator Barrasso also expressed his opposition to a Democrat War Powers Resolution the Senate is expected to consider this week. The Democrat resolution would tie the hands of the Commander-in-Chief and undercut American peace through strength.

Click HERE to watch Senator Barrasso’s remarks.

Sen. Barrasso’s remarks:

“President Trump took decisive action this weekend to keep America safe. He did it to stop the number one state-sponsor of terrorism. He did it to forge a path to peace in the Middle East. Operation Epic Fury is one of the boldest military operations in modern history. I support it fully and without reservation.

“President Trump has the courage to do what is right and what needs to be done. Something previous administrations refused to do. Operation Epic Fury has one purpose: to protect the American people from a regime that has spent 47 years trying to destroy us. This is an absolutely bloodthirsty dictatorship, and blood is on their hands.

“Yet I heard the Minority Leader here on the Floor this morning make reference to parents whose sons and daughters serve in the military. Well, I got an e-mail yesterday from one of those parents, a Gold Star parent, because she lost her son in Iraq in 2008. He was from Wyoming, Staff Sergeant Tyler Pickett. She e- mailed me because I had spoken at his funeral in 2008, a 28-year-old from Saratoga, Wyoming, killed by an IED. And we know it was Iran who was supplying those IEDs that killed so many Americans in Iraq and in Afghanistan. And what did she say? She said, ‘I have a request.’ She said, ‘When you speak to our President, Donald J. Trump, will you thank him from me and my family?’ She said, ‘I was working when the attack on Iran took place. My brother texted me and called me. We were cheering, praying, and continuing to pray for everyone. Once again, thank you and God be with you always.’ That’s a mother who lost her son, who was cheering the action this past weekend, and it continues today, to protect the American homeland and for which her son lost his life 18 years ago.

“For 47 years Iran has chanted ‘Death to America,’ and they mean it. Iran arms and bankrolls terrorists. Terrorists who have killed thousands of Americans. Terrorists who on October 7, 2023 killed over one thousand Israelis and Americans. Iran has plotted assassinations on American soil against dissidents, against American officials, and even against President Trump. Iran continued to race to build nuclear weapons – even after the successful bombing of their nuclear facilities. They continue to build and stockpile missiles.

“Make no mistake: Iran is not some faraway threat. It is a clear and present danger to the United States. And Congress knows it. In the past 96 hours, Iran has launched a wave of missiles and drones and targeted 11 countries in the region. Think about that. These countries are their immediate neighbors. Iran’s indiscriminate attacks prove Iran poses a universal threat.

“President Trump gave Iran every opportunity to choose peace. Iran chose delay. Iran chose deception. Iran chose destruction. Iran refused every diplomatic off-ramps offered. Iran believed it could once again run out the clock without consequences. Iran was wrong. Operation Epic Fury was President Trump’s commitment to protect our nation. Today, Ayatollah Khamenei is dead. His senior leadership team is dead. His reign of terror is over. Iran’s vast missile arsenal is being dismantled. Its nuclear program has been demolished. Its tentacles of terror are being severed. America is safer. Israel is safer. The Middle East is safer. The world is safer. This is American peace through strength.

“Operation Epic Fury also sends a strong message to America’s other adversaries. Iran’s allies and enablers are China and Russia. For years, every dollar of Iranian oil and weapon sales sustained their terrorist regime. The oil and weapons also strengthened our adversaries. This anti-American Axis of Aggression is now weaker. President Trump has reshaped the strategic landscape in the Middle East and around the world.

“Inside Iran, people are pouring into the streets to celebrate. To the Iranian people, you have endured decades of repression and brutality. This is your moment of freedom. America stands with you.

“As Operation Epic Fury succeeds in Iran, far-left Democrats in this chamber are on a mission to undercut American peace through strength. This week, Democrats will force a vote on yet another War Powers Resolution. Democrats’ War Powers Resolution would tie the hands of the Commander-in-Chief as he works to protect our country. The administration briefed the so-called Gang of Eight before Operation Epic Fury began. Every Senator will be briefed later this afternoon. The mission objectives are clear and publicly stated. Destroy Iran’s missile industry. Destroy Iran’s navy. Destroy Iran’s terrorist proxy network. Stop the world’s number one state-sponsor of terror from obtaining nuclear weapons.

“President Trump protected our country by enforcing a Red Line with Iran. That is the opposite of President Obama who tried to buy the Ayatollah’s friendship with pallets of cash. Under the War Powers Act, the President retains authority to conduct missions like this for a minimum of 60 days. Now is the time for Congress to support our service members in the combat zone – not undermine them from this chamber.

“If Senate Democrats are truly concerned about protecting the American people, here is what they should do right now. Fund the Department of Homeland Security. Today, the greatest threat to our safety at home is terrorism. The Department of Homeland Security is on the frontline against terrorism. It protects our airports, our shores, our cyber networks, and our homeland. Democrats have shut down the Department of Homeland Security. The Democrat shutdown endangers the American people.

“This weekend in Austin, Texas, a killer wore a tee shirt with the Iranian flag and a sweatshirt that read ‘Property of Allah.’ The investigation is ongoing, but the message is clear: now is a time to be on high alert. For the safety of the American people, the Department of Homeland Security needs to be fully funded – and its workers fully paid.

“Republicans stand with the brave men and women carrying out Operation Epic Fury. We pray for their safety in harm’s way. We also pray for the families of the service members who gave their lives in defense of freedom. Peace through Strength always keeps America secure. As Majority Whip, I will do everything possible to defeat Senator Kaine’s resolution that undercuts Peace through Strength. Republicans will continue to work for the safety and security of the United States of America.”

###


VIDEO: Blackburn Slams Durbin’s Hollow Call for ‘Sensible and Humane’ Immigration Policy After He Ran Cover for Biden’s Border Crisis

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing with U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) blasted Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) for hypocritically calling for “sensible and humane” immigration policy after he ran cover for Joe Biden’s border crisis for four years. The National Counterterrorism Center has identified18,000 known and suspected terrorists that the Biden administration allowed into the country.

