Baldwin, Schumer, Slotkin Call on Trump to Block Chinese Automakers from Jeopardizing American Jobs, National Security

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) called on President Donald Trump to stop Chinese automakers from undercutting American workers and putting our national security at risk. They also called on the President to crack down on the manufacture, sale, or operation of these companies and their vehicles on U.S. soil. The senators’ call comes after President Trump made comments at the Detroit Economic Forum, saying, “Let China come in.” The Senators urged the Trump Administration to take action to prohibit Chinese vehicles manufactured or titled in Canada and Mexico from entering the United States and to work with our allies around the world to address the serious threat posed by Chinese vehicles.

“Allowing automakers headquartered in China, which operate with backing from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), to build and sell vehicles in the United States would have far-reaching consequences for our economic and national security,” wrote the Senators in a letter to President Trump. “We urge you to stay the course and make it clear that Chinese auto manufacturers and their products present unprecedented dangers to our economic and national security, and their manufacture, sale, or operation on U.S. soil is non-negotiable.”

In the letter, the Senators outlined how America’s automakers, and the supply chains they support, are a vital component of our nation’s economic security. The auto industry is critical to the American manufacturing sector and supports an entire manufacturing ecosystem – including steel, semiconductors, and tires – with the industry amounting to approximately 3% to 5% of United States GDP, and 10.95 million jobs.

The Senators argued allowing Chinese automakers to open factories in the United States will only expedite Beijing’s path to global auto industry dominance, while American manufacturing and workers suffer. China’s auto industry has a long-documented history of illegal state subsidies that make it nearly impossible to level the playing field for American workers. Additionally, China has far fewer safeguards for workers who are subjected to the repression of independent labor unions, low wages, and poor working conditions. The Senators warn that allowing Chinese manufacturers to build in America will disrupt and undercut the auto industry supply chains, where for every job on a vehicle assembly line, there are roughly two jobs in the auto parts and supplier network.

Senators Baldwin, Schumer, and Slotkin also noted that Chinese automakers are strengthening their relationships with Canada and Mexico – raising new security concerns and potentially undermining existing trade agreements. Canada recently announced an agreement with China to reduce tariff rates for thousands of Chinese electric vehicles.

The letter also raises concerns about the national security threat of Chinese-made high-tech vehicles, including technology that can connect with systems outside of the vehicle itself, sending information about our infrastructure and built environment to external entities. The lawmakers urged the Trump Administration to maintain, or if possible, accelerate, restrictions on Chinese-made connected vehicles, including commercial vehicles.

“The United States must reaffirm our clear position – that Chinese vehicles of all types and automakers are not welcome to operate here in any capacity. In addition to banning Chinese connected vehicles, we must work with our allies to counter the global threat posed by Chinese vehicles, and we must spur a new generation of automotive innovation to ensure that U.S. auto industry remains the world’s best,” concluded the Senators.

A full version of this letter is available here and below.

Dear Mr. President:

We write to express our objection to the comments you made indicating that you would welcome Chinese automakers setting up shop in the United States. At the Detroit Economic Forum on January 13, you said “Let China come in.” Previous Administrations, including the First Trump Administration, have already made strides addressing the threat of Chinese autos. Allowing automakers headquartered in China, which operate with backing from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), to build and sell vehicles in the United States would have far-reaching consequences for our economic and national security. We urge you to stay the course and make it clear that Chinese auto manufacturers and their products present unprecedented dangers to our economic and national security, and their manufacture, sale, or operation on U.S. soil is non-negotiable. Further, we ask that your Administration take further action to prohibit Chinese vehicles manufactured or titled in Canada and Mexico from entering the United States and work with our allies around the world to address the serious threat posed by Chinese vehicles.

As you know America’s automakers, and the supply chains they support, are a vital component of our nation’s economic strength. The auto industry is critical to our manufacturing sector and supports an entire manufacturing ecosystem, ranging from the steel used in cars, to the semiconductors used in their technology, to the tires they drive on. This amounts to approximately 3% to 5% of United States GDP, and 10.95 million jobs.

We must be clear-eyed that inviting China’s automakers to set up shop in the United States would confer an insurmountable economic advantage impossible for American automakers to overcome, and it would trigger a national security crisis that could never be reversed. China’s automakers do not compete on a level playing field. China’s manufacturing strategy is based on achieving global market dominance built through exploitative and non-market practices across the supply chain, including the repression of independent labor unions, low wages, and nightmarish working conditions. America’s auto industry can compete with peer companies – it cannot compete with a state-backed industrial strategy designed to win at any cost. Allowing China’s automakers to open factories in the United States will only expedite Beijing’s path to global auto industry dominance, while American manufacturing and our workers will pay the price. The Chinese Communist Party’s long-documented state-sponsored use of illegal subsidies eliminates any possibility of a level playing field with the rest of the world. While a new plant opened by a Chinese automaker in the United States may create some assembly and temporary construction jobs, that small number of jobs will not make up for the lasting job loss.

For every job on a vehicle assembly line, there are roughly two jobs in the auto parts and supplier network. Thus, if Chinese auto plants develop a presence in the United States, it will alter supply chains drastically. Because Chinese companies like BYD favor vertically integrated supply chains, the increase of Chinese parts, imports and illegally subsidized Chinese steel would directly displace American jobs and production. It would undermine any effort to support American industry through Section 232 and 301 tariffs and manufacturing incentives. Furthermore, allowing Chinese automakers into the country could encourage circumvention of USMCA through Mexico, where China is already cementing an auto supply chain manufacturing presence.

The idea of allowing Chinese automakers to manufacture and sell in the United States is especially concerning after Canada recently announced an agreement with China to reduce tariff rates for thousands of Chinese electric vehicles. Canada recently lowered duties from 100% to 6.1% under a quota system for 49,000 Chinese-made vehicles per year, rising to 70,000 per year by 2030. At the United States’ urging in 2024, Canada placed a 100% tariff on Chinese automobiles to align trade policy with the U.S. and to preserve our intertwined auto manufacturing sectors. This was an acknowledgement of our mutual border and shared security interests. Now, that shared vision is in jeopardy and demonstrates Canada’s perception that its interests are no longer aligned with the United States - its closest ally and trading partner. While Chinese EVs only represent 3% of the Canadian domestic market, this warning sign is critical to address. In 2024, Chinese brands accounted for 62% of global electric vehicle market share. Their presence is growing rapidly in Mexico as well. Fewer than 500 Chinese EVs and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles were shipped to Mexico in 2021, but in 2025, that number reached nearly 100,000 with Chinese automaker BYD accounting for 84% of Mexico’s EV imports.

The threat to national security posed by the presence of China’s automakers in the United States is grave. The ICTS Connected Vehicle rule appropriately recognized that modern vehicles contain technology that can connect with systems outside of the vehicle itself, sending information about our infrastructure and built environment to external entities. If these vehicles are driven near military sites, government buildings, or power stations, sensitive information could easily be gathered and make its way to the Chinese Communist Party and the People’s Liberation Army. Furthermore, connected vehicles can be controlled remotely, adding an additional layer of security risk. Recently, a public transit operator in Norway found that buses made by Chinese manufacturer Yutong were able to be shut down remotely by the manufacturer. China banned Teslas and other foreign-made EVs from being driven near government buildings for their own national security purposes, which was lifted only after passing China’s internal data security tests. It is imperative we continue to use the ICTS Connected Vehicle rule to address the national security risk posed by connected vehicles.

Additionally, China’s automakers and suppliers participate in the People’s Liberation Army’s military-civil fusion strategy, meaning their commercial activities and research support and subsidize the activities of the Chinese military. China emphasizes the development of dual-use technology and integrates civil and military supply chains, to a degree where they are inseparable. The proceeds from each Chinese auto sale will go toward sustaining an industrial base and R&D system that the People’s Liberation Army could employ in a future conflict with the United States. Facilitating further Chinese incorporation into our supply chains, and those of our allies, creates vulnerabilities and choke points that could cripple domestic industries. The United States must continue to build domestic manufacturing capacity and create resilient supply chains like those for semiconductors and critical minerals, and reduce reliance on our adversaries. Inviting China’s automakers to enter the country would do the exact opposite.

In February, the Department of Defense named BYD as a Chinese military company under Section 1260H, then withdrew the designation from public view almost immediately, without explanation. That reversal illustrates the risks of delay and indecision. The Administration should move without hesitation to designate BYD and other Chinese automakers as military-connected entities and ensure those findings are not subject to quiet reversal.

Lastly, a key component of China’s strategy for global economic dominance is its abominable treatment of workers. The country’s history of labor repression is underpinned by state-sanctioned forced labor, suppression of wages, the lack of collective bargaining, and state-controlled labor unions. The use of state-sanctioned forced labor in China’s automotive industry and related supply chains, combined with these poor labor conditions, provide an insurmountable economic advantage through exploitation. At BYD’s Changsha plant, workers earn the equivalent of $2 per hour. Even outside of China, BYD has been found to have employing conditions similar to forced labor in a plant in Brazil. The Administration must work eliminate forced labor and other exploitative labor conditions from our supply chains, not invite known offenders to do business.

