Thune on SAVE America Act Debate: Democrats’ Rhetoric Is Out of Touch With Americans

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WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor:

Thune’s remarks below (as delivered):

“Mr. President, if one thing is abundantly clear from polling, it’s that there are a lot of Americans out there – of both parties – who find voter ID requirements and proof-of-citizenship requirements for voter registration to be pretty commonsense policies.

“One poll, in fact, showed that a whole lot of voters already believe proof of citizenship is required to register – I assume because it seems pretty darn commonsense to most people to ensure that those registered to vote are eligible.

“I mean, Americans are pretty used to proving eligibility.

“Joining the military, signing up for Little League, applying for SNAP benefits, signing up for Medicare, starting a new job – all situations in which Americans have to prove that they’re eligible.

“And you know what, Mr. President?

“Americans are doing a pretty good job in those situations.

“I haven’t heard a lot of sob stories about how someone would have signed up their kids for Little League if only the paperwork wasn’t so darn complicated.

“And yet, Mr. President, do you know what Little League requires?

“A birth certificate, and not one, not two, but three proofs of residence.

“And yet somehow, every year, thousands of kids sign up for these teams.

“Mr. President, do you know what else you need a birth certificate for?

“Signing your kid up for public school.

“That’s right.

“A birth certificate is an extremely common requirement.

“And somehow, parents of all sorts of backgrounds and income levels have managed to produce their child’s birth certificate to sign them up for school.

“If only Democrats knew that.

“The senior Democrat senator from Vermont was on the floor the other day bewailing the SAVE America Act’s birth certificate requirement for voter registration.

“This is what he said, and I quote: ‘[A]s many as 69 million married women have last names that do not match their birth certificates and would need to provide additional documentation proving their name changes in order to register to vote,’ he lamented.

“And I further quote: ‘Further, an estimated 4 million Americans have had their birth certificates or other necessary documents stolen or destroyed. If you are watching this out there, just think: Do you have a birth certificate? How are you going to get a birth certificate? … You will have to go through all of the bureaucracy to get your birth certificate.’

“Well, first, Mr. President, can I just say how nice it is to hear a Democrat senator worried about government bureaucracy?

“The very same senator who has repeatedly introduced legislation to drown your health care in government bureaucracy is now worried about the bureaucracy at vital records offices.

“It’s nice.

“But setting that aside, let’s talk about the rest of his statement.

“Let’s say you’re one of those Americans that the senator claims have had their birth certificates stolen or destroyed.

“Well, let’s see, what would you do?

“Probably the same thing you would do if you misplaced your child’s birth certificate and had to register him or her for school or Little League.

“A quick Google search to find the replacement process in your state – frequently an in-person visit, an online application, or a mail-in application: it’s your choice.

“You can do any of the above, Mr. President.

“And as for married women?

“Well, let’s talk about married women.

“Throughout this debate, Democrats have pushed the ludicrous narrative that married women will be disenfranchised under the SAVE America Act.

“Well, Mr. President, give me a break.

“Let’s go over the scenarios if you’re a married woman.

“One, if you decided not to change your name, then you don’t have to do anything about your voter registration.

“Two, if you have changed your name socially but not legally, then once again, you don’t have to do anything.

“And three, if you have changed your name legally and apply for a new driver’s license, you can update your voter registration at the same time – just as you can under the current ‘motor-voter’ law.

“So the scenarios in which a married woman would have any trouble voting are somewhere between exceedingly rare and nonexistent.

“But just in case, the SAVE America Act adds a provision to allow women to sign an affidavit testifying to their name change – and if their state allows same-day registration, they could do that on the same day that they vote.

“So, Mr. President, married women will be just fine under the SAVE America Act.

“Mr. President, sometimes I wonder about the view my Democrat colleagues seem to have of the American people – and in this debate, of their voters in particular!

“The junior Democrat senator from Oregon had this to say at the beginning of the debate: ‘[T]his bill is about stopping groups from voting who tend to vote for Democrats.’

“‘This bill is about stopping groups from voting who tend to vote for Democrats.’

“Well, one of two things is going on here, Mr. President.

“Either the senator from Oregon thinks there are a lot of non-citizens voting in our elections – and they’re voting for Democrats – or else he has a pretty poor opinion of Democrat voters.

“Is he suggesting that Democrat voters are too dumb to be able to obtain a birth certificate or driver’s license?

“How does he think they are starting new jobs, or signing their kids up for school, or going to the doctor, or doing any one of the hundred other things that require a birth certificate or photo ID – for themselves or for their child?

“Mr. President, I may be a Republican, but I am 100 percent confident that Democrat voters are capable of obtaining their birth certificate – if they don’t already have it – and producing a photo ID.

“Is this where Democrats get their belief in big government?

“They think Americans are too stupid to figure out how to do anything for themselves – and so they need Democrats in Washington to do things for them?

“Come on.

“Mr. President, Americans are more than used to providing documentation – whether it’s a birth certificate, Social Security card, photo ID, or passport.

“And I don’t think it’s too burdensome to suggest that we require some of that same documentation for voting, to maintain the security of our elections.

“The American people certainly don’t seem to think it’s too burdensome.

“Poll after poll shows that Americans support proof of citizenship to vote and photo ID at the polls.

“Mr. President, perhaps Democrats should listen to them.”


Senate Passes Tuberville, Britt Resolution Honoring Fallen U.S. Servicemembers

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-AL) in introducing a resolution honoring the sacrifice and service of six American heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in the loss of a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft over western Iraq while supporting Operation Epic Fury. This resolution unanimously passed the Senate last night.

The resolution honors three members of the 99th Air Refueling Squadron part of the 6TH Air Refueling Wing (MacDill AFB) based at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base in Birmingham, Alabama: Major Alex Klinner, Major Ariana G. Savino, and Technical Sergeant Ashley B. Pruitt, along with Captain Seth R. Koval, Captain Curtis J. Angst, and Master Sergeant Tyler H. Simmons, who were members of the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base based in Columbus, Ohio.

“When you see flag-draped caskets carrying heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice, it’s a sobering reminder of the cost of America’s freedom. Each of these service members showed generational courage, and this resolution is just a small part of ensuring their stories are never forgotten. Our prayers continue to be with their brave families and loved ones as they navigate this horrific loss,” said Sen. Tuberville.

“Our nation will be forever grateful to these American heroes for their exemplary service and ultimate sacrifice. While their lives were tragically cut short in devoted service to our country, we will never forget their selflessness as they bravely fought to protect and defend Americans. We are deeply proud to honor them in this resolution and continue to pray for their families and loved ones during this unthinkable time,” said Sen. Britt.

“We continue to mourn the loss of Hoosier Captain Seth Koval and the Airmen who perished while bravely answering the call to serve. We will never forget the ultimate sacrifice these American heroes made and will continue to pray for their loved ones,” said Sen. Young.

“Our nation is grateful for the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. We will never forget their courage and selfless service. Please join Amanda and I in praying for Captain Seth Koval’s family and all the families impacted,” said Sen. Banks.

“America is indebted to Curtis Angst, Tyler Simmons, and Seth Koval for their service and sacrifice to protect our freedoms. Their loss is devastating for our country, and I join all Ohioans in praying for their loved ones,” said Sen. Moreno

“As our nation mourns these heroes, it is vital that we honor their legacy of service and sacrifice. This resolution is one way to do just that. The families and loved ones of Capt. Koval, Capt. Angst and Master Sgt. Simmons of the Ohio National Guard, as well as Maj. Klinner, Maj. Savino and Tech. Sgt. Pruitt, remain in Tina’s and my prayers. These brave servicemembers carried out dangerous and critical missions in defense of our country, and we will be forever grateful for their sacrifice,” said Sen. Husted.

“As somebody who lost friends in combat, it is always devastating to hear of the loss of a fellow servicemember who put their life on the line to fight for our nation. The brave Americans we are recognizing today were supporting a righteous mission and must be honored for their service and sacrifice. As we keep the families of the fallen in our prayers, let us also renew our commitment to supporting the men and women who protect America and our way of life,” said Sen. Sheehy.

Joining Sens. Tuberville and Britt in introducing the legislation are Sens. Jim Banks (R-IN), Jon Husted (R-OH), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), and Todd Young (R-IN).

Read full text of the resolution here.

Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

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Tuberville Introduces Legislation to Save College Sports, Rein in NIL

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) introduced the Student-Athlete Act, which would address some of the issues plaguing college sports today by moderating the transfer portal and clarifying eligibility rules. Sen. Tuberville’s bill would allow student-athletes to have five consecutive years to play in five consecutive seasons. It would also put guardrails around the transfer portal to allow for a one-time transfer without penalty. Any subsequent transfers would result in the player sitting out a season.

As someone who spent nearly 40 years in coaching, Sen. Tuberville has been a leading voice for prioritizing education when it comes to college athletics. While drafting the legislation, Sen. Tuberville has spoken with students, coaches, administrators, organizations, and other stakeholders.