Click here to download Senator Blackburn’s remarks.

EXCERPTS OF REMARKS


ICYMI Video: Blumenthal Grills Noem About Constitutional Violations & Abuses of U.S. Citizens by DHS Agents

[WASHINGTON, DC] – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), today grilled U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem about constitutional violations and abuses by federal immigration agents. At a hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee, Blumenthal questioned Noem about U.S. citizens who have been unlawfully detained and assaulted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), calling on Noem to respond to her department’s treatment of three citizens present at the hearing—Leonardo Garcia Venegas, Javier Ramirez, and Marimar Martinez—all of whom were detained or assaulted by ICE.

Blumenthal pressed Noem on whether she had met with any U.S. citizens who have been unlawfully detained by ICE: “After hearings I conducted in the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations as the Ranking Member, you admitted finally in a letter written to me just last month, that in fact U.S. citizens have been detained and arrested…You put the number at 38. Far more American citizens have been arrested by ICE and CBP, probably in the hundreds, perhaps the thousands. Have you met with any of the American citizens who have been detained or arrested by your agency?”

After Noem refused to answer Blumenthal’s question, Blumenthal called on citizens who have been detained by ICE and who were present in the hearing room to stand: “I would like to introduce you to three of them. Leo, Javier, and Marimar, would you please stand? These three individuals, Madam Secretary, were arrested by your agency.”

Blumenthal questioned Noem about DHS agents’ violation of Leonardo Garcia Venegas’s constitutional rights: “Do you know what your agents did to Leo Venegas? I’ll tell you. On May 21 of last year, they entered the private property at a house that he was constructing without consent, without a warrant, illegally. Again, on June 12, they entered private property, a home where he was doing construction. He is a United States citizen, born in Florida. They seized him and ignored and disregarded his proof of citizenship.”

Blumenthal then pressed Noem about DHS’s unlawful detention of Javier Ramirez, a U.S. citizen who was refused medical care while in DHS custody: “Do you know what your agents did to Javier Ramirez? He was on his own private property when he was assaulted by masked agents—his own property—without a warrant, without consent. They said, ‘Get him, he’s Mexican.’ He was violently slammed into the ground while being handcuffed and taken into custody, despite telling officers that he is a United States citizen and even showing them his passport. And when he was asked what he was being arrested for, you know what they said? ‘We don’t know.’”

Blumenthal also questioned Noem about Marimar Martinez, a U.S. citizen from Illinois who was shot five times by federal immigration agents: “Marimar Martinez is with us as well. She is standing right behind you. She was on her way to donate clothing at her church when she came across an unmarked car. The agents sideswiped her car. Three masked agents in camouflage stormed out. One of them pulled out his gun and fired at her moving vehicle, hitting her five times. She almost bled to death.”

“I think we’re talking about an egregious illegality here, violations of rights and trust…The answers are very simple, and I would have hoped you could give better answers today to these three individuals,” Blumenthal concluded.

As Ranking Member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), Blumenthal has been leading an inquiry into the lawless and abusive tactics used by federal immigration agents. At a public forum convened by Blumenthal and U.S. Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Marimar Martinez testified about her experience and the violent use of force by DHS agents. Last year, Javier Ramirez also testified about his experience being detained and denied medical care by DHS agents at a public forum convened by Blumenthal and Garcia.

A video of Blumenthal’s remarks is available here. The full transcript is available below.

Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for being here today, Madam Secretary. For a year, you maintained that no U.S. citizens have been arrested or detained by ICE or CBP. After hearings I conducted in the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations as the Ranking Member, you admitted finally in a letter written to me just last month, that in fact U.S. citizens have been detained and arrested. I’m going to ask, Mr. Chairman, that that letter be entered into the record. Thank you. You put the number at 38. Far more American citizens have been arrested by ICE and CBP, probably in the hundreds, perhaps the thousands. Have you met with any of the American citizens who have been detained or arrested by your agency?

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem: The individuals that may have been detained and arrested were individuals that could have been obstructing law enforcement operations --

Blumenthal: You haven’t met with them, correct?

Noem: -- and committing crimes that way, and that we would have been detaining individuals until their identity was confirmed.

Blumenthal: I would like to introduce you to three of them. Leo, Javier, and Marimar, would you please stand? These three individuals, Madam Secretary, were arrested by your agency. Leonardo Venegas, Javier Ramirez, and Marimar Martinez.

Do you know what your agents did to Leo Venegas? I’ll tell you. On May 21 of last year, they entered the private property at a house that he was constructing without consent, without a warrant, illegally. Again, on June 12, they entered private property, a home where he was doing construction. He is a United States citizen, born in Florida. They seized him and ignored and disregarded his proof of citizenship. Wouldn't you agree with me that no U.S. citizen simply working lawfully should be arrested?

Noem: In law enforcement operations across the country, there are times when U.S. citizens --

Blumenthal: It’s a simple yes or no.

Noem: -- may be arrested or detained until their identity is confirmed and that they haven’t committed a crime.

Blumenthal: Would you agree with me, Madam Secretary, that U.S. citizens should not be arrested when they are obeying the law, they have no criminal record, and they are engaged in lawful activity?

Noem: Sir, in situations where law enforcement, regardless of the agency, across the country, when there is probable cause an individual --

Blumenthal: Let me tell you about Javier Ramirez.

Do you know what your agents did to Javier Ramirez? He was on his own private property when he was assaulted by masked agents—his own property—without a warrant, without consent. They said, “Get him, he's Mexican.” He was violently slammed into the ground while being handcuffed and taken into custody, despite telling officers that he is a United States citizen and even showing them his passport. And when he was asked what he was being arrested for, you know what they said? “We don’t know.” Wouldn’t you agree that targeting someone just because he is, or looks like he is, Mexican, when he is a United States citizen, is wrong?

Noem: Senator, we do not target people based on their race or ethnicity. We do targeted operations based on criminal backgrounds and information that we have.

Blumenthal: This story goes on, Madam Secretary. Javier was detained for over four days. He was denied medicine that he needed for severe diabetes. He lost consciousness. He had severe hypoglycemia. Wouldn't you agree with me that medical treatment should have been provided to him? He was denied.

