Banks Outlines Priorities for Pentagon’s U.S.—China AI Strategy as Tech Rivalry Intensifies

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) sent a letter to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth emphasizing the importance of the Artificial Intelligence Futures Steering Committee in the context of U.S.–China AI competition.

Read more about the letter here.

Read the full letter here or see below:

Dear Secretary Hegseth:

I am writing regarding the Artificial Intelligence Futures Steering Committee and its significance for

U.S.-China AI competition.

The FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) directs the Department of War to form a

senior-level panel to examine critical questions about advanced artificial intelligence (AI). The NDAA tasks the AI Futures Steering Committee to study advanced AI systems that could be developed in the upcoming years, form proactive policies for evaluating and adopting such systems, and analyze the trajectories of adversaries toward artificial general intelligence.

AI is likely to be the defining technology of the 21st century. Many experts predict that AI may soon

match or surpass human performance across various tasks, including AI research and development

itself. We do not know if this progress will occur rapidly or slowly, and it is wise for the Department to prepare for a variety of possibilities.

The People’s Republic of China (PRC) is clearly aware of AI’s potential. Last year, DeepSeek caught

much of our national security community by surprise. As AI competition intensifies, we need to take

appropriate actions to avoid strategic surprises. We must accurately assess the PRC’s AI capabilities

relative to our own, understand the most prominent PRC AI developers, assess how key officials think about opportunities and risks from AI, and reliably detect PRC efforts to develop advanced AI.

The Steering Committee is well-suited to address several specific questions relating to PRC AI

development and U.S.-PRC AI competition. I suggest considering the following areas of focus:

Assess PRC frontier AI progress. Who are the entities (companies, scientists, compute providers) within the PRC that are most critical for their advanced AI development? How effectively can we predict the capabilities of PRC frontier AI systems before they are released? How effectively can we estimate the gap between PRC and U.S. AI capabilities, and what information or capabilities would we need to have more precise estimates? What is the Department’s current estimate of the U.S.-PRC frontier capability gap in key areas such as model performance and aggregate training compute?

Analyze how the PRC views the future of advanced AI. Who are the scientists and policymakers shaping discussions around the future of AI in the PRC? To what extent are their beliefs similar to those of our scientists, industry leaders, and policymakers? For example, how does the PRC conceptualize the opportunities and risks from so-called artificial general intelligence or artificial superintelligence?

Examine the potential for rapid capability amplification. Could AI systems become so capable at AI research and development tasks that we experience rapid capability amplification (also called “recursive improvement”)? If so, could this allow one side to achieve an enduring AI lead over the other? Are PRC leaders aiming for AI-enabled rapid capability amplification, and how would we detect if they were close to achieving this?

Review the security practices of leading PRC AI developers. How do the frontier PRC AI developers monitor or examine national security properties of AI systems? How do their security practices compare to the practices of U.S. AI developers? How do their security frameworks compare to those of U.S. developers (e.g., OpenAI’s preparedness framework, xAI’s risk management framework)?

Understand methods for sabotaging or poisoning frontier AI development. If the PRC were to attempt to disable, sabotage, or manipulate the frontier AI development of the United States, what methods would they be most likely to use? What methods might be uncovered in the upcoming years, and what defenses exist to counter such methods?

Investigate methods for detecting covert AI development or deployment. If the PRC secretly developed or deployed advanced AI systems in secret data centers, how well would we be able to catch them? What tools do we have to detect covert AI development or deployment? What indicators (e.g., power, cooling, chip flows, facility patterns) would we need to track, and what strategies might the PRC use to hide such indicators?

Several of these priority areas will involve coordination with the intelligence community. For these, the Steering Committee can play an important role by setting clear intelligence requirements, identifying the questions of greatest strategic importance, and shaping collection and analysis priorities accordingly. It will also be essential to ensure that resulting assessments directly inform the

Department’s AI strategy, investments, policies, and warfighting tactics.

To support the successful implementation of the Artificial Intelligence Futures Steering Committee, I

request a staff-level briefing within 60 days to discuss the Department’s plans for the Committee and

its role in U.S.-PRC AI competition. I look forward to following the work of the Steering Committee,

and I appreciate your work on this critical topic.

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Barrasso Applauds NRC Approval of Groundbreaking Advanced Nuclear Reactor in Wyoming

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) applauded the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for approving the construction permit for TerraPower’s groundbreaking nuclear reactor facility in Kemmerer, Wyoming. This permit allows TerraPower to start building the advanced, sodium-cooled nuclear reactor on a site near an existing coal-fired power plant in Kemmerer.

“Wyoming is the energy capital of America. We are also the number one producer of uranium in the country,” said Senator Barrasso. “That’s why Wyoming is the right place to build modern nuclear energy infrastructure that provides safe, affordable, and reliable energy. This groundbreaking project is another way to help diversify Wyoming’s already strong energy economy.”

Background

Nuclear power is America’s largest source of carbon-free energy, supplying nearly 20 percent of the nation’s electricity. Wyoming is the largest producer of uranium in the country, holding the highest known reserves and significant production, including through the Powder River Basin.

The NRC received TerraPower’s application for a sodium-cooled, advanced reactor design plant in Kemmerer in May 2024. In December 2025, the NRC staff submitted a statement in support of the Commission approving the issuance of a construction permit.

In 2024, Senator Barrasso introduced the Prohibiting Russian Uranium Imports Act, legislation which prohibited the importation of unirradiated low-enriched uranium that is produced in Russia or by a Russian entity into the United States. The bill was signed into law in May 2024.

In 2023, Senator Barrasso’s legislation, the Nuclear Fuel Security Act, was signed into law as part of the FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The bill directs the Department of Energy to prioritize activities to increase the domestic production of low-enriched uranium (LEU) for existing reactors and accelerate efforts to ensure the availability of high-assay, low-enriched uranium (HALEU) for advanced reactors.

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Democrats’ War Powers Resolution Undercuts American Peace Through Strength

“What President Trump is doing is right and necessary. For 47 years, Iran has attacked our country and our people… It is wrong to vote to signal weakness to our enemies. It is wrong to vote to undermine our troops in combat. It is wrong to vote to undercut Peace through Strength. I will vote to uphold the safety and security of our country.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) today spoke in opposition to the War Powers Resolution introduced by Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.), which the Senate is expected to vote on this afternoon.

Senator Barrasso highlighted how President Donald J. Trump has acted within his authority as Commander-in-Chief to protect America.

Click HERE to watch Senator Barrasso’s remarks.

Sen. Barrasso’s remarks:

“I rise in firm opposition to the War Powers Resolution offered by Democrat Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia. Let me expose this resolution for what it is. The Democrat Resolution undercuts American Peace through Strength. I just heard the Minority Leader come to the Floor. He said, ‘No one has the guts to stand up to him to say he’s wrong.’ I think he was talking about President Trump. Let me tell you, the Republicans are going to stand up to Chuck Schumer and to Tim Kaine who brought this resolution today on the Floor of the United States Senate and say to them ‘you’re wrong,’ ‘you’re wrong.’

“The purpose of the War Powers Act of 1973 is to ensure consultation and reporting. It is never intended to allow Congress to micromanage military operations. Under the statute, a President must notify Congress within 48 hours. President Trump did that. Members of this body were further briefed yesterday by top officials from the administration. The law then provides a 60-day window for continued military action.

“Many people believe the War Powers Act is unconstitutional. The Constitution makes the President the Commander-in-Chief. Every modern President has exercised this authority. President Clinton did in the Balkans. President Obama did in Libya. President Biden did in Syria and the Gaza Strip. So why do Democrats object today? Because Donald Trump is President of the United States. Democrats would rather obstruct President Trump than obliterate Iran’s nuclear program. The Democrats want to use the War Powers Act as a partisan battering ram.

“This is Senator Kaine’s fifth War Powers Resolution since President Trump returned to office a little more than a year ago. These resolutions have been used only eleven times in 50 years. The Senator from Virginia alone accounts for nearly half of them. Yet Senator Kaine introduced zero War Powers resolutions when Barrack Obama and Joe Biden were President.

“And it isn’t just the War Powers Resolution. As Democrats jeopardize American Peace through Strength abroad, they are obstructing American security here at home. A few minutes ago on this Floor, Senator Schumer, the Minority Leader, came to the Floor, he said that what was happening in Iran, he said, is ‘military insanity.’ Those are his words. Well let me tell you what insanity is. Insanity is not allowing the Department of Homeland Security to be funded because the Democrats are blocking that funding today. They’ve done it earlier this week. They’ve been doing it now for several weeks. At a time when our nation is on red alert for terrorism. And they’re coming to the Senate Floor today to try and tie President Trump’s hands in a situation in Iran that is making America safer, making the world safer, and the Democrats are undermining our security at home.

“Democrats continue to shut down the Department of Homeland Security. The Department of Homeland Security has critical counterterrorism missions. Democrats want to keep it shutdown with no end in sight. This Democrat shutdown endangers every single American citizen. The next cyberattack on our homeland – that’s on the Democrats. The next shooting by a lone wolf terrorist – that’s on the Democrats. The next criminal that crosses our border illegally and kills an innocent American – that’s on the Democrats. The American people deserve better. The American people deserve safety. The Department of Homeland Security must be fully funded and its workers fully paid.