These existential threats are why in 2025 the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security issued a final rule to restrict the import and sale of certain connected vehicles and related hardware/software linked to Chinese connected vehicles to the United States, beginning in Model Year 2027. We urge your Administration to maintain, or if possible accelerate, this timeline and expand these connected vehicle restrictions to commercial vehicles. The United States must reaffirm our clear position – that Chinese vehicles of all types and automakers are not welcome to operate here in any capacity. In addition to banning Chinese connected vehicles, we must work with our allies to counter the global threat posed by Chinese vehicles, and we must spur a new generation of automotive innovation to ensure that U.S. auto industry remains the world’s best.

Thank you for your consideration of this urgent matter.

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Senator Banks Praises President Trump’s Budget for Indianapolis VA Hospital

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.), a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee and an Afghanistan veteran, released the following statement praising President Trump’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget which includes $1.98 billion to build a new VA Medical Center in Indianapolis with an 840,000 square-foot bed tower to fulfill acute care requirements, multi-specialty clinic, primary care, and utility infrastructure:

Sen. Banks: “This is a big win for Indianapolis. I was proud to lead the fight for this funding as a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee and am grateful for President Trump and Secretary Collins’ support of our Hoosier veterans.”

Link to budget here.

Senator Banks asked secretary Collins for a commitment on funding this project at his confirmation hearing in January of last year.

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Blackburn Sounds the Alarm on Planned Parenthood Offering Cosmetic Injections and Procedures as a Tax-Exempt Organization

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) sent a letter to Robert Malone, Director of Exempt Organizations and Government Entities at the Internal Revenue Service, regarding Planned Parenthood offering neurotoxin injections similar to Botox and other aesthetic treatments while maintaining its tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status. In the letter, Senator Blackburn asked the IRS to examine whether this use of tax-exempt status to generate new revenue streams complies with federal nonprofit and grant-funding requirements.

Planned Parenthood Justified Offering Neurotoxin Injections by Saying Clients Should Have “What [They] Need to Feel Good”

“I write to draw your attention to a concerning article describing—and in some respects even promoting—efforts by Planned Parenthood affiliates to ‘attract a new clientele’ by offering neurotoxin injections similar to Botox and other aesthetic treatments while operating as tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organizations. Planned Parenthood Mar Monte in Northern California—the organization’s largest affiliate—now operates a dedicated aesthetics program, marking a significant shift from the organization’s claim to be a charitable health care organization providing public health services. This expansion to aesthetics, according to Planned Parenthood Mar Monte Chief Medical Operating Officer Dr. Laura Dalton, ‘is an alignment with what Planned Parenthood stands for… You decide what is best for you, and what you need to feel good, and to feel like your body is what you want it to be.’”

After Republicans Cut Planned Parenthood’s Federal Funding, the Organization Is Now Pushing Cosmetic Services to ‘Keep Its Doors Open’


Blumenthal & Schiff Lead Bipartisan Amicus Brief in Support of Law Firms Challenging Trump Administration's Coercive Executive Orders

[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Adam Schiff (D-CA), members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today filed an amicus brief in support of Perkins Coie, Jenner & Block, WilmerHale, and Susman Godfrey, which are challenging the Trump Administration’s Executive Orders targeting them for representing clients and hiring lawyers President Trump dislikes. U.S. Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Chris Coons (D-DE), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Chuck Hagel, former Secretary of Defense and Republican Senator, joined Blumenthal and Schiff in filing the brief.

In the brief, the Senators warn that the Administration’s Executive Orders infringe on Senators’ First Amendment rights: “The Executive Orders stifle speech and distort public discourse. If opposing perspectives are targeted by the state, the First Amendment’s promise of a free marketplace of ideas is hollow. The voices of Senators—individually and collectively—must not be silenced or sidelined through fear or intimidation.”

The Senators also raised concerns that the Administration’s Executive Orders violate the Separation of Powers: “In our tripartite system of government, the legislative branch must be able to participate meaningfully in disputes implicating the powers of the federal government. When the Executive chills law firms from taking on politicized work, it undermines the ability of the legislature to check the Executive.”

“By interfering with the legislature’s ability to obtain independent legal assistance, the Orders strike at the heart of the constitutional framework. This Court should affirm the district court’s conclusion that such conduct is inconsistent with the structure of the federal government,” the Senators concluded.

In the lawsuit filed by the four firms, four separate district court judges issued orders enjoining enforcement of the Executive Orders, holding that the Executive Orders violated various constitutional provisions and were unenforceable. The government has appealed in each of the four cases to the D.C. Circuit. Although the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) moved to withdraw the appeals on March 2, 2026, President Trump reportedly personally intervened to order the DOJ to reverse its position and continue the appeals, which it did the following day.

As Ranking Member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, Blumenthal, along with Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin (D-MD), demanded answers from top law firms that struck deals with the White House in order to avoid President Trump’s Executive Orders targeting the firms.

Blumenthal, Raskin, and Schiff have also repeatedly pressed top law firms for information regarding pro bono legal services they are providing to President Trump’s pet causes after the firms submitted to the Trump Administration’s threats of unlawful and unconstitutional Executive Orders and sham investigations. Schiff, Blumenthal, and Raskin have also pressed a top law firm for answers on the involvement of Boris Epshteyn—President Trump’s legal fixer and a co-conspirator to overturn the 2020 presidential election—in cutting deals with the firm to provide free legal services to the Trump Administration.

The amicus brief can be found here.

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Senator Blumenthal: Week in Review 3/27/2026-4/3/2026

Slamming Trump Cuts Making it More Difficult to File Taxes

[Hartford, CT] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) joined advocates to slam cuts by the Trump Administration that are making filing taxes more challenging this year. Last fall, the Trump Administration announced it was ending the free Direct File program following pressure from commercial tax preparation software companies. The program allowed taxpayers to file their taxes online, for free and directly with the federal government. Blumenthal is co-sponsoring legislation to make the program permanent.

“Direct File was a tremendous boost for lower- and middle-income tax filers. And unfortunately, the Trump Administration eliminated it. Why? Because of pressure from the giant tax preparing industry—companies like TurboTax and H&R Block, big Trump donors, wanted to make more money from people filing taxes through them. Trump eliminated Direct File, costing Americans potentially $23 billion this year, which would have been the savings from a fully operative Direct File program. That’s disgraceful at a time when people are already hit with rising costs in food and fuel, and now to have to pay hundreds of dollars to file their taxes is both insult and injury,” said Blumenthal at the press conference.

Blumenthal further slammed the Trump Administration’s cuts to Direct File on Twitter/X.

“Filing your taxes is painful—& Trump is making it more so. Cruelly & stupidly, Trump has eliminated Direct File (costless, simple, easy, quick) & fired one-third of IRS’s workforce. Hence, there are more expenses to file, fewer IRS staff to answer questions, longer waits for refunds, more maddening run around. Direct File was a free, straightforward tax filing option, but Trump sold out American taxpayers to appease the big tax preparation software companies that lobbied against the program. I’m demanding it be restored. Americans are required to pay taxes, so the federal gov should provide an easy, low cost option to do so. Cancelling Direct File was stupid & hurts hundreds of thousands of Americans who used it. Big tax preparers charge $150 or more to file your taxes—unaffordable for many. Ahead of Tax Day on April 15, I’ve demanded the IRS ensure they are fully prepared for tax season. Trump slashed 27% of their workforce last year—leading to long wait times, delayed refunds & poor customer service. American tax payers deserve better from the IRS—not a crippled agency struggling to deliver on their sole purpose,” wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X.

Blumenthal 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.

“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.

Combatting Surging Youth Sports Betting

Blumenthal joined Southington High School students for a roundtable discussion on the risks of sports betting among young people. As sports betting continues to expand rapidly across the United States, concerns are growing about its accessibility and impact on adolescents. According to a recent poll by the National Council on Problem Gambling, 1 in 3 young adults report betting on sports before they turn 21. Blumenthal will emphasize the urgent need for stronger consumer protections and highlight student-led efforts to raise awareness in their community.

Blumenthal leads several bills that would establish significant safeguards on the betting industry and protect consumers from harms including the Supporting Affordability and Fairness with Every Bet (SAFE Bet) Act, legislation designed to create nationwide standards for the mobile sports gambling industry, and the Gambling Addiction Recovery, Investment and Treatment (GRIT) Act which would repurpose 50 percent of the 0.25 percent excise tax levied on sports betting revenue and dedicate it to gambling addiction treatment and research. Blumenthal introduced the Prediction Markets Security and Integrity Act, legislation to prevent abuse and fraud in prediction markets, earlier this month.

“We have become a betting society. Literally—people bet on everything. They were betting on whether the United States would bomb Iran. And on the evening before the Saturday we bombed Iran, there was a spike in prediction market betting. So, somebody was talking, which is a break of security. There is a national security issue,” said Blumenthal at the roundtable.

“We are in the midst of an addiction crisis in this country. The perfect storm is the combination of technology and big corporations and new kinds of means of profiting that have created all kinds of opportunities for exploitation of people’s vulnerability,” continued Blumenthal.