Noem: Senator, medical treatment is provided to individuals in our detention centers --

Blumenthal: Well, it wasn’t for him. Wouldn’t you agree that was wrong?

Noem: Within 12 hours, they have a medical examination, and we get them the prescriptions and medications that they need. They also have a full evaluation, including --

Blumenthal: Will you commit to take action and to look into why he was denied medical treatment?

Noem: Yes, I will look into that case specifically for you, Senator.

Blumenthal: Marimar Martinez is with us as well. She is standing right behind you. She was on her way to donate clothing at her church when she came across an unmarked car. The agents sideswiped her car. Three masked agents in camouflage stormed out. One of them pulled out his gun and fired at her moving vehicle, hitting her five times. She almost bled to death. Wouldn't you agree that shooting Marimar Martinez, a United States citizen from Chicago, on her way to donate clothing at her church is wrong?

Noem: Sir, I don’t know the situation or the case. I’ll look into it to ensure that all the procedures were followed properly.

Blumenthal: Well, I’m glad you’ll look into it.

Marimar, by the way, was falsely charged with impeding law enforcement, but the case actually fell apart. The judge dismissed it as being trumped up. He dismissed it with prejudice. In fact, the agent who shot her—I’m not going to name him, but you know who he is—was quoted on social media the day or so afterward, and he said, “I fired five rounds, and she had seven holes. Put that in your book, boys” and “Cool, I'm up for another round of f--- around and find out.” Will you join me in condemning that agent?

Noem: Sir, that situation I don’t know the details of, but I will look into that.

Blumenthal: I don’t know why you can't join me in saying it was wrong to shoot Marimar, almost cause her death, and then brag about it.

Wouldn’t you agree with me that it was wrong?

Noem: Sir, the way that you have portrayed it, it appears to be, but let me look at the case so I can speak to the specifics of it.

Blumenthal: Apparently, contrary to what you just said, you actually supported the agent who shot Ms. Martinez five times. He is quoted as saying, when he was asked, “Everyone has been supportive, including Chief Bovino, Chief Banks, Secretary Noem, and El Jefe himself,” referring presumably to President Trump. Is the agent who shot Ms. Martinez still on the job?

Noem: Sir, our law enforcement officers conduct operations every day according to procedures and training and experience they have. Whenever something is not done properly --

Blumenthal: Is the agent who shot Ms. Martinez still on the job, carrying a gun?

Noem: I don’t know the details. I will find out and get that information to you.

Blumenthal: Would you agree that he shouldn’t be on the job?

Noem: I will look into this case and get back to you on the details. I’m not familiar with it.

Blumenthal: I think Americans would find it absolutely terrifying that that agent is still on the job, carrying a gun. And the fact that you can't tell me that you will take him off --

Noem: Sir, do you know who Angel Samaniego is? Do you not recognize that name?

Blumenthal: You know, I think we’re talking about an egregious illegality here, violations of rights and trust --

Noem: This is an individual who was murdered in your state by an illegal alien, duct taped, it looked like it was an assassination. I haven’t heard you say one victim’s name of the illegal immigrants that are here perpetuating violence against people.

Blumenthal: -- the answers are very simple, and I would have hoped you could give better answers today to these three individuals. Would you like to say anything to Ms. Martinez, Mr. Ramirez, or Mr. Venegas?

Noem: I’d like to hear you say the names of one of our victims of illegal criminal activity and fight for one of those victims so that we can stop more of them from being created in the future by people who should have never been in this country to begin with. Illegal individuals and aliens in this country --

Blumenthal: Well, the charges against Ms. Martinez were dismissed with prejudice.

Let me ask you about a memo that evidently was written by the Acting Director of ICE. This memo, have you seen it?

Noem: I can’t tell what it says. I see lots of memos, I see many a day.

Blumenthal: Well, this memo is by Acting Director Todd Lyons. It’s been frequently referenced in the hearing I conducted by the whistleblower who testified, Ryan Schwank, as being the basis for instructing ICE agents. It specifically says that ICE agents should violate the Fourth Amendment and break into people's homes without a judicial warrant. Do you agree with it?

Noem: I will look at that memo, sir. I can't read it from here, but if it is referencing administrative warrants, that is the proper legal tool that this body has given us to utilize on immigration enforcement operations. Those administrative warrants were provided and affirmed by the Supreme Court, and we will continue to use those.

Blumenthal: Let me ask you one last question, Madam Secretary.

Does Corey Lewandowski have a role in approving contracts, and if so, what is that role?

Noem: His role is as a special government employee, and special government employees work for the White House and the administration. There are thousands of them.

Blumenthal: So, he does have a role.

-30-


ICYMI Video: Blumenthal Slams Trump's Unauthorized Military Action in Iran

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, spoke yesterday on the Senate Floor to condemn President Trump’s unauthorized military action in Iran. Blumenthal’s remarks come as the Senate prepares to vote on legislation to reclaim its authority under the War Powers Act.

“We have said countless times that war must be a last resort, never a first choice. And yet, the administration seems to be engaging in a war of choice that is needless and reckless, conducted chaotically, and most alarmingly, spreading and widening throughout the region. It is no longer a conflict involving only the United States and Iran or the United States and Israel with Iran. It is now a regional conflagration,” said Blumenthal.

“The simple fact is Donald Trump is workshopping a war. He’s making it up as he goes along in real time. He is inventing and then discarding and then reviving objectives, as though he were a child playing with a puzzle, trying to fit the pieces into a coherent hole,” Blumenthal continued.

“He has failed to build support from the American people because this war is against their wishes. He knows it is against their wishes because he promised he would not engage in such a war; that he would end wars, not start them; that forever wars would be an anathema. And yet that is the risk we face now—a forever war. Whether it is short or long, a war must be approved by this body,” Blumenthal continued.

