Webster Response to President Trump’s Address to the Nation

Washington, D.C. — Florida Congressman Daniel Webster, R-Clermont, released the following statement in response to President Trump’s address to the nation on Operation Epic Fury.

“For 47 years, the Iranian regime has chanted for the death of our country, murdered American service members, brutalized their own citizens, and terrorized the world.

“When President Trump announced Operation Epic Fury 32 days ago, he set clear objectives: End the threat of the Iranian terrorist regime and their proxies, destroy their military capabilities, ensure that Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon.

“Tonight, President Trump announced that in just one month, our armed forces have made tremendous progress in accomplishing these objectives. The United States military has once again proven to be the most lethal fighting force in the world, and I continue to pray for our service members.”

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Blumenthal Press IRS on their Ability to Meet Demand of Tax Season

[Hartford, CT] — U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal today wrote the Internal Revenue Service expressing concern about the agency’s ability to meet the needs of American taxpayers during the upcoming 2026 filing season.

“The Trump administration’s decision to significantly reduce IRS staffing, coupled with Republican funding cuts, hiring challenges, and persistent leadership instability, raises serious questions about the agency’s preparedness for the 2026 tax season. Over the past year, the IRS has lost more than 27,000 employees — nearly one-third of its workforce. These workforce reductions are already affecting taxpayers, contributing to delays in assistance and slower refund processing,” Blumenthal wrote.

Blumenthal’s concerns are backed up by a report this month by the Government Accountability Office that warned the IRS may not be prepared for filing season and that the significant staff reductions could hamper its ability to process returns and issue refunds in a timely fashion.

“American taxpayers deserve better from the IRS—they need an agency that is fully staffed, adequately resourced, and capable of delivering timely, reliable service. I urge the IRS to take immediate steps to ensure it is fully prepared to meet American taxpayers’ needs during the 2026 filing season.,” Blumenthal continued.

In addition to urging the IRS to take steps to ensure it is prepared for tax season, Blumenthal is the co-sponsor of legislation to reinstate the highly successful Direct File program. The Direct File Act would reverse the Trump administration’s decision to end the program — which allowed taxpayers to file their taxes online, for free, and directly with the government — and make the program permanent.

Video of Blumenthal’s Tuesday press conference on the bill and letter is available here.

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Blumenthal Presses Binance on Potential Misrepresentations Regarding Money Laundering & Terrorist Financing

[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), today pressed Richard Teng, co-chief executive officer of Binance, on concerns the company may have provided misrepresentations or misleading information to PSI and to the public about reported money laundering and terrorist financing by its partners and customers. In a letter sent today to Teng, Blumenthal called out Binance for failing to provide PSI with the documents and information the Subcommittee had previously requested and slammed the company for downplaying its cryptocurrency dealings with Iran despite public reporting by Fortune and the New York Times that shed additional light on the money laundering operations by Binance partners.

“Binance’s failure to provide the Subcommittee with the full material requested in its inquiry, in addition to details in its response in relation to subsequent reporting, raises further alarms about its candor and compliance with Congressional oversight. Indeed, your response to the Subcommittee’s letter suggests discrepancies and unexplained inaction by Binance. I am concerned that Binance has not taken sufficient action to prevent your platform from directly and indirectly facilitating illicit finance to Iran and Russia, despite agreements with the Department of Justice and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network,” Blumenthal wrote.

On February 26, 2026, Blumenthal opened a preliminary inquiry into the illicit use of cryptocurrencies by sanctioned entities, writing to Teng after public reporting revealed that partners of the company appear to have helped prop up Iranian-linked terrorist organizations and illicit Russian oil sales.

A copy of Blumenthal’s letter to Teng is available here. The full text is available below.

Dear Mr. Teng:

I write regarding Binance’s March 6, 2026 response to my letter on behalf of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (“PSI” or “the Subcommittee”), wherein Binance denied and appeared to minimize reported money laundering and terrorist financing by its partners and customers.[1] Based on subsequent reporting, I am concerned that Binance may have provided misrepresentations or misleading information to the Subcommittee and to the public. I therefore request all documentation and records that Binance relied on to base its response to the Subcommittee. I further request that Binance produce all records requested in my February 24 letter.

On February 24, 2026, I wrote to Binance requesting records related to the use of Binance by Iran-connected money laundering operations after reporting about illicit transfers from two of its partners, Hexa Whale and Blessed Trust. According to those reports, Binance also retaliated against compliance staff for attempting to address this money laundering. While Binance has denied knowledge of money laundering or retaliation against staff, it did not provide the information or documents requested by PSI.

Instead, Binance’s response sought to downplay its cryptocurrency dealings with Iran. For example, Binance claimed that only $110,000 was directly exchanged with four major Iranian crypto exchanges last year, when based on reports, hundreds of millions of dollars have been transferred to Iran-linked entities.[2] Moreover, according to your response, Binance took two months to respond to law enforcement requests regarding terrorist financing by Hexa Whale, and another two months to remove the shell entity implicated in the transfer.[3] Binance similarly took at least five months to remove Blessed Trust as a vendor after being warned about its alarming role in terrorist financing.[4]

Subsequent reporting by Fortune and the New York Times has provided more information on Blessed Trust and Hexa Whale’s money laundering schemes and relationship with Binance, calling attention to obvious red flags.[5] Binance has portrayed the network that sent the transfers as a sophisticated multi-hop operation with limited funds actually ending up in Iran.[6] However, according to new reports, hundreds of millions of dollars in the stablecoin Tether were transferred from Blessed Trust to a VIP account registered to an elderly resident of China, who then forwarded those funds to an intermediary Iranian-linked wallet connected to terrorist groups and an Iranian exchange.[7] Similarly, Hexa Whale reportedly transferred nearly half a billion dollars, and two Iranian Binance users sent the necessary cryptocurrency fees, directly to those same Iran-linked intermediary accounts.[8] This occurred despite the fact that one of the Iranian nationals had been named in a United Nations Security Council report on smuggling for Iran and North Korea.[9] Furthermore, Binance apparently either missed or ignored links between such entities and American blacklists, or even more alarmingly, labeled some of these accounts with “Don’t block. Internal accounts.”[10] Each of these should have been warning signs to Binance.

Binance’s failure to provide the Subcommittee with the full material requested in its inquiry, in addition to details in its response in relation to subsequent reporting, raises further alarms about its candor and compliance with Congressional oversight. Indeed, your response to the Subcommittee’s letter suggests discrepancies and unexplained inaction by Binance. I am concerned that Binance has not taken sufficient action to prevent your platform from directly and indirectly facilitating illicit finance to Iran and Russia, despite agreements with the Department of Justice and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”). Pursuant to Senate Resolution 94 (119th Cong.) and PSI Rule 1, please provide information and records responsive to the following requests by April 14, 2026.

Binance claimed in its response to the Subcommittee that reports about “indirect exposure to wallet addresses with potential ties to Iran” are “simply not true.” However, later reporting by Fortune indicated that Hexa Whale and Iranian nationals directly transacted with the Iran-linked set of accounts labeled ‘Entity A.’[11] Did any Binance accounts send or receive funds with the Iran-linked ‘Entity A’ wallets?

Please provide all wallet addresses for the diagrams provided in Binance’s March 10, 2026 blog post.[12] Please note which addresses are associated with Binance, Hexa Whale, or Blessed Trust (or parties associated to either) and ensure that such diagrams note any off-chain transfers

Binance has claimed an exposure of only $110,000 to Iranian exchanges last year in its response to the Subcommittee. Please provide the full year-over-year amount for transactions sent and received between Binance and all Iranian exchanges (including Nobitex, Wallex.ir, Excoino, Bitpin, Aban Tether, and Bit24), by exchange. Please describe your methodology and ensure that the amounts include payments where wallets were later associated with an Iranian exchange after transaction.

Has Binance removed, weakened, or relaxed any compliance policies, detection measures, or enforcement mechanisms that would screen, freeze, or report suspicious transactions, including measures to detect illicit indirect transfers, since January 1, 2025?

Binance claimed in its response to the Subcommittee that any allegations stating the company had failed to remove Iranian accounts on its platform were false. Has Binance ever declined to investigate, suspend, or remove accounts that appear to be associated with individuals or entities inside of Iran, including those using VPNs or “drop accounts” (‘know your customer’-verified accounts that are bought, stolen, or shared)?

Binance cited “unauthorized disclosure” as the reason for the dismissal of compliance personnel.[13] Has Binance ever suspended, terminated, or otherwise disciplined compliance personnel who have provided information to law enforcement, management, or other personnel within Binance or entities engaged in the detection of illicit cryptocurrency activities, regardless of whether the action was taken as a result of those activities?

Please provide the specific dates that Blessed Trust, Hexa Whale, and any individuals associated with those entities (including the two individuals described in reporting): a) created accounts on Binance, b) engaged in transfers to Iranian or Iran-linked intermediaries, c) were identified to or by Binance as engaged in illicit transactions, d) were reported to U.S. law enforcement, e) were suspended in full by Binance, and f) were removed in full from Binance. Please provide the reason for any delays between notification and subsequent reporting or enforcement.

Please contact the Subcommittee should you have any questions about responding to these requests. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

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[1] Binance, Binance’s Formal Response to Recent Congressional Inquiry (Mar. 3, 2026) https://www.binance.com/en/blog/compliance/6264258296613630636 (hereinafter “Binance Response to Congressional Inquiry”).