Blumenthal further highlighted the need to combat the surge of sports betting among young people on Twitter/X.

“The pervasive spread of sports betting is leading to addiction, personal bankruptcies, & mental health challenges. I'm proud to see young people speaking out on this rapidly growing issue impacting communities in CT & across the country,” wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X.

Investigating Big Tech’s Efforts to Conceal Impact of Energy-Guzzling Data Centers

Blumenthal, Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, wrote to public utility regulators in all 50 states seeking documents and information regarding non-disclosure agreements or other restrictions on the public disclosure of data centers’ energy usage, water access, infrastructure strain, or related environmental and economic effects. Following public reporting that data center owners and their clients have sought to limit state and local officials’ ability to share information about the impact of data centers, Blumenthal is raising concerns that Big Tech is preventing the public from having full transparency over data centers’ burden on communities.

In his letters to public utility regulators, Blumenthal highlighted the increased cost and strain data centers have imposed on consumers: “Consumers have shouldered the cost from new demand and modernization in terms of higher bills and increased risks of blackouts and other failures. Since January, families have seen the average price of household energy climb by ten percent. In regions near new data centers, residential retail energy rates are projected to further increase between 30% and 60% in the next five years. These sharp increases can have a devastating impact on consumers who must make significant sacrifices just to keep the lights on.”

Blumenthal continued, “Facing grassroots, community-based opposition, Big Tech companies and data center owners have sought to conceal the impact of their operations, while engaging in a public relations campaign to improve their image and lobbying to block efforts to hold them accountable for their costs.”

Blumenthal pointed to reported examples of Big Tech using non-disclosure agreements to conceal the impact and scale of data centers across the country: “Also alarmingly, data center operators have reportedly used non-disclosure agreements to limit state and local officials’ ability to share information about the scale and impact of proposed data centers, even the name of the owner and partners involved. For example, in Arizona, Amazon sought to restrict a member of the Pima County Board of Supervisors from discussing details of a controversial $3.6 billion data center. Researchers from the University of Mary Washington found that in Virginia localities where a data center could be identified, the vast majority (25 out of 31) of local governments are operating under an NDA, often broadly limiting disclosure of basic information such as the number of data centers planned and the size of those projects.”

“American families deserve full transparency over Big Tech’s expansion of data centers across the country and in their communities, and public officials should be able to hold operators accountable for their use of electricity and water. Regulators should actively provide the public with any non-disclosure agreements requested or required by data center operators without delay,” Blumenthal concluded.

Copies of Blumenthal’s letters to all 50 public utility regulators are available here.

Joining Community Members in the Fight Against Gun Violence

Blumenthal joined advocates in Hartford to host a roundtable on the most effective strategies to prevent gun violence. Last month, seven people died by gun violence in Hartford and a 14-year-old boy was injured in a shooting. Just last week, four people including a 4-year-old, 12-year-old and their mother were killed during a domestic violence incident in Plainville. These tragic deaths underscore the urgent need for Congress to pass common sense gun violence prevention legislation and the continued need to invest in community organizations working to prevent these tragedies.

Blumenthal urged passage of a number of gun violence prevention initiatives including his Ethan’s Law, to require safe storage of firearms, and his Extreme Risk Protection Order Expansion Act of 2025, legislation to prevent people who are in crisis from accessing deadly weapons. Blumenthal also co-sponsors bills to provide comprehensive funding to community violence intervention groups. expand background checks, establish a federal Office of Gun Violence Prevention, and crack down on 3D printed ghost guns.

“The work against gun violence has to involve the community, and the champions that we have at this table represent a community—different parts of this community—that are essential to winning this fight against gun violence. There is a lot of reason to be discouraged in this political climate. But we can’t afford despair. We don’t have the luxury of defeatism. We have to continue this fight. The tragedies that we see every day in this country are unnecessary, they’re preventable, they are unconscionable, and we need to have the courage and strength and passion to continue this fight in a tough time,” said Blumenthal at the roundtable.

Blumenthal further amplified the important work of the advocates in pushing for fun violence reforms on Twitter/X.

“Inspiring meeting with members of our community tirelessly working to combat the scourge of gun violence,” wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X.

Blumenthal Bulletin

Blumenthal reacted to Trump’s address giving no clear explanation for or update on the war in Iran.

Blumenthal demanded answers from the SEC Chairman over preferential treatment of Trump Crypto backers.

Blumenthal introduced a bill to bolster GI Bill benefits for veterans and their families.

Blumenthal released a statement on the $3.8 billion contract for RTX.

Blumenthal held Markwayne Mullin to his nomination hearing promise that he will overturn ICE policy allowing agents to forcibly enter without a judicial warrant.

Blumenthal pressed Binance on potential misrepresentations regarding money laundering and terrorist financing.

Blumenthal released a statement on the firing of Pam Bondi as Attorney General.

Blumenthal released a statement on the $1.3 billion contract for Electric Boat.

Blumenthal joined John Heilemann to discuss DHS funding and reforms for ICE, the draconian SAVE Act, and Trump’s war of choice in Iran.

Blumenthal celebrated the UConn men’s and women’s basketball teams for making it to the Final Four in the NCAA March Madness tournament.

Blumenthal attended the Connecticut Manufacturing, Engineering, and Technology Career Fair.

Blumenthal attended the Connecticut Construction Career Day.

Blumenthal called out the Department of Justice’s Office of Inspector General regarding reports that the IG had ignored at least 20 different requests to scrutinize misconduct.

Blumenthal visited the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station to highlight the risk of tick-borne diseases.

Blumenthal visited the Connecticut Workforce Summit.

Blumenthal celebrated Passover.

Blumenthal joined No Kings rallies in Hartford, Niantic, Westport, Stamford, and Greenwich.

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Capito Announces $65 Million for Kanawha County Bridges

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, announced $65 million in US Department of Transportation (DOT) funding for the West Virginia Division of Highways’ (WVDOH) West Kanawha Bridge Bundle. This funding will support the full replacement of the Dunbar Toll Bridge and the rehabilitation of the Kanawha Turnpike I-64 Overpass in Kanawha County, West Virginia. The $65 million grant was awarded through the DOT’s Competitive Highway Bridge Program (CHBP), which Chairman Capito funded as part of the fiscal years 2024 and 2025 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) appropriations bills.

“I am pleased that funding from the bridge program that I helped establish during the appropriations process will support the much-needed replacement of the Dunbar Toll Bridge as part of the West Kanawha Bridge Bundle project. I extend my gratitude to Secretary Duffy for awarding these important federal funds, which will improve safety and the movement of people and goods across the Kanawha Valley. I am proud to see this funding come to WVDOH to support their continued efforts to upgrade our state’s bridges and I look forward to continuing to partner with the Trump Administration to deliver more infrastructure wins for our state,” Chairman Capito said.

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Capito Releases Easter Statement

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) released the following statement ahead of the Easter holiday on Sunday:

“Easter has always been one of my favorite times of the year because it fills our hearts with a deeper sense of love and gratitude for the Lord. I hope that everyone is able to spend this special time with family and friends, giving thanks for the many blessings we share. However you choose to celebrate—whether it be church worship, easter egg hunts, or a quiet dinner with loved ones, don’t forget to take a moment reflect, give thanks, and rejoice in the hope and joy of this Easter season.”

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Senator Coons statement on President Trump’s $1.5 trillion defense budget request

WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) released the following statement in response to President Trump’s unprecedented $1.5 trillion defense budget request:

“President Trump’s proposed Pentagon budget misunderstands what our nation and our military need. It makes clear what we’ve all seen with the war of choice in Iran: President Trump and Secretary Hegseth are in way over their heads.

“As Americans face climbing grocery and gas prices, the last thing they need is President Trump making life even more expensive to pay for a 44% increase in military funding for foreign wars – all while he claims, ‘it’s not possible for us to take care of day care, Medicaid, [and] Medicare.’ We can and should ensure our warfighters have the munitions and materiel they need to keep us safe, and I am committed to delivering for them a well-deserved pay raise. However, this request defies the bounds of what is needed for those important concerns. It seems the real reason for this $1.5 trillion request is that the president thought of the highest number he could fathom and then tweeted it. That’s it. That is not a reasonable justification.

“The department seems to be doubling down on its mistakes from last year’s chaotic and mismanaged defense appropriations process. As the ranking Democrat on defense appropriations, I hope that this year’s request is more timely, detailed, and provides real justifications for their spending. It’s what the American people and our service members deserve.”

Senator Coons is the ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense.


Cortez Masto, Gonzalez, FWD.us, and Impacted Families Call on DHS to Protect DACA and End Renewal Delays

FTPs for TV stations is available here.

Las Vegas, Nev. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Representative Vicente Gonzalez (D-Texas-34), impacted families, and advocates joined FWD.us on a press call to highlight growing delays in Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) renewal processing and call for immediate action from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Earlier this year, Senator Cortez Masto led 40 of Democratic Senators in demanding DHS reduce delays in processing DACA renewal applications and highlighting how renewal backlogs can push otherwise eligible individuals out of the workforce simply because their applications are not adjudicated in time.