“President Trump has chosen the path of war that could lead to American men and women on the ground in Iran without explanation, without imminent threat, without clearly defined objectives. This decision carries consequences that outlast his presidency. We have a duty, constitutionally, to act on the War Powers Act, and I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting it,” Blumenthal concluded.

A video of Blumenthal’s remarks is available here. The full transcript is available below.

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT): Thank you, Madam President.

Madam President, I received a text just a couple of hours ago from a Connecticut serviceman serving in the Middle East, directly in harms way, who asked me a very simple question: what is the vision of success?

I am trying to formulate, for him, an answer that does justice to his sacrifice, that keeps faith with his family and the tens of thousands of other servicemen and women whose bravery is unquestionable. Their skill is undoubtable. Bravery and skill are not a strategy and are not alone a vision of success.

We have said countless times that war must be a last resort, never a first choice. And yet, the administration seems to be engaging in a war of choice that is needles and reckless, conducted chaotically, and most alarmingly, spreading and widening throughout the region.

It is no longer a conflict involving only the United States and Iran or the United States and Israel with Iran. It is now a regional conflagration.

War demands precision and discipline in formulating goals and strategies, in conducting the kinetic operations that are the foundation for success. But in this war, which has been rejected while diplomacy is still within reach, the administration has failed to present the American people with a clear objective, an endgame, or an exit strategy.

It shows exactly why the Founders said that the Congress should have the power to declare war. Not only does the Congress speak for the American people and they must be the ones to approve war, but an arbitrary and reckless use of war power is more likely when it’s done by an autocrat who claims and seizes authoritarian power.

There is a discipline imposed when democracy functions and democracy demands passage of the War Powers Act. That’s the reason I will vote for it and why I have supported it.

What is the vision of success? The President has been all over the place in his statements on Truth Social, earlier today on TV, snippets of conversation one or two minutes long with reporters individually. It may be deposing a regime, but so far there has been change within the regime, but no regime change. It may be stopping nuclear capacity, but the President said just last June that its capacity has been obliterated.

The Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, said just half an hour or so ago that the goal was to destroy the ballistic missile capability of Iran before they “crossed the line of immunity in a year or a year and a half.” Crossing the line of immunity in a year or a year and a half is no imminent threat. Iran has had ballistic missiles for years and the capacity to produce them.

The simple fact is there is no imminent threat, and my colleagues have said publicly that their intelligence briefings indicate that there was no imminent threat either to the homeland or to our allies in the region that justify this attack on Iran.

The simple fact is Donald Trump is workshopping a war. He’s making it up as he goes along in real time. He is inventing and then discarding and then reviving objectives, as though he were a child playing with a puzzle, trying to fit the pieces into a coherent hole. There is no coherent hole right now.

It ought to anger the American people that lives are put at risk, that resources are spent, that the region is now on fire without a strategy or an explanation from the President to the American people. Maybe most alarmingly, the administration continues to talk about regime change. Well, history teaches that regime change almost inevitably leads to boots on the ground and prolonged American involvement.

The simple fact is regime change cannot be achieved at 30,000 feet. Air power alone has never delivered regime change. It is a matter of simple common sense. Bombing cannot achieve a change in the governmental structure of a country.

The President has asked that the people of Iran rise up and change their regime. It is an invitation to slaughter, innocent lives potentially lost because of a President that seems to promise relief that he cannot or will not deliver unless our sons and daughters in uniform are put on the ground in Iran, with the burden on them in blood, years lost away from home, and wounds that last long after the fighting ends.

The President has thrust our nation into a widening war that risks almost inevitable expansion, without making the case to the American people, without seeking Congressional authorization, without explaining how the conflict ends, and maybe most egregiously, without building support among the American people.

We sat in the chamber last week for a speech lasting 108 minutes. Only three of those minutes were devoted to Iran, and in a very cursory and superficial way.

He has failed to build support from the American people because this war is against their wishes. He knows it is against their wishes because he promised he would not engage in such a war; that he would end wars, not start them; that forever wars would be an anathema.

And yet that is the risk we face now—a forever war. Whether it is short or long, a war must be approved by this body.

And I want to be clear: a nuclear-armed Iran is unacceptable. Iran’s maligned activities throughout the region, its support for terrorist proxies, its killing its own people, its killing Americans—this regime has blood on its hands. Not just the group that was killed in the attack most recently, but the entire regime. Its destabilizing actions pose a severe danger to us and to our allies, and its terrorist proxies will continue to cause death and destruction throughout the region.

The broad concern about this regime and the threat it poses is well-justified. The President stopped negotiations that might have achieved the same ends he is seeking here. We have seen this story before: the absence of a clear end state, the disregard for diplomacy, military action for regime change.

The President risks repeating some of the most painful chapters in our history. Conflicts that were entered with great confidence and bravado but prolonged without defined purpose or exit. Unilateral action without lawful authorization. This is not how constitutional democracies decide matters of war.

We must not underestimate our adversary amidst this uncertainty. Iran is weakened, but it is far from incapable. Iranian strikes have already killed six servicemembers, and the President himself has said there will be more casualties. It is not a narrow engagement. It is a regional conflict touching many countries, many domains, and potentially many fronts.

My foremost concern is for the safety and well-being of the men and women in our own forces, like the one who texted me today, along with their families who are now in harm’s way. I salute their bravery. I pray for their protection. But bravery is not a strategy. Hope is not a strategy.

We must remember that civilians are also caught in the crossfire—families in Iran, Israel, and across the region whose lives have been tragically changed by this widening conflict.

After 20 years of war in the Middle East, after all the lives lost, trillions spent, and promises of quick victory that stretched into years and years of sacrifice, we should be cautious, not reckless, about another potentially open-ended conflict.

Iran’s pursuit of nuclear capability, its support for terrorist proxies, its repeated attacks on American personnel are dangerous, destabilizing, and destructive. They have armed militias across the region. They have threatened Israel’s security.

We must be vigilant and resolute. But vigilance is not a strategy either, and wars are unpredictable. Vigilance does not mean impulsiveness. Vigilance requires strategy and objectives clearly defined.