[2] Id. Leo Schwartz and Ben Weiss, Inside the Binance accounts internal investigators say helped transfer more than $1 billion to Iran-linked entities: A 79-year-old VIP Chinese trader and a suspected Iranian gold smuggler, Fortune (Mar. 12, 2026) https://fortune.com/2026/03/12/binance-accounts-iranian-entities-sanctions-chinese-vips-gold-smuggler/

[3] Binance Response to Congressional Inquiry, supra note 1.

[4] Id.

[5] Schwartz, supra note 2; David Yaffe-Bellany and Michael Forsythe, The Trail of Clues Leading to Iran That Binance Missed, New York Times (Mar. 26, 2026) https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/26/technology/binance-iran-us-sanctions.html .

[6] Binance, What the New Reports Got Wrong and What Our Compliance Program Actually Found (Mar. 10, 2026) https://www.binance.com/en/blog/compliance/519345044124745139 (hereinafter, “Binance Compliance Response”).

[7] Schwartz, supra note 2.

[8] Id.

[9] Id.

[10] Yaffe-Bellany, supra note 3.

[11] Schwartz, supra note 2.

[12] Binance Compliance Response, supra note 4.

[13] Yaffe-Bellany, supra note 3.


Blumenthal Presses IRS on their Ability to Meet Demand of Tax Season


Booker Files Amicus Brief to Supreme Court Supporting Cancer Victims Right to Sue Monsanto Over Toxic Pesticides

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) filed an amicus brief to the U.S Supreme Court in Monsanto Company v. John L. Durnell to ensure that pesticide manufacturers can be held accountable by the people harmed by their products, including those exposed through the application of Roundup and its active ingredient, glyphosate.

By filing an amicus brief, Senator Booker is standing with thousands of Americans who developed cancer after using glyphosate-based herbicides and who deserve a meaningful opportunity to seek justice. John Durnell, a longtime Roundup user who later developed non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, is one of many plaintiffs alleging that Monsanto failed to warn consumers about the product's known health risks.

In March 2026, the Trump Administration’s Department of Justice filed an amicus brief siding with Monsanto asserting that the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIRFA) preempts state-level failure-to-warn claims. If adopted, this interpretation would create a liability shield for pesticide manufacturers and would deny cancer victims their day in court.

Key Points from the Brief:

Senator Booker urges the Supreme Court to reject Monsanto’s request to grant through judicial action what Monsanto has repeatedly failed to obtain through Congress: broad federal immunity from liability for injuries caused by its product: “Ever since some Americans suffering from non-Hodgkin lymphoma became aware that their disease is linked to long-term use of Petitioner’s flagship product Roundup, Monsanto has sought a broad federal shield from liability for pesticide injuries that juries nationwide have found the company knew, and misled or failed to warn consumers, about. It has repeatedly lobbied for consideration of this result in Congress, and its efforts so far have failed following vigorous bipartisan debate. Even as this Court sits, FIFRA preemption language is once again under consideration in Congress, where this debate belongs.”

Booker underscores that preemption is a matter of congressional intent—and Congress has never intended FIFRA to extinguish state tort law or deprive injured individuals of a path to hold manufacturers accountable: “[Monsanto] seeks to pervert FIFRA by recasting the statute not as the one Congress actually wrote—a floor for what pesticide manufacturers must do to register pesticides with the federal government—but rather the one Petitioner wishes it had written: a (largely Petitioner-controlled) ceiling on consumer safety that bars state tort actions.” “Congress, in short, is aware of the question Petitioner presents and has so far answered it differently than Petitioner would like.”

Senator Booker concluded by emphasizing that Congress deliberately preserved state tort remedies as a critical safeguard in a regulatory system where federal agencies often have to rely on limited data provided by manufacturers: “Consumer claims provide a way for manufacturers to remain accountable and retain adequate incentive to keep Americans safe when evidence developed over time reveals risks not fully appreciated during the regulatory process. When state common-law causes of action permit a person to recover for an injury they sustain as a result of a manufacturer’s proven negligence, it should prompt the manufacturer to cancel the registration (permitted under FIFRA) or ask for a change to the label (permitted under FIFRA).”

Read the full text of the amicus brief here.

In July 2025, Senator Booker introduced the Pesticide Injury Accountability Act, legislation that would ensure that pesticide manufacturers can be held responsible for the harm caused by their toxic products. Specifically, this bill would amend the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act of 1972 (FIFRA) to create a federal right of action for anyone who is harmed by a toxic pesticide.

In 2021, Senator Booker introduced the Protect America’s Children from Toxic Pesticides Act, legislation that would remove dangerous pesticides within our farm system. Specifically, this legislation would update the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act of 1972 (FIFRA) by banning the most damaging pesticides that have been scientifically proven to harm the safety of people and our environment.


ICYMI: U.S. Senator Katie Britt Joins Secretary Duffy, Mercedes-Benz Leadership, State Leaders in Celebrating $4 Billion Investment in Alabama

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) joined U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, Mercedes-Benz global leadership, and Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) in celebrating the assembly of over five million vehicles at the Mercedes-Benz assembly plant in Vance, Alabama, Mercedes’ $4 billion pledged additional investment in its Alabama operations, and the global unveiling of two new Mercedes models.

From left to right: Mercedes-Benz North America CEO Jason Hoff, Senators Tuberville and Britt, Secretary Duffy, and Mercedes-Benz Group CEO Ola Källenius

Mercedez-Benz unveiled the new GLE and GLS models at its Tuscaloosa County facility and announced a $4 billion investment in the plant over the next several years, highlighting Alabama as a pillar of global auto manufacturing.

Senator Britt spoke on Alabama’s manufacturing strength: “We are deeply proud to be the strong hub of auto manufacturing in the South and continuing to be at the forefront of manufacturing and innovation across our great nation. Companies know that when they invest in Alabama that they are going to yield significant results. And the reason they know that is because of your example. So today we say thank you to you. Thank you for investing billions of dollars in the great state of Alabama. Thank you for changing what’s possible for so many. And thank you for committing to continuing to be a part of our future.”

She thanked Mercedes-Benz for its long-standing commitment to Alabama: “As we celebrate the five million vehicles here in Alabama, it’s a testament to your long term commitment and outstanding dedication to the men and women who make that happen. Look, the impact of Mercedes cannot be understated on our state. The company is not only a manufacturing giant, but it is also a cornerstone of our economy and a true, trusted partner in our communities. When you think about those jobs numbers that … you heard earlier, what that means are good paying jobs for hardworking Alabamians. That means the opportunity for the American dream, opportunity for something better for their children as a result of this investment. It also means that everyone here gets to be a part of something bigger than themselves … With two thirds of the vehicles produced here exported to markets across the globe, this company has helped make a made-in-Alabama model even stronger.”

Finally, the Senator thanked President Trump and Secretary Duffy for their leadership: “With President Trump and Secretary Duffy by his side, that partnership and leadership will advance the vision that will ensure our infrastructure, our transportation and the support continue to grow for Americans coast to coast. Our auto industry is quite literally moving us into the future, and Alabama is proud to be a driving force for the entire nation, and remains committed to be the forefront of innovation … And once again, thank you to the leadership of Mercedes for your continued investment and belief in Alabama. You have truly changed what was possible for tens of thousands of our communities. God Bless.”

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U.S. Senator Katie Britt Directly Secures $4 Million For Deerfoot Parkway in Jefferson County

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.), as a member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, recently directly secured over $4 million to fund the Deerfoot Parkway Project in Trussville. Hollywood Boulevard, which connects Mountain Brook, Homewood, and Birmingham, will also see major upgrades.

As part of the Deerfoot Parkway Project, Trussville will benefit from road widening and additional vehicle lanes to improve the flow of traffic. The project will work to alleviate congestion along the highway, support long-term growth and development, and help to manage increasing travel volume throughout the region. Major upgrades for Mountain Brook and Homewood will also be seen, with new pedestrian access along Hollywood Boulevard, a new traffic signal at the Highway 280 exit ramp, and another turn lane on the on-ramp eastbound.

“I am proud to have directly secured over $4 million through FY26 appropriations for the Deerfoot Parkway Project,” said Senator Britt. “This funding will result in a safer, more family-friendly community and transportation hub. I’m eager to see the impact this strategic investment will have across Trussville, Mountain Brook, Homewood, and Birmingham.”

In a joint statement, Trussville Mayor Ben Short and Commissioner Joe Knight said, “We are grateful to Senator Katie Britt for her leadership in securing this $4 million appropriation for Trussville. This investment represents a major step forward in addressing traffic congestion that affects our residents, businesses, and visitors every day. The Deerfoot Parkway project has long been a priority for our community. Advancing this work in phases allows us to take a strategic and responsible approach to easing pressure on Highway 11 while planning for continued growth.”

Mountain Brook Mayor Graham Smith said, “I want to thank Senator Katie Britt for her leadership on this project and for the way she continues to focus on supporting local communities across Alabama. We would not be where we are without her leadership. This project represents the best of what our region can accomplish when we work together. The process to get here has been complex and has required years of collaboration and relationship building. While the bridge improvements will directly benefit Mountain Brook residents, the broader impact will strengthen connectivity and safety across our entire region for decades to come.”

Homewood Mayor Jennifer Andress said, “The City of Homewood is so appreciative to Senator Katie Britt for her appropriations that directly impact traffic and pedestrian improvements in four Jefferson County municipalities. We have worked for years to make connectivity and safety upgrades along Hollywood Boulevard, and now that is finally happening, thanks to Senator Britt’s support!”