“President Trump is going after mothers, fathers, sons and daughters who have only known this country as their home,” said U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto. “To make things worse, the Trump administration has made it even harder for DACA recipients to renew their status. It can’t go on like this. That’s why I’m demanding that this administration protect DACA recipients who have done everything right and address these unacceptable backlogs.”

“In addition to the growing delays and the slow walking of DACA renewal protections, there has been a growing pattern from this Administration over the last year of operating outside the norms of the law to rip families apart,” said Congressman Vicente Gonzalez. “Individuals protected by law and doing it the ‘right way,’ as many demand they do, are being unjustly targeted and detained. They are our friends, family, and neighbors who hold work authorizations, strive to build stable lives, and have often called our nation home for longer than their nation of origin. I will continue fighting to hold a rogue ICE agency accountable while ensuring we live up to our promise to DACA recipients to live and contribute to our society without the fear of removal.”

Across the country, DACA recipients are facing increasing challenges. Reports of detention – and in some cases, deportation – alongside severe delays in renewal processing are disrupting lives and creating widespread uncertainty. Families are experiencing the consequences of these harmful practices firsthand. DACA recipients who have followed the rules and submitted timely renewals are being detained. In many instances, their DACA is then expiring while they are in detention. Earlier this year, DHS reported that more than 260 DACA recipients were detained last year and at least 86 were deported.

Many of these individuals have struggled with timely renewals, like Juan Sebastian Chavez Velasco, who has been in detention since February 18 after being arrested while driving to visit his newborn U.S. citizen daughter in the NICU. Juan submitted his renewal in November, but his DACA expired on March 10 while he remained in detention, separated from his family. His wife, Stephanie, spoke on the call.

“My husband did everything he was asked to do,” said Stephanie Villareal. “He applied on time, followed the rules, and built a life here with our family. But because of these delays, his status expired while he was in detention, and now our children are left asking why their dad is not home. These delays are not just paperwork. They are separating families who did everything right. We are asking for the system to work the way it is supposed to.”

Brenda Peña, whose husband Jahasiel Peña Enriquez had been detained since January and was just released on April 1, described the toll these delays are taking on her family and children.

“They saw proof that my husband had valid DACA and had already submitted his renewal,” said Brenda Peña. “They ignored it and took him anyway. Last night, after everything our family had ensured, he was released. We are incredibly relieved that my husband is finally home with us. But the damage of this experience cannot be undone. Now the urgency has shifted. The pressure is on to ensure that his DACA renewal is resolved as soon as possible. His protection depends on it. Our family’s stability depends on it. We cannot go through this again.”

“Just weeks ago, I did not know if I would make it home or see my daughter again. I went to an immigration appointment believing I was moving forward toward stability. Instead, I was detained and taken from my child without warning,” said Maria de Jesús Estrada Juárez, a DACA recipient who was unlawfully deported and recently returned to the U.S. following a federal judge’s ruling. “My renewal is still pending. My future is still uncertain. I am fighting for my daughter and for others facing the same reality. Across the country, DACA recipients are facing long delays and being detained or deported like me despite having protection. When renewals stall, people can lose status through no fault of their own and are put at risk of detention and separation. This is not just a bureaucratic failure. It is harming families and spreading fear,” she continued.

“DACA recipients are part of the backbone of our workforce, contributing across industries and communities in every part of the country,” said Todd Schulte, President of FWD.us. “When the government fails to process renewals on time, it creates instability that families and employers cannot plan for or absorb. These are individuals who followed the rules, submitted their applications on time, and are now being separated from their families because of attacks on immigrants with work authorizations and processing delays entirely outside of their control. DHS must immediately ensure that DACA recipients are protected, and red tape doesn’t result in family separation.”

The first and only Latina senator, Senator Cortez Masto has consistently supported immigrant communities in Nevada, calling on both the Biden Administration and Trump Administration to protect Dreamers, TPS holders and other immigrants. Cortez Masto has worked to pass meaningful immigration reform that balances critical border security measures with a path to citizenship for Dreamers. She is also leading legislation to allow DACA recipients to work in Congress.

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Duckworth, Collins Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Eliminate Unfair Out-of-Pocket Health Care Costs for Veterans

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC)—and U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced bipartisan legislation that would eliminate out-of-pocket costs that Veterans are disproportionately forced to pay for preventative health care services they’ve earned through their military service. The Senators’ bipartisan Copay Fairness for Veterans Act would align the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) preventive health requirements with industry standards by removing the harmful copayment requirements for preventive health services. Under current law, Veterans covered by the VA are virtually the only group in the country who must pay out-of-pocket copayments for their preventative health care.

“After all they’ve done to serve our nation, it’s unacceptable that Veterans covered by the VA are uniquely singled out and forced to pay out-of-pocket for preventative health care,” said Duckworth. “There’s no reason these copayments should be covered for nearly every ACA patient but not for our heroes. Our bipartisan legislation would eliminate these costs and help ensure VA patients are treated more fairly in the health care market.”

“Preventive care helps veterans stay healthy and catch serious conditions early, before they become more difficult and costly to treat,” said Senator Collins. “This bipartisan legislation would eliminate unnecessary copayments for preventive services and make it easier for veterans to access the high-quality health care they have earned through their service to our country.”

Current law requires patients of the VA to make copayments for certain preventative health services and prescription drugs. In contrast, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires most private insurers to pay for preventative services without any out-of-pocket costs to the patient—and servicemembers and military retirees who use TRICARE also don’t have to pay these fees. Veterans covered by the VA are uniquely singled out and forced to foot the bill for these costs.

The Copay Fairness for Veterans Act would address this problem by:

Eliminating Veteran copays for preventative health medications and services;

Aligning prescription copayment standards for Veterans with private industry and military-retiree standards; and

Ensuring access to any contraceptive approved, granted or cleared by the Food and Drug Administration without a copay.

The legislation is endorsed by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), American Legion and Disabled American Veterans.

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

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Duckworth Demands DHS Rescind Noem’s Reckless ‘Shoes On’ Airport Screening Policy that Watchdog Says ‘Created a New Security Vulnerability’

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—Ranking Member of the Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST) Aviation Subcommittee—today demanded the Trump Administration rescind former Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem’s dangerous policy that allows travelers to keep their shoes on at airport security screening checkpoints even after the DHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) finding that the policy “created a new security vulnerability in the system.” The Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) standard policy that requires all passengers to remove their shoes was implemented after the failed “Shoe Bomber” terrorist attack in 2001, when a man successfully snuck an explosive onto a plane by hiding it in his shoe. In fact, if he had been able to detonate his explosive during the flight, it would have killed all 197 passengers and the flight crew.

“Secretary Noem’s decision to implement a shoes on policy on July 8, 2025, likely without meaningful consultation with TSA, was a reckless act,” wrote Duckworth. “The DHS Inspector General conducted covert testing that reportedly found certain TSA Advanced Imaging Technology full body scanners ‘can’t scan shoes’—leading DHS OIG to determine, ‘Noem’s policy move had inadvertently created a new security vulnerability in the system.’”

Duckworth’s demand comes after she learned from the DHS OIG that DHS has ignored and refused to address the concerns the OIG raised after a covert audit revealed “significant safety and security” concerns within the TSA’s airport security screening.

“When investigators covertly tested the effectiveness of TSA’s airport checkpoint security screening at preventing threat items from being brought onto commercial aircraft, a significant finding was uncovered that warranted Inspector General Joseph Cuffari issuing a Seven-Day Letter on August 26, 2025, to Secretary Noem notifying the Secretary of its time-sensitive significant finding that required swift corrective action,” continued Duckworth. “Secretary Noem’s subsequent failure to direct DHS to engage DHS OIG on the substance of the Seven-Day Letter was outrageous, unacceptable and dangerous to the flying public.”

In her letter to TSA, Duckworth underscored how DHS’s deliberate inaction violates federal law, Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidance and DHS’s own directives—and that TSA must reverse Noem’s reckless policy immediately for the safety of the flying public.

“Allowing a potentially catastrophic security deficiency to remain in place for seven months and counting betrays TSA’s mission,” Duckworth emphasized. “At a minimum, TSA’s failure to swiftly implement corrective action warrants the immediate withdrawal of Secretary Noem’s reckless and dangerous policy that increases the risk of a terrorist smuggling a dangerous item onto a flight.”

A copy of the letter can be found on the Senator’s website and below:

Dear Ms. McNeill:

I demand that you immediately rescind former Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem’s policy forcing the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to allow travelers to keep their shoes on at airport security screening checkpoints despite credible and disturbing reports that covert testing conducted during a performance audit identified serious findings with significant safety and security implications for the traveling public.

TSA’s policy of requiring all passengers to remove their shoes originated with the failed “Shoe Bomber” terrorist attack. This incident occurred on December 22, 2001, when Richard Reid attempted to detonate improvised explosive devices (IEDs) hidden in his shoes during a Miami bound flight. Had Reid succeeded in detonating the IEDs concealed in his shoes, the explosives likely would have blown a hole in the fuselage and caused the plane to crash, killing all 197 passengers and the flight crew.