“College athletics used to be about education, now it’s sadly all about making money,” said Sen. Tuberville. “We can’t be having 25-year-old ‘students’ who graduated three years ago still competing in the NCAA. With my bill, a student-athlete gets five years to get their education, compete, and then move on. We also have to make sure students are getting a good education, which won’t happen if they are transferring every year. I’m all for student-athletes making money, but we have to create some national guidelines as the current system is broken. I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this commonsense bill across the finish line.”

Read full text of the legislation here. More information about the bill can be found here.

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Tuberville, Manchin Asks Collectives for Feedback to Drive NIL Legislation

Tuberville, Manchin Solicit Stakeholder Feedback on NIL Legislation

ICYMI: Tuberville: Nick Saban will be First of Many Coaches to Retire if Congress Doesn’t Address NIL

ICYMI: Tuberville Op-Ed: Trump and Coach Saban Have the Right Game Plan to Save College Sports

ICYMI: Tuberville in Daily Caller: Stop the Foul Play with March Madness

ICYMI: Tuberville Joins “America Reports” to Discuss Unionization in College Sports

Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

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Van Hollen, Alsobrooks, Hoyer Applaud Completion of New St. Mary’s County Regional Airport Runway

Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and Congressman Steny Hoyer (all D-Md.) applauded the completion of the new St. Mary’s County Regional Airport runway, an over 10-year-long project that was supported by over $22 million in federal funding. The new runway will allow the St. Mary’s County Regional Airport to accommodate larger aircrafts and expand its business.

“Our regional airports serve as important local economic hubs. These upgrades to the St. Mary’s County Regional Airport will expand opportunities not just in Leonardtown, but also throughout the County, for those who support the mission of NAS PAX River, and for the entire Southern Maryland region. That’s why we fought for years to deliver over $22 million in federal investments to support these upgrades to the airport and its runway. Today’s milestone is a result of those hard-fought dollars and our partnership with state and local leaders,” said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

“Our regional airports play essential roles like keeping us connected, supporting our national security efforts, and more. With this more than $22 million in federal investment, St. Mary’s regional airport will be able to support larger aircraft like medevac and defense-related aircraft. This critical investment will strengthen our state’s position as a leader in aerospace, defense, and technology,” said Senator Alsobrooks.

“I am thrilled to celebrate $22 million in federal funding for the completion of the runway and terminal expansion projects at the St. Mary’s County Regional Airport. These exciting enhancements will help the airport continue operating safely and efficiently while supporting critical services and economic development in Southern Maryland,” said Congressman Hoyer. “I thank the Commissioners of St. Mary's County and the Maryland Department of Public Works and Transportation for their partnership and work to implement these critical upgrades at the St. Mary's airport and facilities across our region. I remain proud to support these federal investments in Southern Maryland's infrastructure and economy.”

Federal Team Maryland worked to secure funds for this program through the Airport Improvement Program, which they have also worked to support consistently throughout their time in Congress, including through the passage of the infrastructure modernization bill in 2021, which included an additional $15 billion in funding for the Airport Improvement Program.


Van Hollen, Wilson Introduce Bicameral Bill to Invest in Public Transit Workforce Training

Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and U.S. Representative Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.), joined by Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), introduced the National Transit Frontline Workforce Training Act, legislation to support and expand the Transit Workforce Center, a national training center that prepares American workers for specialized, good-paying jobs in transit industry sectors facing employee shortages – such as maintenance and operations. Bolstering the transit workforce is an economic priority for the National Capital Region, where systems such as WMATA, Amtrak, and MARC are vital for regional commuters and out-of-town visitors alike.

“From vehicle mechanics to train operators, transit workers are the foundation of our public transportation systems – making sure riders get where they need to go. This bill will ensure the Transit Workforce Center continues to open up opportunities for Americans to land good-paying jobs and will help address the persistent worker shortages in this field. Growing the pipeline of well-trained transit employees is key to helping transit systems across the country run safely and efficiently so they can best serve the millions of Americans who rely on them,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“Public transportation is the backbone of our communities,” said Representative Wilson. “It connects people to jobs, education, and essential services, but right now our transit systems are facing a serious workforce shortage that threatens safety and reliability. I am proud to introduce, along with Senator Chris Van Hollen, the bicameral National Transit Frontline Workforce Training Act to make sure we are investing directly in the frontline workers who keep our country moving. This legislation will strengthen training, expand apprenticeship and mentorship opportunities, and provide the long-term federal support needed to build a skilled, modern transit workforce. When we invest in our workers, we strengthen our infrastructure, improve service for riders, and build a more resilient future for every community.”

"This Administration's failed economic policies are hurting American workers. I’m fighting for good-paying jobs so that families don't just live on margins but can live beyond their wildest dreams. Our National Transit Workforce Training Act helps meet the need for highly trained transit workers and creates a pathway for more good-paying jobs. These workers will do the essential job of making sure our transportation systems work efficiently and get Marylanders where they need to be," said Senator Alsobrooks.

The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration under the Biden Administration established the Transit Workforce Center after direction by Congress in the FY20 Minibus Appropriations bill in 2021, modeled on an earlier version of this legislation introduced by Senator Van Hollen in 2020. This center was created to address the challenges of recruiting, training, and retaining skilled workers in the transit industry. This legislation makes this Center a permanent entity by law, enabling Congress to provide consistent and reliable federal funding to support its activities.

This legislation authorizes the Secretary of the Department of Transportation to award grants to a nonprofit organization with a demonstrated capacity to develop and provide transit career ladder programs through labor-management partnerships and apprenticeships on a nationwide basis. The Center, in coordination with the Federal Transit Administration and public transportation authorities, develops and conducts training and educational programs for frontline local transportation employees who work for public transportation systems that receive federal funding. Along with establishing national standards for transit maintenance and operations skills, the Center provides training to local transit operators in both rural and urban transit systems.

Text of the bill can be viewed here.

The National Transit Frontline Workforce Training Act is supported by the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), American Public Transportation Association (APTA), the Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA), Transport Workers Union (TWU), and the Transportation Trades Department of AFL-CIO (TTD).

“The Transit Workforce Center (TWC), the Federal Transit Administration’s national technical assistance center for transit workforce development, has been a great partner since being created just a few years ago. TWC plays a critical role in bringing labor and management in the transit industry together. This unique partnership helps us achieve our most important goal – to ensure safe, affordable, and efficient public transit for millions of Americans who rely on our service. This bill, which would officially establish the Center in federal law, is long overdue,” said Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) International President John A. Costa. “We thank Senator Van Hollen and Representative Wilson for moving forward on this legislation and will work to get it included in the surface transportation reauthorization bill.”

“Every day, dedicated front-line transit workers, including our own AFSCME members, help people go to work, take their kids to school and go about their lives, but transit agencies nationwide are struggling to recruit and retain the skilled workforce needed to deliver safe and reliable services,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. “Sen. Van Hollen’s legislation will help provide the Transit Workforce Center the stability and resources it needs to build a strong pipeline of skilled workers across the country. AFSCME members are proud to endorse this effort to support these hardworking public servants and the communities who depend on them.”

"The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) commends Senator Van Hollen for championing the Transit Workforce Center Act. This legislation gives our industry the tools to recruit, train, and retain the next generation of professionals who will operate and maintain the public transit systems communities depend on. Investing in the transit workforce means investing in mobility and access for every rider, in every community," said APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas.

"With its focus on front-line transit workers, the Transit Workforce Center has provided outstanding resources and technical assistance for smaller transit agencies around the nation with driver recruitment and retention, mechanic skills building and apprenticeship programs. Many systems are today safer and more effective due to the TWC's important contributions," said Scott Bogren, Executive Director, CTAA.

“Frontline workers are the people who implement every safety initiative across our transportation systems," TWU International President John Samuelsen said. "As new technology and equipment evolves, it is essential that these workers have the training they need to properly use and oversee these tools. The National Transit Frontline Workforce Training Act will help ensure that workers are always prepared and ready as new ideas are deployed in our transit systems."


Warner Celebrates Senate Passage of Legislation to Prevent Deaths from Fentanyl Overdoses

WASHINGTON – Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) today applauded Senate passage of Tyler’s Law, a bill directing the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide hospitals with guidance on how emergency rooms can implement fentanyl testing in their routine drug screens. The bill is named for Tyler Shamash, a teenager who died of an overdose in part because – unbeknownst to the physician – he was not tested for fentanyl upon being checked into the emergency room.

“Overdose deaths, especially among young people, are increasing across the country, and even just one preventable death is too many. As we try to fight this epidemic, it’s important that hospital staff are including fentanyl in emergency room drug tests,” said Sen. Warner. “I am proud to have worked on this bipartisan, life-saving legislation that would institute more robust guidance on testing for fentanyl during a suspected overdose.”

In January 2023, Malcolm Kent, a 17-year-old Fairfax County resident, went to the emergency room while experiencing an overdose but was not tested for fentanyl. He died of a fentanyl overdose shortly after being discharged. His mother, Thurraya Kent, has advocated for robust measures to test for fentanyl in emergency rooms and expand access to treatment.

Tyler’s Law would direct the Secretary of HHS to:

Complete a study to determine how frequently emergency rooms are currently testing for fentanyl when patients come in for an overdose, as well as the associated costs and benefits/risks, and

Issue guidance to hospitals on implementing fentanyl testing in emergency rooms.