“Make no mistake. What President Trump is doing is right and necessary. For 47 years, Iran has attacked our country and our people. From Beirut to Baghdad, Iran and its terrorist proxies have American blood on their hands. Every President has pledged Iran would never have a nuclear weapon. Only President Trump had the courage to keep that pledge.

“President Trump worked for more than a year on a diplomatic offramp. He offered Iran every opportunity to choose peace. Iran refused every offer. The Iranian regime was racing to build nuclear weapons. It was building and stockpiling deadly missiles. As the Defense Intelligence Agency reported, Iran had ‘the largest and most diverse’ missile arsenal in the Middle East. Only when it became clear that Iran was preparing to attack our troops and our allies did President Trump strike first.

“Operation Epic Fury is a defensive action against a clear, present, and accelerating danger. Our forces are engaged in targeted strikes against Iran’s military assets. Their mission is to destroy Iran’s capacity to wage war. They’re succeeding. The case for this mission is clear and publicly stated. President Trump communicated our objectives within hours of the first strike. Destroy Iran’s missile industry. That includes their missiles, launchers, and production capacity. Destroy Iran’s navy. Destroy Iran’s terrorist proxy network. Stop Iran from getting a nuclear weapon. And that’s exactly what our brave men and women in uniform have done.

“In less than a week, Iran’s supreme leadership has been killed. Its missile and drone industry destroyed. Its navy sunk. The tentacles of Iran’s terror network severed. Its capacity to ever produce nuclear weapons eliminated. This is American peace through strength. President Trump absolutely acted within his Article 2, Section 2 Constitutional powers to achieve these goals.

“When Democrats claim President Trump lacks the constitutional authority to carry out this mission, they are wrong. When they claim President Trump has not clearly laid out our objectives to the American people, they are wrong. Our targeted strikes also send a powerful message of deterrence to our adversaries. Russia and China are seeing that American resolve is real.

“There is also a profound opportunity here for the Iranian people. Operation Epic Fury is a defensive action for America, and it can lead to freedom for the Iranian people. The Iranian people are prisoners of this oppressive regime. They have been for decades. With the regime degraded, the Iranian people now have the opportunity to chart their own future. America is fighting the Iranian regime, not the Iranian people. The Iranian people aspire to freedom. They have America’s support.

“Let me return to the Kaine Resolution. It is wrong to vote to signal weakness to our enemies. It is wrong to vote to undermine our troops in combat. It is wrong to vote to undercut Peace through Strength. I will vote to uphold the safety and security of our country.”

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Bennet Joins Legislation to Target Russian Oil Profits and Force Putin to the Negotiating Table

Washington, D.C.— Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, joined U.S. Senators Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking Committee Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Jon Husted (R-Ohio), Chris Coons (D-Del.), and John Curtis (R-Utah) on the Decreasing Russia Oil Profits (DROP) Act of 2025, legislation requiring targeted sanctions on firms and individuals dealing in Russian oil. The DROP Act fills a gap in the U.S. sanctions approach to Russian-origin oil – the most important source of revenue propping up Russian President Vladimir Putin’s unjust and unprovoked full-scale war on Ukraine.

“The DROP Act is essential for imposing further pressure on Putin to compel him to end his war in Ukraine, especially as the Russian economy struggles under the weight of U.S., European, and other allied measures,” said Bennet. “Amid Putin’s intransigence at the negotiating table and his unrelenting barrage of attacks across Ukraine, including on civilians, Congress must make Russia pay a further price for its aggression – and clarify the long-term U.S. commitment to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.”

“Any nation or entity that buys Russian oil is actively funding Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. Putin has demonstrated he is unserious about bringing this war against Ukraine to a close, and continuing to fuel the war machine should carry consequences,” said McCormick. “This legislation establishes a framework to ostracize Russian petroleum while simultaneously supporting Ukraine.”

“I’m proud to join my colleagues in sending a simple message: no matter how the Kremlin tries to reshuffle its exports to evade our measures, anyone who helps facilitate imports of Russian-origin oil risks losing access to the U.S. financial system,” said Warren. “To achieve a just peace, we must demonstrate that the United States can sustainably drive up the costs for Russia as Putin continues his brutal war of choice.”

“This bill sends a clear message to the world that there will be consequences for continuing to buy Russian oil. Congress will also no longer tolerate the hypocrisy of nations that condemn Vladimir Putin’s actions on the world stage while funding his war machine through shady oil purchases. If our allies and trade partners want to purchase oil, they can buy American. For those countries that insist on buying Russian, this bill will encourage them to step up and provide support to Ukraine,” said Husted.

“Putin will only stop when we stop him,” said Coons. “He is using profits from Russian oil to fund a horrific war against Ukraine which has seen Russian torture and kill civilians, kidnap children, and threaten democracy. The brave Ukrainian forces are protecting freedom around the world, holding the line against Russia at incredible cost. If we really want to bring a lasting end to this war, it requires commitment to Ukraine and pressure on Russia. This bipartisan bill is a step in that direction: it will cut off Putin’s lifelines by targeting the true buyers of Russian oil, bringing us closer to a fair and just peace.”

In October 2025, the Trump Administration imposed sanctions on two major Russian oil companies; Bennet, who has long called for more pressure on Putin, supported those sanctions and noted they were “long-overdue.” Russia is circumventing those designations by redirecting and relabeling its oil exports to obscure links to those two companies. Since January 2025, there has been a halt in regular U.S. counter-evasion sanctions against companies in China and other third countries that profit from and undermine U.S. and allied efforts to counter Russia’s war machine.

The DROP Act would strengthen these sanctions to increase pressure on the Kremlin, an effort requiring increased urgency as Putin stands to benefit from elevated oil and gas prices stemming from the escalating conflict in the Middle East. Specifically, the bill would require targeted U.S. sanctions on purchasers, intermediaries, or anyone else dealing in Russian oil. The bill would allow the administration to choose up to two of four exception frameworks, which include:

Isolating and reducing Russian oil purchases. If a purchasing country agrees to pay Russia into an escrow account that isolates the funds, while significantly reducing its oil purchases from Russia over time, the administration could choose to not apply sanctions to firms and individuals facilitating imports to that purchasing country.

Generating revenue for Ukraine. If purchasers pay a fee into an account for Ukraine for every barrel of Russian oil they buy, the administration could choose to not apply sanctions on those firms and individuals facilitating such purchases.

Providing significant military or economic support for Ukraine. If a purchasing country’s government provides significant military or economic support to Ukraine, the administration could choose to not apply sanctions to those firms and individuals facilitating imports to that purchasing country.

Temporary port-specific exception. Temporarily, the administration could choose to not implement mandatory sanctions related to oil exported from certain Russian ports, giving the administration flexibility to ramp up pressure over time as needed.

These exceptions do not apply to activities tied to above-G7 price cap purchases of Russian crude oil or refined petroleum products. Accordingly, the bill would create a mandatory sanctions criterion for anyone, anywhere who purchases or deals in Russian oil purchased above the G7 price cap.

Bennet has staunchly supported the Ukrainian people since Putin launched his unjustified, unprovoked, and unlawful full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

In February 2026, Bennet joined Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and several other Senate colleagues to introduce a bipartisan resolution recognizing the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion.

Throughout 2025, Bennet fought for his legislation ensuring intelligence support to Ukraine to be included in the Intelligence Authorization Act and National Defense Authorization Act.

In December 2025, Bennet led a bipartisan letter to Belgian Ambassador to the U.S. Frédéric Bernard expressing support for European Commission efforts to leverage Russian sovereign assets to finance a loan for Ukraine. Bennet is a co-sponsor of the REPO Implementation Act, bipartisan legislation to repurpose frozen Russian sovereign assets held in the United States to support Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression. The legislation would build on the Rebuilding Economic Prosperity and Opportunity (REPO) for Ukrainians Act, which Bennet co-sponsored and which President Joe Biden signed into law in April 2024.

In February 2025, Bennet joined Shaheen and Tillis on a bipartisan congressional delegation to Kyiv, Ukraine. In September 2024, Bennet called on the Biden Administration to allow Ukraine to use Western-supplied weapons to strike military targets in Russia, which President Biden authorized weeks later. Bennet also visited Lviv, Ukraine with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and colleagues in early 2024.

Bennet played a leading role in securing the April 2024 passage of the national security supplemental package, which included $60.84 billion in emergency support for Ukraine, including by objecting and holding must-pass measures through 2023 and 2024.

The text of the bill is located HERE.

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Bennet leads Colorado Democrats to Push Forest Service to Prioritize Proactive Wildfire Mitigation Across the West

Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and his Colorado Democratic colleagues – U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper and U.S. Representatives Joe Neguse, Diana DeGette, Brittany Pettersen, and Jason Crow – urged Tom Schultz, the Chief of the United States Forest Service (USFS), to prioritize proactive wildfire mitigation efforts across the West, which faces historically low mountain snowpack and heightened wildfire risk ahead of the 2026 fire season.

“Snowpack conditions in the Rocky Mountains, particularly in Colorado, are deeply concerning. As of March 3, 2026, Colorado’s snowpack stands at roughly 60% of the median snow water equivalent in most basins. These levels point to an early and sustained drying of forests and rangelands, and could lead to a longer and more severe, and potentially catastrophic fire season. Over the last several decades, low snowpack has become less the exception and more the rule, and it demands a shift toward earlier and repeated forest health treatments in collaboration with the local communities most at risk,” wrote the lawmakers.