Secretary Noem’s decision to implement a shoes on policy on July 8, 2025, likely without meaningful consultation with TSA, was a reckless act. According to reporting by The Wall Street Journal, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) conducted covert testing that found certain TSA Advanced Imaging Technology full body scanners “can’t scan shoes”—leading DHS OIG to determine, “Noem’s policy move had inadvertently created a new security vulnerability in the system.”

According to DHS OIG, when investigators covertly tested the effectiveness of TSA’s airport checkpoint security screening at preventing threat items from being brought onto commercial aircraft, a significant finding was uncovered that warranted Inspector General Joseph Cuffari issuing a Seven-Day Letter on August 26, 2025, to Secretary Noem notifying the Secretary of its time-sensitive significant finding that required swift corrective action. Secretary Noem’s subsequent failure to direct DHS to engage DHS OIG on the substance of the Seven-Day Letter was outrageous, unacceptable and dangerous to the flying public.

Secretary Noem’s shoes on policy remains in effect—despite President Donald Trump publicly announcing the firing of Secretary Noem on March 5, 2026 (effective at the end of March). It is unclear, at best, whether DHS and TSA took any action to address the alarming security findings uncovered during covert field testing of TSA’s effectiveness at preventing dangerous items from being smuggled onto commercial aircraft.

Such inaction violates Federal law, Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidance and DHS’s own directives requiring that TSA provide a Management Decision with planned corrective actions and target completion dates within 90 days after OIG’s final report is transmitted—in this case by January 30, 2026.

While under oath, you testified to Congress that you had read the DHS OIG final report in November 2025 and that you concurred with the findings and recommendations. Yet, it appears TSA not only failed to submit the Management Decision within 90 days of DHS OIG transmitting its final report but also has, to this day, still failed to comply with a critically important statutory requirement, OMB guidance and DHS directives.

Allowing a potentially catastrophic security deficiency to remain in place for seven months and counting betrays TSA’s mission. At a minimum, TSA’s failure to swiftly implement corrective action warrants the immediate withdrawal of Secretary Noem’s reckless and dangerous policy that increases the risk of a terrorist smuggling a dangerous item onto a flight.

Secretary Noem’s willingness to gamble the American people’s security in an unsuccessful attempt to boost her popularity was, and remains, a stunning failure of leadership—particularly following President Trump’s decision to launch an unconstitutional war of choice against Iran that DHS has determined, “is causing a heightened threat environment in the United States.” I demand you immediately rescind the dangerous TSA policy that former Secretary Noem recklessly implemented, until the agency implements comprehensive corrective action and the DHS OIG tests and verifies that the updates effectively address the significant findings uncovered during covert field testing.

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Fetterman Requests Increased Federal Support Ahead of NFL Draft in Pittsburgh

BRADDOCK, PA – Last week, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) penned a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin requesting a heightened federal security designation ahead of the National Football League (NFL) draft hosted in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

“The NFL Draft is one of the most iconic sporting events held each year. It draws football fans from around the country to cheer on the newest members of their favorite teams. The Draft is historically rooted in Pennsylvania,” wrote Senator Fetterman. “This is the first time since 1948 that the NFL will host the Draft in Pittsburgh. It is expected to draw well over 700,000 fans to open-air events in Point State Park and Acrisure Stadium, and more than 50 million viewers are expected to tune in to watch the Draft on television or online.”

The Department of Homeland Security initially designated the 2026 NFL Draft as a Level 3 Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) event. Due to the changing threat environment in the wake of war in Iran, Senator Fetterman requested that the Department elevate it to a Level 2 SEAR event. This designation would provide greater coordination and deployment of federal, state, and local law enforcement, as well as counter-drone support, K9 units, and intelligence analysis and sharing.

“Increasing the SEAR designation for the Draft will help ensure that additional resources are deployed to keep participants and fans secure and able to enjoy the Draft without fear,” continued the senator.

Read the full text of the letter below and here.

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Dear Secretary Mullin:

I urge the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to elevate the Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) for the National Football League’s 2026 Draft in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to ensure the safety of participants and fans at the event.

The NFL Draft is one of the most iconic sporting events held each year. It draws football fans from around the country to cheer on the newest members of their favorite teams. The Draft is historically rooted in Pennsylvania. After Philadelphia Eagles co-owner Bert Bell proposed the idea to level the playing field between franchises in 1935, the first NFL Draft was held at the Philadelphia Ritz-Carlton in 1936. This year’s Draft is a three-day event that will take place from April 23 to April 25. This is the first time since 1948 that the NFL will host the Draft in Pittsburgh. It is expected to draw well over 700,000 fans to open-air events in Point State Park and Acrisure Stadium, and more than 50 million viewers are expected to tune in to watch the Draft on television or online.

Previously, DHS designated the Draft a Level 3 SEAR event, but I urge DHS to elevate it to a Level 2 SEAR event given the changing threat environment in the wake of the war in Iran. A Level 2 designation would provide greater coordination and deployment of federal, state, and local law enforcement, as well as counter-drone support, K9 units, and intelligence analysis and sharing. Increasing the SEAR designation for the Draft will help ensure that additional resources are deployed to keep participants and fans secure and able to enjoy the Draft without fear.

I thank you for your consideration and look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,


Gillibrand Secures $7.4 Million To Increase MTA Safety And Security

Senator Gillibrand’s New Federal Program Cuts Red Tape, Allowing MTA and Large Urban Transit Authorities Nationwide to Use Federal Funding for Security Personnel and Crisis Intervention for the First Time

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, announced she secured $7,443,750 in federal funding for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to bolster public safety across New York’s transit system.

The funding is part of a groundbreaking $15 million national program authored by Senator Gillibrand in the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bill that was passed by Congress and signed into law earlier this year. Unlike traditional federal transit funding, this initiative would allow large urban transit agencies to use federal dollars for security-related operating expenses.

“Every New Yorker deserves to feel safe the moment they step onto a subway platform or board a bus,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Federal rules tie the hands of our largest transit authorities when it comes to using federal money for operating expenses that would keep riders safe. This new federal program provides $7.4 million for safer, more reliable commutes for New Yorkers, while ensuring that the MTA has the support and tools it needs to increase safety measures on our public transportation system.”

“With support from Governor Hochul and the NYPD, we’ve driven subway crime down to well below pre-COVID levels,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “The funding increase secured by Senator Gillibrand will help ensure that progress continues, and we thank her for leading on this important bipartisan issue. Transit safety matters for all New Yorkers.”

Existing Federal Transit Administration (FTA) programs for large urban transit systems, like MTA, limit funding to activities like purchasing and installing cameras, lighting, and bus driver shields. Senator Gillibrand’s new program changes that. The $7,443,750 allocation can now be used by MTA for:

Dedicated Security Personnel: Salaries for staff exclusively focused on system-wide security.

Crisis Intervention: Funding for mental health specialists and Subway Co-Response Outreach Teams (SCOUT).

Contracted Security: Professional security services to supplement existing law enforcement.

Currently, the MTA relies on state and local budgets to fund the National Guard, State Police, and MTA Police. This federal support will provide the MTA with much-needed flexibility to maintain and expand existing safety initiatives, including unarmed gate guards and EAGLE (Evasion And Graffiti Lawlessness Eradication) Team inspectors tasked with fare enforcement and crime prevention.

By securing half of the total national program funding for New York, Senator Gillibrand is ensuring the MTA remains the gold standard for transit security while directly answering calls for increased public safety in the nation’s largest transportation network.

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Gillibrand Statement On President Trump’s Request To Slash Programs That Help American Families In Order To Fund His War In Iran

Today, in response to the release of President Trump’s budget request calling for a $73 billion cut to domestic programs in favor of a massive increase in defense spending, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, issued the following statement:

“Once again, President Trump is putting endless wars first and working families last. Americans are struggling with the sky-high cost of groceries, gas, electricity, and life-saving prescription drugs. Instead of focusing on bringing down prices and helping people get ahead, the president wants to slash vital programs that help them afford everyday essentials and keep roofs over their heads, all to fund his reckless and unconstitutional military adventurism. It’s simply wrong.

“Earlier this week, the president said it was ‘not possible’ for the federal government to fund Medicare, Medicaid, and child care for American families because we need to focus on ‘military protection.’ He clearly intends to follow through on that idea, and we cannot let him. I urge my colleagues in Congress to reject the president’s absurd demands and continue to fund programs that help the American people and our economy thrive, not waste billions of taxpayer dollars on an increasingly expensive and deadly war that nobody wants.”

President Trump’s budget would significantly decrease funding for health research, education, energy investments, and housing and homelessness assistance, among many other critical programs that help American families get by. This includes eliminating the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which 1.2 million New York families depend on to help afford their energy bills, as well as defunding programs that support the development of affordable housing.

The president’s budget request also contains cuts to transportation programs that are vital to New York families. This includes a $327 million cut to Amtrak; a $485.5 million cut to the Capital Investment Grants Program, which provides federal funds for improving and expanding transit systems; and a $371.6 million cut to the Essential Air Service program, which supports air service to small and rural communities, including five airports in New York (Massena International Airport, Ogdensburg International Airport, Plattsburgh International Airport, Adirondack Regional Airport, and Watertown International Airport).