The Constitution is clear. Congress alone has the authority to declare war and approve it. It is a necessary part of the process. The War Powers Act requires that the President inform and consult Congress when introducing American forces into hostilities.

These requirements are not optional. They are not procedural niceties. They are the constitutional requirements that must be obeyed.

The question is raised by many: how long will this conflict be prolonged? The simple fact is the President has said four or five weeks, maybe longer, maybe shorter. But we know for sure that the President alone can’t answer that question. The enemy has a vote. The enemy can prolong this war.

President Trump has chosen the path of war that could lead to American men and women on the ground in Iran without explanation, without imminent threat, without clearly defined objectives. This decision carries consequences outlast his presidency.

We have a duty, constitutionally, to act on the War Powers Act, and I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting it.

Thank you, Madam President. I yield the floor.

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Video: Senate Republicans Block Benefits for Combat-Injured Veterans Amid Ongoing Military Conflict in Iran

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Senate Republicans today blocked two attempts from Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal’s (D-CT) to advance the Major Richard Star Act—stalled bipartisan legislation to deliver more than 50,000 combat-injured veterans their full military benefits. Despite its overwhelming bipartisan support and importance for veterans, U.S. Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) blocked the legislation saying “we simply cannot afford it.”

U.S. Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) first blocked Blumenthal’s motion to pass the legislation and fix this injustice for disabled veterans. In response, Senator Blumenthal offered a compromise motion that would have set up a single roll call vote on the bill at a 60-vote threshold. The motion would have waived all procedural votes to protect floor time and gave Republican Majority Leader Thune discretion to call up the vote at any point before August. Johnson also blocked this motion, denying a bill with 77 bipartisan cosponsors a single vote.

“The simple request for a vote has been denied, there are a variety of excuses that have been offered, like it cost too much. Well, as the National Commander for the [Veterans of Foreign Wars] said today, in supporting this bill, costs of providing for our veterans are part of the cost of war,” said Blumenthal. “We are in a war right now, real-time. And some of those combat-injured veterans will be sacrificing their disability or retirement pay because of this injustice…We can afford to right this injustice…it is a pittance compared to the cost of our national defense, which is close to a trillion dollars now. This country can afford to do the right thing by these combat-injured veterans, and we have a moral imperative to do so.”

Blumenthal rebuked Johnson’s claims for blocking action on the stalled legislation: “I am heartbroken for a nation that can afford to spend tens of billions of dollars, as we are doing right now, perhaps hundreds of billions, in a conflict far away putting American lives in harm's way, causing death, six at least so far, and casualties in real-time when we are failing to match their bravery with our own. It is unconscionable. A lot of words, a lot of numbers, a lot of fallbacks to Senate procedure process—meaningless.”

This request for action from Blumenthal follows joint Senate and House Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearings today and last week with Veterans Service Organizations, where veterans have continuously called on Congress to pass the Major Richard Star Act and cited the bill as their top legislative priority. Blumenthal continued, “This week and last, thousands of veterans have flown into our nation's capital from every corner of the country to advocate for their top priorities and collectively, they are calling on Congress, all of them, all of the Veteran Service Organizations, all of the groups that represent our nation's heroes, have told us unequivocally and repeatedly that correcting this injustice is absolutely necessary…A message to my colleagues: respect without action is meaningless. Rhetoric without action is meaningless. Words without action are worthless. So, let's put the politics aside and listen to our veterans.”

After Johnson blocked both requests to advance the legislation, Blumenthal slammed Republican’s continued obstruction for veterans as a “mockery of democracy.”

The Major Richard Star Act is legislation to ensure medically retired combat-injured veterans can finally receive their full Department of Defense (DOD) retirement and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability payments, which currently receives a dollar-for-dollar reduction. Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker (R-MS) previously blocked two attempts from Blumenthal in October to advance this legislation.

Currently, only veterans with disability ratings above 50 percent and more than 20 years of service are eligible to receive the full military benefits—leaving behind more than 50,000 combat-injured military retirees. The Major Richard Star Act will fix this unjust policy for medical retirees with a combat-related disability—providing them their full VA disability and DOD retirement payments. This legislation has overwhelming support from the majority of both chambers of Congress, with 77 bipartisan cosponsors the Senate and 316 bipartisan cosponsors in the House. It is named in honor of Major Richard A. Star, a decorated war veteran who was forced to medically retire due to his combat-related injuries. Major Star fought to fix this injustice facing combat-injured veterans until he lost his battle with cancer in 2021.

A transcript of Blumenthal’s remarks are copied below. A video is available here.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT): Mr. President, I just left a hearing involving the Veterans of Foreign Wars before the Veterans’ Committee. In fact it was a joint hearing of both the House and the Senate Committees, where I am the Ranking Member, and I informed them I was coming to the floor of the United States Senate to seek unanimous consent on the Major Richard Star Act and there was spontaneous standing ovation. I dare say that, that applause was totally bipartisan, nonpolitical, because there is no more glaring and egregious injustice affecting veterans today, our nation's patriots, than the fact that 50,000 veterans are forced to medically retire and service members undergoing medical separation because of combat-related injuries being unable to collect both retirement benefits and disability compensation.

Right now, the men and women who are in harm's way in the Middle East may be injured, we hope not, but there may be casualties. We know that some have already been injured. If they retire as a result of those combat injuries, with less than 20 years of service, the majority of them have less than 20 years of service, they will be reduced in their retirement pay dollar for dollar from their VA disability benefits.

Let me just repeat. Right now, combat-injured veterans are getting a dollar-for-dollar reduction of their military retirement pay from their VA disability benefits. So, if they have to retire because they've been injured in combat, they sacrifice dollar for dollar their retirement pay because of the disability benefits that they receive. They're entitled to both, they've earned both. The nation promised them both. They deserve both. The Major Richards Star Act will finally provide some justice to those veterans. It will finally provide these military retirees with their full disability and department of defense retirement benefits righting this longstanding injustice. It's sponsored by 77 of my colleagues in the Senate, including both Republicans and Democrats. It has similar support in the House of Representatives. We have never been provided with a vote, yes, a vote, if it did receive a vote, it would pass overwhelmingly. The simple request for a vote has been denied, there are a variety of excuses that have been offered, like it cost too much.