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U.S. Senator Katie Britt Joins Bipartisan Letter to SEC on Risks from China-Linked Entities in U.S. Markets

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) joined a bipartisan group of senators in sending a letter to Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Paul Atkins supporting the Commission’s ongoing efforts to address risks to U.S. investors and markets from China-linked entities accessing U.S. capital markets. The letter builds on the SEC’s recent work, including its Cross-Border Task Force to Combat Fraud, and highlights areas where additional review may help strengthen investor protection, market integrity, and national security safeguards.

In the letter, the lawmakers wrote, “China’s access to U.S. markets – without appropriate safeguards – can put American investors and our financial system at greater risk… the [People’s Republic of China (PRC)] directly and indirectly exerts pressure on Chinese-owned and controlled entities to prioritize Beijing’s geopolitical interests – not the well-being of U.S. investors and the integrity of our financial markets.”

The lawmakers continued, “American investors in these structures will – sometimes unknowingly – purchase shares in an offshore shell company contractually tied to a PRC-based operating entity… the structure leaves investors without insight into the operating entity’s true ownership structure, with weak contractual claims, and with little or no meaningful legal protection.”

The letter raises concerns about risks posed by opaque corporate structures of Chinese companies listed on U.S. exchanges, including variable interest entities (VIEs), as well as PRC legal and data-sharing requirements that may limit the SEC’s regulatory oversight and expose sensitive information of U.S. investors. The lawmakers also highlight the challenges U.S. regulators face in obtaining critical information due to PRC restrictions and underscore the importance of continued vigilance against fraud, manipulation, and misleading disclosures tied to foreign issuers.

Senator Britt joined Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) in sending the letter.

Senator Britt has long prioritized protecting American businesses from being exploited by foreign bad actors and ensuring that U.S. markets are best positioned for success. She has introduced the Not One More inch or Acre Act, Revitalizing America’s Offshore Critical Minerals Dominance Act of 2025, and the Improving Access to Small Business Information Act.

You can read the full letter here.

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Budd Issues Statement After FEMA Announces an Additional $103 Million for Hurricane Helene and Florence Recovery Efforts

TOTAL PROJECT COSTFEMA SHAREFEDERAL COST SHAREGRANT TYPESUMMARY$8,060,251.06$6,045,188.3075%PATOWN OF NORTH TOPSAIL BEACH – Engineered Beach

Declaration Date: 9/14/2018

This award provides $6,045,188.30 in federal funding to the town of North Topsail Beach for permanent repairs as a result of FEMA-DR-4393-NC (Hurricane Florence). This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. $1,581,049.63$1,581,049.63100%PAWATAUGA COUNTY

Declaration Date: 9/28/2024

This award provides $1,581,049.63 in federal funding to Watauga County for debris removal operations as a result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under Section 407 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.$1,617,601.72$1,617,601.72100%PARUTHERFORD COUNTY – 100% Federal Cost Share: 2/16/2025 and 3/24/2025

Declaration Date: 9/28/2024

This award provides $1,617,601.72 in federal funding to Rutherford County for debris removal operations as a result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under Section 407 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. $5,430,655.00$4,887,589.5090%PANC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION – Division 13 Mitchell County: State Route 197

Declaration Date: 9/28/2024

This award provides $4,887,589.50 in federal funding to the NC Department of Transportation for permanent repairs as a result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. $6,237,862.58$6,237,862.58100%PAAVERY COUNTY

Declaration Date: 9/28/2024

This award provides $6,237,862.58 in federal funding to Avery County for debris removal operations as a result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under Section 407 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. $29,037,189.11$29,037,189.1190%PAWATAUGA COUNTY SCHOOLS – Valle Crucis School Building

Declaration Date: 9/28/2024

This award provides $26,133,470.20 in federal funding to the Watauga County Schools for permanent repairs as a result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under Section 428 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. $1,180,358.25$1,180,358.25100%PAAVERY COUNTY – Emergency Support: Force Account Equipment

Declaration Date: 9/28/2024

This award provides $1,180,358.25 in federal funding to Avery County for emergency protective measures as a result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. $1,124,024.50$1,011,622.0590%PATOWN OF WOODFIN

Declaration Date: 9/28/2024

This award provides $1,011,622.05 in federal funding to the town of Woodfin for debris removal operations as a result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under Section 407 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. $1,566,481.56$1,409,833.4190%PATOWN OF BILTMORE FOREST

Declaration Date: 9/28/2024

This award provides $1,409,833.41 in federal funding to the town of Biltmore Forest for debris removal operations as a result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under Section 407 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. $4,156,241.04$3,740,616.9490%PARUTHERFORD COUNTY

Declaration Date: 9/28/2024

This award provides $3,740,616.94 in federal funding to Rutherford County for debris removal operations as a result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under Section 407 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. $4,477,577.91$4,029,820.1290%PARUTHERFORD COUNTY – 90% Federal Cost Share: 3/25/2025 and 5/24/2025

Declaration Date: 9/28/2024

This award provides $4,029,820.12 in federal funding to Rutherford County for debris removal operations as a result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under Section 407 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.$1,668,447.00$1,501,602.3090%PANC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION – Division 11 Ashe County: State Routes 1349, 1353, 1354, 1355, 1356, and 1358

Declaration Date: 9/28/2024

This award provides $1,501,602.30 in federal funding to the NC Department of Transportation for permanent repairs as a result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.$13,915,299.52$12,523,769.5790%PAHAYWOOD COUNTY

Declaration Date: 9/28/2024

This award provides $12,523,769.57 in federal funding to Haywood County for debris removal operations as a result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under Section 407 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.$1,191,236.05$1,072,112.4590%PACITY OF ASHEVILLE – Horizon Hill Road

Declaration Date: 9/28/2024

This award provides $1,072,112.45 in federal funding to the city of Asheville for permanent repairs as a result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.$1,710,150.60$1,539,135.5490%PANC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION – Division 13 Mitchell County: State Routes 1140, 1141, 1142, and 1143

Declaration Date: 9/28/2024

This award provides $1,539,135.54 in federal funding to the NC Department of Transportation for permanent repairs as a result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.$1,523,581.12$1,371,223.0190%PANC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION – Division 11 Watauga County: State Routes 1215, 1216, and 1217,

Declaration Date: 9/28/2024

This award provides $1,371,223.01 in federal funding to the NC Department ofTransportation for permanent repairs as a result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.$1,255,348.00$1,129,813.2090%PANC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION – Division 11 Watauga County: State Routes 1215, 1216, and 1217,

Declaration Date: 9/28/2024

This award provides $1,371,223.01 in federal funding to the NC Department of Transportation for permanent repairs as a result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.$1,330,487.88$1,197,439.1090%PANC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION – Division 11 Watauga County: State Routes 1141, 1146, 1147, 1148, 1149, 1150, 1151, 1152, 1155, and 1156

Declaration Date: 9/28/2024

This award provides $1,129,813.20 in federal funding to the NC Department of Transportation for permanent repairs as a result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.$1,154,428.59$1,038,985.7490%PANC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION – Division 13 Buncombe County: State Routes 2458, 2460, 2461, 2468, 2474, 2476, 2478, 2515, 2520, 2522, 2528, 2530, 2531, and 2532

Declaration Date: 9/28/2024

This award provides $1,038,985.74 in federal funding to the NC Department of Transportation for permanent repairs as a result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.$2,091,291.00$1,882,161.9090%PANC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION – Division 13 Buncombe County: 3/25/2025 and 9/28/2025 – 90% Federal Cost Share

Declaration Date: 9/28/2024

This award provides $1,882,161.90 in federal funding to the NC Department of Transportation for emergency protective measures as a result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.$1,488,016.05$1,488,016.05100%PANC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION – Division 11 Watauga County: State Routes 1307, 1308, 1309, 1310, 1311, 1312, and 1347

Declaration Date: 9/28/2024

This award provides $1,197,439.10 in federal funding to the NC Department of Transportation for permanent work as a result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under the authority of Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.$1,381,064.37$1,381,064.37100%PANC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION – Division 14 Henderson County: Temporary Repair State Route 1802 Big Hungry Road Bridge

Declaration Date: 9/28/2024

This award provides $1,381,064.37 in federal funding to the NC Department of Transportation for emergency protective measures as a result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.$1,224,532.00$1,102,078.8090%PANC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION – Emergency Support: Buncombe, Burke, and Madison Counties

Declaration Date: 9/28/2024

This award provides $1,488,016.05 in federal funding to the NC Department of Transportation for emergency protective measures as a result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.$8,117,613.36$7,305,852.0390%PABAT CAVE BAPTIST CHURCH – Dirt Berm Declaration Date: 9/28/2024

This award provides $1,102,078.80 in federal funding to the Bat Cave Baptist Church for permanent repairs as a result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.


Ahead of Planned Artemis II Launch, Cantwell Visits WA Space Companies Enabling First Manned Moon Mission in 50 Years

Full media package below shows Cantwell viewing Artemis II components and leading-edge composites developed by WA aerospace companies; At Mukilteo’s Karman Space & Defense, Cantwell shown key systems that will enable Artemis II’s hatch release and parachute deployment mechanisms; At Redmond’s L3Harris, Cantwell shown thrusters that will be used to return astronauts safely to Earth

MUKILTEO & REDMOND, WA – On Monday, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, toured two of the dozens of Washington state companies that are supplying NASA’s Artemis Missions. The first crewed Artemis mission, Artemis II, is scheduled to launch Wednesday at 3:24pm PST.