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Q&A: Making Insulin Affordable

Q: Does the INSULIN Act reduce drug prices for people with diabetes?

A: As a co-sponsor of this bipartisan legislation, I’m continuing my efforts in Congress to help lower the cost of insulin for the tens of millions of Americans who rely on this lifesaving medication to thrive and enjoy a high-quality of life. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 12% of the U.S. population lives with diabetes.

The Improving Safeguards for Users of Lifesaving Insulin Now (INSULIN) Act would cap the cost of insulin at $35 per month nationwide, applying this out-of-pocket threshold for Americans on private and employer insurance. It also would create a five-year pilot program in 10 states to help make insulin available at the same cost to Americans without insurance. When enacted, patients starting in 2028 would pay the lesser of $35 for a 30-day supply, or 25% of the negotiated net price. This legislation builds on momentum I led during my chairmanship of the Senate Finance Committee to drive down prescription drug costs. My two-year bipartisan investigation with Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon examined the surging list price of insulin – a drug that’s been available for more than a century. Our investigation identified anticompetitive business practices between manufacturers and middlemen known as Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) that’s created an unsustainable cycle of price increases for patients and taxpayers. This investigation continues to be cited as evidence for PBM reform at the state and federal levels, including by the Federal Trade Commission, U.S. Department of Labor and the Iowa Attorney General.

I continue pushing to fix the broken system. In the past few years, legislation I’ve secured into law has saved taxpayers over $11 billion. The INSULIN Act would build on these legislative efforts to rein in and reform the business practices that enable PBMs to profiteer from rebate arrangements with drug companies. The pricing scheme encourages drug makers to spike the list price of a drug to offer a greater rebate. In so doing, they secure a priority placement on a health plan’s list of covered medications. This arrangement translates into sticker shock at the pharmacy counter for patients and leads to a bigger tab for taxpayers to foot. That’s why I’ve worked to bring accountability and transparency to the U.S. drug supply chain. So far, a handful of bills I’ve supported have become law, including the CREATES Act, the Right Rebate Act, Patient Right to Know Drug Prices Act, provisions from the Prescription Drug Pricing Reduction Act, and recent PBM reform included in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 funding package. The INSULIN Act is part of a dozen additional bills I’m supporting at the policymaking table to help drive up innovation and drive down the cost of prescription medicine for families stretching every dollar to afford lifesaving medication.

Q: How does the INSULIN Act promote savings and innovation?

A: In addition to the payment cap, the comprehensive legislation would ensure patients benefit from the insulin rebates and discounts that are collected by PBMs. It would require PBMs to pass these on to insurance plan sponsors so that patients share in these savings. It also seeks to boost competition for biosimilar insulins. Although insulin was discovered a century ago, the pathway to bring more affordable versions to market is more complicated than other types of pharmaceuticals. That’s one reason branded versions of insulin have had a lock on the market for decades. Insulin is in a category of medicines known as biologics, comprised of complex molecules made from living organisms. So, unlike generic versions of pharmaceutical drugs comprised of chemicals that may use the same active ingredients as a brand-name drug, biologic drugs have a more difficult path to replicate. A copy of a biologic drug is typically called a biosimilar. I’ve pushed for reforms to provide a faster pathway to get biosimilars to market that uphold the safety, purity and potency of the original drug.

For example, my bipartisan Preserve Access to Affordable Generics and Biosimilars Act would limit anticompetitive pay-for-delay deals that prevent or delay the introduction of affordable generic drugs that are 80% cheaper than their branded counterparts. My Stop STALLING Act would deter branded pharmaceutical companies from filing sham “citizen petitions” with the FDA to interfere with the approval of generic and biosimilar medicines that compete with their own brand products. It would give the Federal Trade Commission enhanced authority to act against those who file sham petitions.

Throughout our nation’s 250 year history, our free marketplace and intellectual property framework have enabled the ingenuity and innovation of Americans to pioneer lifesaving cures and treatments. We need to continue this legacy. That’s why I’m working to strengthen competition and a pathway to affordable access to pioneering medicines for generations to come.


Senator Hassan Recognizes Kara Cole of Plymouth as March’s Granite Stater of the Month

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan recognized Kara Cole of Plymouth as March’s Granite Stater of the Month for her work teaching elementary school students how to sew.

Four years ago, Kara decided to share her passion for sewing with the students of the Franklin School District, where she works as a library media specialist. Alongside Cassie Easter, a library assistant in the district, Kara created a program to teach the elementary students at the Paul Smith School how to sew, fostering creativity and encouraging sustainability for the students.

Kara has helped hundreds of students learn how to sew through her program. This year, with the help of local donations, Kara helped students sew pillowcases and was even able to ensure that every single student had a pillow to put in their pillowcase. Kara’s desire to go above and beyond to teach others a life-long skill in her community is a great example of the Granite State spirit of supporting our neighbors and is why Senator Hassan named her March’s Granite Stater of the Month.

Senator Hassan launched the “Granite Stater of the Month” initiative in 2017 to recognize outstanding New Hampshire citizens who go above and beyond to help their neighbors and make their communities stronger. To nominate a New Hampshire citizen to be a “Granite Stater of the Month,” constituents can complete the nomination form here.

To read Senator Hassan’s statement for the Congressional Record, see below.

I am honored to recognize Kara Cole of Plymouth as March’s Granite Stater of the Month. Kara created a program to teach elementary school students the lifelong skill of sewing.

Kara has always been passionate about sewing, and she believes that the skill isn’t just a fun hobby but that it is also an important way to encourage sustainability, foster creativity, and provide a career pathway for students. After Kara realized four years ago that many of the students she worked with as a library media specialist for the Franklin School District didn’t know how to sew, she decided to roll up her sleeves and change that. Kara went above and beyond her responsibilities and, alongside Cassie Easter, a library assistant in the district, Kara created a program to teach elementary students at the Paul Smith School in Franklin how to sew.

Since establishing the program, Kara has helped hundreds of students learn how to sew. This year, with the help of local donations, Kara helped students sew pillowcases and was even able to ensure that every single student had a pillow to put in their pillowcase. Kara has plans to grow the program in the years to come, and hopes to include neighboring schools and organizations as part of her mission.

Kara’s desire to go above and beyond to teach others a life-long skill in her community is a great example of the Granite State spirit of supporting our neighbors. Her passion for helping young people is why I am proud to name her March’s Granite Stater of the Month.

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Hawley Sends Letter to HHS Urging Reversal of Title X Grants to Planned Parenthood

WASHINGTON — Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) sent a letter to the Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in response to the agency’s decision to extend Biden-era Title X grants for Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest abortion provider. This action comes despite promises Secretary Kennedy made to Senator Hawley in his 2025 confirmation hearing.

“I write to express my alarm at the recent decision to release another year of Title X grant funding to abortion providers. These grants, originally approved by the Biden Administration, will now directly subsidize organizations like Planned Parenthood that perform hundreds of thousands of abortions each year. I urge you to reverse course,” Senator Hawley wrote.

He continued, “During your confirmation hearing last January, I asked if you would reinstate the first Trump Administration’s rule preventing Title X funding for entities that perform abortions. To your credit, you answered unequivocally: “yes.” But to my knowledge, no rulemaking process appears to have yet begun. And taxpayer money continues to flow to abortion providers.”

Senator Hawley has previously introduced legislation to ban all federal tax dollars from flowing to Planned Parenthood.

Read the full letter here or below.

The Honorable Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

200 Independence Avenue, S.W.

Washington, DC 20201

Dear Secretary Kennedy:

I write to express my alarm at the recent decision to release another year of Title X grant funding to abortion providers. These grants, originally approved by the Biden Administration, will now directly subsidize organizations like Planned Parenthood that perform hundreds of thousands of abortions each year. I urge you to reverse course.

As you know, Congress has long intended to protect taxpayer monies from funding abortions. During the first Trump Administration, HHS finalized the “Protect Life Rule” in 2019, which required federal grant recipients to maintain clear physical and financial separation between Title X-funded projects and abortion services. It worked. Planned Parenthood voluntarily withdrew from the program rather than comply, and tens of millions of dollars in Title X funds were redirected to community health centers and other providers that offer family planning services without promoting abortion. In its zeal to pacify the abortion industry, the Biden Administration rescinded that rule. Your predecessor at HHS then gave unprecedented 5-year grants to abortion providers under the family planning grant program.

During your confirmation hearing last January, I asked if you would reinstate the first Trump Administration’s rule preventing Title X funding for entities that perform abortions. To your credit, you answered unequivocally: “yes.” But to my knowledge, no rulemaking process appears to have yet begun. And taxpayer money continues to flow to abortion providers.

So that Congress can conduct appropriate oversight, please provide written responses to the following questions by April 30, 2026.

Please explain in detail what specific steps HHS has taken since your confirmation to initiate notice-and-comment rulemaking to reinstate the Protect Life Rule. Please provide a timeline for when a proposed rule will be published in the Federal Register.

What court orders, judgments, or consent decrees compel HHS to fund abortion providers, or otherwise represent the “significant legal challenges” cited by HHS spokespersons?