Well, as the National Commander of the VFW said today, in supporting this bill, the costs of providing for our veterans are part of the cost of war. We are in a war right now, real-time. And some of those combat-injured veterans will be sacrificing their disability or retirement pay because of this injustice. And then some have characterized the Major Richards Star Act as providing for double-dipping. Well, our veterans forced to retire because of combat injury have earned both. We can afford to right this injustice.

Whatever the estimate on the amount of funding required, and it has varied over the years, it is a pittance compared to the cost of our national defense. Close to a trillion dollars now. This country can afford to do the right thing by these combat-injured veterans, and we have a moral imperative to do so. Veterans who have served more than 20 years already receive both the VA and the DOD payment in whole. Veterans who serve less than 20 years, because they are combat injured, frankly, for any reason, deserve better.

This week and last, thousands of veterans have flown into our nation's capital from every corner of the country to advocate for their top priorities and collectively, they are calling on congress, all of them, all of the veteran service organizations, all of the groups that represent our nation's heroes, have told us unequivocally and repeatedly that correcting this injustice is absolutely necessary. The benefits they've earned are the benefits they should be receiving right now, and it will make a huge difference in the lives of all these veterans.

Take, for example, Staff Sergeant Clayton Smith. He was involuntarily medically retired after 11 years in the United States Army because of his combat-related injury. He feels that veterans impacted by this offset have upheld their commitment to serve, but the system fails to recognize its commitment to him. Promises made, promises kept, but in this case, not kept. In his words, quote, passing the Richard Star Act would not only restore financial fairness, but it would restore confidence among combat-injured veterans that their sacrifice is recognized equally, end quote.

It would also help veterans like Dan Nevens from Florida. His military career was ended when an improvised explosive device detonated beneath his vehicle during his deployment to Iraq in 2004. He's a bilateral amputee. He's overcome years of recurring infection and countless surgeries. Says he has no regrets about his service. He joined to serve his country. He believes it's worth fighting for. These veterans deserve elected officials who will fight for them and deliver the benefits they've earned. In the words of Barry Jesinoski, the DAV's national CEO, quote, respect without action is meaningless. A message to my colleagues, respect without action is meaningless. Rhetoric without action is meaningless. Words without action are worthless. So, let's put the politics aside and listen to our veterans. Let's pass the Richard Star Act today. Mr. President, notwithstanding rule 22, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Armed Services be discharged, and that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of S. 1032, the Major Richard Star Act, that the bill be considered read a third time and passed, and the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

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VIDEO: Booker Calls out DHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s Incompetence: “You Should Step Down, Be Removed by this President and if not, Congress Should Impeach You”

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, called out DHS Secretary Kristi Noem over her incompetence and ICE’s reckless conduct, including the arrests and killings of American citizens and blatant disregard for the Constitution.

Senator Booker: “Your officers are going into our schools, and terrorizing our children, arresting American citizens, breaking into our homes and terrorizing our streets. You are violating our rights to peacefully protest again and again.

Senator Booker : “Either you are utterly incompetent or violating our rights with impunity, you should step down, or be removed by this president and if not, Congress should impeach you.”


Boozman, Citing Decline in Duck Populations, Leads Call for Renewed Habitat Stewardship Efforts

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), a Migratory Bird Conservation Commission member, led his colleagues representing Mississippi Flyway states in calling on the U.S. Department of the Interior and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to continue supporting conservation easement investments in the National Wildlife Refuge System to help facilitate long-term recovery of duck populations. The lawmakers expressed their concerns to Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum following a USFWS Waterfowl Population Status Report that estimated a total of 34 million breeding ducks, below the long-term average and well below historic highs.

In Arkansas alone, duck hunters contribute more than $300 million to the state economy annually. Nationwide, waterfowl hunting generates approximately $4 billion in economic activity and supports nearly 57,000 jobs. Falling breeding numbers that fail to meet management goals risk an adverse economic impact and other detrimental outcomes for communities in Arkansas, and especially within the Prairie Pothole Region.

“[We] thank you and the Department of the Interior, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), for your work supporting America’s more than one million duck hunters. We are, however, increasingly concerned about continued declines in duck populations and strongly urge continued stewardship of the National Wildlife Refuge System—particularly USFWS conservation easements in the Prairie Pothole Region—as the foundation for long-term population recovery,” wrote the senators.

“This decline can be attributed to drought conditions in the Prairie Pothole Region, where pond counts have fallen below average in three of the last four years. These trends pose a significant challenge to the future of waterfowl populations, with profound implications down the Mississippi Flyway,” the lawmakers continued.

Joining Boozman on the letter to Secretary Burgum were Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and John Kennedy (R-LA).

Boozman has championed waterfowl recreation and habitat conservation, including through the Duck Stamp Modernization Act that authorized a permanent electronic duck stamp for the entirety of a waterfowl hunting season.

Text of the letter is available here or below:

Dear Secretary Burgum:

We write as the 2025–2026 duck hunting season concludes to thank you and the Department of the Interior, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), for your work supporting America’s more than one million duck hunters. We are, however, increasingly concerned about continued declines in duck populations and strongly urge continued stewardship of the National Wildlife Refuge System—particularly USFWS conservation easements in the Prairie Pothole Region—as the foundation for long-term population recovery.

The USFWS 2025 Waterfowl Population Status Report estimates 34 million breeding ducks, a figure below the long-term average and well below highs. Several key species for hunters, such as mallards, blue-winged teal, and northern pintails, remain short of North American Waterfowl Management Plan goals. This decline can be attributed to drought conditions in the Prairie Pothole Region, where pond counts have fallen below average in three of the last four years. These trends pose a significant challenge to the future of waterfowl populations, with profound implications down the Mississippi Flyway.

If these conditions persist, hunters could face shorter seasons and reduced limits. These outcomes would diminish hunting opportunities and harm rural economies, especially in Mississippi Flyway states such as Arkansas, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Mississippi. In Arkansas alone, duck hunters contributed more than $300 million to the state economy, even in a lower duck population year like 2022. Nationwide, waterfowl hunting generates approximately $4 billion in economic activity and supports nearly 57,000 jobs.