“We're really proud that the state is playing such a big role in solving these space problems. Ultimately, Artemis is about returning to the moon and building a permanent moon base that can then be used for accelerating our travel to Mars. So [this is] a really, really big moment for the Pacific Northwest,” Sen. Cantwell said during a gathering with press and company leaders at L3Harris Aerojet Rocketdyne in Redmond.

Sen. Cantwell has been a champion for our nation’s space industry and its aerospace workforce, and currently oversees NASA and the space industry as Ranking Member of the Commerce Committee. Earlier this month, Sen. Cantwell led bipartisan, unanimous passage through the Commerce Committee of the NASA Authorization Act of 2026, which confirms support for the Artemis missions.

Fact Sheet: Washington’s Space Economy and Sen. Cantwell’s Support for the Artemis Program

Karman Space & Defense is a manufacturer of mission-critical subsystems for launch vehicles, spacecraft, and hypersonic systems. The company’s Mukilteo campus produces components for the Orion capsule that will fly on the Artemis II mission. This includes the capsule’s propellant-drive hatch release mechanisms, which allow for crew egress from the capsule in the event of emergency, and forward bay cover thrusters, which expose the capsule’s parachutes and allows them to deploy after reentry. Karman also has facilities in Arlington and Skagit. Altogether, more than 500 Karman employees work in Washington state. Yesterday, Sen. Cantwell saw two systems which will fly on the Artemis II launch, including mission-critical safety systems. Sen. Cantwell also discussed how Karman’s leading-edge composites are used in space programs.

L3Harris specializes in rocket propulsion, holding contracts to provide many of the thrusters used on Artemis. The company’s Redmond facility has manufactured spacecraft thrusters for NASA since 1968 and has supported famous missions such as Viking and Voyager. More than 400 employees work at the Redmond campus. Yesterday, Sen. Cantwell saw replicas of the 21 thrusters that will be used to return the four astronauts on Artemis II safely back to Earth.

Artemis II will be the first crewed flight of the Artemis missions, designed to confirm that the SLS rocket and Orion space vehicle operate as designed with crew onboard in a deep space environment. The crew will spend 10 days in space and complete a lunar flyby, reaching the farthest point humans have ever traveled, before returning to Earth and splashing down in the Pacific Ocean. The first available launch window is Wednesday, April 1, at 3:25 PM PDT.


Cantwell Statement on “God Squad” Allowing Oil Companies to Ignore Protections for Endangered Species in Gulf of Mexico

EDMONDS, WA – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) released this statement regarding the decision of the Trump administration’s Endangered Species Committee, commonly known as “The God Squad,” to exempt Gulf of Mexico oil and gas drilling from laws that protect endangered animal species:


Cantwell Statement on Trump’s Unconstitutional Executive Order to Restrict Voting Access

EDMONDS, WA – Yesterday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that instructs his administration to create a list of voters in each state deemed “eligible” and bars the U.S. Postal Service from delivering ballots to voters not on that list – despite having no Constitutional authority to do so. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) released this statement:


PHOTOS: Capito Makes Stops to Promote Economic Development, Support our Coal Economy, and the Future of AI

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) made stops across West Virginia in Beaver, Charleston, and Morgantown.

To begin the day, Senator Capito traveled to Beaver, W.Va. where she participated in a groundbreaking and tour of Amazon’s new delivery facility. This facility will serve as the last stop in the shipping process, helping to get packages from distribution hubs onto delivery vehicles and directly to people’s doorsteps. This investment will speed up delivery times for families and businesses across Raleigh County and the surrounding region.

“I was proud to join Amazon and many of our community leaders here in West Virginia in celebrating the opening of the Beaver facility. This investment will bring so many meaningful job opportunities to our communities and strengthen our economy. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this facility will have for hardworking West Virginians and their families,” Senator Capito said.

“We are excited to be part of the Beaver community and to lead a team that's committed to serving our neighbors across West Virginia,” Ashley Cavender, leader of Amazon’s Beaver facility, said. “At Amazon, we believe in delivering not just for our customers, but for our employees as well—that's why we're proud to offer competitive wages starting at $19 per hour and opportunities for career growth. We look forward to being a productive member of this community for years to come.”

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) attends a ribbon cutting at Amazon’s new delivery facility in Beaver, W.Va. on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) delivers remarks at a ribbon cutting at Amazon’s new delivery facility in Beaver, W.Va. on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) attends a ribbon cutting at Amazon’s new delivery facility in Beaver, W.Va. on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) attends a ribbon cutting at Amazon’s new delivery facility in Beaver, W.Va. on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

Next, Senator Capito traveled to Charleston to participate in the West Virginia Coal Association’s annual symposium, where she addressed industry leaders and stakeholders on key issues impacting West Virginia’s energy sector, including economic development, permitting, and the future of coal.

“It was an honor to be invited to speak at the West Virginia Coal Association’s annual environmental awards. Since President Trump took office just over one year ago, the outlook for West Virginia’s coal industry has truly transformed. Rather than penalize and villainize coal, like our federal policies did under the Biden administration, President Trump and EPA Administrator Zeldin have removed unreasonable regulations and accurately positioned coal as a critical, affordable and reliable energy source for our nation. I will continue to partner with President Trump and Administrator Zeldin to make sure our nation can take advantage of the plentiful coal resources here in our state,” Senator Capito said.

“We were very grateful that Senator Capito could join us as the keynote speaker at today’s awards luncheon. Senator Capito has been a consistent champion of coal throughout her time in Congress, and the policies that she has supported have had an incredible impact on our industry and the hardworking coal mining communities across West Virginia. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Senator Capito in her efforts to advance West Virginia coal,” Chris Hamilton, President and CEO of the West Virginia Coal Association, said.

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) delivers remarks at the West Virginia Coal Association’s annual symposium in Charleston, W.Va. on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

To end the day, Senator Capito spoke in Morgantown at the “2026 Focus Forward Conference,” hosted by the West Virginia Public Education Collaborative and Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation. During the event, Senator Capito delivered closing keynote remarks on the use of AI in leadership.

“I was proud to join educators, community leaders, and partners like the West Virginia Public Education Collaborative and the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation to discuss emerging technologies like AI and how they can impact leadership. West Virginia has a real opportunity in this space, and I am confident that we will equip our next generation with the skills necessary to rise to the challenge. By working together and focusing forward, we can build a stronger future for West Virginia’s classrooms, workforce, and communities,” Senator Capito said.

“We are thrilled that Senator Capito could join our eighth annual Focus Forward conference, one of West Virginia's thought leadership conferences to look at societal issues impacting West Virginia's workforce and economy,” Jen Giovannitti, President of the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, said. “We are grateful for her continued support and engagement at this event, as well as her leadership at the federal level as we begin to navigate how AI and emerging technologies will shape the future.”

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) attends the “2026 Focus Forward Conference” in Morgantown, W.Va. on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

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Cassidy Speaks to UL Turning Point USA Chapter

WASHINGTON – This afternoon, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) spoke to members of the Turning Point USA Chapter at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL) on what he’s doing to advance conservative values and Charlie Kirk’s legacy in Washington.

“Charlie Kirk advocated for the next generation to stand in faith, defend freedom, and stay true to American values,” said Dr. Cassidy. “I’m supporting those principles in Washington for a better future for us all.”

As Chairman of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Cassidy led 14 Republican senators in nominating Charlie Kirk to be included in the National Garden of American Heroes for his historic contributions to the nation.

Cassidy was welcomed to the meeting by chapter President Louis Cohn, who thanked him for attending.


Senator Collins Speaks at Sanford Fire and EMS Headquarters Groundbreaking

Click HERE, HERE, and HERE for individual photos.

SANFORD, ME – U.S. Senator Susan Collins spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony for the City of Sanford’s new fire and EMS headquarters yesterday. Also in attendance at the event were Sanford City Manager Steven Buck, Deputy Mayor Maura Herlihy, Fire Chief Scott Susi, along with dozens of local fire and EMS personnel.

“One of the greatest needs in Maine is addressing our many obsolete public safety facilities. That is why I have worked hard to secure nearly $87 million in the past five years for 45 new or renovated fire stations throughout Maine. The new station in Sanford will help ensure that first responders have the safe, modern space to train and respond to emergencies that they deserve,” said Senator Collins. “I was proud to secure this funding through my role as Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee to help make this new facility a reality and strengthen emergency services for Sanford and the surrounding communities for years to come.”

The new headquarters will replace Sanford’s outdated emergency response stations that no longer meet modern safety, health, and accessibility standards. Designed to meet current OSHA and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) health and safety requirements, the facility will help reduce firefighter exposure to carcinogens, improve emergency response times, expand training capacity, and support regional mutual aid and community paramedicine services.

Senator Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, secured $5 million in Congressionally Directed Spending to support this project in the Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development appropriations bill, which was signed into law in February.

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Senators Coons, McConnell Statement on NATO

WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, and U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, issued the following statement on NATO:

“NATO is the most successful military alliance in history. It has underpinned the security of the United States for more than 70 years.

“The only time NATO has gone to war has been in response to an attack on America. NATO troops fought and died in Afghanistan and Iraq alongside American forces. The United States must not take this sacrifice – nor our allies’ commitment to make it again – lightly.