In 2023, 1,936 Virginians died due to overdose of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids, accounting for nearly 79% of all drug overdose deaths in Virginia. Nationally, fentanyl and other synthetic opioids were responsible for just over 69% of all drug overdose deaths that year. Since the start of the COVID pandemic, fentanyl has more than doubled overdose deaths among children ages 12 to 17.

Sen. Warner has consistently pushed for robust action to combat the opioid epidemic, with a particular focus on expanding telehealth so more Virginians experiencing substance use disorder can access treatment. He is the lead sponsor of the TREATS Act, which would permanently (and without any special registration) allow telehealth prescribing of controlled substances, such as buprenorphine, to treat opioid use disorder. He also repeatedly pushed the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to preserve pandemic-era telehealth flexibilities and establish a special registration pathway so that quality providers can permanently prescribe controlled substances safely via telehealth.

At the same time, Sen. Warner has emphasized that the crisis is increasingly driven by sophisticated transnational criminal networks that manufacture and traffic fentanyl into the United States, often exploiting gaps at ports of entry and leveraging global financial systems to launder proceeds. To disrupt these networks, he has backed a comprehensive approach that pairs stronger enforcement with financial tools to go after traffickers’ profits and operations. He recently celebrated passage of the FEND Off Fentanyl Act, a sanctions and anti-money laundering law that targets fentanyl traffickers. He also introduced the Stop Fentanyl at the Border Act, legislation that would increase staffing capacity and deploy advanced technology to detect drugs being smuggled through points of entry.

In addition to Sen. Warner, Tyler’s Law is also sponsored by Sens. Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jim Banks (R-IN), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and Todd Young (R-IN). Reps. Ted Lieu (CA-36), Bob Latta (OH-05), and Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) introduced the companion legislation in the House.

The full text of the bill is available here.

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VIDEO: As GOP Shutdown Drags into Sixth Week, Warnock Renews Push to Pay TSA Workers

Senator Reverend Warnock has now voted multiple times to pay federal workers, including TSA workers, during lapses in federal funding

Last week, Senator Warnock attempted to force the passage of TSA pay on the Senate Floor but his efforts were immediately blocked by his Republican colleagues

Senator Reverend Warnock: “Stop playing the games, pay TSA workers now, they deserve better”

Watch Senator Warnock’s video message HERE

Washington, D.C. – Today, Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) shared a new video statement as he renews his weeks-long push to get TSA workers and other federal agents paid amid a funding lapse for the Department of Homeland Security.

“Everybody agrees that we ought to fund the TSA workers. They don’t ask us are we Democrats or Republicans. They keep us safe every single day,” said Senator Warnock.

“Yet over the several days and weeks, Washington Republicans who control the House, the Senate, and the White House refuse to pass a clean bill that will simply pay the TSA workers.”

Stop playing the games. Pay TSA workers now. They deserve better. The American public deserves so much better,” Senator Warnock added.

Over the past six weeks, Senator Warnock has consistently voted for and supported measures to pay TSA workers. Last week, during his speech on the Senate Floor, Senator Warnock addressed his bipartisan attempts to make a deal. Over the past year, Senator Warnock has voted for and supported measures to pay federal workers during lapses in federal funding, even breaking with his own party.

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Warnock Exposes ICE’s Lack of Transparency on Detention Center in Social Circle

Today, Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock continued his push opposing the construction of an ICE facility in Social Circle, Georgia

This most recent letter is addressed to the new Homeland Security Secretary, former Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin, and Acting ICE Director, Todd Lyons

In the letter, Senator Warnock highlights that any ICE facility construction would be in direct opposition to the wishes of the Social Circle community and sought transparency on the city’s behalf

Senators Warnock, Ossoff: “We ask that ICE abandon its plans to open a detention center over the objections of the community”

Washington, D.C. – Today, Georgia Senators Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and Jon Ossoff (D-GA), led a new effort continuing the push against the construction of an ICE facility in Social Circle, Georgia. The Senator pushed for clarity on nearly a dozen unanswered questions on behalf of the city that is still grappling with the potential impact of this 10,000-person detention center.

“We write to express our strong opposition, along with those of local officials and residents, to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) plans to open a large-scale detention facility in Social Circle, Georgia. We ask that ICE abandon its plans to open a detention center over the objections of the community,” wrote the Senators.

“If ICE takes the indefensible position of proceeding despite overwhelming local opposition and the obvious unsuitability of this siting decision, we demand that: (1) ICE brief the Mayor, City Manager, and City Engineer of Social Circle, along with our staff, on its specific plans to address all infrastructure and safety issues prior to the commencement of any construction or renovation on the property, and (2) ICE fully address all infrastructure and safety issues, both to the satisfaction of local officials and in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, prior to any detainees being housed at the property,” the Senators continued.

Since the news of the Social Circle ICE facility was first reported, Senator Warnock, with the support of Social Circle city officials, has led several efforts opposing any such facility’s construction. Earlier this month, Senator Warnock visited Social Circle and was joined by local leaders in voicing opposition to the Trump Administration’s efforts to open an ICE detention facility. Last month, Senator Warnock filed an amendment that would block the purchase of warehouses that will serve as detention centers in Social Circle and Oakwood, Georgia.

The letter text can be viewed HERE and below.

Dear Secretary Mullin and Director Lyons:

We write to express our strong opposition, along with that of local officials and residents, to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) plans to open a large-scale detention facility in Social Circle, Georgia. We ask that ICE abandon its plans to open a detention center over the objections of the community. If ICE takes the indefensible position of proceeding despite overwhelming local opposition and the obvious unsuitability of this siting decision, we demand that: (1) ICE brief the Mayor, City Manager, and City Engineer of Social Circle, along with our staff, on its specific plans to address all infrastructure and safety issues prior to the commencement of any construction or renovation on the property, and (2) ICE fully address all infrastructure and safety issues, both to the satisfaction of local officials and in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, prior to any detainees being housed at the property.

Social Circle is a small town in northern Georgia with fewer than 5,500 residents. In February 2026, ICE purchased a one-million-square-foot warehouse in Social Circle for $128.6 million from PNK S1, LLC. The warehouse will serve as a large-scale detention center and house between 7,500 and 10,000 detainees.

In lieu of any communication or coordination from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the City of Social Circle learned of ICE’s decision to triple its population and build a detention center—larger than the largest federal prison, state prison, or current ICE facility—via a Washington Post article.

Since learning of this alarming development, local officials have expressed their opposition and concern regarding the proposed detention center. In particular, they have questioned whether the City’s water and wastewater systems can accommodate the large influx of people and corresponding demands from the detention center:

According to DHS, the detention center will generate 1,001,683 gallons per day (gpd) of wastewater. Currently, Social Circle is only permitted to process 650,000 gpd and is already operating near capacity.

Similarly, engineers contracted by the City project that the detention center’s drinking water demand will exceed 1.1 million gpd. According to local leaders, Social Circle’s water treatment plant is permitted to treat 1 million gpd, with current peak demands of approximately 800,000 gpd.The new demand from the detention center will far outpace the City’s permitted and available drinking water supply, resulting in widespread outages for residents.

None of the measures that DHS has suggested are adequate to address the scale of the problem. As conveyed to our offices by local leaders and DHS staff:

In various documents and conversations, DHS has suggested using water and wastewater infrastructure from the neighboring Newton and Clayton counties. However, neither Newton County, Clayton County, nor Walton County services Social Circle, and Newton County is already facing its own water shortage issues.

DHS has also suggested that it will truck off the byproducts of wastewater treatment, namely effluent and solid waste. However, DHS has not identified any site permitted or willing to receive such byproducts.

DHS has similarly speculated that it will truck in drinking water without any plan as to what entity will supply the significant drinking water needs of 10,000 people.

Moreover, this plan to use trucks to transport drinking water and waste byproducts for a population that is double the number of Social Circle’s existing residents will add significant traffic and deterioration to its roads, potentially leading to safety hazards.

In total, the City of Social Circle estimates that constructing the water and wastewater infrastructure necessary to support a detention center of this size will cost $44 million and take at least 28 months (with an estimated completion date of Quarter 2 of 2028).Building this new infrastructure will require new permitting and significant investment that has neither been planned for nor provided by DHS or local officials.

In addition to the City’s water and wastewater infrastructure constraints, Social Circle officials and residents have expressed concerns regarding safety and security. The detention center will be located directly adjacent to several residential properties, less than 1,000 feet away from a Walton County residential subdivision, and less than a mile away from Social Circle Elementary School.As a result, school officials and parents are concerned about the safety of the 1,100 children enrolled at the elementary school, whose school environment may be adversely affected by a detention center located in such close proximity. This proximity to sensitive locations is especially troubling given Social Circle’s limited law enforcement resources. With a local police force of only 15 officers on patrol, it is unclear how Social Circle will be able to manage any safety concerns that may arise when the detention center effectively triples the City’s population.Similar uncertainties exist with respect to emergency medical services (EMS) due to Social Circle’s modest EMS capacity and DHS’ nebulous plan for emergency transport at the detention center.