History shows that duck populations can rebound quickly when drought conditions ease and key breeding habitats are protected. Continued stewardship of the National Wildlife Refuge System, including both fee-titled lands and conservation easements in the Prairie Pothole Region, is essential to recovery and central to the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission’s (MBCC) purpose.

Since 1934, Duck Stamp revenues, paid for by generations of hunters, have conserved more than six million acres of habitat nationwide, including over 1.7 million acres protected by USFWS easements in the Prairie Pothole Region. These lands form the core habitat base needed for population recovery. We urge that these longstanding investments be fully considered as USFWS conducts its comprehensive review of the Refuge System under Director’s Order No. 230.

For generations, hunters and conservationists have invested in the National Wildlife Refuge System to sustain waterfowl populations and preserve America’s hunting heritage. As Secretary of the Interior and Chair of the MBCC, we encourage you to continue stewarding these investments—particularly Prairie Pothole Region easements—to support waterfowl, rural economies, and the future of duck hunting.

Sincerely,


Senator Budd Chairs Subcommittee Hearing to Evaluate Innovative Deployment of AI to Support Workforce, Healthcare, and Industry

“Innovation is the lifeblood of the American economy.”

Washington, D.C. — In his opening statement at today’s Senate Subcommittee on Science, Manufacturing, and Competitiveness hearing, Chairman Ted Budd (R-N.C.) discussed the potential to maximize the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to deliver a higher quality workforce, healthcare, industry, and productivity for Americans.

Watch the full hearing HERE.

Below are Senator Budd’s opening remarks as prepared for delivery and several of his questions for the witnesses:

“Thank you, Ranking Member Baldwin, Chairman Cruz, Ranking Member Cantwell, and our witnesses for working to put this important hearing together.

“Artificial Intelligence will undoubtedly usher in significant improvements in quality of life for the American people. It will make many workplaces safer and more productive, helping to increase output, raise wages, and grow the economy. It will enhance manufacturing capabilities, especially those of critical importance to our economic and national security, such as semiconductors and those in the defense industrial base. It will make it easier to reshore manufacturing through human-enhancing automation and digital twinning simulation.

“Smart systems and devices have the potential to revolutionize healthcare, improving early detection of diseases such as cancer and helping people with disabilities live better lives, not by replacing doctors, but by augmenting their diagnostic and treatment capabilities. AI-enabled research, aided by self-driving cloud labs, could massively reduce barriers to the discovery of new drugs. AI’s potential in the healthcare industry presents unique opportunities to save and improve lives.

“I have also noted that, as I travel the state, some North Carolinians share concerns about the growth of AI and automated or autonomous technology. There is a natural hesitancy toward technology that may disrupt incumbent industries or systems. It is normal to worry about the impacts of advancement on your job, your children, and your community.

“But, if we have learned anything from our history, it is that innovation is the lifeblood of the American economy. Our nation’s story has been shaped by technological advancements that have time and again expanded prosperity and improved outcomes. I believe that AI, deployed in numerous ingenious ways, can help people be better versions of themselves in their daily lives. For those of us in this room, it is our job to listen to those concerns and work together, in a bipartisan fashion, to address potential harms so that our nation can reap the tremendous benefits AI can offer.

“As I have said before, winning the AI race against China is paramount for our national and economic security. The administration is leaning in and providing important leadership. Ongoing work to first identify and then aid in the export of the American AI stack, from hardware down to software, will help ensure that global AI diffusion and standards are anchored in American values. The Genesis mission will build upon America’s scientific dominance by networking together world-class labs, computing power, and data sets to turbocharge scientific discovery.

“The diffusion of AI into the economy will be a critical dimension in this race. According to one report, AI is the most rapidly adopted general-purpose technology in history, with three in five U.S. adults surveyed having used AI less than three years after its release. However, other studies have found that U.S. businesses can lag their Asian and even European peers in enterprise adoption of AI tools.

“I am concerned that China, given its top-down, command-and-control structure, deep and sophisticated manufacturing industry, and open-source-heavy AI ecosystem, is in a prime position to diffuse AI quickly and broadly.

“Achieving a manufacturing renaissance in America is as bipartisan and deeply held a goal as any in Congress. Given demographic realities such as an ageing skilled workforce and stalled population growth, we will need to diffuse and scale smart technologies and processes to make more critical goods domestically. I am excited to discuss many of these technologies and systems today.

“Our witnesses are at the front lines and the cutting edge of making our economy and our daily lives smarter. I look forward to hearing from them about what excites them, what concerns them, and the roadblocks we in Congress can address.”

Sen. Budd Raises the Importance of Expanding Access to Quality Data for Healthcare Solutions

Sen. Budd: “It has been said that the four main inputs of AI are talent, compute, energy, and data. The federal government houses a tremendous amount of scientific and important data sets that could be leveraged as a strategic asset in U.S. AI leadership.

“… Would each of your companies’ efforts to deploy AI be aided by greater access to open government data in a format which is AI-ready and compatible?”

Mr. Giannikopoulos: “The access to data is a critical aspect of development for artificial intelligence. So having more robust access to … ideally in healthcare outcomes-linked data, will provide opportunities to actually assess these solutions, not in a vacuum, but against Real American data as part of that.

Sen. Budd: “In the world of radiology, what would a specific data set be that you would look to make more accessible?”

Mr. Giannikopoulos: “[In] radiology, there are two key areas. It’s the images and the reports. The reports and radiology are one piece of siloed information. … If a quiet lung mass, … [is] identified, what percentage of that turns into cancer? How do you understand the progression of that? Being able to access that longitudinal information, at scale, would enable significant development.”

Sen. Budd Highlights AI in the Workforce and Deployment of Robotics

Sen. Budd: “[How would] your company’s efforts to deploy AI … be affected by more access to data – if it’s AI-ready, and machine-readable and compatible?”