“Alliance disputes are as old as the alliance itself. Americans are safer when NATO is strong and united. It is in our interest for all allies to tend this unity with care. The United States joined NATO in 1949 when the Senate voted to ratify the NATO treaty, and the United States will remain in it. The Senate will continue to support the alliance for the peace and protection it provides America, Europe, and the world.”


Cortez Masto, Rounds Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Bolster JROTC Instructor Recruitment and Retention

Las Vegas, Nev. – U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) introduced bipartisan legislation to support the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) program. The JROTC Pay Oversight for Workforce Evaluation and Retention (POWER) Act would require the Department of Defense (DOD) to establish clear metrics to measure and improve recruitment and retention for JROTC instructors.

“JROTC instructors work tirelessly to help young Americans grow into leaders and understand the importance of a life of public service,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “If the new JRTOC pay scale is causing instructors like those in Nevada to leave the program, Congress needs to know that. My commonsense legislation would ensure that we have all the information we need to recruit and retain the best possible JROTC instructors.”

Nevada public schools have over 40 JROTC programs across the six military branches, and JROTC is one of DOD’s most successful youth programs. Unfortunately, a recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report found that DOD cannot currently evaluate the success of the new standardized JROTC instructor pay scale. During the GAO’s review, instructors across the nation, including in Las Vegas, were interviewed and some raised concerns about the new pay scale, noting that they were worried it could make it harder to retain instructors. The JROTC POWER Act would address this gap and direct DOD to establish clear and consistent metrics to measure the recruitment and retention of JROTC instructors, including vacancy rates and time to hire. This legislation would improve transparency so Congress can determine if the new pay scale is supporting the program’s continued success.

Senator Cortez Masto is a consistent champion for Nevada’s service members and veterans. In the 2026 NDAA, she secured a key provision that will improve the transition to civilian life for service members. Cortez Masto recently cosponsored sweeping legislation to reform and improve health care for veterans. She has worked to support veterans exposed to toxins while serving at the Nevada Test and Training Range. Cortez Masto successfully pushed the Biden administration to approve a new veterans cemetery in Elko, Nevada, and has been continually pushing the VA for transparency in the timeline of its construction. She has fought back against the Navy Federal Credit Union for overcharging service members.

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National Science Foundation Awards $625,244 to NDSU

BISMARCK, N.D. – The National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded $625,244 to North Dakota State University (NDSU) through the Division of Civil, Mechanical and Manufacturing Innovation (CMMI) Directorate for Engineering.

The award will fund a project entitled “MRI: Track 1 Acquisition of PSV QTEC H 3D - Scanning Vibrometer.” This project will allow NDSU to acquire a PSV QTEC H 3D Scanning Vibrometer to expand its research capabilities and allow researchers to precisely measure vibrations and sound in a wide range of systems.


Sen. Cruz Leads Amicus Brief to SCOTUS Opposing New York’s Attempt to Undermine Federal Firearms Law

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Federal Courts, Oversight, Agency Action, and Federal Rights, led an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to overturn a Second Circuit ruling and uphold the Second Amendment by preventing New York from bypassing the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA).

Excerpts from the amicus brief are below, and the full text of the brief can be viewed here.

“The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution ensures law-abiding and peaceable American citizens the right to keep and bear arms. But no one besides accomplished gunsmiths could exercise that right if a citizen could not lawfully purchase a firearm because the firearm industry had become insolvent. Congress passed the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) to prevent that outcome by placing firearm manufacturers on equal footing with other American manufacturers. Under the Act, so long as a firearm is properly made and properly transferred into commercial channels, a manufacturer is generally not liable if a criminal later misuses that firearm in the commission of a crime. In particular, the PLCAA forecloses the imposition of liability under flexible and indistinct common-law standards that provide firearm manufacturers with no notice of the precise conduct that is required or to be avoided. Indeed, that was the statute’s core purpose.

“The State of New York is unhappy with any impediments to its ability to bankrupt lawful arms manufacturers based on the actions of New York criminals whom the State is unable or unwilling to control. In the State’s view—adopted by the Second Circuit—the PLCAA is a paper tiger that any state legislature may tame by simply codifying vague and unpredictable common-law standards and explicitly applying the new code provisions only to the firearms industry.’

“The State and the court below are too clever by half. This case presents an issue of exceptional importance with regard to the states’ ability to circumvent the preemptive force of federal legislation. The PLCAA is not a mere Kabuki feint designed to encourage its own circumvention. Rather, the Act was designed to, and does, preempt efforts to impose hazy common-law liability standards whether or not codified by a state legislature to target the firearms industry. This Court should intervene now before the Second Circuit’s decision, directly or through its influence, further undermines the Second Amendment and congressional will.”

Joining Sen. Cruz in filing this amicus brief were Sens. Jim Banks (R-Ind.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Shelley Capito (R-W.Va.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Lindsey O. Graham (R-S.C.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), James Risch (R-Idaho), and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.).


Sens. Cruz, Merkley, Curtis, Kim Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen U.S.–Taiwan Drone Cooperation

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health Policy, Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), John Curtis (R-Utah), and Andy Kim (D-N.J.) introduced the Blue Skies for Taiwan Act of 2026. The legislation expands Taiwan’s ability to develop drone system components that do not rely on technology or supply chains potentially compromised by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), amid increasing CCP pressure on Taiwan and expanded control over the global UAS supply chain. This bipartisan legislation deepens U.S.–Taiwan cooperation on unmanned aerial systems (UAS) development.

Sen. Cruz said, “The Chinese Communist Party expends countless resources to erode the status of our Taiwanese allies and isolate them globally. This legislation will modernize the development and production of unmanned aerial system supply chains, strengthen supply chain integration, and deepen U.S.-Taiwan defense cooperation. It also importantly expands opportunities for collaboration on Blue UAS, including with efforts like the Army’s SkyFoundry program and the Advanced Automation Manufacturing project at Red River Army Depot in Texarkana, Texas. I’m proud to join Senator Merkley in introducing this bill.”

Sen. Merkley said, “Our longstanding partnership with Taiwan demands the United States use all the tools at our disposal to strengthen Taiwan’s security and counter China’s coercive tactics. Our bipartisan effort not only protects American strategic interests and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, but it also ensures that Taiwan is well-equipped to develop unmanned aerial systems in support of its own defense and our national security. As Beijing escalates its pressure campaign, American support for Taiwan will remain ironclad.”

Sen. Curtis said, “Strengthening our partnership with Taiwan is critical to advancing both American security and the stability of the Indo-Pacific. Our bipartisan legislation expands cooperation between the U.S. and Taiwan to build secure, resilient drone systems—cutting China out of the supply chain and reinforcing deterrence in the region.”

Sen. Kim said, “Drones are becoming increasingly central to defense systems worldwide — and the United States and our partners are unprepared to produce them at the necessary scale. Making matters worse, the majority of commercially available UAS technology relies on components sourced from China, leaving the U.S. and partners like Taiwan vulnerable to supply chain manipulation. Supporting Taiwan’s UAS manufacturing through this legislation is how we close that gap and secure long-term stability for ourselves and our partners.”

Read the bill text here.

BACKGROUND:

Taiwan’s efforts to cooperate with the United States on producing drones are constrained by reliance on CCP-sourced components, barriers to accessing capital, and challenges meeting U.S. export control requirements.

The Blue UAS program is a DOW initiative that vets and certifies secure drone systems and components that do not rely on CCP technology or supply chains.

The Blue Skies for Taiwan Act of 2026:

Establishes a Blue UAS Working Group, led by the Departments of State and War, to assess Taiwan’s drone production capacity and identify opportunities and impediments to incorporating Taiwan-manufactured UAS and components in the Defense Contract Management Agency’s Blue UAS program and associated lists.

Directs the establishment of a cooperative framework with regional allies to support secure, PRC-independent drone supply chains and expand opportunities for Taiwan’s drone industry.

Allows the Departments of State and War to develop a fast-track certification process for Taiwan drone and component manufacturers.


Opinion: Lessons from our war powers past—60 days must mean 60 days

Lessons from our war powers past — 60 days must mean 60 days

By: Senator John Curtis (R-UT)

Deseret News

April 1, 2026

While recognizing the inevitable costs of ongoing combat operations in Iran, I acknowledge that the president’s actions were consistent with his legal authority.

The War Powers Resolution of 1973 provides the authority for a president to respond to emerging threats — for a limited period of time. Iran’s consistent and increasingly disruptive behavior presents exactly the kind of threat the War Powers Resolution envisions. Left unchecked, Iran would continue to pursue its nuclear weapons capabilities, destabilize the region, threaten our allies, and imperil Americans at home and abroad.

Iran has, in effect, been at war with the United States for decades, from the 1979 hostage crisis to the 1983 bombing of the U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut to its support for groups that have killed American service members in Iraq and elsewhere.

This is not a new conflict but a long-standing, well-organized and well-funded campaign against American lives and interests. Through a network of proxies operating across the Middle East and beyond, Iran has armed and directed attacks against Americans and our friends for years. This is an enduring pattern of deadly violence that warranted executive action.

At the same time, here in America, constitutional limits are in place to temper the president from unilateral authority. I support the president’s actions taken in defense of American lives and interests. However, I will not support ongoing military action beyond a 60-day window without congressional approval. I take this position for two reasons — one is historical, and one is constitutional.