In 2025, USFS reduced staffing by 16% nationwide. Additionally, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Department of the Interior (DOI) fired nearly 8,700 public servants, and cut 26% of Colorado’s public lands workforce. These substantial shortages led to a 38% reduction in hazardous fuel work last year compared to the previous four years.

With the West heading into the 2026 fire season during one of the worst droughts in history, the likely detrimental effects of staffing shortages and lack of critical wildfire mitigation are of grave concern to Colorado communities. The legislators urge USFS to do everything in its power to direct resources and personnel toward high-risk landscapes in the West, accelerate strategic precommercial forest thinning, and prescribe fire and insect/disease treatments, as well as other appropriate science-informed fuel reduction projects that are safe and effective to reduce risk and improve forest health.

“To ensure state and local partners can act quickly ahead of peak fire season, the agency should provide the flexibility and resources needed to move projects forward, while continuing to work closely with Tribes, States and local communities. This includes ensuring State, Private, and Tribal forestry programs are administered as Congress intended and use of policy tools like Joint Chiefs, Good Neighbor Authority, and expanding the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program to bring critical capacity alongside USFS efforts,” continued the lawmakers.

“As snowpack worsens, forest conditions continue to deteriorate, and the threat of large, high-severity wildfire expands, the USFS should, at a minimum, maintain historic investment levels in forest stewardship and mitigation practices across the West. Colorado faces escalating risk and elevated suppression and reconstruction costs, but decisive action could reduce harm to Western communities. USFS’ lack of preparation last year puts communities across the West at risk. The agency must take every possible action now to reduce the extreme danger we face going into potentially one of the driest summers on record,” concluded the lawmakers.

The text of the letter is available HERE and below.

Dear Chief Schultz:

We are writing to urge the United States Forest Service (USFS) to prioritize proactive wildfire mitigation efforts across the West, which faces historically low mountain snowpack and heightened wildfire risk ahead of the 2026 fire season. Proactive action by federal land management agencies will help save lives, taxpayer dollars, and protect our Western forests and Watersheds.

Snowpack conditions in the Rocky Mountains, particularly in Colorado, are deeply concerning. As of March 3rd, 2026, Colorado’s snowpack stands at roughly 60% of the median snow water equivalent in most basins. These levels point to an early and sustained drying of forests and rangelands, and could lead to a longer and more severe, and potentially catastrophic fire season. Over the last several decades, low snowpack has become less the exception and more the rule, and it demands a shift toward earlier and repeated forest health treatments in collaboration with the local communities most at risk.

We are concerned that, across 11 Western states, the USDA and Department of Interior (DOI) fired nearly 8,700 public servants, and cut 26% of Colorado’s public lands workforce in 2025. USFS alone has reduced staffing by 16%, approximately 6,000 full-time equivalents, over the last year nationwide. These severe staffing shortages led to a 38% reduction in hazardous fuels reduction work in 2025, compared to the same period over the previous four years.

As the West heads into the 2026 fire season during potentially one of the worst droughts on record, this shortfall in critical mitigation work is unacceptable. The agency must do everything to direct resources and personnel toward high-risk landscapes in the West. The USFS should accelerate strategic precommercial forest thinning, prescribed fire and insect/disease treatments, along with other appropriate science-informed fuel reduction projects, where they are safe and effective to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health.

We strongly support strategic hazardous fuels reduction treatments near homes and businesses as the first line of defense against wildfire in Western communities.

To ensure state and local partners can act quickly ahead of peak fire season, the agency should provide the flexibility and resources needed to move projects forward, while continuing to work closely with Tribes, States and local communities. This includes ensuring State, Private, and Tribal forestry programs are administered as Congress intended and use of policy tools like Joint Chiefs, Good Neighbor Authority, and expanding the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program to bring critical capacity alongside USFS efforts.

As snowpack worsens, forest conditions continue to deteriorate, and the threat of large, high-severity wildfire expands, the USFS should, at a minimum, maintain historic investment levels in forest stewardship and mitigation practices across the West. Colorado faces escalating risk and elevated suppression and reconstruction costs, but decisive action could reduce harm to Western communities. USFS’ lack of preparation last year puts communities across the West at risk. The agency must take every possible action now to reduce the extreme danger we face going into potentially one of the driest summers on record.

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Bennet Statement on Iran War Powers Resolution

Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, released the following statement after voting for S.J.Res.104, a War Powers Resolution that would require President Trump to remove U.S. troops from waging war in or against Iran without explicit Congressional authority:

“For decades, the Iranian regime has sown chaos across the Middle East and funded proxies that killed U.S. troops. This regime must never acquire nuclear weapons. That is why I have backed strong measures to constrain Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.

“My vote today for the War Powers Resolution does not result from wishful thinking about what the mullahs of Iran will do. It is to insist that the President adhere to our Constitution and its requirement that no President declare and wage war unilaterally.

“President Trump has launched this war without congressional authorization, an effort to build a coalition of allies, or the benefit of clear objectives that would arise from engaging Congress and our partners.

“President Trump’s administration, including my former colleague Marco Rubio, has stated repeatedly that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s decision to attack Iran would put our troops and interests in harm’s way, in turn requiring us to bomb Iran. No American President should allow the United States to be pushed into war on any ally’s timetable or rationale.

“The American people’s continuing investment in our defense, the extraordinary innovation in our national security driven by our economy, and the bravery of our armed forces all mean the United States has the intelligence and military capabilities to act unilaterally, when we must. It can be alluring to do so. But that does not mean we should. As many examples from history inform us, we cannot manage the world’s challenges simply by dropping bombs.

“President Trump once declared that the United States is ‘not the policem[a]n of the world.’ Yet he has turned us into the world’s policeman, judge, jury, and executioner – all the while, draining vital resources necessary to deterring Beijing and Moscow. Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin will profit from the costs of President Trump’s Middle East quagmire.

“For these reasons, I voted for today’s War Powers Resolution and, as a member of the Intelligence Committee, I will continue fighting against this reckless President’s adventurism as we defend our troops and the national security interests of the United States of America.”

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VIDEO: Blackburn Discusses How Working Families Tax Cuts Are Putting More Money in Tennesseans’ Pockets

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) delivered remarks on the Senate floor on how Republicans’ ‘Working Families Tax Cuts’ have improved the lives of Tennesseans and the American people since President Trump signed the legislation into law eight months ago today. This landmark law provided historic investments in border security and prevented the largest tax hike in history for Tennessee families.

Click here to download Senator Blackburn’s remarks on the Senate floor.

EXCERPTS OF REMARKS AS PREPARED

Working Families Tax Cuts Delivered $170B for Border Security and Shut Down Illegal Immigration

“Eight months ago today, President Trump signed into law the Working Families Tax Cuts.

“At the time, we knew the law would be a massive win for the American people. And in the months since, Republicans have been proven right.

“It provided a $150 billion investment in our national defense. That investment has been vital as our brave service members work day and night to defend our nation from the largest state sponsor of terrorism in the world.

“It provided $170 billion for border security, including funding to complete the border wall, build new detention facilities, and hire more agents.

“In the months since, not a single illegal alien has been admitted into our country.

“This funding has been especially crucial to maintain our border enforcement as Democrats continue their partial shutdown of DHS.”

‘Working Families Tax Cuts’ Delivered Financial Relief for Workers, Seniors, and Families

“When I talk with Tennesseans, though, the part of the law they are most excited about is the tax cuts.

“True to its name, the Working Families Tax Cuts delivered the largest tax relief for Americans in history. It prevented a $4 trillion tax hike.

“While these provisions went into effect last year, most Americans are only beginning to benefit from them with the start of the 2026 tax season.

“Through the law, I was honored to deliver a $6,000 bonus deduction for our seniors—eliminating taxes on Social Security for 88 percent of recipients.

“This is a matter of fairness. American workers spend a lifetime paying into the Social Security program through tax withholdings. Why should they have to pay taxes on income funded through their taxes? It makes no sense to tax taxes.

“With the provision, seniors will save an average of $670 this year. Some could save as much as $1,300.

“For Americans on fixed income, these savings will help them pay for medicine, food, gas, and other expenses.

“For millions of workers, we also lowered taxes on tips and overtime. Americans who go the extra mile deserve to benefit from their hard work—and these provisions ensure that happens.

“With the new tips deduction, single filers will see an average savings of $1,370. Some could save as much as $5,500.

“And with the new overtime deduction, filers will see $1,440 in average savings.

“While supporting workers, the law delivers historic tax relief and benefits for families.”

RELATED


Blumenthal Demands Noem Answer for Apparently False Testimony About Lewandowski's Role in DHS Contracts

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) wrote Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem demanding clarification of her apparently false testimony under oath before the Senate Judiciary Committee regarding the role of Corey Lewandowski in approving federal contracts.

During yesterday’s hearing, Blumenthal asked whether Lewandowski has a role in approving contracts at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Noem responded, “no.” Earlier today, ProPublica reported that internal DHS documents show Lewandowski “personally approved a multimillion-dollar equipment contract at the agency last summer” and “has approved numerous contracts at DHS and often needs to sign off on large ones before any money goes out the door” according to current and former employees.