Dr. Shelton: “The government release of data is actually helpful a couple of ways. First, it gives us a very broad look at the economy as a whole. … And second is, I think it gives us a broad representative look at what people are doing. That’s part of the reason why I cited the census data. The government has a very large role to play here, identifying areas where there are opportunities for robots to get out and do useful work.”

Sen. Budd: “There’s a general fear out there about job replacement. It’s sort of a generalized concern, but if you show massive areas of underemployment in a sector such as warehouse and logistics, where there’s need for much more workers, do you think that would help with adoption in those areas?”

Dr. Shelton: “We see a lot of pressure from the small and medium business community that would love to adopt this kind of technology. … I think the broader look at the labor pressures that are faced by those businesses, in particular, would be super helpful.”

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ICYMI: Cassidy Pens Op-Ed Highlighting Support for SAVE America Act

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) penned an op-ed in State Affairs highlighting his strong support for the SAVE America Act. He also emphasized the need to protect the integrity of American elections by verifying citizenship before registering to vote and urged the U.S. Senate to pass the legislation.

“The right to vote is sacred, and it belongs to American citizens,” wrote Dr. Cassidy.

“The SAVE America Act is simple, reasonable, and widely supported. Democrats demand ID to buy a gun, but they won’t require it to cast a vote. It’s time to stop the hypocrisy. Pass the SAVE America Act and protect the American people’s right to vote,”concluded Dr. Cassidy.

Read the full op-ed here or excerpts below:

Americans Want the SAVE America Act

The right to vote is sacred, and it belongs to American citizens.

…

Polling shows that over 80 percent of U.S. adults support requiring a photo ID to vote. The American people are speaking clearly on this issue. Democrats know their constituents support verifying citizenship to vote, yet party leaders are choosing to ignore them. If 80 percent of Americans back this common-sense measure, then we should have at least 80 votes in the Senate to support this bill. Therefore, inaction isn’t about public opposition; it’s about appeasing a small, fringe left-wing base.

…

Our constitutional republic was founded on the principle that every lawful vote should count, and no unlawful vote should dilute the voices of American citizens. The SAVE America Act is simple, reasonable, and widely supported. Democrats demand ID to buy a gun, but they won’t require it to cast a vote. It’s time to stop the hypocrisy. Pass the SAVE America Act and protect the American people’s right to vote.

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Cramer Highlights PROVE IT Act Language at Bipartisan Policy Center Briefing

***Click here for media resources.***

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Speaking at a Bipartisan Policy Center briefing today on foreign pollution, U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) outlined the long-term value of his recently-passed PROVE IT Act language. He highlighted the need for official data from the study to equip the United States with information the administration needs to advance an America First trade agenda.

Two months after the European Union’s (EU) implementation of its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), the United States Congress gave the federal government the authority to gather the data necessary to defend its industrial base against attacks from European climate technocrats.

This is made possible, thanks to Cramer’s legislation requiring the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Energy Technology Laboratory to conduct to conduct a comprehensive study. It compares the emissions intensity of certain goods produced in the United States to the emissions of those same goods produced in other countries. The study, formally known as PROVE IT, was included as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, which passed the Senate by a vote of 82 to 15 and signed into law by President Trump. It created a new tool to counter the EU’s emission calculations of American producers and manufacturers. The data shows the United States’ cleanliness standards meet or exceed global competitors. Rather than relying on private or disparate data, the PROVE IT Act empowers the DOE to compile all this data on behalf of American industry to defend against unfair trade practices.

“This issue of the EU CBAM is not theoretical because the EU has already started their CBAM,” said Cramer. “They've already announced plans to expand the list so we have to be ready and have the nimbleness to meet that. Why would the United States sit on the sideline and not leverage our advantage? Why would we get hung up on beating ourselves up for our excellence, rather than bragging about it? The passage of this language in the energy water bill was the next logical step, but it wasn't an easy one. We had some momentum going into it thanks largely to many of the people in this room. The geopolitics of this policy are in the forefront, and the United States need to be at forefront.”

The study must include all items covered by the EU’s CBAM, beginning with iron, cement, fertilizer, hydrogen, and electricity. The EU will widen the scope of the CBAM at its discretion, with steel, aluminum and associated downstream products being added in January 2028. Other countries, including Canada, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and the United Kingdom are preparing similar measures.


Working Families Tax Cuts Support the Next Generation

Washington, D.C.—The Working Families Tax Cuts advanced by U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) are investing in American families through a variety of new and expanded tax credits that help parents better afford common expenses for their children, like child care and education. They also reduce the cost of adopting a child and helps families save for their children’s futures.

“Parenthood is a unique gift, but the financial challenges of raising a family are real. This legislation responds to that challenge by providing additional support for young and growing families,” said Crapo. “Combined with lower tax rates across the board, these policies will help low- and middle-income Idahoans give their children a brighter future.”

Key wins:

Permanently increases the Child Tax Credit and indexes it to inflation.

Establishes tax-advantaged Trump Accounts to help build long-term financial security for children.

Permanently expands the Employer-Provided Child Care Credit.

Makes the Adoption Tax Credit partially refundable.

Increases the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit and the Dependent Care Assistance Program exclusion to help families afford child care.

Creates a new Education Freedom Tax Credit to give families more affordable schooling options.

What they are saying:

“In the United States, two-thirds of children ages five and under are living in homes where all available parents are working. This means child care is not optional for most families – it’s essential. Child care-related tax breaks can help parents offset the cost of care, but they hadn’t been updated in decades. The new law includes a $16 billion investment in child care-related tax credits through permanent increases and enhancements to three provisions currently in the U.S. tax code.” – First Five Years Fund

“These enhancements are an important step toward addressing the childcare challenges that impact both families and employers. They provide businesses with more tools to support their teams and help parents stay in the workforce.” – U.S. Chamber of Commerce Workforce and International Labor Policy Executive Director Stephanie Ferguson Melhorn

Click HERE to learn more about how the Working Families Tax Cuts support America’s next generation.

Click HERE to learn more about the Finance Committee provisions in the Working Families Tax Cuts.

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