Given these pressing concerns, we ask that ICE abandon its plans to open a detention center in Social Circle over the objections of the community. If ICE takes the indefensible position of proceeding despite overwhelming local opposition and the obvious unsuitability of this siting decision, we demand that: (1) ICE brief the Mayor, City Manager, and City Engineer of Social Circle, along with our staff, on its specific plans to address all infrastructure and safety issues prior to the commencement of any construction or renovation on the property, and (2) ICE fully address all infrastructure and safety issues, both to the satisfaction of local officials and in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, prior to any detainees being housed at the property.

Additionally, while we appreciate your staff’s willingness to speak to our offices about the facility, we also ask that you respond to the following remaining questions by April 7, 2026.

Infrastructure

Please provide a comprehensive plan that outlines how ICE will meet the drinking water needs of the detention center in Social Circle. Please identify the specific sources of water and water infrastructure that ICE will use as well as the measures ICE will take to ensure that the facility does not burden the residents of Social Circle or the surrounding communities. If such a plan is not available to share, please state the anticipated timeline for providing this plan.

If ICE plans to use a cistern on-site to draw drinking water during off-peak hours, please describe how ICE will address the City of Social Circle’s concern that the detention center’s drinking water demand will exceed the City’s supply, regardless of the use of a cistern during off-peak hours.

If ICE plans to truck in additional drinking water, please identify from where ICE plans to obtain this drinking water, whether agreements are in place to supply that water, the expected daily number of truck trips required to transport the necessary volume of water, the expected average weight of each truck, and an analysis of the effects of this additional truck traffic on traffic, road, and safety conditions in Social Circle.

If ICE plans to drill private wells on the property, please identify ICE’s estimate of how many wells will be used and what amount of water will be procured, and please describe how ICE plans to address concerns that the required number of wells is unlikely to be sustainable or permitted.

Please provide a comprehensive plan that outlines how ICE will meet the wastewater needs of the detention center in Social Circle. Please identify the specific resources that ICE will use and the measures that ICE will take to ensure that the facility does not burden the residents of Social Circle or the surrounding communities. If such a plan is not available to share, please state the anticipated timeline for providing this plan.

If ICE plans to process wastewater on-site, please describe how ICE will address the City of Social Circle’s concern that the detention center’s wastewater demand will exceed the City’s capacity and discharge permits.

If ICE plans to process wastewater on-site, please identify where the effluent and solid waste will be stored and state whether all necessary permits have been obtained.

If ICE plans to truck out the effluent and solid waste, please identify the expected daily number of truck trips required to transport these byproducts, the expected average weight of each truck, and an analysis of the effects of this additional truck traffic on traffic, road, and safety conditions in Social Circle.

Please provide a copy of all documents produced during the due diligence and planning process for the detention center in Social Circle, including but not limited to:

Any infrastructure impact assessment besides the Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF) Report;

Any documents that informed the BLUF Report;

Documents prepared or developed pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), including any proposal to take a major federal action, Categorical Exclusion Determination, Environmental Assessment, Finding of No Significant Impact, Environmental Impact Statement, Record of Decision, or any other such document required pursuant to NEPA;

The Phase 1 environmental site assessment;

The economic impact analysis for the facility; and

Any public input received regarding the facility.

Security and Emergency Response

Please provide the anticipated number of personnel that will be responsible for security at the detention center in Social Circle.

What procedures will ICE follow if a security incident occurs at the detention center?

How will ICE coordinate with state and local law enforcement if such an incident occurs?

How will ICE work with local fire and emergency management services if such an incident occurs?

What specific measures will ICE take to handle major medical emergencies? What burden will this have on regional hospitals? Has ICE contacted local hospitals to discuss the potential burdens and what steps ICE will take to resolve them?

What specific security measures will ICE implement to ensure resident safety at nearby residential and educational locations, including Social Circle Elementary School?

What specific privacy measures will ICE implement to prevent the federal surveillance of Social Circle residents, and particularly the students at Social Circle Elementary School, as part of the detention center’s security operations?

Expected Timelines

Please confirm that no detainees will be housed at the detention center in Social Circle until (1) the City of Social Circle confirms that its local infrastructure can accommodate the facility’s resource demands and (2) all required state and local permits have been issued for the facility.

Please share the anticipated timeline for when the detention center in Social Circle will begin to house detainees and how the detainee population will ramp up to full capacity.

We look forward to your prompt response. Enclosed is a report from Turnipseed Engineers that provides an analysis of the infrastructure capacity in Social Circle, a letter from the City Manager of Social Circle outlining the City’s concerns, and several documents describing Social Circle’s current permitting capabilities.

Sincerely,

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Warnock, Lankford Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Equalize Student Debt Interest Tax Deduction for Married Couples

The bipartisan Student Loan Marriage Penalty Elimination Act would end the marriage penalty for deducting student loan debt interest payments for married couples

The bill would allow married couples to increase their tax deduction for student loan interest payments from $2,500 to $5,000 if both individuals made eligible student loan interest payments

Senator Warnock has long pushed for meaningful student debt relief and successfully secured over $153 billion in relief for 4.3 million Americans

Senator Reverend Warnock: “The bipartisan Student Loan Marriage Penalty Elimination Act shows that what is often the right thing to do is also the smart thing to do. This bill will put dollars back into the pockets of married couples and families”

Senator Lankford: “Marriage should never come with a tax penalty. For too long, couples with student loan debt have been treated unfairly simply because they file jointly. I’ve long worked to eliminate marriage penalties in the tax code, and this bill takes a commonsense step to ensure married couples are treated fairly”

Washington, D.C. – Senate Finance Committee members Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and James Lankford (R-OK), along with their colleagues Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), introduced the bipartisan Student Loan Marriage Penalty Elimination Act, legislation that would end the marriage penalty for deducting student loan debt interest payments.

Under current law, individuals may deduct up to $2,500 in student loan interest payments from their income. Married individuals are subject to the same $2,500 total limit, even if both individuals in the couple have made student loan interest payments. The Student Loan Marriage Penalty Elimination Act would remove this marriage penalty so that the deduction could be claimed by each person in a married couple, $5,000 total.

“Couples shouldn’t be penalized for affirming their love for one another,” said Senator Warnock. “The bipartisan Student Loan Marriage Penalty Elimination Act shows that what is often the right thing to do is also the smart thing to do. This bill will put dollars back into the pockets of married couples and families, and I am proud to work alongside Senator Lankford on this commonsense bill.”

“Marriage should never come with a tax penalty. For too long, couples with student loan debt have been treated unfairly simply because they file jointly. I’ve long worked to eliminate marriage penalties in the tax code, and this bill takes a commonsense step to ensure married couples are treated fairly,” said Senator Lankford.

“I hear repeatedly from Coloradans who are struggling in an economy they feel has left them behind — and rising student loans have not made it easier. This is especially true for married couples who face an unfair penalty when deducting student loan debt interest payments. The Student Loan Marriage Penalty Elimination Act will undo this unfair obstacle for married couples so that they can purchase homes, start a business, and build a family,” said Senator Bennet.

“Marriage shouldn’t come at the price of unfair tax penalties,” said Senator Lummis. “The Student Loan Marriage Penalty Elimination Act removes unnecessary tax burdens, strengthens financial stability for American families, and puts more money back where it belongs—into their households. I’m proud to join Senator Lankford and Senator Warnock on this commonsense measure.”

Since coming to the Senate, Senator Warnock has championed bringing tax breaks to working-class Americans. Last year, Senator Warnock introduced the American Family Act, legislation that would nearly double the Child Tax Credit (CTC). Additionally, Senator Warnock has long supported meaningful student debt relief.

In addition to Senators Warnock and Lankford, the legislation is co-sponsored in the Senate by U.S. Senators Bennet (D-CO) and Lummis (R-WV). All four are members of the Senate Finance Committee. Companion legislation was introduced in the House by Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-WI-06).


Warren, Lawmakers Demand FTC Take Action to Prevent War-Related Price Gouging as Prices Soar

Trump’s illegal war creates supply chain disruptions, opportunity for big corporations to unfairly hike prices for American consumers

Lawmakers press FTC to use existing authority to investigate, prosecute unlawful price gouging; highlight their Price Gouging Prevention Act which would strengthen federal authority

Text of Letter (PDF)

Washington, D.C. – As prices for gasoline, fertilizer, and other products skyrocket as a result of President Donald Trump’s illegal war in Iran, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), along with Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and Representatives Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) and Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.), sounded the alarm about giant corporations possibly taking advantage of the escalating pricing environment to price gouge American consumers and pressed Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chair Andrew Ferguson to investigate any war-related price gouging.

“Last month, President Trump started an illegal war with Iran, creating broad supply chain disruptions and widespread uncertainty in the global economy,” wrote the lawmakers. “Big corporations may capitalize on this uncertainty to hike prices more than is warranted by actual input cost increases, price gouging everyday Americans while enriching executives and padding investors’ pockets.”