In California v. Azar, the en banc Ninth Circuit upheld the first Trump Administration’s Protect Life Rule. After the Fourth Circuit took a contrary position, the Supreme Court granted certiorari, but dismissed the petition after subsequent Biden Administration actions mooted the issue. What specific legal developments since that decision does HHS believe would impede successful reimplementation of a substantially similar rule?

HHS has indicated that the forthcoming FY2027 Title X Notice of Funding Opportunities will “prioritize life and promote the pro-family agenda.” How does HHS ensure, in practice, that Title X funds do not subsidize abortion operations at grantee organizations that co-locate abortion and family planning services in the same facilities, given that money is fungible and every federal dollar offsets other operational costs?


Heinrich, Lee Introduce Bicameral Legislation Help Schools Re-Envision & Build Vibrant Outdoor Learning Spaces

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and a former outdoor educator, and U.S. Representative Summer Lee (D-Pa.) introduced the Revitalizing America’s Schoolyards Act, bicameral legislation to help schools in New Mexico, Pennsylvania, and nationwide transform schoolyards into vibrant, nature-rich spaces for learning, play, and community use.

For many kids, the closest outdoor space is an asphalt schoolyard — offering little opportunity for safe play, shade, or connection to nature. The Revitalizing America’s Schoolyards Act helps address this by providing grants to schools and districts to transform their schoolyards into thriving outdoor learning spaces.

“As a father, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is for kids to have outdoor spaces where they can learn, play, and grow,” said Heinrich. “I’m proud to lead legislation in the Senate that will help New Mexico schools turn schoolyards into greener spaces where students can garden, conduct outdoor science experiments, and connect with nature.”

“Growing up in the Mon Valley, I’ve seen how our environments shape what our children believe is possible,” said Lee. “For too many students, especially in under-resourced communities, schoolyards are just concrete and heat and not a place that invites curiosity, creativity, or connection. The Revitalizing America’s Schoolyards Act is about investing in our kids’ health and futures by transforming these spaces into green, vibrant environments. Every child deserves access to nature and safe, inspiring spaces, no matter their zip code.”

Specifically, the Revitalizing America’s Schoolyards Act will:

Establish a grant program through the U.S. Department of Education to support the transformation of schoolyards into green, community-centered spaces.

Fund schoolyard renovations, prioritizing communities with the greatest need, including Tribal schools.

Boost kids’ physical and mental health, learning, and access to nature.

Help schools grow healthy foods, trees, and pollinator plants.

Support schools' conservation of water, create wildlife habitat, and increase climate resilience.

Open schoolyards to communities after school hours, expanding access to safe places to play.

The full text of the bill is here.

The legislation is endorsed by the American Federation of Teachers, Green Schoolyards America, Trust for Public Land, and more. A full list of endorsers is here.

“The Revitalizing America’s Schoolyards Act is a critical investment in our students’ futures. By transforming pavement and asphalt schoolyards into dynamic green spaces, we’re not only creating outdoor classrooms for hands-on learning, we’re also giving kids back the freedom to play outside together—a fundamental part of childhood that’s essential for their physical health and mental well-being. Sen. Martin Heinrich’s bill is a win for our kids, our educators and school staff, and our neighborhoods, fostering environments that promote creativity, social-emotional development and a love for the outdoors,” Randi Weingarten, President, American Federation of Teachers.

“The Revitalizing America’s Schoolyards Act will help transform school grounds from mostly barren asphalt into nature-rich, shade-filled environments that will provide daily benefits to the students who spend so much of their time in these spaces,” said Sharon Gamson Danks, CEO and Founder, Green Schoolyards America. “We applaud Senator Henrich’s recognition of the critical role America’s 2 million acres of public school grounds play in the health and well-being of children, their communities, and the environment.”

“Senator Heinrich has been a leading champion for reimagining schoolyards as places that support learning, health, and safe and reliable access to the outdoors. At places like Santa Fe Indian School in New Mexico, we’ve seen how transforming schoolyards into green, culturally centered spaces can strengthen student well-being and community engagement and cohesion. The Revitalizing America’s Schoolyards Act builds on that leadership and will help scale this impact nationwide,” said TPL President and CEO, Carrie Besnette Hauser.

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Warner & Kaine Statement on President’s Budget Request

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) released the following statement after President Donald Trump released his Fiscal Year 2027 discretionary budget request to Congress:

“Americans across the country are getting crushed by rising costs on energy, food, housing, and everything in between. Instead of ending his war of choice with Iran that is actively driving prices even higher, President Trump is once again revving up a chainsaw to slash important government programs that Americans rely on. Today’s budget request would dramatically cut funding for economic development grants, housing programs, schools, teacher training programs, violence prevention grants, vital health research initiatives, and renewable energy investments that would create jobs and lower costs. The fact that this ridiculous proposal is coming from an Administration that moved heaven and earth last year to cut taxes for the uber-wealthy while slashing health care for working families makes it even more heartless. When will the White House finally put everyday Americans first?”

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New Report: Ten Virginia Hospitals at Risk of Closure Due To Republicans’ Medicaid Cuts

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following a new report finding that Medicaid cuts have put ten hospitals in Virginia at risk of closure, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) underscored the devastating effects of the Republican budget law on communities across the Commonwealth.

“From Southwest to Northern Virginia, hospitals across the Commonwealth are now at risk of closure because of Republicans’ tax giveaway bill for the ultra-wealthy,” said the senators. “While the rich got trillions in tax breaks, hard-working Virginians are left paying the price. This latest report shows just how cruel and reckless this law is. Virginians, and Americans across the country, deserve reliable access to affordable, quality care.”

The report shows the Virginia hospitals at risk of closure are:

Bon Secours Southern Virginia Regional Medical Center (Emporia, Va.)

Buchanan General Hospital (Grundy, Va.)

Carilion Tazewell Community Hospital (Tazewell, Va.)

Dickenson Community Hospital (Clintwood, Va.)

Sentara Halifax Regional Hospital (South Boston, Va.)

Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center (Woodbridge, Va.)

Southside Community Hospital (Farmville, Va.)

Twin County Regional Hospital (Galax, Va.)

VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital (South Hill, Va.)

VCU Health Tappahannock Hospital (Tappahannock, Va.)

The report also highlighted how Farmville’s Centra Southside Community Hospital was forced to close labor and delivery and OBGYN surgical services, as well as outpatient care with its affiliated women’s center, because it “like other rural health care providers, must adapt to significant financial and operational challenges, including recently enacted reductions in federal health care funding.”

Warner and Kaine strongly opposed the Republican law because it makes massive cuts to health care, nutrition assistance, and other critical programs that Virginians rely on in order to cut taxes for the ultra-wealthy. While the bill was being considered in the Senate, Warner and Kaine introduced a series of amendments in an attempt to improve the legislation, but Republicans blocked them.

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At the University of Minnesota Medical School Duluth, Klobuchar Highlights Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Dementia and Alzheimer’s Detection and Treatment

DULUTH, MN — U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar was joined by UMD Chancellor Charles Nies, Dean of the UMN Medical School in Duluth Dr. Kevin Diebel, and Executive Director of the UMN Memory Keepers Medical Discovery Team Dr. Kristen Jacklin, to highlight her bipartisan legislation to bolster training for primary care providers so they can better diagnose Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

“Detecting Alzheimer’s and other dementias early can reduce stress for patients and families, lower unnecessary health costs, and improve access to care,” said Klobuchar. “Primary care providers have been calling for more training resources to improve early detection, accurate diagnosis, and care. This bipartisan legislation will deliver those tools and improve patients' and caregivers’ quality of life and health outcomes.”

Klobuchar introduced the legislation, known as the Accelerating Access to Dementia & Alzheimer’s Provider Training (AADAPT) Act, with Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV). The legislation would support virtual continuing education to expand opportunities for Alzheimer’s and dementia education and training for more primary care providers. Doing so would improve detection, diagnosis, and treatment of Alzheimer’s, as well as other forms of dementia. The legislation is cosponsored by Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Andy Kim (D-NJ), James Lankford (R-OK), and Maria Cantwell (D-WA).

Over 7 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s, including about 100,000 in Minnesota. 85 percent of Alzheimer’s diagnoses are made by primary care providers.

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Chairman Graham Statement on President Trump’s FY27 Budget Request

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, today made this statement on President Donald Trump’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 budget request.

“President Trump’s budget is truly historic when it comes to defense spending. It is the most robust increase in defense spending in many years, and it is more than justified by the threats we face throughout the world.

“When it comes to our national security, President Trump and his team are second to none.”

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Senator Marshall Tours Central Kansas Businesses and Meets with Small Business Owners

Great Bend – On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), traveled to central Kansas for a series of stops highlighting workforce development, energy production, agriculture innovation, and the impact of the Working Families Tax Cuts Act on Kansas businesses.

Highlights from the visit include:

Barton Community College Ag Tech Program

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Senator Marshall toured Barton Community College’s Ag and Transportation Complex, which opened in July 2024 and houses CDL, Top Tech, and agriculture-related programs in one location. The program partners with Case New Holland to provide hands-on training in electrical systems, hydraulics, diesel engines, and equipment diagnostics, preparing students for careers at equipment dealerships and repair shops.