We must be clear-eyed about history. The War Powers Resolution was born out of the hard lessons of Vietnam. In 1950, 35 advisers were sent to assist the French in training Vietnamese troops. Thirty-five men. By 1954, the French had withdrawn, and the American president had authorized 3,200 on-the-ground advisers. Fifteen years later, there was still no congressional declaration of war, but America had, at its peak, more than half a million American soldiers on the ground — at an eventual cost of almost 60,000 American lives. Over half those fatalities were young men and young women under 21 years of age.

To ensure that such a tragic cost was never again exacted from our nation’s best blood without a congressional declaration of war, the War Powers Resolution of 1973 effected a reasonable compromise. For obvious national security reasons, presidents must have the authority to respond swiftly to threats without the delay of congressional approval.

At the same time, a period of 60 days is a fully sufficient window for presidents to take emergency measures in response to a national threat and then remit a decision to the duly elected representatives of the people as to whether a state of war should in fact be declared and continued.

That history leads to my second point, which is that the Constitution assigns the legislative branch the clear and explicit right to declare war. To accord a president the power to wage an ongoing war without a congressional declaration of war is to render that congressional authority void.

I have too much respect for the Constitution to believe that a power which the Constitution provides is meant to be no more than the right to attach the word “war” to a military conflict. The mandate is bigger than that.

The Constitution assigns Congress the responsibility to “provide for the common defense,” and in that context, it gives Congress the corresponding power to declare war. It would be an act of disrespect to our Constitution if we were to accord the president the right to make war without any declaration of war; the Framers deliberately described a substantive power to declare war and assigned that power to Congress.

I understand the need to replenish U.S. stockpiles, strengthen the defense industrial base and maintain the capabilities needed to deter China; I would support a supplemental focus on those efforts. But I cannot support funding for continued military operations without Congress having the opportunity to weigh in.

Supporting decisive action in the moment and insisting on constitutional accountability in the long term are not contradictions but a tension mandated by our founding documents. On matters of such dire national consequences, the president and Congress are supposed to work in concert. Let us ensure that they do.


Duckworth, Sanders, Fetterman Introduce Legislation to Establish Guardianship Bill of Rights to Protect Veterans and Americans with Disabilities

The Senators’ legislation comes after the VA announced an effort that could push hundreds of Veterans into exploitative legal guardianships and deny our heroes the proper care they’ve earned

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) introduced legislation that would establish a Guardianship Bill of Rights to help protect Veterans from being forced into harmful arrangements and thrown into institutions as part of a new policy announced by the Trump Administration. Specifically, the Trump Administration’s recent policy agreement allows the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to grant U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) attorneys the authority to initiate and participate in state court guardianship proceedings on behalf of the VA. This policy threatens to rip away agency from hundreds of Veterans and unnecessarily force them into institutions after the Trump Administration has repeatedly gutted the VA and made it harder for them to access the care they need and have earned through their service. In addition to Duckworth, the Guardianship Bill of Rights Act of 2026 is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and John Fetterman (D-PA).

“Guardianships frequently result in abuse and exploitation—it is downright abhorrent that the Trump Administration has created a legal backdoor to force Veterans into such arrangements that would strip them of their autonomy and see them institutionalized,” said Duckworth. “Our heroes deserve so much better than a President who guts the VA, slashes essential services and now tries to shove them into institutions. This legislation would codify a list of legal rights to protect Americans with disabilities and anyone who has a guardian or conservator, including Veterans who are threatened by this Administration’s latest shameful effort to abandon them.”

“We have a responsibility to ensure that those living under a guardianship aren’t ever stripped of their rights, and we need a guardianship system that respects the voices of our veterans, seniors, and those with disabilities,” said Senator Fetterman. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing the Guardianship Bill of Rights Act, which protects those living under a guardianship from fraud, exploitation, and abuse and makes sure their dignity always comes first.”

While guardians are obligated to protect the person they serve, this legal tool is largely overused and frequently results in vulnerable people—especially those with disabilities—being abused, defrauded or stripped of their agency. Despite less restrictive alternatives, like supported decisionmaking, being widely available, guardianship is commonly used as the first course of action instead of a last resort—resulting in too many Americans being unnecessarily institutionalized when they could better thrive in their homes and communities. Shamefully, the Trump Administration has been working to steer Veterans and people with disabilities into institutions instead of promoting alternatives that better protect their civil rights.

The Senators’ Guardianship Bill of Rights Act of 2026 would help protect the rights of Veterans and Americans with disabilities in protective agreements by:

Creating a Council to develop a Guardianship Bill of Rights regarding the fundamental civil rights of individuals being considered for, or living under, protective arrangements;

Establishing standards for protective arrangements, including transitioning from such arrangements to supportive decisionmaking and other alternative arrangements; and

Establishing a Protection and Advocacy Program, for oversight and monitoring of State and local guardianships, conservatorships and other protective arrangements.

The full text of the legislation is available on Senator Duckworth’s website.

Senator Duckworth has long been a fierce advocate for the disability community and has railed against the Trump Administration’s efforts to slash Veterans’ disability benefits. Most recently, she loudly pushed back against the VA’s horrendous interim final rule that put millions of Veterans’ disability ratings and care at risk, demanding VA Secretary Doug Collins rescind and apologize for implementing the shameful rule change. After Secretary Collins initially said he would “halt” enforcement of the rule, Duckworth called him out for stopping short of fully rescinding the rule—which the VA finally did after public outcry from Duckworth and the Veterans’ community at large.

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Duckworth, Heinrich and Banks Lead Bipartisan Push to Increase Support for Veterans’ Continued Education

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] — Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Jim Banks (R-IN) introduced the Veteran Education Assistance Adjustment Act, bipartisan legislation that will increase Veterans’ yearly books and supply stipend to $1,500 to keep up with inflation. The bill also increases the supply stipend for Veterans enrolled in apprenticeships and pursuing careers in the trades.

“When our Veterans hang up their uniform, they deserve our full support as they transition back into civilian life and easy access to the benefits they’ve earned,” said Duckworth. “As inflation continues to rise, the cost of required books, supplies and materials for those pursuing higher education and apprenticeships has also skyrocketed. By increasing the annual books and supplies stipend, we’re helping ensure more Veterans can pursue education and training opportunities without being held back by rising costs.”

Veterans use the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)’s Post-9/11 GI Bill program to affordably access higher education after their service. This VA program helps pay for Veterans’ tuition and provides a housing allowance and a $1,000 stipend for books and supplies. Current law adjusts the VA’s maximum payable rates for tuition and housing allowances with inflation, but the $1,000 annual stipend hasn’t been raised since 2008. Today, more than 600,000 Veterans using the Post-9/11 GI Bill program are receiving less educational assistance than their fellow Veterans did nearly 20 years ago. The Veteran Education Assistance Adjustment Act will ensure all provisions of the Post-9/11 GI Bill keep pace with rising costs.

Specifically, the Veteran Education Assistance Adjustment Act will:

Adjust the base books and supplies stipend to $1,500 by amending current law to stay consistent with the current CPI-U inflation estimate.

Adjust the base books and supplies stipend for veterans enrolled in apprenticeships to $128 — consistent with the current CPI-U inflation estimate.

Require the VA Secretary to submit an annual report to Congress detailing the latest Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits adjustments, data demonstrating trends in veteran participation and graduation rates from education programs, and the average processing time for veterans applying to receive education benefits.

The Veteran Education Assistance Adjustment Act is endorsed by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA).

The full text of the legislation is available on Senator Duckworth’s website.

Duckworth, a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, is a fierce advocate for Veterans and has worked to increase their access to resources and programs aimed at helping them start and grow their careers when transitioning back to civilian life. Last month, Duckworth joined U.S. Senators Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND) in leading a bipartisan push to increase access to Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits for Veterans pursuing apprenticeships. The Senators’ Reducing Arbitrary Barriers to Apprenticeship Act would allow Post-9/11 GI Bill beneficiaries pursuing On-the-Job Training (OJT) or Apprenticeship (APP) programs to have access to the full monthly housing allowance (MHA) amount without a semiannual reduction and without a monthly work hour requirement.

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Duckworth, Sullivan Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Improve State Department Accessibility Standards

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK) introduced new bipartisan legislation to ensure all of the U.S. Department of State’s foreign Embassies, Consulates and Chief of Mission Residences meet federal accessibility guidelines. The bipartisan Inspector General Accessibility Reporting Act would create a regular opportunity for oversight and improve visibility into structural barriers that limit accessibility by adding to regularly scheduled inspections, helping the U.S. government better identify and address these issues.

“Foreign service offices are an extension of America abroad—we should be upholding our country’s accessibility standards consistently across our embassies and consulates,” Duckworth said. “As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee I’ve seen firsthand how inaccessible many of these spaces are, but this legislation is a commonsense fix to ensure we’re upholding and providing people with disabilities equitable access and opportunity.”

Duckworth’s bipartisan Inspector General Accessibility Reporting Act would expand the State Department Office of Inspector General’s (OIG) regular inspections to include accessibility. As required by the Foreign Service Act, the OIG already inspects Foreign Service posts to review their operations and ensure they follow applicable laws and regulations, including those related to personnel. This bill would add a new requirement to evaluate how well each post, bureau or office meets accessibility standards, including building and facility requirements under the Architectural Barriers Act.

A copy of the bill text is available on Senator Duckworth’s website.