With Trump’s war disrupting global trade routes and supply chains, the lawmakers are warning that giant corporations may use the war as an excuse to unnecessarily hike prices and squeeze consumers. Since the start of the war on February 28, 2026, gas and fertilizer prices have now spiked by roughly 30 percent, fertilizer prices have jumped by 30 to 40 percent, and jet fuel prices are up roughly 60 percent. American families face increasing concerns that prices for other consumer products may soon follow.

Some airlines have already started raising their prices, and corporate executives are bragging to investors about how their companies stand to profit from the war.

Price gouging occurs when sellers expand their profit margins by raising prices far more than necessary to cover increases in input costs. Corporate price gougers have a history of blaming inflation and supply chain disruptions to justify their excessive price increases, including in response to Trump’s on-again, off-again tariffs in early 2025, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and at the outbreak of the war in Ukraine.

The lawmakers highlighted that the FTC already has authority to combat price gouging under existing consumer protection laws and pressed it to use that authority to protect Americans — including by investigating and prosecuting companies engaging in unlawful war-related price gouging.

“We urge the FTC to use its authority under Section 5 of the FTC Act to investigate and prosecute companies engaging in ‘unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce,’” concluded the lawmakers.

The lawmakers introduced the Price Gouging Prevention Act in July 2025 to expand the FTC’s authority to combat price gouging, particularly during exceptional market shocks such as war or military action.

The lawmakers requested that Chair Ferguson provide answers regarding the steps that the FTC intends to take to protect consumers from war-related corporate price gouging no later than April 6, 2026.

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Warren Releases New DHS Data Revealing Trump Admin Targeting Veterans, Families for Deportation After Promising Protections; Slams Trump “Betrayal”

Response from DHS (PDF)

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) released new data obtained from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) revealing that the Trump administration has attempted to deport hundreds of veterans and their family members after promising immigration protections at the time of recruitment. The new data also reveals that, in some cases, the Trump administration has targeted veterans, their families, and service members’ families for deportation even after they have applied for Military Parole in Place.

The new data came in response to the lawmakers’ recent investigation, which Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), along with Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.), Maggie Goodlander (D-N.H.), and Delia C. Ramirez (D-Ill.) co-led with Senator Warren.

In April, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) rescinded its long-standing policy of considering military service a “significant mitigating factor” when deciding whether to pursue immigration enforcement and issued a new policy that is far less protective of service members and their families. Even so, the military has continued to recruit new service members with the promise of immigration protections that have now been weakened or eliminated.

The new data reveals that in the first year of the second Trump administration:

ICE arrested 125 veterans, nearly two-thirds of whom did not have an active criminal warrant;

ICE attempted to deport 282 veterans and family members, who have long been offered protection from immigration enforcement under other administrations; and

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has used its 2025 policy on issuing Notices to Appear (NTAs) to refer over 100 immediate relatives of veterans for deportation after denying them the ability to fix their immigration status through Military Parole in Place (MPIP).

“Donald Trump’s way of thanking our veterans for their service is by targeting and deporting them and their families,” said Senator Warren. “The Trump administration must be held accountable for this betrayal.”

“It's absolutely unconscionable that the Trump Administration is targeting our nation’s immigrant servicemembers, Veterans and their family members in their aggressive and overreaching deportation efforts,” combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth said. “There is no higher betrayal to our heroes than to be deported by the same nation they sacrificed to defend—but this is what happens when Trump cruelly chooses to implement policies more rooted in hate than in logic.”

“The Trump Administration is betraying our military by deporting immigrant veterans,” said Senate Democratic Whip and Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee Dick Durbin. “Wearing our country’s uniform in service is an ultimate sign of patriotism, and military service has rightfully protected immigrants from deportation for decades. The dozens of immigrant veterans who the Trump Administration has detained or deported deserve to be reunited with their loved ones, brought back, and issued an apology. This practice must be halted immediately. DHS, hands off military families.”

“We make a sacred promise to every patriot who serves our country in uniform: we will stand by you and your family,” said Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander. “Betraying that promise by going after veterans is dishonorable and dangerous. We need full transparency and real accountability — now.”

"Those who wear our nation’s uniform deserve the protections of the law, regardless of where they were born,” said Representative Chrissy Houlahan. “Non citizen servicemembers have answered the call to defend our country, and they deserve respect and due process in return. The Trump Administration has failed to provide these servicemembers with the very freedoms they fought to protect. That is unacceptable. I urge USCIS to reverse course and remember the promise we made to those who raised their right hand."

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Welch Calls on GAO to Investigate How Trump’s Cuts to Research Funding Endanger America’s Public Health, Leadership in Science and Tech

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, called on the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) to review the economic, scientific, and national security impacts of reducing or eliminating federal support for scientific research at institutions of higher education.

In his letter to Acting GAO Comptroller General Williams Brown, Senator Welch highlighted how the Trump Administration’s elimination of more than 4,000 research grants across 600 colleges—reflecting between $6.9 and $8.2 billion in lost funding—has forced universities to lay off research staff and abandon years of work on projects ranging from cancer treatment to public health surveillance.

“The University of Vermont is facing the potential loss of a $3.4 million grant from the Department of Energy to examine regional renewable power generation. Harvard University had more than $2.7 billion in federal research funding terminated or frozen over the course of the past year. Budget cuts and freezes at the University have interrupted clinical trials and led to layoffs on research teams. Columbia University laid off nearly 180 research staff after the Trump Administration cancelled federal grants and contracts,” wrote Senator Welch. “The Administration has sought to impose a 15% cap on indirect rates—costs associated with the infrastructure that supports research—for National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants to research institutions. Capping indirect costs at this level would cut $5 billion annually from university-based research nationwide.”

Senator Welch highlighted that in addition to cutting research funding for higher education, the Trump Administration has reduced scientific research funding across federal agencies: “As of September 2025, the National Science Foundation had awarded over $650 million less in funding than previous years. NIH is $1.5 billion behind in obligating grant funds compared to 2024 levels. Historically, the NIH has awarded 82% of its funding for extramural research. Nearly 50,000 competitive grants are awarded to more than 300,000 researchers at 2,500 universities and other research institutions in every state across the nation.”

“The Trump Administration’s research cuts have significant economic impacts,” the Senator continued. “For every one dollar of NIH-funded research, $2.56 in new economic activity is created. Experts have estimated that cuts to NIH and NSF will reduce U.S. economic output by between $10 and $16 billion annually. The Center for American Progress estimates that the proposed reductions at the NIH alone could result in 70,000 jobs lost.”

Senator Welch emphasized how research funding cuts also risk American scientific leadership and national security: “The United States already ranks towards the bottom of Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries in investments in academic research—reflecting only 0.2% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). While the Trump Administration has cut federally funded research, other countries have increased their public investment in research and emerging technologies.

“A report from the GAO will provide Congress with critical insight as Congress considers legislative and budgetary actions to safeguard America’s leadership in science and technology against partisan attacks,” the Senator concluded.

Senator Welch requested that GAO examine the following, given the central role that federally funded research conducted at institutions of higher education plays in sustaining scientific research in the United States:

The full scope and scale of federal reductions to research programs at colleges and universities across the country.

Please include changes in grant availability, eligibility, competitive awards, training programs, and facility funding.

The current and projected impacts of reduced federal investment in academic research funding on research output, scientific workforce development, and institutional capacity between FY25 and FY30.

The effects of diminished academic research funding on U.S. global competitiveness, especially among developed countries that are actively increasing their public investment in science and innovation.

The economic, technological, and national security risks associated with reductions in campus-based scientific research.

Read and download the Senator’s full letter to Acting Comptroller General Williams Brown.

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Welch, Courtney Reintroduce Bicameral Legislation to Eliminate Federal Student Loan Interest

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, today joined U.S. Representative Joe Courtney (D-CT-02) in reintroducing the Student Loan Interest Elimination Act, bicameral legislation to refinance the interest on federal student loans for all existing borrowers to zero percent and cap interest rates for future borrowers. The lawmakers’ legislation would make higher education more affordable by immediately eliminating interest rates for the nearly 43 million Americans with existing federally held student loans.

“Student debt holds so many Vermonters back from achieving their dreams—whether they’re hoping to buy a home, grow their family, or simply trying to make ends meet. It shouldn’t be this expensive to get an education, and it shouldn’t be this hard to pay off your debt,” said Senator Welch. “Eliminating interest rates on all federal student loans and capping future interest rates is an essential step in making affordable college education a reality for students in Vermont, Connecticut, and across the country.

“At a time when Americans are experiencing a cost-of-living crisis, student loan repayment with interest adds a crushing burden to millions of middle-class student loan borrowers,” said Rep. Courtney. “The fact that the federal government receives a windfall from interest payments made by borrowers caught in this debt trap is particularly galling and serves no public interest. The Student Interest Elimination Act provides a budget neutral solution to this problem by eliminating all interest payments to the government with a mechanism to ensure that taxpayers will not bear the cost of this reform. Allowing borrowers to refinance their loans down to a no interest monthly payment will provide sorely needed relief. Right now, the Trump Administration’s policies on student loans are worsening middle-class families’ economic plight. It’s time for real action in Washington to bring commonsense reforms to this problem.”