Moly Manufacturing

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Next Senator Marshall stopped at Moly Manufacturing, a Kansas-based company specializing in hydraulically operated livestock handling equipment. The company’s innovative chute systems and fabricated ranch equipment are designed to improve animal safety and operator efficiency.

During the visit, Senator Marshall highlighted manufacturing provisions in the Working Families Tax Cuts, including 100 percent bonus depreciation, expanded Section 179 expensing, and immediate expensing for factory construction and research and development costs to help Kansas manufacturers grow and create jobs.

Chipotle – Manhattan

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In Manhattan, Senator Marshall stopped by the new Chipotle location, the company’s 4,000th restaurant nationwide, which opened in late 2025. The visit highlighted the restaurant’s commitment to fresh ingredients and alignment with the Administration’s emphasis on protein and food transparency.

NFIB Small Business Tax Roundtable

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Senator Marshall joined the National Federation of Independent Business for a small business roundtable. Participants included owners and operators from industries spanning financial services, auto sales, and insurance.

The discussion focused on the Working Families Tax Cuts’ impact on small businesses, including the permanent 20% pass-through deduction, permanent full expensing for capital investments, and expanded childcare credits. Participants also discussed the impact of swipe fees and the need for healthcare reforms.

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Senator Marshall Visits Ness, Rush, & Pawnee Counties to Discuss Rural Health & KS Ag

Salina – On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), made stops in Ness, Rush, and Pawnee Counties, meeting with rural health providers, farmers, and livestock producers to discuss strengthening rural health care, supporting conservation practices, and expanding opportunities for Kansas agriculture.

Highlights from the visit include:

Ness County Health Department

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Senator Marshall started the day meeting with leadership at the Ness County Health Department to discuss the essential services the department provides, including immunizations, health screenings, home health care, WIC nutrition support, and family planning.

Their discussion focused on policies impacting rural providers, including funds that Senator Marshall fought for in the Rural Health Transformation Fund, which delivered $221.9 million directly to Kansas to support long-term sustainability for rural health systems. Senator Marshall also highlighted FY26 appropriations priorities to strengthen rural hospitals, expand workforce pipelines, and improve access to care in rural communities.

Zach Stejskal Farm

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At Zach Stejskal’s farm, Senator Marshall learned about conservation practices they are implementing, including terracing and no-till farming, supported by the National Resource Conservation Service and the local conservation district. These practices help reduce runoff, improve soil health, and strengthen long-term productivity for Kansas producers.

Senator Marshall discussed wins secured through the Working Families Tax Cuts, including crucial updates to crop insurance, reference prices, base acre updates, and beginning farmer qualifications.

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McConnell Statement on FY27 Budget Request Defense Topline

LOUISVILLE, KY – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, released the following statement on the outlined President’s budget request:

“Undoing the damage of chronic underinvestment in the national defense is a multi-year proposition and I welcome the president’s request for significant growth in annual appropriations for the U.S. armed forces.

“As I have cautioned for years, meeting the most pressing challenges to U.S. national security will require reliable, sustained, and significant annual investment in our military strength. Budget reconciliation, for its part, can only supplement — not replace — the consistent demand signals necessary to secure the private sector investments necessary to adequately expand and modernize our defense industrial base. Regular order appropriations are the right way to meet the scale and scope of the requirements of our military as it confronts growing threats from increasingly aligned adversaries. Senate defense appropriators will remain focused on the FY27 annual funding process, Congress’ primary opportunity to meet its constitutional obligation to provide for the common defense.

“As we wait for full details of the FY27 budget request, Congress also stands ready for a request for supplemental appropriations, for which there is an urgent need to make credible down payments on critical munitions and multiyear contracts authorized by congress last year that were unnecessarily hamstrung by an insufficient defense topline. Ongoing conflicts have exacerbated these and other urgent military requirements, and the need to make these investments and recapitalize battlefield losses is urgent. There is spare capacity within industry to begin producing needed capabilities in the current fiscal year, and given the long timelines associated with producing modern weapon systems we should not wait as dangers gather.

“In the coming weeks, the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee will welcome candid testimony from leaders from the Department of Defense, the military services, and the intelligence community. The success of our efforts will depend on close cooperation and timely information sharing from department counterparts.”


PHOTO RELEASE: ICYMI Senator Moody Meets with Farmers from Across the State to Discuss Efforts to Help Florida’s Agriculture Industry Recover

GAINESVILLE, Fla.—Surrounded by more than 150 farmers from across Florida earlier this week, Senator Ashley Moody discussed efforts to help the industry recover from recent freezes and several damaging hurricane seasons. Senator Moody boasts a strong record of support for the agriculture industry, and during her speech at the 2026 Agriculture Policy and Commodity Forum she highlighted several bills to slash burdensome regulation and secure resources to keep Florida growing

“Farmers keep Florida fed. So, when disasters hit the agriculture industry, we need to explore ways to help keep our growers growing. It was exciting to be part of that discussion this week with the Florida Farm Bureau for the 2026 Ag Policy and Commodity Forum—and to talk about legislation I am pushing to support this vital industry,” said Senator Ashley Moody.

BACKGROUND:

After February’s historic freeze, Senator Moody urged USDA to support Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service’s request for federal disaster declaration.

Last month, Senator Moody met with Florida farmers affected by the recent catastrophic deep freeze to discuss solutions.

Senator Moody introduced the TEMP Act to examine resilience for American growers when extreme weather hits.

Senator Moody recently introduced The Land Grant Research Prioritization Act of 2026. This legislation aims to help Florida’s land grant universities support new technology that aids farmers and strengthens America’s food supply.

Senator Moody introduced the Defending Domestic Orange Juice Production Act last April to help the Florida citrus industry by modernizing the Brix Standard. Senator Moody worked closely with President Trump, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, and Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins to correct the outdated and unnecessary regulation.

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ICYMI: Murphy on Substack: Prediction Markets Are the Latest Sign of Our Spiritual Disintegration

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) this week published a Substack warning of prediction markets’ potentially disastrous effects on our social and spiritual wellbeing. Murphy discussed how prediction markets have transformed fundamentally moral questions, with life-or-death stakes, into speculative financial wagers, inducing everyday Americans to participate in important public decisions through gamified online betting instead of civic engagement and action.

Last month, in response to highly suspicious betting activity on prediction markets in the hours leading up to the initial strikes on Iran, Murphy introduced the BETS OFF Act, legislation to ban prediction markets involving government actions, war, and events where one person either knows or controls the outcome.

Murphy sounded the alarm on the White House’s corruption of our national security through prediction markets: “[Prediction] markets are, of course, wildly corrupt and dangerous for our political process… Imagine a high-ranking U.S. military leader, who has wagered $50,000 on a U.S. invasion, pushing for war at the Situation Room table not because it is necessary for our national security, but because he stands to get rich quick from his bet. Imagine the powerful people close to President Trump using classified and highly sensitive inside information about the war to place highly lucrative, successful wagers based on their proximity to power. Of course, you don’t have to imagine these scenarios because they are already happening in real life.”

Murphy stressed prediction markets will severely diminish our collective capacity for moral decision making: “What does it do to our soul, as human beings and as American citizens, when questions of life and death, misery and famine, war and peace, stop being matters of morality and become ways to cash in and make money? … I think the transformation of moral questions into financial questions hardens us to suffering, or at the very least, excuses us from grappling with the complicated questions of right and wrong in public decision making.”

He continued: “I worry that something really important dies inside us when we stop thinking about the big questions of how to organize our collective economic and political life through a moral lens. I think we are built to be moral creatures; we naturally care deeply about the suffering of others. When we can make money off of that suffering, or simply view government decisions that cause suffering as a game that we wager on, it hollows us out in unseen ways.”

Murphy argued prediction markets’ growing popularity is a symptom of widespread disillusionment towards our political system: “Maybe there is so much interest in these novel markets because it’s a way for increasingly powerless citizens to feel personally connected to the biggest public issues of the day. Maybe all this wagering on war is happening because people have lost faith that more traditional means of political involvement will have an impact.”

Murphy concluded with a warning about the spiritual cost of prediction markets commodifying every aspect of our lives: “The damage these markets will do to us spiritually, as our national moral conversation degrades further and betting becomes an empty substitute for true civic participation, should concern us too. Not everything needs to be a commodity. There is not reason yet to give up on influencing government through traditional political action. Humans are built to feel and act on empathy, and to engage with our fellow citizens in common action. That is what makes us feel fulfilled and happy. Prediction markets threaten to rob us of that opportunity to think morally and act collectively. Before we choose to normalize their integration with public decision making, we should think hard about the spiritual cost on our already weary nation.”


Murphy Statement on Trump FY27 Budget Proposal

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) released the following statement on President Trump’s proposed $1.5 trillion FY2027 defense budget:

“This budget tells you everything you need to know about what the Republican Party really stands for: unlimited taxpayer dollars for war and handouts to billionaires, and not a penny left over to help the American families who can’t afford to buy groceries or fill up their gas tank. It’s a non-starter that Congress must reject unambiguously.”