Duckworth has long been a leader in promoting safe, reliable and accessible infrastructure for all Americans working around the world. Earlier this month, she joined U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) along with U.S. Representatives Johnny Olszewski (D-MD-02) and Dina Titus (D-NV-01) to introduce the State Department Disability Policy and Accommodations Act, bicameral legislation that would strengthen international disability rights and provide accommodations for State Department staff.

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Durbin Announces Federal Funding For Springfield Improvement Projects

SPRINGFIELD – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today held a press conference at Springfield City Hall to announce a total of $1,350,000 in federal funding he secured for Springfield projects through Congressionally Directed Spending—more commonly known as earmarks —in the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) funding bill. Durbin was joined by Mayor Misty Buscher and City Water Division Manager Todd LaFountain.

$900,000 of the funding will go to the City of Springfield to replace a 95-year-old water main on South Seventh Street between East Capitol Avenue and East Allen Street. The water main serves the historic downtown Springfield area, including Lincoln’s Home Visitor Center, the Illinois State Police Memorial Park, Springfield Clinic, and the Elijah Iles House in Sangamon County.

$450,000 of the funding will go toward improving the Lincoln Home Visitor Center, including accessibility enhancements and updates to the public restrooms, welcome desk, exhibits, and theaters.

“I am thrilled to have secured federal funding for a 95-year-old water main replacement and updates to the Lincoln Home Visitor Center,” said Durbin. “With America’s 250th and Route 66’s 100th anniversaries quickly approaching, Springfield will be better equipped to welcome students, families, and Lincoln aficionados.”

“We are incredibly grateful to Senator Durbin for his continued advocacy and support for Springfield,” said Mayor Misty Buscher. “This investment is critical to preserving our city’s infrastructure and enhancing the experience for residents and visitors alike. Replacing this aging water main strengthens the reliability of essential services in our historic downtown, while improvements to the Lincoln Home Visitor Center ensure we are ready to showcase our city’s rich history to a growing number of guests in the years ahead.”

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Fetterman, McCormick Announce $600 Million to Replace Delaware River Bridge, Improve PA Turnpike

BRADDOCK, PA — Today, U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Dave McCormick (R-PA) announced the U.S. Department of Transportation is awarding $600 million to the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission through the FY 2025 Bridge Investment Program. The funding will advance the PA Turnpike/I-95 Interchange Program by replacing the existing 1956 Delaware River Bridge, a critical crossing connecting Bucks County, Pennsylvania to Burlington County, New Jersey.

“This $600 million investment is one of the most consequential infrastructure commitments in Pennsylvania’s history, and we are proud to have fought to secure this funding by writing directly to Transportation Secretary Duffy to make the case for why the Delaware River Bridge deserves federal investment,” said Senators John Fetterman and Dave McCormick. “The Delaware River Bridge is not just a Pennsylvania asset; it is a backbone of our national freight and passenger transportation network. This funding will make it safer and more resilient for the commuters, families, and businesses that depend on it every single day.”

The Delaware River Bridge currently carries more than 67,000 vehicles daily, with truck traffic accounting for approximately 16 percent of total volume. Given this heavy demand, the bridge’s existing four-lane configuration is no longer sufficient to meet the capacity needs of the I-95 corridor, one of the busiest and most economically vital highway corridors in the United States. The project will widen the bridge to align with surrounding approach roadways and accommodate projected long-term traffic growth, while also addressing critical infrastructure risk, enhancing travel reliability, improving safety, and bolstering flood resilience.


Fetterman, McCormick Joint Statement on Antisemitism Investigation

BRADDOCK, PA — Today, following Judge Gerald J. Pappert’s ruling that approves the administration’s effort to obtain information on Penn Jewish faculty as part of an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission subpoena, U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Dave McCormick (R-PA) released the following joint statement:

“No student or faculty member should face illegal discrimination based on race, gender, religion, or national origin. We have long spoken out against the despicable treatment Jewish students and faculty have faced since October 7, including on University of Pennsylvania’s campus. We fully support the EEOC investigations into Title VII discrimination.


Senator Hassan Invites New Hampshire Mobile Home Park Residents to Share Their Experiences in Community Survey

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Joint Economic Committee, today launched a community survey to learn more about the experiences of Granite Staters living in mobile home communities. In recent years, as big corporations have bought up more of these communities, reports of exploitative rent increases and neglected facilities have surged. Last December, Senator Hassan launched an investigation into the largest corporate owners of American mobile home parks, pressing the companies for answers on how their business practices affect residents in New England. Responses to the community survey will inform Senator Hassan’s investigation and efforts to improve Granite Staters’ access to safe, affordable housing. Survey responses will remain confidential unless residents provide permission to share their names.

“The residents of New Hampshire’s mobile home communities deserve affordable rent, safe living conditions, and the ability to protect themselves from mistreatment,” said Senator Hassan. “If you live in one of these communities, I would love to hear from you. By completing the survey, you can share your experiences and support our work to protect Granite Staters from being pushed out of their own homes due to rising rents.”


Heinrich, Banks, Duckworth Introduce Legislation to Support Veterans’ Continued Education

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) introduced the Veteran Education Assistance Adjustment Act, bipartisan legislation that will increase veterans’ yearly books and supply stipend to $1,500 to keep up with inflation. The bill also increases the supply stipend for veterans enrolled in apprenticeships and pursuing careers in the trades.

Veterans use the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)’s Post-9/11 GI Bill program to affordably access higher education after their service — including 1,834 New Mexico veterans in 2024. This VA program helps pay for veterans’ tuition, housing allowance, and a $1,000 stipend for books and supplies. Current law adjusts the VA’s maximum payable rates for tuition and housing allowances with inflation, but the $1,000 annual stipend hasn’t been raised since 2008.

“Delivering on America’s promise to service members, veterans, and their families is extremely important to me, and that’s especially true in the face of rising inflation that’s cheapening their hard-earned benefits,” said Heinrich. “That’s why I’m leading this legislation to increase the books and supplies stipend for veterans, to help them get the education they deserve after their military service. I will always support our veterans — while working to lower costs, grow our economy, and connect more New Mexicans to the opportunities and careers they can build their families around.”

“This bipartisan bill ensures veterans’ education benefits keep pace with rising prices and better supports those pursuing careers in the trades. It’s a commonsense step to help our veterans succeed after their service,” said Banks.

“When our veterans hang up their uniform, they deserve our full support as they transition back into civilian life and easy access to the benefits they’ve earned,” said Duckworth. “As inflation continues to rise, the cost of required books, supplies and materials for those pursuing higher education and apprenticeships has also skyrocketed. By increasing the annual books and supplies stipend, we’re helping ensure more veterans can pursue education and training opportunities without being held back by rising costs.”

Today, more than 600,000 veterans using the Post-9/11 GI Bill program are receiving less educational assistance than their fellow veterans did nearly twenty years ago. Heinrich’s Veteran Education Assistance Adjustment Act will ensure all provisions of the Post-9/11 GI Bill keep pace with rising costs.

Specifically, the Veteran Education Assistance Adjustment Act will:

Adjust the base books and supplies stipend to $1,500 by amending current law to stay consistent with the current CPI-U inflation estimate.

It will also require the VA to annually adjust the maximum payable stipend with the CPI-U of the preceding fiscal year.

Adjust the base books and supplies stipend for veterans enrolled in apprenticeships to $128 — consistent with the current CPI-U inflation estimate.

It will also require the VA to annually adjust the maximum payable stipend with the CPI-U of the preceding fiscal year.

Require the VA Secretary to submit an annual report to Congress detailing the latest Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits adjustments, data demonstrating trends in veteran participation and graduation rates from education programs, and the average processing time for veterans applying to receive education benefits.

The Veteran Education Assistance Adjustment Act is endorsed by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA).

“Many of our veterans are working hard to better themselves with continuing education. But despite the GI-bill, they still face financial struggle. This bill would not only correct a long overdue increase, but also ensure future veterans aren't shortchanged. Let's help our veterans to do better, be better,”said James Haddox, State Commander, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of New Mexico.

The text of the bill is here.

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N.M. Delegation Responds to Trump Administration’s New Actions to Undo Protections for the Greater Chaco Region

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) released the following statements regarding the Trump administration’s new actions to eliminate protections for the Greater Chaco Region that safeguard the area from new oil and gas leasing, undoing a 20-year mineral withdrawal that has kept public lands surrounding Chaco Culture National Historical Park off-limits to new development.

Yesterday, the Trump administration committed to conducting an environmental assessment within 90 days and finalizing Tribal consultation on historic preservation within 30 days. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is only granting seven days for organizations and individuals to submit scoping comments before proceeding with the environmental review.

“Chaco Canyon is a living cultural landscape that holds deep historical meaning and is a sacred space for many of our New Mexico Tribes,” said Heinrich, Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and co-founder of the U.S. Senate Stewardship Caucus. “It is not just one more place to drill. The disrespect shown by the Trump administration toward New Mexicans seems to know no bounds.”

“Allowing just seven days for public comment on the fate of a 1,000-year-old sacred site is inadequate and disgraceful. I’ve spent my career working to secure lasting protections for Chaco Canyon and the Greater Chaco Region through real consultation and meaningful public input,” said Luján, a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs.“The Trump administration is doing the opposite — jamming a comment period into Holy Week and limiting public participation to online-only access, all while Pueblos are in the midst of preparations for sensitive cultural activities. This is unacceptable, and I will continue pushing back against this administration’s attempts to undermine Tribal sovereignty.”