“The law requires and Congress expects witnesses to provide complete and truthful testimony. There are criminal penalties for knowingly and willfully making materially false statements or representations to Congress,” Blumenthal wrote. “Accordingly, I demand that you amend your testimony to clarify your previous answer, including a full explanation of Mr. Lewandowski’s role at DHS, and provide the basis for your clearly false statement on the record.”

The full text of Blumenthal’s letter is available here and copied below.

Dear Secretary Noem:

Yesterday, during an oversight hearing conducted by the Senate Judiciary Committee, you denied under oath that Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) special government employee Corey Lewandowski has a role in approving DHS contracts. Specifically, when I asked whether Mr. Lewandowski has a role in approving contracts at DHS, you stated unequivocally, “no.”

Evidence suggests that your testimony was false. Internal DHS records show that Mr. Lewandowski has personally approved contracts at DHS, including, but not limited to, a multimillion-dollar contract. And current and former DHS employees have stated that Mr. Lewandowski’s signature is a green light for money to be transmitted to contractors.

The law requires and Congress expects witnesses to provide complete and truthful testimony. There are criminal penalties for knowingly and willfully making materially false statements or representations to Congress. Accordingly, I demand that you amend your testimony to clarify your previous answer, including a full explanation of Mr. Lewandowski’s role at DHS, and provide the basis for your apparent false statement on the record.

Sincerely,

Richard Blumenthal

United States Senator

The video of Blumenthal’s exchange with Noem is available here and a transcript is copied below.

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.

Noem: No.

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Blumenthal Highlights Importance of Veterans' Advocacy Following Republicans' Block of Benefits for Combat-Injured Veterans

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – At a joint Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee and House Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing with Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) today, Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) highlighted the importance of veterans’ advocacy in producing legislative results and emphasized his commitment to passing the Major Richard Star Act after it was blocked yesterday by U.S. Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI). Veterans Service Organizations have continuously cited the legislation as their top policy priority and called on lawmakers to advance the bill during hearings this week and last week.

“Yesterday, I went to the floor of the United States Senate and asked for unanimous consent to pass the Major Richard Star Act. Unfortunately, it was blocked. I asked, as a fall back, for a simple vote on the bill before August, it was blocked as well,” said Blumenthal. “…The Chairman just talked about promises. Promises are meaningless unless they are kept. We made a promise to these veterans that they would receive both retirement and disability benefits. We owe them both, and I promise you I will not stop fighting until we pass the Richard Star Act in this Congress.

Senate Republicans have blocked two attempts from Blumenthal to advance the bipartisan legislation to deliver more than 50,000 combat-injured veterans their full military benefits. Yesterday, Senator Johnson (R-WI) blocked Blumenthal’s motion to pass the legislation and a compromise motion to set up a single vote on the bill before August saying “we simply cannot afford it.” Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker (R-MS) also previously blocked attempts from Blumenthal to advance this legislation in October—denying the bill’s 77 cosponsors a vote.

The Major Richard Star Act is legislation to deliver medically retired combat-injured veterans their full Department of Defense (DOD) retirement and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability payments, which is currently subject to a dollar-for-dollar reduction. It has widespread bipartisan support with 77 co-sponsors in the Senate and 316 co-sponsors in the House.

Blumenthal also stressed the importance of veterans’ voices in pushing back against the Trump Adminsitration’s maligned workforce policies at VA. This follows recent reporting from The New York Times revealing how the Administration has cut thousands of roles for doctors and nurses at VA after its employees left in droves due to the Administration’s toxic culture and draconian policies: “…At our hearing last month, Secretary Collins said the VA needs more doctors. And yet, he has eliminated thousands of positions and jobs. We need your help. We need your advocacy. We need your voices and your faces. Which is why it's so important you're here today so that we can maintain, restore, and even grow the numbers of doctors, nurses, counselors, psychiatrists. All of the team, at VA health care that is so important to make sure that we have sufficient workforce to serve the needs of our veterans.”

The full text of Blumenthal’s opening is copied below.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. and thank you to Commander Wiley and the American Legion leadership who are here today. I am a proud member in Connecticut. I know we have some Connecticut members here. Welcome to you and thanks for visiting with me yesterday. Your perspectives and your advocacy are invaluable to what we do. You are the reason that we have the PACT Act today, just to take one example.

Yesterday, I went to the floor of the United States Senate and asked for unanimous consent to pass the Major Richard Star Act. Unfortunately, it was blocked. I asked, as a fall back, for a simple vote on the bill before August, it was blocked as well. The individual senator blocking unanimous consent is part of a small minority in the United States Senate. The vast, bipartisan majority of my colleagues support the Richard Star Act, because they know it is unacceptable that tens of thousands of combat injured veterans are denied the full military benefits they deserve. The Chairman just talked about promises. Promises are meaningless unless they are kept. We made a promise to these veterans that they would receive both retirement and disability benefits. We owe them both, and I promise you I will not stop fighting until we pass the Richard Star Act in this Congress. And I want to add that support for it is bipartisan. I thank the chairman, Senator Moran, for his support, as well as others on this committee, including the House Ranking Member, Mr. Takano.

Yesterday, the New York Times published an article entitled: “Despite Promises, Veterans’ Affairs Department Cut Thousands of Roles for Doctors and Nurses.” In fact, thousands of positions have been left vacant. The numbers of doctors and nurses positions, has declined by significant percentages, which is a disservice to all of you here, and the many, many veterans around the United States who depend on the VA for their medical care. At our hearing last month, Secretary Collins said the VA needs more doctors. And yet, he has eliminated thousands of positions and jobs. We need your help. We need your advocacy. We need your voices and your faces. Which is why it's so important you're here today so that we can maintain, restore, and even grow the numbers of doctors, nurses, counselors, psychiatrists. All of the team, at VA healthcare that is so important to make sure that we have sufficient workforce to serve the needs of our veterans. Our veterans deserve nothing less than the best, world-class medicine. Thank you all for being here today.

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ICYMI: Cory Booker “Nails It,” "CATCHES KRISTI NOEM LYING UNDER OATH MULTIPLE TIMES" at Senate Judiciary Hearing

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Cory Booker’s (D-NJ) sharp questioning of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem at a Senate Judiciary hearing is earning praise, with former DHS Chief of Staff Miles Taylor stating “Booker nails it” and The New Republic reporting “Booker Catches Kristi Noem Lying Under Oath Multiple Times” under questioning from Sen. Booker at the hearing, Secretary Noem denied knowledge of ICE officers violating the law despite being presented with multiple examples of unlawful activity by ICE, and repeatedly failed to answer basic questions about her agency’s operations. At the conclusion of his questioning, Booker stated Noem “should step down, or be removed by this president and if not, Congress should impeach you.”

Booker: “This is a reckless and out-of-control agency that you are responsible for… You seem to have no situational awareness whatsoever.”

SEE FOR YOURSELF:

MS NOW: Deadline Whitehouse

March 3, 2026

Miles Taylor, Trump’s former DHS Chief of Staff : “Cory Booker nailed it in that hearing when he said that she is either incompetent or corrupt there is no third option.”

The New Republic

Cory Booker Catches Kristi Noem Lying Under Oath Multiple Times

March 3, 2026

Sen. Booker: “You have situations where your officers are violating the sanctity of people’s homes, arresting and detaining them, and holding their children, and you’re acting as if you don’t know about it and saying that under oath,”

@CSPAN

March 3, 2026

Sen. Booker: “You seem to have no situational awareness whatsoever of some of the most egregious examples of Americans being completely attacked, violated, undermined in accordance with our laws by their own government.”

Forbes Breaking News

BREAKING NEWS: Cory Booker Tells Kristi Noem She Should Be Impeached If She Doesn't Step Down

March 3, 2026

Sen. 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, Kelly Champion Proactive Support for Maintenance and Security of Rural Water Systems

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) introduced the Futureproofing Local Operations for Water Systems (FLOWS) Act of 2026, legislation to launch a targeted grant program to help rural utilities improve reliability while also strengthening and modernizing their cybersecurity.

Rural water and wastewater systems are struggling with aging infrastructure, limited staffing and rising operational costs. Many of these systems serve fewer than 3,300 people and are under-resourced, increasing challenges to deploying modern tools that larger utilities rely on to detect leaks, manage pressure, monitor water quality and prevent service disruptions. These limitations drive higher costs for rural residents, reduce system reliability and leave communities more vulnerable to cyber threats.

Small and rural wastewater systems struggling with fewer staff, aging infrastructure and unsustainable base rates would greatly benefit from modern digital tools such as leak and pressure monitoring as well as digital security training and maintenance. The legislation authorizes $50 million annually for these improvements, targeted to the smallest and most economically challenged rural communities.

“Local water providers in The Natural State and across the country work hard every day to deliver reliable water services despite growing infrastructure demands and tight budgets,” said Boozman. “The FLOWS Act can offer targeted support to help modernize drinking water, wastewater and stormwater systems with advanced technologies that improve efficiency, reliability and their capacity to safeguard against cyber vulnerabilities long-term. Helping expand access to these tools is a smart step forward to keep costs affordable for households and businesses while strengthening protections against service disruptions — all without creating bureaucratic red tape.”

“Every family deserves safe drinking water. That requires up-to-date, reliable water infrastructure,” said Kelly. “Right now, rural communities are dealing with aging systems, tight budgets, and growing cyber threats. We’re helping local water providers upgrade their equipment, catch problems before they become costly emergencies, and protect their systems from attacks so families aren’t left footing the bill for breakdowns and disruptions.”