Higher education costs continue to skyrocket, with tuition rising 40 times higher than 1960s levels for public colleges—a 312.4% increase when adjusted for inflation. As a result, average college debt has more than doubled since 2007, forcing nearly 43 million Americans—1 in 6 American adults—to take out federal student loans to help pay for higher education. In Vermont, around 78,000 student loan borrowers hold a collective $2.9 billion in federal student loan debt.

The outstanding federal student loan balance tops nearly $2 trillion, with the average student borrower carrying a balance of $40,000 in federal student loan debt. Federal student loans also represent over 90% of all student loan debt. Student loan debt is now the second-highest source of consumer debt, only behind home mortgages, and will continue to grow as the cost of higher education rises faster than incomes. Many borrowers are unable to make a dent in their principal because of high interest rates, causing total costs to balloon and, for some, pushing repayment into decades rather than years.

Unlike other proposals to lower student loan interest rates, the Student Loan Interest Elimination Act includes a pay-for to offset the cost of eliminating interest to save taxpayer dollars. Under this legislation, the Department of Education would create a Trust Fund to offset the elimination of interest. Student loan borrowers will make payments on their principal balance, which would be deposited into the Trust Fund. The returns on those investments would fund the costs of operating the student loan program, saving taxpayers from fronting the bill while saving borrowers from higher interest rates and student loan interest capitalization.

The Student Loan Interest Elimination Act is endorsed by the American Association of Colleges and Universities, EdTrust, and the Hildreth Institute.

“The Student Loan Interest Elimination Act would provide significant relief for student borrowers and help expand access to educational opportunity. Its passage would be an important step toward a long-term solution to the student loan crisis,” said David Tritelli, Vice President for Communications and Public Affairs, American Association of Colleges and Universities.

“At a time when students urgently need support, we’re proud to endorse creative and effective solutions like the Student Loan Interest Elimination Act, which would not only provide relief to student borrowers but also provide long term stability for our entire higher education ecosystem,” said Bahar Akman Imboden, Managing Director, Hildreth Institute. “We thank Representative Courtney and Senator Welch for their leadership on this important piece of legislation.”

Learn more about the Student Loan Interest Elimination Act of 2026.

Read and download the full text of the bill.

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Senate Unanimously Passes Whitehouse-Sullivan FISH Act to Combat Illegal Foreign Seafood Harvest

Bipartisan legislation will protect Rhode Island’s fishing industry by quashing unfair competition from illegal pirate fishing

Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, and Dan Sullivan (R-AK), today cheered the Senate’s unanimous passage of their Fighting Foreign Illegal Seafood Harvest (FISH) Act. The FISH Act would combat foreign illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing by blacklisting offending vessels from U.S. ports and waters, bolstering the U.S. Coast Guard’s enforcement capabilities and partnerships, and advancing international and bilateral negotiations to achieve enforceable agreements and treaties.

“I was glad to work with Senator Sullivan, my longtime partner on oceans issues, to pass our bipartisan FISH Act through the Senate. By cracking down on illegal pirate fishing, we are leveling the playing field for hardworking Rhode Island fishermen who play by the rules,” said Whitehouse.

“The geopolitics of the North Pacific and the Arctic are changing dramatically, with Russia and China increasing their aggression and ruinous activities near Alaska’s waters,” said Sullivan. “One particularly insidious threat is Chinese and Russian trawl fleets that ignore basic seafood harvest rules and best practices, and ravage fish stocks without regard for any other users or future generations. These fleets, which literally utilize slave labor in many cases, are a cancer on fisheries throughout the world and in Alaska and undercut our fishermen, who fish sustainably. I want to thank my Senate colleagues for advancing our FISH Act and helping us fight back against IUU fishing on behalf of our fishermen and coastal communities.”

The legislation is cosponsored by Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Chris Coons (D-DE), John Kennedy (R-LA), and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS). House companion legislation has been introduced by Representatives Seth Magaziner (D-RI), Nick Begich (R-AK), and Dan Crenshaw (R-TX).

The FISH Act would:

Direct the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish a blacklist of foreign vessels and owners that have engaged in IUU fishing.

Direct the administration to address IUU fishing in any relevant international agreement.

Direct the U.S. Coast Guard to increase its work with partner countries and increase at-sea inspection of foreign vessels suspected of IUU fishing.

Direct the administration to report to Congress on how new technologies can aid in the fight against IUU fishing, the complexities of the seafood trade relationship between Russia and China, and the economic costs of IUU fishing to the U.S.

The Senate Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee unanimously passed the FISH Act from committee in April 2025. The FISH Act passed the Senate in October 2025 as part of the Senate version of the FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act but was not part of the final bill that was signed into law.

As a co-founder of the Senate Oceans Caucus, Whitehouse plays a key role in crafting bipartisan policies to confront the major challenges of ocean pollution. Whitehouse and Sullivan’s Save Our Seas 2.0 Act was signed into law in 2020, becoming the most comprehensive legislation ever to address the global marine debris crisis. The bipartisan legislation built on the success of the Senators’ original Save Our Seas Act, which became law in 2018. Whitehouse has previously partnered with Senator Sullivan to strengthen maritime security and law enforcement provisions to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated pirate fishing.


Chairman Wicker Leads SASC Hearing on Low-Cost Munitions

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today led a hearing to examine the role of low-cost munitions in U.S. national defense and the need to strengthen the defense industrial base to support scalable, affordable weapons production.

Vice Admiral Elizabeth Okano, USN, Principal Military Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition; Lieutenant General Frank J. Lozano, USA, Portfolio Acquisition Executive Fires; Lieutenant General Steven P. Whitney, USSF, Director of Force Structure, Resources and Assessment, J8; and Brigadier General Robert P. Lyons III, USAF, Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Weapons and Director of the Armament Directorate, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, all appeared before the committee.

In his opening remarks for the record, Chairman Wicker stressed that the changing character of warfare requires a shift toward mass, affordability, and speed in munitions production, rather than reliance on high-cost systems alone. He highlighted the need to strengthen the defense industrial base, accelerate low-cost weapons development, and ensure the United States and its allies can meet growing operational demands and counter adversaries deploying large volumes of inexpensive systems.

Read Chairman Wicker’s hearing opening statement as submitted for the record:

The committee meets this morning to discuss low-cost munitions and their role in America’s national defense.

We are joined by a distinguished panel of officers: Vice Admiral Elizabeth Okano, Lieutenant General Frank Lozano, Lieutenant General Steven Whitney, and Brigadier General Bob Lyons. I thank our witnesses for appearing today and for their service to our nation.

For too long, we have equated the cost of a munition with the capability of that munition. But on today’s battlefield, that assumption no longer holds. In many cases, we can achieve much of the desired military effect at a fraction of the cost. We now have a fundamentally different approach to munitions design and production. This approach prioritizes manufacturability and commercial supply chains. It embraces rapid testing cycles and incorporates modular technologies, which allows us to build components that can integrate into multiple different systems.

The character of warfare has changed. The wars of today cannot be won solely based on American technological superiority and exquisite weapons—exquisite referring to high-cost, technically complex weapons. Modern conflict demands large amounts of munitions that are produced at speed and are highly adaptable.

We have seen this play out in real time. Public reporting on U.S. military operations in the Middle East highlights the large volumes of munitions required to sustain operations. Yet we often use very costly systems to stop low-cost threats. Patriot interceptors, for example, can run as much as $4 million per shot. We sometimes use Patriots to defeat threats that were built at a small fraction of that price. And we use Tomahawks against targets that could be countered by far less capable weapons. To fix this imbalance, we need to embrace a range of military options in the munitions space.

At the same time, our defense industrial base has struggled to keep pace. For years, inconsistent demand signals from the Department of Defense and byzantine procurement practices made it difficult for industry to invest, scale, and sustain production. In some cases, production lines went cold.

Last year, the department stood up a “Munitions Acceleration Council”—known as the MAC—to tackle these problems. Its mission is to remove structural barriers and expand long-term industrial capacity—a necessary and overdue initiative. Congress supported this effort in last year’s National Defense Authorization Act. We provided the Pentagon with unprecedented seven-year procurement authorities for certain munitions.

Thus far, I have been disappointed to see that the department’s approach has been heavily weighted toward exquisite munitions. Less than three percent of the department’s MAC plan would fund low-cost munitions. The MAC plan is good, and we should expand our lines for Patriot, Tomahawk, THAAD, and more.

We need a crash program for a high-low mix in munitions. A dedicated initiative like that must take advantage of simpler designs, and it must lead us to build those designs at scale through advanced manufacturing techniques. Such a program would also be crucial for our allies and partners, who face five- to seven-year backlogs for some traditional munitions. We cannot be the Arsenal of Democracy if we cannot get weapons out the door.

A portfolio of low-cost munitions allows us to build a blended force, with the right mix of low- and high-cost systems. We are beginning to see what is possible, led by innovative military organizations and a competitive industry.