“Chaco Canyon is not just a place on a map, it is a sacred, living landscape that carries the history, culture, and identity for many Tribal communities,” said Leger Fernández, Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs. “We secured the protections for the Greater Chaco Region, which includes over 4,700 archaeological sites, through a thorough and inclusive process. The Trump administration’s rushed attempt to roll back the protections blatantly disregards the careful consideration that such a sacred and historical site like Chaco Canyon deserves. The administration is willing to destroy irreplaceable artifacts for a molecule of gas that could be found on other federal lands across the San Juan Basin.”

“Chaco Canyon is sacred. As the Trump administration rushes to push through oil and gas leasing in the greater Chaco Landscape, we know that today’s court decision is insufficient to protect this sacred place alone,” said Stansbury, Member of the House Committee on Natural Resources and Democratic Vice-Chair of the Congressional Native American Caucus. “We need your voices and support to protect Chaco Canyon. This administration’s attempt to push leasing without comprehensive tribal consultation, the dismantling of lawful buffer zones, and a lack of meaningful engagement with communities threatens a landscape that has been home to Pueblo and Diné people for thousands of years, since time immemorial. That’s why we will continue to fight to ensure it is protected for generations to come.”

“This administration continues to show its deep contempt for Indian Country, this time seeking to undo protections for the Chaco Canyon landscape, going against the will of New Mexico’s Pueblos. Chaco is an irreplaceable and sacred landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a place that deserves protection. There are appropriate places to develop oil and gas, and this is not one of them,” said Vasquez.

Located in northwestern New Mexico, the Greater Chaco landscape is a region of great cultural, spiritual, and historical significance to many Pueblos and Tribes that contains living sacred sites. Chaco was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 and is one of only 24 such sites in the United States.

The New Mexico Congressional Delegation has worked tirelessly to permanently protect Chaco Canyon.

Last November, Heinrich, Luján, and Stansbury hosted a press conference with Pueblo leaders on the steps needed to be taken to permanently protect the landscape. Earlier that same month, the N.M. Congressional Delegation sent a letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, urging the Trump administration to reverse course on its decision to initiate the process to fully revoke Public Land Order (PLO) No. 7923, which currently protects the area around Chaco Canyon from oil and gas drilling.

Last September, the N.M. Delegation hosted a press conference in front of the U.S. Capitol with 20 Governors and leaders from the Santa Ana, Picuris, Cochiti, Zia, Tesuque, Acoma, Santo Domingo, and Laguna Pueblos to demand the Trump administration permanently protect Chaco Canyon, and to invite U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to visit the Greater Chaco landscape before deciding its fate. Watch the video of the full press conference here.

Last June, the N.M. Delegation sent a letter initially inviting Secretary Burgum to visit Chaco Canyon before deciding its fate and engage directly with Tribal leaders and local communities to hear directly about the profound cultural and spiritual significance of this sacred landscape. Secretary Burgum issued the directive to begin revoking the protections and decided the fate of Chaco Canyon without experiencing it firsthand. Following Secretary Burgum’s directive, the N.M. Delegation sent aletter urging the Trump administration to reverse course on its decision to initiate the process to fully revoke Chaco Canyon’s protections.

Last April, the N.M. Delegation reintroduced legislation to protect Chaco Canyon and the greater sacred landscape surrounding the Chaco Culture National Historical Park. The legislation was led by Luján in the U.S. Senate and Leger Fernández in the U.S. House of Representatives.


Hoeven Outlines Role of Value-Added Ag in Supporting Stronger Farm Economy

Senator Marks Grand Opening of Pulse Processing Plant

VALLEY CITY, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today marked the grand opening of the Columbia Grain Pulse Processing Plant in Valley City. The 11,000 sq. ft. facility has the capacity to process 40,000 tons of pulse crops per year, including dry edible beans, peas and lentils. Hoeven stressed that value-added investments like this new facility reinforce the state’s role as a leader in pulse production. North Dakota is the nation’s top producer of dry edible beans, with the state’s farmers having grown 423,247 metric tons of this commodity in 2025, while being a leading producer of dry peas and lentils as well.

Hoeven also outlined how such a facility helps to strengthen the farm economy, as it provides a local market for North Dakota’s producers. Supporting value-added agriculture, including through initiatives like year-round E15 sales, is one of the ways the senator is working to expand domestic demand for U.S. agriculture producers. Hoeven further discussed his efforts to:

Secure additional farm assistance, having worked to secure President Trump’s support for the effort, with the president last week calling for the farm aid to be passed as part of a future funding package.

Hoeven is working with Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) to:

Expand the Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) to cover a greater share of producer losses.

Include acres that were prevented from being planted as eligible under FBA.

Expand support for specialty crops and sugar producers.

Increase farm ownership and operating loan limits.

Hoeven stressed that this additional assistance would help ease financial struggles in farm country until the enhancements to crop insurance and ARC/PLC that he worked to secure in the One Big Beautiful Bill come into effect later this year.

“This pulse processing plant is an exciting opportunity for North Dakota farmers, giving them a convenient, local market for the high-quality crops they produce. By expanding domestic demand for U.S.-produced ag commodities, we can make the farm economy more resilient against challenging international market conditions, like our farmers are facing right now,” said Hoeven. “We continue working to get our ag producers through this tough stretch until the enhanced farm safety net provisions we passed in the One Big Beautiful Bill come into full effect in October. President Trump is a vital ally in this effort, and we appreciate his support for moving the assistance package that I’m working to craft with Senate Ag Committee Chairman Boozman.”

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Kaine Statement on Trump’s Iran War Update

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees, released the following statement regarding President Donald Trump’s update on the Iran war:

“Tonight, more than a month into an illegal and unwise war against Iran, President Trump decided to finally attempt to offer the American public an explanation. That attempt fell way short. Having apparently learned nothing from 25 years of tragic wars in the Middle East, Trump started this war on his own—without a clear rationale, without a well-considered plan, without the support of allies, and without the constitutionally-required authorization from Congress. And now, with mounting U.S. casualties, rapidly escalating expense, widening chaos in the region, and economic punishment of Americans already burdened by fast-rising energy, health care and housing prices, the President tries to both claim victory and blame others for his own ineptitude.

“American troops always perform bravely and with distinction. But they have been too often betrayed by poor decision-making by civilian leadership, and this sad pattern is repeating itself here.

“The solution is not more war. It’s time for Congress to end the President’s war-making, remove our troops from harm’s way, restore our ties with allies rather than destroy them, prioritize defense and diplomacy rather than juvenile boasting about war, and finally focus on helping Americans here at home by tackling the affordability crisis.”

Kaine has been a leading voice against unauthorized wars during his time in the Senate. So far this year, Kaine has helped force three votes in the Senate on War Powers Resolutions to block the use of the U.S. Armed Forces for hostilities against Iran. Senate Republicans have blocked each resolution.

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Klobuchar Meets with New Canadian Ambassador to the United States

Senator Klobuchar and Canadian Ambassador Mark Wiseman

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) met with the new Canadian Ambassador to the United States, Mark Wiseman.

“The Ambassador and I had a productive conversation about the key issues facing our countries, including the tariffs that are raising prices throughout Canada and the United States,” said Klobuchar. “Canada is not just Minnesota’s neighbor — they are our number one trading partner and close friend, and I look forward to working with the Ambassador to further strengthen our economic and security ties.”

Last month, Senator Klobuchar met with a delegation of Canadian Members of Parliament who participate in the Canada-U.S. Inter-Parliamentary Group (IPG) and stressed her support for strengthening the United States’ relationship with Canada and her opposition to the administration’s tariffs, which harm American businesses, increase costs, and threaten Minnesota jobs.

Klobuchar, along with Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Raphael Warnock (D-GA), also introduced the Reclaim Trade Powers Act, legislation to end the President’s latest 10 percent tariffs on most goods by repealing Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974.

In February, legislation to repeal President Trump’s International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariffs on Canada was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. In October, similar bipartisan legislation led by Senators Klobuchar, Kaine, Paul and Warner passed the Senate 50-46.

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Chairman Graham Statement on President Trump’s Proposed Timeline for Second Reconciliation Bill

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, today made this statement following President Trump’s request for Congress to pass a second reconciliation bill by June 1 to fully fund U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

“Mr. President, as Senate Budget Committee Chairman, I will work with my fellow Republican committee members to meet your request to have reconciliation done by June 1, fully funding ICE and Border Patrol.

“To the American people: Help is on the way when it comes to making sure ICE and Border Patrol can do their job without being handcuffed by the desires of the Radical Left. I know that Leader Thune and Speaker Johnson share this goal.”

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Luján Statement on President Trump’s Announcement on Iran War

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) issued the following statement on President Trump’s announcement on the Iran War:

“President Trump didn’t have a plan going into this war, and there’s still no credible plan to end it now. The American people did not ask for this conflict, Congress did not authorize it, and this administration has never laid out a clear strategy.

“President Trump dragged our nation into a war that has already cost American lives and put our troops in harm’s way. Now, he is saying the war is ‘nearing completion’ after accomplishing nothing and without taking responsibility for the consequences.

“The war has weakened our alliances, emboldened our adversaries, and driven up costs for families here at home. The American people deserve the truth from the Trump administration.

“My prayers remain with the American service members we have lost, their families, and all those currently serving.”

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