The FLOWS Act would establish a competitive EPA grant program to help rural communities modernize their water, wastewater and stormwater systems using digital technologies such as real-time sensing, industrial control systems, artificial intelligence tools, and advanced modeling software. Grants may also be used for workforce training and ongoing cybersecurity assistance.

The measure has garnered support from the National Rural Water Association, National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), Bentley, Autodesk, Grundfos, Xylem, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Arkansas Rural Water Association and Business Software Alliance.

“The Arkansas Rural Water Association supports the Futureproofing Local Operations for Water Systems Act of 2026, or FLOWS Act. This legislation will strengthen and streamline day-to-day operations for small and rural water and wastewater systems statewide. By expanding access to critical information and modern operational technology, utilities will be better equipped to handle growing issues and have the technology to respond quicker to everyday emergencies,” said Arkansas Rural Water Association CEO Chris Harris.

“The FLOWS Act gives smaller, less-resourced utilities the ability to adopt innovative technologies that improve water quality and protect long-term affordability, a critical step forward for communities that often lack access to modern tools. We appreciate Senator Boozman’s leadership in ensuring rural clean water systems have the support they need to modernize and thrive,” said NACWA CEO Adam Krantz.

“The National Rural Water Association supports the Futureproofing Local Operations for Water Systems Act of 2026, or FLOWS Act. This legislation will give small and rural water systems across the country access to information and operational technology, providing them the opportunity to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and continue protecting the public health of the communities they serve,” said National Rural Water Association Executive Director Matthew Holmes.

“The 2025 Report Card for America's Infrastructure found that to raise the grades for our nation's drinking water and wastewater systems, we must be helping local utilities implement digital technologies that can improve system operations and efficiency. ASCE applauds the FLOWS Act as a practical, commonsense step to modernize how we plan, operate, and maintain our nation's vital water infrastructure. By providing rural communities with access to the digital tools they need to provide safe water systems and opportunities to train their local workforce on these tools, the FLOWS Act is bringing technology solutions to the communities that need it most,” said ASCE President Marsha Anderson Bomar, Ph.D.

“Bentley Systems applauds Senator Boozman’s leadership in introducing the FLOWS Act. This legislation empowers project managers, agencies, and states with digital infrastructure technologies in order to design, build, operate more resilient and efficient water infrastructure,” said Bentley Systems U.S. Government Relations Director David Lieberman. “Investing in digital twin technology and AI will directly improve the performance of water systems in rural America. The FLOWS Act provides a vital investment in modernizing essential infrastructure for the health and safety of our nation’s communities.”


U.S. Coast Guard Selects Birmingham-Southern College Campus for New Training Center

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Ala.) and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) and Representative Robert Aderholt (R-Ala.) today joined U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem and U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Commandant Admiral Kevin Lunday in announcing the USCG’s selection of the former Birmingham-Southern College (BSC) campus for its new training center.

Last November, the USCG announced a Request for Information and market research to identify a potential new training center location following record-breaking recruiting numbers. The USCG and DHS outlined several key requirements for the new facility, criteria that the BSC campus, which closed in May of 2024, not only meets but exceeds.

“Today’s announcement is further proof that this is the most exciting time to join the Coast Guard in 235 years,” said Secretary Noem. “Thanks to President Trump’s visionary leadership and historic investment in the Coast Guard, the Service is shattering records across the board — including in recruitment. Last year’s recruitment exceeded 110% of active-duty enlisted goals, and the Coast Guard is on track to add 15,000 new members by 2028. This next generation of heroes deserves training centers and support facilities worthy of their mission, and that is exactly what they are going to have in Alabama.”

“This is a huge day for Birmingham, our great state, and the U.S. Coast Guard. I have long been dedicated to strengthening Alabama’s military installations and the warfighters they serve. This exciting announcement further positions Alabama as a national leader in supporting our incredible U.S. Armed Forces and law enforcement personnel. I am deeply proud to have advocated directly to Secretary Noem for a new training center in Birmingham to support our outstanding Coast Guard personnel, especially as the USCG continues to recruit servicemembers to combat 21st century threats. Alabama stands as a proud leader in military excellence, and we’re honored to host this new training center that will help mold the next generation of Coast Guard members. As chair of the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, I will continue fighting to give the Coast Guard the resources and tools needed to fulfill its critical mission and keep Americans safe,” said Senator Britt. “Thank you to President Trump, Secretary Noem, and Admiral Lunday for making a tremendous decision that will strengthen our homeland security long into the future.”

“I’m thrilled that President Trump and Secretary Noem have selected Birmingham Southern as the new land-based training facility for the United States Coast Guard. This move will save the American taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars. Alabama and the Coast Guard are a natural partnership. Alabama is already home to every branch of the military and we have the infrastructure, resources, and personnel ready to make sure our United States Coast Guard continues to be elite,” said Senator Tuberville.

“As a proud alumnus of Birmingham-Southern, it is important to me that this campus continues to serve those seeking to learn and improve their lives. I’m confident the United States Coast Guard will do exactly that. I want to thank Senator Britt for her partnership as we worked together to encourage the Coast Guard and the White House to ensure this campus remains an important footprint in Alabama,” said Representative Aderholt.

“We must invest in our most valuable treasure—our people—to meet the increasingly complex maritime security challenges facing the Nation,” said Adm. Kevin E. Lunday, commandant. “The acquisition of the historic Birmingham-Southern College as our new training center is a critical step in our Force Design 2028 strategy, providing the right facilities necessary to grow our service and ensure the Coast Guard stands always ready.”

Alabama is not only the home of USCG Sector Mobile and the USCG Aviation Training Center, but the state also hosts several premier military installations that are critical to supporting the U.S. Armed Forces. This includes Redstone Arsenal, a Federal Center of Excellence, in Huntsville, Army Aviation at Fort Rucker in the Alabama Wiregrass, Air University at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, and a major U.S. Army center at Anniston Army Depot.

Alabama is also the proud home to more than 26,000 servicemembers and their families and ranks among the top states in the nation for its number of civilian veterans.

Senator Britt is chair of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, which funds DHS and USCG.

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U.S. Senator Katie Britt Questions DHS Secretary Kristi Noem Amid DHS Funding Shutdown

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Subcommittee, attended a Senate Judiciary hearing with DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. As the lead Senate negotiator throughout the Democrat-led DHS funding lapse, Senator Britt discussed the importance of this funding, specifically to clean up the mess left behind by the Biden-Harris Administration’s open border policies and to secure our homeland and strengthen national security.

Senator Britt addressed the horrific consequences caused by the Biden-Harris Administration’s open border policies, asking Secretary Noem for her commitment to protect American citizens: “I believe we had about an average of 5,000 people a day that came over the border during the Biden administration … We know many of these children have been trafficked into our interior. You mentioned … that 30% of women … that came across our border were most likely raped in the process. The 4,000 people that died, the inhumane circumstances that were created and the enriched cartels as a result, as a result of four years of the Biden administration, the cartels were stronger and more prosperous and unfortunately had a greater grip on our interior.

She continued, “It is your job to make sure that we unwind that, that we keep American families safe, that we abide by the law, that we enforce the law the way we do it matters. We have to do it the right way. There are countless families sitting behind you who have either had a loved one injured or lost, because of the lack of enforcement of the previous administration. Do you commit to me today that you will ensure that no family has to go through this again, that you will use the tools at your disposal the right way to protect American citizens?”

The Senator then asked Secretary Noem about the massive influx of unaccompanied alien children (UAC) under the previous administration and the Trump Administration’s efforts to reunite them with their families: “How many children do you think are in our interior unaccompanied for? Are they being trafficked? Labor trafficked? Where are they? And how many have you found? And what is your plan to find all of them? Every one of those children deserves to be seen, deserves to be found. And I appreciate the President’s commitment to making that happen. I want to know what you’re going to do to follow through with it.”

Noem responded, “We’re going to continue to do our work. We found 145,000 of those children so far, identified them … returned them back to their loved ones and taken care of them. We will continue until we find every single one of them.”

Senator Britt also highlighted several of the notorious criminals that Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) under Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at (DHS) has captured and held accountable: “Let’s actually talk about HSI … When we are looking at finding child predators, when we’re looking at finding people who are exploiting children, when we’re looking at cybercrimes, human trafficking, when we’re looking at drug smuggling, weapons smuggling, HSI does the hard work, do they not? …

“I want you to see behind me. These are some of our most notorious and high-profile criminals in recent years. Sean ‘P. Diddy’ Combs, El Chapo, R Kelly, Jared Fogle, Josh Duggar, The Merchant of Death, Victor Bout. And what do all of these criminals have in common? All of them were brought to justice with the help of ICE HSI … This sounds like an agency that is working for the American people, who is taking bad actors off the streets and is doing the hard work for our most vulnerable.”

Finally, Senator Britt asked about the real implications on hardworking Americans of DHS going unfunded: “So, when we are looking at the department having gone unfunded now for 17 days, I’d like to know what are the real implications of that? … We look at the border, you know, Customs [and Border] Protection, people coming through, making sure, whether it is weapons being smuggled or whether it is drugs, that that those things are caught by those men and women there at the border.