When it comes to strike weapons, we have an abundance of new options. We now have upward of eight companies—some old, some new—that are capable of producing low-cost cruise missiles in the $300,000 to $500,000 range. This represents anywhere from 10 to 25 percent of the cost of our exquisite munitions. General Lyons and his team have led in this effort. We have new companies like Zone 5 and Anduril competing with established primes like L3 and Leidos. Zone 5, for instance, developed its Rusty Dagger cruise missile in 16 months, which is almost unheard of. American security assistance for Ukraine funded that work here in the United States. Those weapons are going to be used not only by the Ukrainians but also by our own forces—and at great scale. We need to double up on low-cost cruise missiles, whether air-launched, ground-launched, or ship-launched, for our forces and those of our allies and partners.

We are making progress with hypersonic strike missiles, too. For instance, a company called Castelion has advanced its Blackbeard missile with incredible speed. The Blackbeard missile costs roughly 3 percent of the price of our current exquisite hypersonic strike programs. Castelion has been conducting tests every month. Both the Army and the Navy have jumped on the opportunity. Ursa Major just announced a similar hypersonic strike missile. Hermeus is conducting an interesting reusable hypersonic strike program. There is great promise in this area.

We are also building new maritime mines, one-way-attack drones, and unmanned surface vessels, all of which have new and expanding production lines across a range of industry partners.

Lower-cost air defense interceptors are, perhaps, our greatest area of need. We need a Manhattan Project-type effort, which should develop affordable alternatives to the current Patriot, THAAD, and Standard Missile series and do so rapidly. That work has already begun among a small number of companies, but it remains far behind the bevy of options available today for strike weapons.

The U.S. is not alone in this effort. Our allies and partners are essential to scaling production, diversifying supply chains, and sharing the burden of development. Deepening that international cooperation will be critical to sustaining our advantage. We should be making quick deals with allies and partners. I hope our witnesses will speak about the potential rewards of these deals. I am grateful for the ways the newly created Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Armaments Cooperation has helped in these conversations.

I look forward to hearing from our witnesses, and I hope they detail their efforts to advance low-cost munitions, to overcome bureaucratic inertia, and to ensure forthcoming budgets reflect the need for mass and affordability. I also ask Lieutenant General Steven Whitney of the Joint Staff to discuss how the department is integrating these capabilities into our force structure.


Young, Colleagues’ Resolution Honoring Six Fallen U.S. Service Members Unanimously Passes Senate

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution introduced by Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) and a group of senators honoring the service of six American heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the loss of a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft over western Iraq while supporting Operation Epic Fury. Senators Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), Jon Husted (R-Ohio), and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) joined Young in introducing the resolution.

The resolution honors Captain Seth R. Koval of Mooresville, Indiana; Captain Curtis J. Angst of Wilmington, Ohio; and Master Sergeant Tyler H. Simmons of Columbus, Ohio, who were members of the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base based in Columbus, Ohio, and Major Alex Klinner of Auburn, Alabama; Major Ariana G. Savino of Covington, Washington;and Technical Sergeant Ashley B. Pruitt of Bardstown, Kentucky, who were members of the 99th Refueling Squadron of the 117th Air Refueling Wing located at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base in Birmingham, Alabama.

“We continue to mourn the loss of Hoosier Captain Seth Koval and the Airmen who perished while bravely answering the call to serve,”said Senator Young.“We will never forget the ultimate sacrifice these American heroes made and continue to pray for their loved ones.”

Last week, Senator Young joined President Donald Trump, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General John Caine, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-La.), and Senators Britt, Tuberville, Banks, Moreno, Husted, and Sheehy at Dover Air Force Base for the dignified transfer of the fallen service members.


Young Speaks at Hill & Valley Forum on Why U.S. Must Beat China in BioTech

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) participated in a fireside chat at the Hill & Valley Forum focused on the importance of American leadership in biotechnology.

Senator Young speaks during the Hill & Valley Forum.

Young highlighted the work of the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB). Young serves as Chairman of the NSCEB, which delivered a comprehensive report and action plan to Congress last year. To read the full action plan, click here.

Young was joined on the panel by ARPA-H Director Alicia Jackson and Curie.Bio Co-Founder Zach Weinberg. To watch the entire event, click here.


RELEASE: Joint statement from bipartisan Kids Online Safety Caucus co-chairs Reps. Jake Auchincloss and Erin Houchin on the Meta, YouTube social media trial verdict

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

“Today is a good day in the overdue effort to hold social media corporations accountable. Meta and YouTube tried to deny, deflect, and delay – but a jury heard the evidence and found them negligent in how they designed their apps for children. However, Congress must be clear-eyed about the limits of litigation. Going forward, the platforms will change their terms of service language and continue to hide their exploitation of children behind bad-faith Section 230 defenses. Lawmakers must come together in a bipartisan effort to pass a federal age assurance law that raises the age of Internet adulthood to at least 16 years old and holds apps liable for adhering to it. We have the bills, we’re on the committee of jurisdiction, and we’re committed to working together to make it happen.”

Representatives Jake Auchincloss (D-MA) and Erin Houchin (R-IN)

Contact:

Georgina.Burros@mail.house.gov (Auchincloss)


Barr Introduces E-TAG Act to Protect Bank Depositors During Financial Crises

Washington, D.C.— Today, U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY-06), Chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Financial Institutions, introduced the Emergency Transaction Account Guarantee (E-TAG) Act. Barr’s proposal establishes an emergency program allowing the U.S. Department of the Treasury to temporarily provide unlimited deposit insurance on transaction accounts during periods of severe financial stress.

Under the legislation, the Treasury Secretary would have the authority to quickly invoke expanded deposit insurance coverage when necessary to stabilize the financial system and prevent bank runs during times of economic uncertainty. This will be accomplished by the Treasury Sec. working in coordination with the FDIC and NCUA.

“We need the American people to have the utmost confidence in our banking system, especially during times of crisis,” said Chairman Barr. “The E-TAG Act gives Treasury the ability to act quickly in a crisis to guarantee the security of bank accounts, prevent bank runs, and stabilize financial institutions before a crisis spreads. This is a smart, targeted tool that strengthens the safety and soundness of our financial system and protects American workers, small businesses, and local banks.”

During the Great Financial Crisis of 2008, a similar Transaction Account Guarantee (TAG) program was deployed and proved crucial in bolstering confidence in the banking sector at the height of the financial panic. Barr’s legislation ensures federal regulators have the tools and flexibility needed to respond quickly to future financial emergencies.

The E-TAG Act allows the Treasury Secretary to determine when emergency coverage is necessary and streamlines the process so regulators can respond faster in times of financial stress. The legislation is designed to ensure businesses can continue making payroll and meeting financial obligations even during periods of financial market disruption.


Carter, Pfluger praise Mystic Flood safety alert bill passing committee

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) and Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX) today celebrated the passage of the Mystic Alerts Act out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

This bill will strengthen the emergency alerting framework by directing the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish standards and requirements that allow alerts to be delivered via satellite connectivity, ensuring redundancy when traditional networks are down.

Watch Rep. Carter’s remarks here.

Rep. Carter speaks at full Energy and Commerce Committee hearing

“My granddaughters were staying at Camp Mystic when the devastating floods claimed the lives of many young girls, including their cousin, Janie Hunt,” said Rep. Carter. “Camp should be a place of joy, adventure, and lasting memories. But for these girls, the trauma they experienced will stay with them forever. Like Representative Pfluger, this issue is deeply personal to my family, and I look forward to our continued work to pass the Mystic Alerts Act so that no child or family has to endure a tragedy like this again.

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

Read full bill text here.


Budzinski and Smith Introduce Bill to Ban Members of Congress, Federal Officials from Insider Prediction Market Trading

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13) and Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE-03) introduced the Preventing Real-time Exploitation and Deceptive Insider Congressional Trading Act (PREDICT Act), a bipartisan effort to prohibit senior government officials from participating in insider prediction market trading.

The PREDICT Act would prohibit Members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children; the President and Vice President; and political appointees, including individuals serving in Executive Schedule positions, among others, from trading on the outcomes of political events, policy decisions, and other government actions on prediction markets.

“The American people are tired of politicians using their influence for personal gain, and the rise of prediction markets has made those concerns even more relevant. In recent months, we’ve seen instances of little-known traders making massive profits on events ranging from war with Iran to how long a government shutdown will last, raising necessary questions about the use of inside information,” said Rep. Budzinski. “I am excited to be working with Representative Smith to close that loophole and ensure that those with access to sensitive information cannot profit from it.”

“Serving the American people is a privilege not a pathway to profit. Our commonsense, bipartisan bill will give Americans confidence that the decisions of their elected officials are guided by merit, not personal profit. I am proud to partner with Representative Budzinski to ensure that government officials do not profit from the sensitive information entrusted to them,” said Rep. Smith.

Violations of the PREDICT Act would result in a civil penalty equal to 10 percent of the value of the prohibited transaction, as well as full disgorgement of any profits earned, to be paid into the U.S. Treasury.

The full text of the PREDICT Act can be found HERE.

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Rep. Cline Introduces Bill to Reverse Governor Spanberger’s New Sanctuary Policies and Strengthen Federal-State-Local Immigration Enforcement

Today, Rep. Ben Cline (VA-06) introduced the 287(g) Cooperation Act of 2026, legislation to strengthen federal-local immigration enforcement partnerships by requiring state and local law enforcement agencies to enter into a 287(g) memorandum of agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as a condition of receiving Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grants.

“The federal government should be working hand-in-hand with state and local law enforcement to enforce our immigration laws. The 287(g) Cooperation Act ensures that communities receiving federal policing funds are also partnering with ICE to keep dangerous individuals off our streets. By strengthening these proven partnerships, we can enhance public safety, uphold the rule of law, and better protect American communities,” said Rep. Cline.

"The 287(g) program is an essential tool that has local law enforcement partner with federal law enforcement to deport dangerous criminal illegal aliens. Unfortunately, some states like Virginia are not allowing their law enforcement to turn over illegal aliens who have committed crimes to the Department of Homeland Security – this policy is not only bad, but also unfortunately deadly for too many law-abiding citizens. We applaud Rep. Cline for the introduction of the ‘‘287(g) Cooperation Act of 2026" and his steadfast commitment to improving public safety,” said Michael Hough, Co-President, NumbersUSA.

"It is unconscionable that sanctuary jurisdictions that protect illegal aliens and inhibit the enforcement of our immigration laws are nevertheless able to take advantage of Federal law enforcement grants. We thank Congressman Cline for introducing the 287(g) Cooperation Act of 2026, which ensures COPS grants are strictly limited to jurisdictions that work with ICE, not against it," said Grant Newman, Director of Government Relations, Immigration Accountability Project.

“Under the Biden administration, record numbers of criminals and national security threats flooded into our country. The 287(g) Cooperation Act is a decisive step for empowering law enforcement agencies to remove these dangerous aliens, help restore law and order, and keep communities across America safe. FAIR commends Congressman Cline for introducing this bill and looks forward to its swift passage,” said Joe Chatham, Director of Government Relations, Federation for American Immigration Reform.


Clyburn, Gillibrand Reintroduce Legislation To Protect Voting Rights

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, U.S. Representative James E. Clyburn (SC-06) and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) reintroduced bicameral legislation to modernize America’s voter registration system and protect voting rights. The Voter Empowerment Act (VEA) would expand voter registration and voting access by requiring states to make online voter registration available, establish automatic voter registration systems, permit same-day voter registration, and accept voter registration applications from citizens under the age of 18.

“The right to vote is the bedrock of our democracy. While it should be a sacred and affirmed right for every eligible American, unfettered access to the ballot box continues to be under attack across the country, including with the dangerous SAVE America Act that Trump and MAGA Republicans are trying to ram through Congress,” said Congressman Clyburn. “Our democracy is only as strong as our ability to protect it. With President Trump openly boasting that the goal of the SAVE America Act is to guarantee election results regardless of the will of the voters, I urge my colleagues to join me in safeguarding the integrity of our elections.”

“As Republicans across the country seek to pass voter suppression laws that will disenfranchise millions of voters, we must do more to make sure that voting is fair and accessible for all Americans,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The Voter Empowerment Act is commonsense legislation to modernize voter registration and protect our elections from interference. I am proud to introduce it alongside my good friend Rep. Clyburn, and I am determined to get it passed.”

In recent years, many states have passed new voting restrictions, from limits on absentee ballots to onerous voter ID requirements. These restrictions were empowered by the Supreme Court’s decision in Shelby County v. Holder (2013) overturning preclearance requirements from the Voting Rights Act of 1965 – allowing states to pass restrictive voting legislation without federal oversight. As of late 2024, at least 31 states had passed 114 new restrictive voting laws in the wake of the Supreme Court’s ruling.

The reintroduction of the VEA also comes as President Trump and his Republican allies in Congress are trying to further restrict voting and voter registration through the SAVE America Act.

The VEA responds to recently proposed federal and state-level restrictions by improving and protecting voter registration for all voters. Specifically, the bill would:

Modernize and streamline voter registration. The bill would require states to provide both same-day and online registration – including the option to update personal information online. States would also be required to automatically register voters whose information passes through another state or federal agency.

Prohibit interference in voter registration. The VEA would prohibit anyone from hindering another person from registering to vote and outlaw voter caging – the practice of removing voters from voter rolls because mail sent to them was returned to sender.

Improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities. The VEA would require a broad range of improvements to voter registration, polling places, and absentee voting to better accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Increase and protect access to the ballot box. The bill would establish minimum requirements for early voting access, prevent states from adding extra conditions to absentee voting, and require states to notify individuals when their polling place changes. The bill would also protect the right to vote for convicted criminals (unless actively serving a felony sentence) and allow a sworn written statement or student ID to fulfill state-mandated ID requirements.

Permanently reauthorize the Election Assistance Commission (EAC). The VEA would also direct the EAC to provide grants for states to implement activities that advance and secure the right to vote, including the recruiting and training of poll workers.


Congressman Cohen Announces Heart Disease Research Grant to UTHSC

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today announced that Dr. Jonathan H. Jaggar of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) Department of Physiology will receive a grant of $596,176 from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute for research on chloride channels in endothelial cells. Chloride channels are a type of protein that allows chloride (Cl-) to flow in and out of cells. Endothelial cells are the type of cells which line all blood vessels and form capillaries. This research will help us better understand the physiology of a critical subset of cells.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

“Heart and vascular diseases are a leading killer in the United States, so important research like that underwritten by this NIH funding is likely to improve outcomes and save lives. I commend Dr. Jaggar and the UTHSC for undertaking this critical work.”

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CORREA CALLS TO TACKLE IMMIGRATION BACKLOG

DOGE cuts severely impacted processing capabilities of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Representatives Lou Correa (CA-46) and Dan Goldman (NY-10) announced that they led 124 of their colleagues in a letter to the House Appropriations Committee to request $700 million for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to address backlogs in case processing. Reducing USCIS’s backlog would allow applicants to move through the immigration process more efficiently. The current backlog has made these applicants more vulnerable to the Trump Administration’s anti-immigrant policies.

“As each case takes longer to resolve and fewer staff are available to do the work, a large and long-term backlog of cases awaiting adjudication is growing,” The members wrote. “Congressional appropriations will reinforce USCIS’s accountability to Congress by ensuring it allocates adequate resources and personnel to deliver prompt, respectful, and efficient service.”

The funding requested would facilitate the hiring of personnel to ensure timely adjudication of immigration petitions, as well as the dedication of resources to efficient electronic processing.

USCIS is fee funded, with 97% of its budget coming from the filing fees it accepts. The first Trump Administration obliterated the agency’s rainy-day account, and without money coming in during the early days of the pandemic, USCIS was forced to let go of two-thirds of its employees. In the past year, DOGE-related cuts led to the termination of USCIS employees responsible for processing immigration and asylum applications, including staff in the CIS Ombudsman’s Office who help resolve public issues with agency operations.

“In January 2025, there were just over 11.2 million applications awaiting processing across the agency. Of those applications, over 6.2 million were officially backlogged, including 2,355,271 family petitions and 1,219,526 work permit applications; 56.3% had been pending at least six months. By October 2025, according to the most recent statistics available, the backlog of all applications had increased by more than 260,000, and the share pending at least six months shot up to 68%,” the members added. “The lack of publicly available comprehensive FY2025 Q4 processing data also limits Congress’s ability to assess the full scope of current delays across form types and service centers.”

This effort has also been endorsed by several immigrant rights organizations nationwide, including the National Partnership for New Americans, the NALEO Educational Fund, and the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights.

“NALEO Educational Fund applauds Congressman Correa, Congressman Goldman, and the Members of Congress leading efforts to secure critical funding to reduce USCIS backlogs. Ensuring timely and fair processing of applications is key to protecting due process and access to legal immigration pathways. This investment will ease delays, build trust in the system, and improve the efficiency and responsiveness of our immigration process,” said Erica Bernal-Martinez, CEO of the NALEO Educational Fund.

Nicole Melaku, Executive Director of the National Partnership for New Americans said, "As administrative policies have paused some adjudications indefinitely and initiated re-vetting of previously approved cases these and a slew of similar actions are impacting USCIS's already strained budget and furthermore, diverting some of its limited funds toward enforcement, creating an unnecessary backlog. USCIS must recommit to its core mission of processing immigration benefits rather than allowing delays that effectively prevent eligible individuals from receiving those benefits. As calls grow to rein in DHS and ICE’s violent operations, Congress must stop the anti-democratic drift throughout DHS and address the backlog at USCIS in the 2027 appropriations process.”

"We applaud the efforts by Rep. Correa and Rep. Goldman to address longstanding backlogs at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for FY27,” said Angelica Salas, Executive Director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights. "Fixing this problem recognizes that timely and efficient processing is essential to families, workers, and communities across the country. These investments are meaningful in a time when the Trump administration has made efforts to attack our communities, increase the backlog, and, in many cases, deport those eligible for the benefits for which they have applied. We urge continued commitment to ensuring USCIS remains transparent, accountable, and firmly grounded in its core mission of fairly and efficiently adjudicating immigration benefits for all who qualify and rely on it."

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