“Then we look at the other missions that that fall in the Department of Homeland Security, our courageous men and women and the Coast Guard. You look at those serving in FEMA … You look at the center for Domestic Preparedness, for example, in Anniston, Alabama, which I hope I have your commitment to continuing to make sure that our law enforcement officers are trained there in the event of something unthinkable …

“You have people like a TSA officer [who] went without pay for 43 days in the previous Democrat-led shutdown. And here they go once again, the financial insecurity that comes from that is tremendous. We heard reports officers sleeping in their cars at airports to save money on gas, selling their blood and plasma, and taking on a second job to make ends meet. Some are just recovering from the financial impact of the 43-day shutdown, and many are still reeling from it. We cannot put them through another such experience.”

You can watch the Senator’s full remarks here.

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U.S. Senators Katie Britt, Ted Cruz Hold Press Conference on Trey’s Law, Legislation Seeking to Void NDAs that Silence Child Sexual Abuse Survivors

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Ala.) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas) held a press conference on Terminating Restrictive Enforcement of Youth Settlements (TREY’S) Law. The bill voids non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) that silence survivors of child sexual abuse.

The bill is named in honor of Trey Carlock, a beloved citizen of Dallas, Texas, who was silenced by such an NDA, retraumatized by a civil litigation process against Kanakuk Ministries, and ultimately died by suicide at age 28.

The process was related to crimes committed by Pete Newman, a former director of a Kanakuk Ministries camp for ages 6 to 11 who was convicted of sexual abuse, and who groomed and sexually abused Trey and others.

“The story of Trey Carlock is not only tragic, but preventable. Going through trauma as severe as sexual abuse and grooming as a child is unimaginable enough, but being put into a situation where they are essentially forced into not speaking about that trauma is beyond the pale. Anyone trying to silence survivors of these heinous crimes—through contractual agreements, litigation, or otherwise—is evil,” said Senator Britt in part today. “I have long said that I intend to serve in the Senate as a voice for the voiceless, which is why I’m proud to co-lead this legislation and honor Trey’s memory so we can prevent tragedies like this from ever happening again.”

Trey’s Law prevents the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to silence survivors of child sexual abuse and trafficking. The bill makes any NDA provision unenforceable if it prohibits or restricts someone from disclosing the sexual abuse of a minor or facts related to that abuse. Importantly, this protection applies regardless of when the NDA was signed, whether before a dispute arose or as part of a civil settlement agreement.

Trey was required to file civil litigation by the age of 23, due to Texas’s civil statute of limitations for child sexual abuse cases at the time his abuse, which became known through a 2009 criminal investigation. Kanakuk’s settlements with “John Does” like Trey included restrictive NDAs, which silenced victims and concealed what and when Kanakuk knew about abuses.

Before he died by suicide Trey told a therapist, “They will always control me, and I’ll never be free.” His story has sparked a movement of others coming forward about institutional abuse, and survivors continue advocating for NDA reform to prevent victims of childhood sexual abuse or trafficking from being silenced.

“No child who has endured sexual abuse should be forced to carry that horror in silence. Non-disclosure agreements are too often used to protect abusers, with incalculable and catastrophic consequences for their victims. We owe it to Trey to ensure that victims have the right to speak about their experiences and that contracts are not used to silence survivors. I’m grateful to my colleagues for joining me in introducing this bipartisan bill, and I’m committed to seeing it advanced expeditiously,” said Senator Cruz.

During the press conference, Senators Britt and Cruz were joined by Elizabeth Carlock, Trey’s sister and key advocate of Trey’s Law, and Jayden Harris, a 19-year old who was spared an NDA in her Missouri lawsuit last year due to Trey’s Law going into effect in August 2025 in Missouri.

Senators Britt and Cruz were joined by Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) in introducing Trey’s Law. A version of Trey’s Law recently passed unanimously through the Alabama legislature and was signed by Governor Ivey on February 19, 2026.

Trey’s Law Initiative Founder Elizabeth Phillips said, “For decades, survivors of child sexual abuse have suffered in the shadows under NDAs in civil settlement agreements, terrified that sharing their story would lead to a lawsuit or other repercussions. TREY’S Law doesn’t just protect future victims; it restores the voices of those silenced by existing NDAs. This bill’s passage will say to every survivor currently living under a gag order: ‘Your voice is yours again. You are free to speak about what happened to you. And what you have to say matters.’ Senators Cruz and Gillibrand’s bill has my full support.”

This legislation is supported by the American Association for Justice, Prevent Together – The National Coalition to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation, Protect Our Children, National Children’s Alliance, Tim Tebow Foundation, Unsilenced, Joyful Heart Foundation, Children’s Justice Campaign – Enough Abuse, Zero Abuse Project, Children’s Advocacy Centers of Texas, and Rights4Girls.

One of Senator Britt’s top legislative priorities is protecting children online, including from sexual exploitation. Her bipartisan bills, including the Stop the Scroll Act, the Kids Off Social Media Act, address youth mental health and the GUARD Act would sets strict rules on AI chatbots’ interactions with minors and holds developers legally responsible for harmful or exploitative behavior.

You can watch the Senator’s remarks here and read the full text of the bill here.

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Budd, Coons Lead Bipartisan Coalition to Reauthorize the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Ted Budd (R-N.C.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) lead a bipartisan coalition including Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Ranking Member Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and Ted Cruz (R-Texas) in introducing legislation to reauthorize the independent, bipartisan United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today. The bipartisan bill would ensure the commission, set to expire on September 30, 2026, can continue its work to monitor religious freedom around the world.

“Since its inception in 1998, USCIRF has played an indispensable role in exposing violations of religious freedom around the world through reporting and providing recommendations to strengthen U.S. foreign policy. Every day, Christians, Jews, Muslims, and other religious minorities face brutal and unjust persecution, imprisonment, terrorism, and even death for practicing their faith. These assaults on religious freedom, impacting religious minorities in countries such as China, Nigeria, Iran, Syria, North Korea, and Russia, cannot go unaddressed. Alongside Senator Coons, I am proud to lead a strong bipartisan coalition to reauthorize this vital commission and ensure their work continues at this pivotal moment,” said Senator Budd.

“As co-chair of the Senate Human Rights Caucus, I know far too many people around the world are unfairly and brutally targeted for their beliefs. The right to worship whomever you want – or no one at all – is fundamental to democracy and stability around the world. I’m proud to once again lead this bipartisan effort to highlight the importance of promoting international religious freedom everywhere and for all persons, regardless of belief or non-belief, sexual orientation, gender, race, or other protected classes,” said Senator Coons.

“Religious freedom is the cornerstone of American society and the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom helps to safeguard this most inherent right. I’m proud to work with my colleague, Senator Budd, to reauthorize this important commission and ensure religious freedom is protected around the globe,” said Chairman Risch.

“Countless people around the world face persecution, violence, and execution for practicing their faith. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom exposes these abuses and helps hold oppressive regimes accountable. I am proud to join Senator Budd in introducing bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the commission,” said Senator Cruz.

Read the full bill text HERE.

BACKGROUND

USCIRF was created by the 1998 International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA), as amended, to provide the U.S. government with policy recommendations to promote the universal right to religious freedom across the globe. USCIRF has nine Commissioners, appointed by either the President or Congressional leaders, and is supported by non-partisan professional staff.

In 2025, the commission released its most recent annual report, exposing global violations of religious freedom and providing recommendations to the President, Secretary of State, and Congress:

In China, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) cracked down on the religious practices of Catholics, Protestant Christians, Muslims, and other religious groups, destroying religious sites, censoring religious texts, and continuing to unjustly detain or imprison pastors and other religious leaders.

In Iran, the authoritarian regime and its proxies were responsible for a continued widespread assault on religion, following a brutal terrorist attack on October 7th, where Hamas slaughtered innocent Jews and took hostages, invoking mass reports of increased antisemitic violence and harassment of Jewish communities worldwide.

In Nigeria, nonstate actors instigate brutal attacks on Christians and other religious minorities, killing thousands.

In Syria, the Kurds, Druze, Christians, and other religious minorities were subjected to violence, death, detention, and torture

USCIRF’s 2026 annual report is scheduled to be released today.

Senator Budd is a leading advocate for international religious freedom in the U.S. Senate:

In January 2026, Senator Budd introduced the Banning Perpetrators of Religious Persecution Act to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) by restricting the issuance of visas to individuals who have directed, authorized, significantly supported, participated in, or carried out violations of religious freedom.

In October 2025, Senator Budd introduced the Combatting the Persecution of Religious Groups in China Act to strengthen America’s response to combat the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) ongoing persecution of Christians and other religious minorities.

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Senator Collins’ Statement on Iran War Powers Resolution

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins released the following statement after her vote on the Iran War Powers Resolution:

“We cannot tolerate a nuclear-armed Iran. The Iranian regime’s pursuit of nuclear capabilities, ballistic missile development, and support for terrorist proxies pose serious and longstanding threats to the national security of the United States and our allies. Iran has enormous stockpiles of missiles and one-way attack drones and the industrial capacity to continue to expand its arsenal. If the Iranian regime were allowed to continue developing ballistic missiles, it would soon be able to shield its nuclear facilities by threatening a grave and immediate response to any attack.

“Iran is also the world’s leading sponsor of terrorism. It has spent nearly half a century attacking Americans directly and through terrorist proxies, beginning with the 1979 seizure of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran that resulted in 66 Americans being held hostage for 444 days and continuing with the numerous devastating attacks against American service members and civilians in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and more. In the October 7, 2023, massacre, Iranian-backed Hamas terrorists killed 1,200 people, including 46 Americans, in what was the deadliest single day for the Jewish community since the Holocaust. The list of the Iranian regime’s crimes against America and our allies goes on and on.

“The Constitution gives Congress an essential role in matters of war and peace. Sustained combat operations require full engagement with Congress. The Administration has adhered to the provisions of the War Powers Act that require notification to Congress within 48 hours of hostilities commencing, and it has provided numerous classified briefings to Congress.

“Passing this resolution now would send the wrong message to Iran and to our troops. At this juncture, providing unequivocal support to our service members is critically important, as is ongoing consultation by the Administration with Congress.”

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Maine Delegation Urges Administration to Deliver Targeted Economic Relief for State’s Wild Blueberry, Potato, Apple Farmers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden are calling on the Trump Administration to ensure its relief for specialty crop farmers addresses the needs of wild blueberry, potato, and apple farmers across Maine. In a letter to Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, the Maine Congressional Delegation urges the Administration to continue delivering targeted, data-driven support for Maine’s specialty crop farmers, foresters, and fisheries so that they can withstand the economic impacts of on-the-ground, environmental realities.

“We write to urge the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to ensure that payment rates under the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) Program fully and accurately reflect the economic realities facing Maine producers,” the delegation began. “Given the absence of reliable, up-to-date cost-of-production and farm-gate pricing data for many specialty crops, it is essential that USDA work directly with Maine’s specialty crop stakeholders to establish payment rates that meaningfully address current losses. Failure to do so risks leaving critical sectors of Maine’s agricultural economy without adequate relief during a period of extraordinary financial strain.”

“As USDA evaluates current and future relief efforts, we strongly urge the Department to ensure that Maine’s lumber and fisheries industries are not overlooked,” they continued. “Equity in federal relief requires that industries facing comparable trade-driven harm receive comparable support. The Seafood Trade Relief Program (STRP) offered by the USDA in 2020 was invaluable for Maine’s lobster fishery. We appreciate USDA’s prior engagement with Maine’s potato, wild blueberry, and apple stakeholders. However, continued consultation is not simply beneficial, it is necessary to ensure that federal assistance reflects on-the-ground conditions. We urge USDA to adjust payment methodologies where needed, account for crop-specific production cycles, and expand eligibility where appropriate so that relief is both fair and economically meaningful.”

“Maine’s producers are resilient, but resilience alone cannot offset sustained market disruption and escalating costs. We stand ready to work with you to ensure that USDA programs deliver the targeted, data-driven support that Maine’s agricultural, forestry, and fishing sectors urgently need,” the delegation concluded.

Click here to read the complete text of their letter.

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Senator Collins Receives Inaugural YMCA Impact Award

Click HERE to download a full-resolution image.

Click HERE to watch and HERE to download b-roll from the award ceremony.

Click HERE to watch and HERE to download highlights from the night’s speakers.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The YMCA of the USA presented U.S. Senator Susan Collins with its first-ever Impact Award, recognizing her decades-long commitment to supporting the YMCA mission in Maine and across the country. Bangor YMCA CEO Diane Dickerson was in attendance and introduced Senator Collins at the ceremony. The Impact Award honors exceptional public servants whose leadership and advocacy have significantly advanced the Y’s work to nurture youth development, promote healthy living, and foster social responsibility.

“I am deeply honored to receive the YMCA of the USA’s inaugural Impact Award,” said Senator Collins. “For generations, YMCAs have served as pillars of their communities by promoting healthy lifestyles, supporting working families, and giving young people a safe place to learn and grow. That is why I am proud to support the Y’s mission and will continue working as Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee to help better ensure that more families in Maine and across the country have access to the affordable child care, wellness programs, and other community resources that local YMCAs make possible.”

“For more than two decades, Senator Collins has been a true partner to the Y and the communities we serve, in Maine and across the country,” said Suzanne McCormick, President and CEO of YMCA of the USA. “Because of her leadership, more families have access to high-quality child care, more communities can invest in health and wellness, and more YMCAs have the resources they need to meet local needs. We are proud to recognize Senator Collins as the inaugural recipient of the YMCA Impact Award.”

Senator Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, has secured nearly $12 million through Congressionally Directed Spending since 2022 to increase available child care and early childhood education capacity, and construct new community health facilities at YMCA’s in Bangor, Auburn-Lewiston, Mount Desert Island, Boothbay, Damariscotta, Rumford, and Old Town.

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Cramer Calls on EPA to Reverse Biden-era Vapor Testing Requirements

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Fuel marketers who are responsible for transporting gasoline from the supply terminal to local gas stations will see regulatory relief if the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) takes steps outlined in a letter U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) sent to the EPA. Despite existing regulations governing the annual vapor testing requirements for gasoline cargo tanks, the Biden administration chose to force the rest of the nation to meet California’s overzealous regulatory standards, leading to disproportionate impacts on small business fuel marketers. The early implementation of the Biden rule is causing confusion and unexpected costs for small businesses with little to no expected benefit.

Cramer, member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, led 10 of his colleagues in a letter to the EPA calling for the repeal of the Biden-era regulations and return to the previous standards.

“These challenges are already materializing as some operators at liquid fuel terminals are prematurely enforcing the revised vapor tightness standards ahead of the 2027 compliance date, creating confusion and imposing unexpected costs on small business fuel marketers,” the senators wrote. “Industry stakeholders have warned that, absent corrective action by the Trump administration, these standards could result in fuel supply disruptions if charge tank vehicles are denied terminal access due to an inability to immediately comply with these unnecessary requirements.

“Small businesses in our states should not be subject to California’s regulatory overreach,” the senators continued. “We respectfully request that the EPA work with industry stakeholders to revisit the final rule and restore the prior standard for sources regulated under Subpart XXa and Subpart BBBBBB, while reverting to the former range pressure drop range of 1.0 to 2.5 inches under Subpart R. Reverting to this standard will support fuel supply continuity and ensure that first responders, motorists, farmers, ranchers, and other industries critical to America’s success have reliable access to an adequate fuel supply.”

Matt Bjornson of Bjornson Oil Company in Cavalier applauded the letter, saying “Senator Cramer’s leadership and support of our industry’s attempts to roll back unnecessary and burdensome changes by the Biden administration concerning cargo tank vapor tightness testing have been invaluable. The increased testing thresholds provide no benefit for the environment in states like North Dakota, yet if upheld would increase the cost of transporting petroleum, disproportionally impacting small business, and in the end costing consumers money at the pump.”

The letter was also signed by U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), John Curtis (R-UT), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Jon Husted (R-OH), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), and Roger Wicker (R-MS).


Cramer Secures Change to Adoption Tax Credit Carryforward

***Click herefor video. Click here for audio***

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a victory for adoptive families across the nation, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) corrected its interpretation of the partially refundable adoption tax credit included in recently-implemented Working Families Tax Cuts.

Previously, the IRS interpreted the law to conclude the carryforward was not eligible for refundability, affecting adoptive families who filed taxes from 2020-2024. The resulting interpretation prevented those families from accessing part of the credit. U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) questioned Secretary Bessent about this interpretation at a Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee hearing.

During a hearing today in the House Ways & Means Committee, IRS announced the change in policy. “After reviewing this issue, I am pleased to announce that for tax year 2025, carryforward amounts of the adoption tax credit for prior years are refundable up to $5000 per qualifying child and the IRS is implementing this policy as expeditiously as possible without disrupting the current filing season,” said Frank Bisignano, the CEO of the IRS. “The IRS will publish additional information on this very soon. Taxpayers should continue to claim the credit as directed by the current forms and instructions during tax season, since the IRS is pursuing post-filing remedies to resolve this issue."

Cramer celebrated the IRS revision, saying “I’m grateful to Secretary Bessent and his team for making this important fix. Restoring the carryforward will help adoptive families access the refundable portion of the adoption tax credit like we intended when we actually passed it as part of the Working Families Tax Cuts.”


Crapo, Welch Introduce Bill to Streamline Boating Registration Fees

Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Peter Welch (D-Vermont) today introduced the State Boating Act, which would empower states to fund crucial boating programs and aquatic invasive species control by ensuring they can collect fees at the point of boat registration, a practice halted by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) in the last year.

“Idaho has used a streamlined fee collection process successfully for more than a decade,” said Crapo. “Forcing states to decouple these fees into separate financial transactions increases costs for both states and recreators as well as hinders our ability to fund important boating safety programs and keep our waterways free of invasive species.”

“Vermont’s lakes and rivers are central to our way of life and rural economies,” said Welch. “For years, modest boat registration fees have been vital in boosting search and rescue efforts and supporting efforts to keep our ecosystems safe from invasive species. Streamlining this process will ensure Vermont’s waterways stay clean and safe for everyone who depends on them.”

“I thank Senators Crapo and Welch for introducing this critical legislation that preserves state agencies' ability to continue collecting relevant fees for aquatic invasive species management, boater safety and access at the time of boating registration,” said Susan Buxton, Director of Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. “This will help ensure stable funding for state aquatic invasive species prevention and response efforts, while also providing boaters with a seamless, cost-effective registration experience."

“American Rivers Action Fund applauds Senator Crapo and Senator Welch for reintroducing the State Boating Act,” said Tom Kiernan, President, American Rivers Action Fund. “This legislation strengthens the programs that keep our rivers healthy and our communities safe. By giving states the flexibility and resources they need, we can stop invasive species at the source, improve boater safety, and protect waterways that power local economies.”

“State fish and wildlife agencies strive to provide exceptional angling and boating experiences,” said Paul Johansen, Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section of West Virginia’s Division of Natural Resources and President of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. “To do so, many of these agencies run programs to advance boater safety, improve boating access, and manage and prevent aquatic invasive species. The State Boating Act preserves states' ability to collect fees for these programs during the boat registration process to ensure a simplified and easy transaction for the customer. We appreciate the leadership of Senators Crapo and Welch to remove administrative barriers in providing enhanced boating and angling opportunities on their waters and help states maintain eligibility for critical recreational boating safety grant funding.”

“The Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission is pleased to endorse the State Boating Act,” said Stephen Phillips, Senior Program Manager, Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission. “The State Boating Act would grant flexibility to the states to continue collecting fees critical to the support of recreational fishing access and restoration programs. The State Boating Act is a straightforward fix to a problem blocking a state’s right to manage its natural resources effectively, and to create a safer environment for recreational participants. It will also ensure continued convenience for the customer so that they can pay for all the USCG and state registration fees in a single transaction, ensuring customer compliance.”

“Aquatic invasive species pose a costly threat to waterways and irrigation systems in Idaho and across the region,” said Brandon Hardenbrook, Pacific Northwest Economic Region Interim Executive Director. “This legislation helps ensure that states that rely on vessel fees have the necessary funding to continue invasive species mitigation programs and safeguard our region’s aquatic ecosystems.”

“ConservAmerica supports the State Boating Act and appreciates Senator Mike Crapo's leadership on this commonsense legislation,” said Jason Solomon, Head of Government Affairs, ConservAmerica. “By empowering state fish and wildlife agencies to address aquatic invasive species, strengthen boating safety, and keep our waterways accessible for recreation, this bill helps protect America’s natural resources while supporting outdoor traditions and local economies.”

Many states administer the federal USCG regulations requiring annual Continuity of Numbers (CON) registrations on most vessels owned by citizens and operating on the navigable waters of the United States. Idaho also requires a $7 invasive species fund sticker for all watercraft, both motorized and nonmotorized, which funds aquatic invasive species prevention efforts.

Idaho and other states have adopted the practice of allowing boat owners to obtain both their CON registration and invasive species fund sticker under one financial transaction. In recent years, the USCG has been pressuring states to separate these boating related transactions, increasing processing fees and administrative burdens for both the consumer and the state agencies, and potentially creating confusion over the payments. USCG has argued its regulations do not permit states to tack on additional fees to be charged concurrently with the CON.

The bipartisan State Boating Act would explicitly allow states to collect boating fees alongside CON fees during the vessel numbering process without interference by USCG.

These collected fees support essential state programs like boating safety education, search and rescue operations and aquatic invasive special control.


Sens. Cruz, Budd, Coons, Risch, Shaheen Introduce Bill to Reauthorize the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) introduced legislation to reauthorize the independent, bipartisan United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF). The bipartisan bill would ensure the commission, set to expire on September 30, 2026, can continue its work to monitor religious freedom around the world.

Sen. Cruz said, “Countless people around the world face persecution, violence, and execution for practicing their faith. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom exposes these abuses and helps hold oppressive regimes accountable. I am proud to join Senator Budd in introducing bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the commission.”

Sen. Budd said, “Since its inception in 1998, USCIRF has played an indispensable role in exposing violations of religious freedom around the world through reporting and providing recommendations to strengthen U.S. foreign policy. Every day, Christians, Jews, Muslims, and other religious minorities face brutal and unjust persecution, imprisonment, terrorism, and even death for practicing their faith. These assaults on religious freedom, impacting religious minorities in countries such as China, Nigeria, Iran, Syria, North Korea, and Russia, cannot go unaddressed. Alongside Senator Coons, I am proud to lead a strong bipartisan coalition to reauthorize this vital commission and ensure their work continues at this pivotal moment.”

Sen. Coons said, “As co-chair of the Senate Human Rights Caucus, I know far too many people around the world are unfairly and brutally targeted for their beliefs. The right to worship whomever you want – or no one at all – is fundamental to democracy and stability around the world. I’m proud to once again lead this bipartisan effort to highlight the importance of promoting international religious freedom everywhere and for all persons, regardless of belief or non-belief, sexual orientation, gender, race, or other protected classes.”

Sen. Risch said, “Religious freedom is the cornerstone of American society and the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom helps to safeguard this most inherent right. I’m proud to work with my colleague, Senator Budd, to reauthorize this important commission and ensure religious freedom is protected around the globe.”

Click here to read the full bill text.

BACKGROUND

USCIRF was created by the 1998 International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA), as amended, to provide the U.S. government with policy recommendations to promote the universal right to religious freedom across the globe. USCIRF has nine Commissioners, appointed by either the President or Congressional leaders, and is supported by non-partisan professional staff.

In 2025, the commission released its most recent annual report, exposing global violations of religious freedom and providing recommendations to the President, Secretary of State, and Congress:


Curtis Highlights Need for Predictable Chemical Regulations

The hearing featured testimony from chemical policy experts Dr. Richard Engler (Coalition for Chemical Innovation) and Dr. Michal Freedhoff (Holland & Knight LLP), and Mr. David Isaacs (Semiconductor Industry Association).

A transcript of his opening statement, as well as excerpts from his questioning, can be found below. Video can be found here.

Opening statement:

“I have been looking forward to this hearing to examine the regulatory environment for new and existing chemicals and its impact on innovation, safety, and American competitiveness.

“American companies invest billions of dollars each year in research and development to create materials that reduce emissions, improve safety, and strengthen our industrial base. But when reviews under TSCA are delayed, unpredictable, or disconnected from real-world applications, innovation slows. Research moves overseas. Promising replacements are shelved. American workers lose opportunities.

“There are few industries impacted more than semiconductors, which are critical to American and allied competitiveness. Advanced chips depend on highly specialized chemicals that are essential to nearly every aspect of modern life.

“My wife and I spent several years living and working in Taiwan, and I saw firsthand how a strategic investment in semiconductors transformed its economy from producing Christmas lights to becoming a global semiconductor powerhouse that now invests in advanced facilities here in the United States.

“One anecdote that stayed with me from our Subcommittee hearing in October is that, in some cases, aircraft are required to use an environmentally inferior chemical in the cargo hold even though a safer alternative has been approved for use in the passenger cabin of the same aircraft. That restriction stems not from aviation safety regulators, but from EPA’s TSCA program.

“Even small formulation changes can trigger new reviews, delaying safer or more sustainable alternatives and disrupting entire supply chains.

“As we consider TSCA reauthorization, we should ensure the law allows manufacturers to build world-class products that meet the highest safety standards, while also providing certainty to companies that they can access the chemicals necessary to meet specifications or requirements.

“The question is not whether to regulate chemicals. Most recognize the value and importance of TSCA. The question is how we make domestic chemical manufacturing both predictable and safe.”

On the use of Significant New Use Rules (SNUR):

Curtis: When EPA evaluates Pre-Manufacture Notices, is it necessary to issue a Significant New Use Rule for every new chemical? It seems we’re effectively permitting an innovation and immediately regulating it in a way Congress did not intend. Also, when EPA does determine that a SNUR is appropriate, is there a more effective way to issue it so companies can bring their products to the market without unnecessary delays?

Engler: EPA has been issuing SNURs or some restriction on 85-90% of new chemicals. It’s not every new chemical. Again, if EPA finds it is low, EPA will let it go forward without a restriction. But many of the products that we’ve assisted clients bringing through the new chemicals program, our view [is that] we’ve demonstrated to EPA—mathematically—that it is extraordinarily unlikely that any release or exposure would exceed EPA’s concern threshold. Yet, EPA proceeds with the restriction. So, I think, no, it’s not necessary for EPA to take that level of restriction. But that’s what we’ve been seeing now across four different administrations.

On the TSCA review process:

Curtis: Under the current framework, once a chemical is listed on the TSCA Inventory, EPA’s ability to ensure it is used only under the conditions described in the original submission is limited. As a result, EPA assessors must evaluate risk across a broad range of potential uses, making reviews more time-consuming and resource-intensive.

The stewardship pathway takes a different approach: the chemical is authorized only for the specific conditions of use described in the submission, it is not added to the Inventory, and every entity in the supply chain is bound by an enforceable stewardship plan. Does this structure provide EPA assessors with a stronger basis to evaluate a chemical based on its intended use, knowing that use is legally constrained and enforceable? Would that improve predictability in the review process?

Freedhoff: I appreciate the creativity of this idea, and I agree that by not listing the stewardship chemicals on the inventory, it ensures that EPA would have to review them later if someone else wanted to use the chemical for a different purpose. But I still think that this pathway would be quite difficult for EPA to implement, and would probably divert staff away from reviewing new chemicals while they figured out how to implement the program.

Curtis: Could we agree that it’s a good conversation to have?

Freedhoff: I think that it’s great to think of ways that EPA could protect people while meeting its deadlines.

Curtis: Thank you. I would love to further that conversation with you.

On the semiconductor industry: