Sen. Rick Scott, Reps. Elise Stefanik & Josh Gottheimer Introduce Bipartisan Bills to Limit Foreign Influence on American Universities

NAPLES, Fla. — Senator Rick Scott and U.S. Reps. Elise Stefanik and Josh Gottheimer introduced The Defending American Research Act and No Branch Campuses in Hostile Countries Act to prevent foreign interference by America’s enemies in the higher education system.

The two bills would block federal funding for universities that operate branch campuses in certain countries or receive research payouts from those countries.

The Defending American Research Act amends the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act to require institutions of higher education to certify, as part of an application for a research and development award, that such institution does not operate certain branch campuses in specified adversarial or high-risk countries.

The No Branch Campuses in Hostile Countries Act amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 to bar institutions of higher education from receiving a federal research and development award for five years if they receive funding from specific foreign governments to carry out research and development tasks tied to national security or military applications including artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and quantum information science.

Senator Scott said, “America has enemies and we need to start acting like it. Countries like Communist China and terror-supporting Qatar should not be able to use America’s colleges and universities as outposts to spy on us, steal sensitive research and spread anti-American propaganda, but we’ve been letting them do it for years. This legislation is critical to America’s national security and the future of our higher education system, neither of which should be for sale.”

Rep. Stefanik said, “Hostile foreign nations like China and Qatar have funneled millions of dollars to some of America's most prestigious universities. This funding has allowed these nations to promote harmful anti-American ideologies on college campuses and gain access to sensitive research with national security applications. Our legislation will prevent federal research dollars from padding the pockets of universities that continue to knowingly operate branch campuses in these nations or accept funds for national security-related research. These concrete actions will help defend American universities and students from hostile foreign influence.”

Rep. Gottheimer said, “We know adversaries like the CCP are exploiting our universities to access cutting-edge research and push their anti-American agendas. This bipartisan legislation draws a clear line: if you’re taking money tied to hostile nations, you shouldn’t be getting U.S. taxpayer dollars, full stop. It’s about protecting our national security and standing up for American innovation.”

Read the full text of the No Branch Campuses in Hostile Countries Act HERE and The Defending American Research Act HERE.

###


NEW REPORT: How One Billion Dollars Can Help Nevadans Instead of Funding Donald Trump’s Ballroom

WASHINGTON, DC – Following the news that U.S. Senate Republicans will try to use $1 billion in taxpayer dollars to pay for Donald Trump’s ballroom project, the office of Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) released the following report outlining how that funding could be used to help Nevadans instead. While Americans struggle to put food on the table, health care and housing become more unattainable, and gas prices are soaring, Washington Republicans are focused on pleasing Donald Trump by funding his vanity project instead of helping out hardworking families being hurt by their policies.

“After cutting funding for health care and SNAP for Nevadans who needed them the most, Washington Republicans have unveiled a plan to use the same hyper-partisan approach to spend $1 billion in taxpayer dollars on Donald Trump’s ballroom,” said Senator Rosen. “Let’s be absolutely clear: this is a vanity project that did not need to happen, and now Nevadans’ hard-earned money will be wasted at a time when they’re being squeezed by the spike in prices at the pump, grocery, and doctor’s office.”

Below are estimates of what this funding could fund in Nevada instead of a ballroom:

Health Care:

$1 billion could pay for Medicaid coverage for a full year for the Nevadans who lost it due to Trump and Washington Republicans’ cuts in the One Big Beautiful Bill.

167,714 fewer Nevadans were enrolled in Medicaid as of January 2026 when compared to 2023.

$5,052 is the average annual spending on Medicaid per enrollee in Nevada.

$1 billion could have extended the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced premium tax credit for nearly two years for every Nevadan who relied on it last year.

In 2025, 95,000 Nevadans relied on these tax credits to help them afford health insurance and saved an average of $465 a month per enrollee.

Food:

$1 billion could restore SNAP benefits for nearly a decade for every Nevadan who was kicked off this food assistance program due to Trump and Washington Republicans’ cuts in the One Big Beautiful Bill.

54,979 Nevadans were kicked off the program between July 2025 and January 2026.

Average yearly SNAP benefit per person is $1,992.

$1 billion could fund Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) benefits for all Nevadans in the program for nearly 20 years.

According to state data, 52,677 Nevadans rely on WIC.

WIC provided an average of $978.12 per participant per year.

$1 billion could cover groceries for 96,246 Nevada families for a full year.

According to most recent data, the average household in Nevada spends on average $10,390 dollars on groceries per year.

Housing:

$1 billion could pay for a year of rent for about 62,096 Nevada households.

The average rent in Nevada is approximately $1,342.

Child Care:

$1 billion could cover the average cost of childcare for 78,995 Nevada infants for a full year.

The average cost of child care in Nevada for a year per infant is $12,659.

Other:

Congressional Republicans want to let Trump spend $1 billion of taxpayer money on his new ballroom, which is the same amount Nevada received in federal funding for our Transportation, Education, and Agriculture departments combined last year.

###


Rosen, Cortez Masto Deliver Over $600,000 they Secured to Improve Water Infrastructure in Carlin

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) delivered $602,000 in community projectsfunding they secured from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to replace significant portions of the water main in Carlin, Nevada. This updated water main will help the town reduce water loss, ensure the security of their drinking water system, and comply with code requirements. Specifically, the project for which this funding was secured will replace 3,500 line feet of the transmission main between the primary spring water source and the booster pump station located on Hamilton Street in Carlin.

“Every Nevadan deserves to have access to clean water,” said Senator Rosen. “At a time when droughts and water shortages are becoming more common, I am proud to have secured funding for this critical project in the City of Carlin and thrilled to see the funds delivered. I will continue to work across party lines in the Senate to ensure that all Nevadans have access to clean water.”

“In Nevada, we know that water is precious,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “When a city or town’s water infrastructure is out of date or in need of repairs, it can jeopardize access to clean, safe drinking water for an entire community. I applaud the City of Carlin for working to update its water main, and I am proud to have secured federal funding to help the town complete this project.”

Senators Rosen and Cortez Masto are champions of Nevada’s rural communities and have consistently worked to update the Silver State’s water infrastructure. They have secured millions in funding for Nevada’s rural airports and forgovernment services like law enforcement and public education in rural counties. They have secured millions to ensure access to clean drinking water throughout Nevada and fought to protect Southern Nevada’s groundbreaking water conservation projects.

###


Rosen Helps Advance Bipartisan Bill to Improve Aviation Safety, Invest in Pilot Mental Health

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) voted to advance a bipartisan bill in the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation to improve aviation safety and increase investments in mental health for pilots. The bipartisan Mental Health in Aviation Act would modernize the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) approach to mental health, allocating $20 million annually for medical examiner training, requiring updated health guidance regulations, earlier disclosure and treatment of mental health conditions, and the initiation of an information campaign to reduce the stigma around mental health in aviation.

“Our pilots and air traffic controllers are on the frontlines of keeping air travel safe, which is essential to Nevada’s tourism economy. As one of the safest transportation methods, it is critical that aviation workers continue to have access to all the health resources they need,” said Senator Rosen. “I am proud to have helped advance this bipartisan bill in committee to boost aviation safety even more by investing in the mental health of its workforce, and I will continue to fight in the Senate to support this industry.”

Senator Rosen has been a vocal advocate for Nevada’s airports and travel workers. She has fought for federal funding for airports, securing $9 million in federal funding for improvements at Harry Reid International Airport. Last year, Senator Rosen helped secure over $18 million in federal funding for airport improvements across the state. This included funding for more firefighting vehicles, the repaving and reconstruction of roads, and airport expansions.

###


Rosen, Shaheen Introduce Bill to Overturn Trump Administration Block on Foreign Aid

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) introduced the Protecting Human Rights and Public Health in Foreign Assistance Act to nullify the Trump Administration’s sweeping expansion of the global gag rule, also known as the “Promoting Human Flourishing in Foreign Assistance (PHFFA) Policy.” The global gag rule imposes ideological conditions on international partners and threatens to cut off funding for critical health, humanitarian, and development programs worldwide. The policy is expected to disrupt hundreds of programs globally, including those providing HIV/AIDS prevention, reproductive health care, maternal and child health care, gender-based violence services and humanitarian relief.

“Instead of making sure foreign aid is effective and in the best interest of the American taxpayer, the Trump Administration is weaponizing it to impose their extreme agenda around the world,” said Senator Rosen. “People will die because of Donald Trump’s ‘Human Flourishing Policy,’ which is why I’m joining Senator Shaheen in introducing a bill to block this cruel policy’s implementation.”

“The Trump Administration gag rules demand that our partners abandon their work and their beliefs even when they are using their own money to provide life-saving health and humanitarian services to populations in need.” said Senator Shaheen. “This sweeping expansion of the global gag rule imperils funding for life-saving programs, particularly for women and girls who are already at greater risk because of Trump’s budget cuts to health, food, shelter and gender-based violence programs. The United States should lead with our values, not impose extreme ideological litmus tests that jeopardize global health and humanitarian efforts. This legislation makes clear that Congress will not stand by while this Administration dismantles effective foreign assistance and damages our credibility around the world.”

As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Rosen has worked hard to ensure that the US maintains robust support for defense, diplomacy, and development. She has led efforts to strengthen our international assistance efforts, including introducing legislation to improve access to HIV medications overseas and co-leading a resolution on support for women and girls in Haiti. Senator Rosen has also been a vocal supporter of USAID, criticizing the Trump Administration’s decision to dismantle the agency last February and leading the effort to protect funding for family planning during last year’s rescissions fight.


NEWS: Sens. Schiff, Padilla Join Bennet and Colleagues Demanding Trump Administration Resume Russian Oil Sanctions

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla (both D-Calif) joined Senator Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and 12 of their Senate colleagues in urging Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent to fully resume sanctions on Russian oil and use every available tool to cut into Russia’s war windfall profits.

In their letter, the Senators note that these steps are crucial to depriving Russian President Vladimir Putin of the revenue he needs to continue waging his war of aggression against Ukraine. Additionally, they point out that pausing these sanctions has not and will not noticeably bring down domestic energy prices – which are spiking because of President Donald Trump’s reckless war with Iran.

Schiff, Padilla, and Bennet were joined on this letter by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Andy Kim (D.-N.J.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Gary C. Peters (D-Mich.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.).

“We urge the Trump Administration to resume the Russia oil sanctions your Department recently paused by issuing and then extending a General License on deliveries of Russian oil. We also urge the Administration and your Department to take immediate, additional steps to limit the windfall profits Russia and its intermediaries continue to earn due to elevated energy prices stemming from President Trump’s unauthorized war with Iran. These steps are crucial to depriving Russian President Vladimir Putin of the revenue he needs to continue waging his war of aggression against Ukraine,” began the Senators.

“Despite warnings from U.S. government and outside experts, the Trump Administration failed to anticipate or plan for the likelihood that an open-ended war with Iran would spike global energy prices – especially if Iran were to effectively close the Strait of Hormuz, through which around 20 percent of the world’s oil and gas transits,” the Senators wrote. “The President’s self-made global energy crisis has predictably increased average national gasoline prices by over 85 cents a gallon and also raised the price of Russian oil, risking the replenishment of funding for Putin’s war machine. Putin has openly spoken of using the crisis to reestablish export markets for Russian oil. Estimates suggest that Russia’s oil revenue has doubled in April.”

“You described the Administration’s sanctions pause as necessary while noting it was ‘unfortunate’ that Russia stood to benefit financially from the decision. Pausing these sanctions has had and will continue to have, at best, a limited effect on domestic gasoline costs or global oil prices, which remain elevated. Doing so instead removed the stigma that had been driving discounted prices for Russian oil and allowed Russia to sell or resell cargoes to buyers now willing to pay higher prices – giving Putin a financial boon to ease the budgetary challenges resulting from his war on Ukraine. This provides additional funding to the Kremlin and its oil traders even as reports indicate that Russia has helped Iran target Americans,” they continued.

“Continuing to pause these sanctions is a mistake that President Trump must reverse immediately. In addition, he must use every tool at his disposal to cut into Russia’s war windfall profits, instead of enabling their additional revenue. He has options that he can and must use to reimpose the stigma on and dissuade purchases of Russian oil,” the Senators urged.

“Failure to put more pressure on the Kremlin – particularly as the Trump Administration pulls resources necessary to deter Russia and China away from those theaters into the Middle East – would embolden Putin to continue waging his war against Ukraine, aiding Iran’s attacks on U.S. troops, and threatening our NATO allies,” concluded the Senators.

The text of the letter is available here and below:

Dear Secretary Bessent:

We urge the Trump Administration to resume the Russia oil sanctions your Department recently paused by issuing and then extending a General License on deliveries of Russian oil. We also urge the Administration and your Department to take immediate, additional steps to limit the windfall profits Russia and its intermediaries continue to earn due to elevated energy prices stemming from President Trump’s unauthorized war with Iran. These steps are crucial to depriving Russian President Vladimir Putin of the revenue he needs to continue waging his war of aggression against Ukraine.

Before President Trump launched his war with Iran, Russia was suffering battlefield losses and facing financial pressures due to declining global oil prices and fewer buyers willing to purchase Russian oil. Reports from before the Iran war indicated that Russia lost oil and gas revenue in 2024 and 2025. Russia was reportedly struggling to sustain its ever-growing military spending with these declining revenues.

Russia continues evading existing sanctions and other measures through numerous front companies, traders, and “shadow fleet” vessels. Yet the Trump Administration has halted regular counter-evasion sanctions for 14 months now, an unprecedented pause. U.S. allies and partners, however, continue to act against hundreds of vessels and entities in Russia’s oil sales ecosystem. The European Union also banned imports of refined oil products derived from Russian crude oil, an action that India’s largest oil refiner cited when the firm began reducing its crude imports from Russia.

Despite warnings from U.S. government and outside experts, the Trump Administration failed to anticipate or plan for the likelihood that an open-ended war with Iran would spike global energy prices – especially if Iran were to effectively close the Strait of Hormuz, through which around 20 percent of the world’s oil and gas transits. The President’s self-made global energy crisis has predictably increased average national gasoline prices by over 85 cents a gallon and also raised the price of Russian oil, risking the replenishment of funding for Putin’s war machine. Putin has openly spoken of using the crisis to reestablish export markets for Russian oil. Estimates suggest that Russia’s oil revenue has doubled in April.

President Trump has failed to develop approaches to limit Russia’s windfall. Instead, he has responded to recent oil price increases with the reckless decision, in March 2026, to temporarily lift some sanctions on Russian oil, allowing the purchase of Russian oil and petroleum products already at sea. This move, a licensing action affecting large quantities of Russia’s most important export, flies in the face of a requirement under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) to notify Congress 30 days before taking such an action. The Senate overwhelmingly passed CAATSA, which President Trump signed into law in 2017.

You described the Administration’s sanctions pause as necessary while noting it was “unfortunate” that Russia stood to benefit financially from the decision. Pausing these sanctions has had and will continue to have, at best, a limited effect on domestic gasoline costs or global oil prices, which remain elevated. Doing so instead removed the stigma that had been driving discounted prices for Russian oil and allowed Russia to sell or resell cargoes to buyers now willing to pay higher prices – giving Putin a financial boon to ease the budgetary challenges resulting from his war on Ukraine. This provides additional funding to the Kremlin and its oil traders even as reports indicate that Russia has helped Iran target Americans.

Your Department described the sanctions pause as a temporary tool. When the initial sanctions pause expired after 30 days, you stated publicly that the Administration would not seek further extension. Despite this, just days later in late April, the Administration extended the pause for another 30-day period without explanation on the reversal of policy.

Yet the Trump Administration did not just extend its March sanctions pause, which allowed for the sale of oil already at sea as of mid-March. The renewal now also allows the sale of oil on ships that had been loaded as of mid-April. This rewarded Putin’s enablers who loaded oil after the Trump Administration issued the initial pause – betting correctly that this Administration would give them another payday in a misguided attempt to address the consequences of President Trump’s reckless war. Now, the private sector likely believes that the Trump Administration will continue extending this broad license.

Continuing to pause these sanctions is a mistake that President Trump must reverse immediately. In addition, he must use every tool at his disposal to cut into Russia’s war windfall profits, instead of enabling their additional revenue. He has options that he can and must use to reimpose the stigma on and dissuade purchases of Russian oil.

Now is the time to strengthen, not weaken, enforcement of restrictions on Russia’s oil and gas revenues. Yet as Congress has repeatedly raised, the Trump Administration has paused all Russia counter-evasion sanctions, including on those entities circumventing sanctions that the Administration itself imposed on Rosneft and Lukoil, for more than a year now.

Failure to put more pressure on the Kremlin – particularly as the Trump Administration pulls resources necessary to deter Russia and China away from those theaters into the Middle East – would embolden Putin to continue waging his war against Ukraine, aiding Iran’s attacks on U.S. troops, and threatening our NATO allies.

Thank you for your attention.

###


PHOTOS: Sen. Schiff Visits Joshua Basin Water District, Pushes Greater Investments in Water Infrastructure

Joshua Tree, CA –U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) toured the Joshua Basin Water District, which delivers 600 million gallons of high-quality water each year from the groundwater basin to Californians and industries in the region.

As Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate’s Environment and Public Works’ Fisheries, Water, and Wildlife Subcommittee, Schiff highlighted his continuous push for greater investments in drinking water infrastructure through federal financial support in the State Revolving Fund (SRF) and Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA), and that he is working to keep momentum for increased funding for California water systems.

During the tour, Schiff spoke with stakeholders about the ongoing costs associated with remediation efforts and mandated reporting of Hexavalent Chromium (chromium-6), a highly toxic and carcinogenic metallic element. The water district is working to implement new, important technology for water treatment at each of their well sites to mitigate the risks of hexavalent chromium.

View photos from the Senator’s visit below:

###


PHOTOS: Sen. Schiff Visits San Bernardino Valley College, Joins Student Roundtable and Highlights Federal Investments Secured for California

San Bernardino, CA – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) attended a student roundtable at San Bernardino Valley College, where students from local colleges shared the main issues at the forefront of their minds. During the roundtable, Schiff discussed ongoing efforts in Congress to bring down the cost of living and what he’s doing to support students and educators amid federal funding cuts from the Trump administration.

Schiff also highlighted that he secured more than $254 million in federal funding for California for the 2026 fiscal year, including more than $1 million for CSU San Bernardino’s establishment of an AI and Virtual Reality Research and Retraining Center that will support technology acquisition, facility upgrades, and the creation of an AI retraining platform, among other projects for the Inland Empire.

Attendees at the roundtable included students from San Bernardino Valley College, Crafton Hills Community College, Cal State San Bernardino, and UC Riverside.

View photos from the visit below:

###


ICYMI: Shaheen and Budd Pen Wall Street Journal Op-Ed Underscoring Need for Senators’ Bipartisan Three-Bill Package to Enhance American Airpower, Boost Defense Industrial Base

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Ted Budd (R-NC), members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, published an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal on a bipartisan legislative package they introduced last month to elevate and preserve the dominance of American military airpower.

The opinion piece entitled “America’s Air Superiority Is Losing Altitude” argues that there is an urgent need to strengthen American military airpower in light of efforts China has made to expand its military industrial base, which are outpacing U.S. efforts. The Senators outline a focused, three-part strategy to restore U.S. air superiority and revitalize our defense industrial base.

Click HERE to read the Senators’ op-ed in the Wall Street Journal. The text of their piece has been provided below.

America’s Air Superiority Is Losing Altitude

China, focused on beating the U.S., is on pace to build the first sixth-generation stealth fighters.

By Ted Budd and Jeanne Shaheen

Since the turn of the century, the U.S. military has dominated the skies. With unmatched speed, stealth and sensors, our fighter aircraft have achieved air superiority in every modern conflict and proved that air power is the fastest, most flexible and most lethal means to project combat power. But the future of American air power is uncertain.

The U.S. is losing its decisive edge over China, which is on pace to field the world’s first sixth-generation stealth fighters. The Chinese J-36 and J-50 first flew in 2024, while America’s F-47 isn’t expected to fly until 2028 and won’t enter operational service until the mid-2030s. As part of its historic military buildup, China is eclipsing the U.S. in aircraft production.

We need a national mobilization of our industrial base to counter China and maintain control of the air.

Over the past few decades, presidents and Congress made policy decisions and budgetary cuts that minimized U.S. military aviation power. Industrial consolidation hollowed out America’s capacity to guarantee aerial dominance. The F-22 stealth fighter program was shuttered after producing only 187 aircraft, well short of the initial 750-aircraft plan. Republican and Democratic administrations alike have overseen the Air Force’s total fighter fleet reduction from 4,100 in 1990 to 2,000 in 2024. Only 1,300 are now combat-coded—a record low.

Our current aircraft are aging beyond repair. The legacy KC-135 tanker aircraft are more than 60 years old. The Air Force fighter fleet now averages over 27 years old, with an operational rate of only around 50%. Spare parts shortages and a shrinking number of suppliers amplify these challenges.

All of this is compounded by a human-capital crisis in pilot training and aircrew retention. Over the past decade, flight hours for new aviators have declined from more than 200 to 150 a year, attempting to get pilots to operational units earlier. Midcareer pilots continue to seek civilian opportunities at a time when their expertise is needed most. The result is a dangerous mismatch—a historically ancient fleet with poor readiness rates, using pilots flying at record-low rates.

By contrast, China is undergoing a national mobilization of its military-industrial complex—with its defense spending increasing 13-fold over 30 years as of 2024—fielding advanced fighters at a rate that could outpace America’s by nearly 200% by 2027. The Chinese are focused on usurping the interests and security of America and its allies, and they see their military as the key tool for national prominence. They are building up their air force to ensure they can dominate Taiwan and discourage Western involvement in the Indo-Pacific.

Ceding control of the air, through poor procurement choices and insufficient investment in human capital, would be a strategic failure. Washington needs to take three steps:

First, give suppliers the certainty they need to expand production lines. A multiyear procurement authorization for the F-35 and F-15EX fighters would lock in production stability, reduce cost per aircraft, and supercharge our defense industrial base. A healthy supplier requires a predictable customer. Multiyear procurement authority provides assured demand and provides an incentive for the defense industrial base to invest in needed supplier capacity.

Second, set higher standards for the quality and quantity of our fighter fleets. Congress should fund a 50% increase in fighter fleets by 2035 so that the U.S. can prevail in any great-power conflict. Preparing for a war in which every aircraft counts will require breathing new life into these programs and expanding production for aircraft like the F-15EX.

Third, give better support to the Americans who fight in the air. That means expanding incentives to keep experienced aviators in uniform, including bonuses, career flexibility and quality-of-life programs—practical steps to win the talent competition against our adversaries. America’s war fighters will always be our advantage. Investing in them is investing in winning.

For too long, U.S. air dominance has been taken for granted—but it isn’t an American birthright. Given China’s advances, it is time for a renewed bipartisan focus on the skies.

Mr. Budd, a North Carolina Republican, and Ms. Shaheen, a New Hampshire Democrat, are members of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

###


Shaheen Continues “Affordability Action Tour,” Highlights Efforts to Lower Energy Costs, Support Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency Initiatives

(Derry, NH) – Today, amid spiking energy costs due to President Trump’s war in Iran, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) continued her “Affordability Action Tour” with a visit to Brayton Energy in Hampton before celebrating New Hampshire Energy Week with a fireside chat moderated by Sam Evans-Brown with Clean Energy NH. The Senator’s visits are the first in a week-long series of events highlighting skyrocketing energy, health care and housing costs and Senator Shaheen’s efforts to address them. Shaheen first launched her “Affordability Action Tour” in August to hear firsthand from Granite Staters about what is needed to tackle the rising costs New Hampshire communities have faced throughout the second Trump Administration.

Photos from today’s events can be found HERE.

Shaheen began the day at Brayton Energy, a Granite State research and development firm focused on sustainable and efficient energy production. During her visit, Senator Shaheen toured the company’s facility and learned more about Brayton’s innovative clean energy research and development, that can lower costs and expand access to clean, affordable energy sources for communities across New Hampshire. Recently, the Trump Administration cancelled a $5 million U.S. Department of Energy grant awarded to Brayton that was meant to support innovative energy storage to enhance grid stability and help reduce industrial costs to strengthen manufacturing. In response, Senator Shaheen urged the Trump Administration to reinstate this funding to allow for further innovation in the Granite State.

“As my constituents face spiking fuel and energy prices as a direct result of the President’s reckless war in Iran, now more than ever we must be investing in clean energy solutions that expand our energy supply and lower costs—yet this Administration has done just the opposite,” said Senator Shaheen. “It was great to see firsthand the innovative work Brayton is doing right here in the Granite State to develop clean energy solutions and combat the climate crisis that threatens communities across New Hampshire.”

Later, Shaheen travelled to Derry to celebrate New Hampshire Energy Week and participate in a fireside chat, titled “From Progress to Possibility: The Next Era of Energy in New Hampshire.” The conversation, led by Clean Energy NH’s Executive Director Sam Evans-Brown, reflected on the Senator’s career and accomplishments in energy policy, from her time as Governor to her recent efforts in the Senate to pass landmark clean energy and energy efficiency legislation, including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act.

“Continued innovation and deployment of clean energy solutions is essential as communities across our country confront historic energy demand and increasing prices. As has been made clear thanks to the Iran War, expanding clean energy is critical—not just for combatting climate change, but to shield Granite State economies from disruptions to global energy supply chains,” said Senator Shaheen. “We must do all we can to promote investment in energy efficiency and develop clean energy alternatives that provide real financial relief to families stretched thin by spiking fuel costs in our state.”

Throughout her time in Congress, Senator Shaheen has fought hard for clean energy and energy efficiency investments that help Granite Staters save money on their utility bills. Shaheen was a key supporter of the Inflation Reduction Act and a lead negotiator of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, legislation that made landmark investments in energy efficiency and reducing home energy bills. In the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Shaheen helped secure $3.5 billion in additional funding for the Weatherization Assistance Program, including $18 million for New Hampshire. Shaheen has long championed the Weatherization Assistance Program to lower energy costs for low-income families in New Hampshire, as well as the State Energy Program, which assists states with the development of energy efficiency renewable projects. In December of last year, the New Hampshire delegation called on the Department of Energy to immediately release the remaining $9 million in funding for weatherization from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. In addition, Shaheen led the delegation in opposing the Environmental Protection Agency’s efforts to terminate a $43 million grant for New Hampshire to support community solar and other solar projects that would reduce residents’ utility bills by 20% or more.

###


Tillis, Gillibrand Resolution Honoring ‘Donut Dollies’ Passes Senate

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) announced Senate passage of their resolution commending the “Donut Dollies” for their patriotic service and steadfast support of United States servicemembers in combat and honoring their extraordinary contributions to the morale and well-being of United States servicemembers during wartime.

“The Donut Dollies served our troops in some of the most dangerous conditions imaginable, bringing comfort, connection, and a reminder of home to those far from it,” said Senator Tillis. “Their courage and compassion lifted morale on the front lines and left a lasting impact on generations of servicemembers. This resolution honors these extraordinary women for their selfless service and ensures their contributions to our nation are never forgotten.”

“The Donut Dollies are a vital part of our nation’s history, and they deserve recognition for their bravery and selfless commitment to service,” said Senator Gillibrand. “These young women put their own lives in danger to aid our troops in combat zones, providing service members with emotional support and a sense of home in some of the most difficult conditions imaginable. I am so grateful that we were able to pass this vital resolution and properly honor the Donut Dollies’ contributions.”

Background:

During World War I, Salvation Army volunteers known as the “Doughnut Lassies” served near the front lines, providing coffee, doughnuts, and comfort to American troops, inspiring the later Red Cross “Donut Dollies” programs. During World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, American Red Cross volunteers traveled to bases and combat zones to boost morale by offering refreshments, recreation, and a connection to home. From 1965 to 1972 alone, more than 600 Donut Dollies served in Vietnam through the Supplemental Recreation Activities Overseas program, reaching hundreds of thousands of servicemembers and often traveling by helicopter or convoy into dangerous areas. Military leaders credited their work as essential to maintaining troop morale. This resolution recognizes their courage, sacrifice, and lasting impact on generations of American troops.

Text of the resolution is available HERE.

###


Van Hollen, Mfume, Olszewski Highlight Nearly $1.2 Million in Federal Funding to Support Gun Violence Reduction in Baltimore

Yesterday, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Kweisi Mfume and Johnny Olszewski (all D-Md.), joined by Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, highlighted $1,184,000 in Fiscal Year 2026 Congressionally Directed Spending that they, along with U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), fought to deliver to help reduce gun violence across Baltimore. The federal funding will support the expansion of the City’s Group Violence Reduction Strategy (GVRS), a program that engages individuals most directly involved in and affected by violence and brings together law enforcement, social services, and community partners to provide resources and reduce crime.

“Making our neighborhoods safer for Baltimore residents and families is one of our top shared priorities. That’s why Team Maryland has worked together for years alongside the City to deliver federal resources to improve public safety. This investment of federal funding builds on those efforts by expanding the Group Violence Reduction Strategy to serve more Baltimore neighborhoods. We are already seeing the life-saving benefits of programs like GVRS in our communities – and this expansion will help continue building a safer, stronger city,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

“The Group Violence Reduction Strategy has been critically important to the historic decrease in murders and non-fatal shootings in Baltimore over the last several years, and I am glad to play a part in its expansion across our City,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. “The results of the GVRS speak for themselves, and the strategy's expansion to the Baltimore Police Department's Northern District will mean even greater collaboration between BPD, social services, and members of the community throughout North Baltimore. I am proud to be a part of a team that worked nonstop to secure an additional $1.1 million to support the Group Violence Reduction Strategy in the FY26 Appropriations Process, and I am thrilled to have a partner truly dedicated to seeing Baltimore turn the corner on crime in our Mayor's Office.”

“Baltimore is safer than it has been in more than 50 years because of intentional, targeted investments in strategies we know work, especially the Group Violence Reduction Strategy,” said Congressman Johnny Olszewski. “When done right, it reduces the strain on hospitals, on the justice system, and on social services. I am proud to have helped deliver this federal funding to sustain Baltimore’s historic progress — to support more of those seeking a better path and, ultimately, save more lives.”

“Yet again, Baltimore’s federal delegation is showing why they are the best in the country,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “They fight for us day in and day out in Washington, working tirelessly to deliver the resources and funding our residents deserve. This funding, which supports Baltimore’s Group Violence Reduction Strategy, will help us sustain the programs that are driving historic reductions in homicides and shootings in our city.”

“We need a whole-of-government approach to end gun violence for good. That’s why I am so proud to have worked with Senator Van Hollen and Congressmen Mfume and Olszewski to secure over $1 million to help reduce gun violence across Baltimore. I thank Mayor Scott for his shared commitment to ending gun violence. We will not stop fighting until every Marylander can feel safe in their community,” said Senator Angela Alsobrooks.

The lawmakers secured these investments within the government funding bills passed and signed into law for Fiscal Year 2026. The GVRS has also received $6.4 million in federal funding through the American Rescue Plan Act, which Federal Team Maryland fought to pass in 2021.


Warren, Duckworth, Schumer Lead Senators in Pressing Head of Employment Protections Commission on Attacks on Workers Undergoing IVF

Text of Letter (PDF)

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) led 12 senators in pressing the Chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) on the Commission’s efforts to weaken a rule affirming employment protections for workers undergoing fertility treatments.

Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) also joined in signing the letter.

“[Removing workers undergoing IVF from the rule would] mak[e] it more likely that employers could deny accommodations to workers undergoing fertility treatment—or force them to work in conditions that could undermine their health or their treatment’s success. We write to request that you abandon your efforts to weaken this rule,” said the lawmakers.

Fertility treatments are intensive medical processes that have serious impacts on women’s lives. In vitro fertilization (IVF) involves several daily needle injections, which can cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, bloating, and fatigue. The fertility procedures themselves do not allow for flexible scheduling and can require intravenous sedation.

The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), passed in 2022, requires employers to grant employees reasonable accommodations including short breaks to take medication, a schedule that accommodates daily monitoring appointments and medical procedures, and more. In 2024, the EEOC set forth PWFA regulations explicitly affirming that these protections apply to workers undergoing IVF treatments.

During the finalization of PWFA regulations, Andrea Lucas — then a Commissioner and now Chair of the EEOC — objected to extending these accommodations to workers undergoing fertility treatments. After President Trump appointed her as Acting Chair, Lucas announced the EEOC would be “reconsidering” the PWFA regulations to cut those workers out.

“Removing them from this rule does not change the fact that these workers are owed these protections, but it does make it more likely that employers will illegally deny women undergoing IVF their rights under PWFA,” wrote the senators.

Chair Lucas also appears to be attempting to make the decision-making process more secretive, rescinding the Commission’s voting procedures and placing all decisions to call public meetings and schedule Commission votes in her sole discretion.

“You should not make major decisions affecting the agency and the American people behind closed doors and without input from the public,” wrote the senators.

During his 2024 campaign, President Trump repeatedly claimed he was a supporter of fertility treatment, calling himself the “father of IVF” and even going as far as to promise that he would make fertilization treatments free.

Yet, President Trump’s Executive Order aiming to expand access to IVF, the implementation of which the senators describe as “weak,” “fail[s] to address the larger expense of IVF cycles.” In particular, President Trump’s attempt to get drug manufacturers to lower prices for IVF drugs only applies to a “narrow subset of drugs within the broader IVF regimen,” leaving patients on the hook for the costs of other medications used, embryo storage, and embryo transfers. President Trump and Congressional Republicans also made massive cuts to health care through their Big, Beautiful Bill, which could end up kicking millions of people off their health insurance.

“[This dashes] the hopes of would-be parents who can no longer afford even the most basic of health care, let alone expensive fertility treatments,” said the senators.

“The people who will be affected by your rewriting of the regulations deserve to know more about your intentions and your process…We ask that you halt any further efforts to weaken EEOC rules that protect workers undergoing fertility treatments,” the lawmakers concluded.

The senators asked Chair Lucas to provide clarity on her attacks on workers undergoing fertility treatments by May 13, 2026.

Senator Warren has led the fight to protect women’s reproductive rights:

In March 2026, Senators Warren (D-Mass.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) led 23 colleagues in publishing a new report revealing that, in addition to acting as a backdoor abortion ban, the “defund” provision in Republicans Big, Beautiful Bill has ripped away Americans’ access to essential services — including primary care, birth control, cancer screenings, and wellness exams — and raised health care costs.

In October 2025, Senator Warren slammed President Trump’s new IVF “plan” as “insulting” and a “broken promise() to American families.”

In February 2025, Senators Warren (D-Mass.) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) pressed Dr. Mehmet Oz, President Trump’s then-nominee for the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, on his hostile anti-abortion record.

In February 2025, Senator Warren (D-Mass.) and Representative Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.) reintroduced the Stop Anti-Abortion Disinformation (SAD) Act, to crack down on attempts by crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs) to deceive and misinform women seeking reproductive health care.

In December 2024, Senators Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) reintroduced the Health and Location Data Protection Act, legislation banning data brokers from selling Americans’ sensitive personal information. Data gathered by brokers has been used to circumvent the Fourth Amendment, out LGBTQ+ Americans, and stalk and harass individuals. Some brokers have been caught selling the cellphone-based location data of people visiting abortion clinics, risking the safety and security of women seeking basic health care.

In September 2024, at a hearing of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Elizabeth Warren highlighted the dangerous consequences women have faced two years after Donald Trump’s Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Senator Warren recounted recent tragedies in states with abortion bans and warned that doctors’ ability to perform life-saving care in emergency situations is under attack.

In June 2024, following the Supreme Court’s decision in Moyle v. U.S., the case that weighed the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA), Senator Elizabeth Warren released a statement criticizing the Supreme Court’s decision to “wait until after the election to tell Americans whether women who are in crisis can get the emergency medical care they need.”

In March 2024, following oral arguments in FDA v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine, the first abortion case the Supreme Court had taken up since the reversal of Roe v. Wade, Senator Elizabeth Warren released a statement reiterating her call for “restor(ing) the protections of Roe v. Wade and protect reproductive freedom for all.”

On March 4, 2024, Senators Warren, Duckworth (D-Ill.), and 46 Democratic colleagues introduced a bill to protect IVF access nationwide.

On February 28, 2024, Senator Warren delivered a floor speech on Senate Republicans’ opposition to Senator Tammy Duckworth’s (D-Ill.) bill to ensure families have access to the services they need to have a baby, including protections for IVF.

On January 22, 2024, the 51st Anniversary of Roe v. Wade, Senator Warren delivered a floor speech and published an op-ed about the fight ahead to restore abortion rights and protect reproductive freedom.

###


Welch Joins Bipartisan Legislation to Extend Rural Hospital Program

Rural Community Hospital Demonstration (RCHD) provides lifeline to rural communities

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Health Care joined U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) in introducing the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Reauthorization Act, which would extend the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration (RCHD) for five years. RCHD provides a lifeline to rural hospitals by allowing them to test innovative hospital payment models under Medicare that boost financial sustainability to maintain and improve health care access in rural communities across the country.

Vermont’s Brattleboro Memorial Hospital is one of the thirty hospitals across the country chosen for this demonstration program.

“America’s rural hospitals are essential to ensuring that every community can access lifesaving care close to home. But rural hospitals in Vermont and across the country are operating on razor thin margins—workforce shortages and rising costs only scratch the surface of the challenges they face,” said Senator Welch. “We need to extend the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration program to ensure our hospitals can continue to provide vital care to rural patients in Vermont and across the country.”

“The Rural Community Hospital Demonstration program gives rural hospitals a better shot at keeping their doors open to provide care for the community. With a proven track record of more than two decades, this program gives eligible hospitals financial stability to keep healthcare close to home for Iowans. While there’s more to be done, our Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Reauthorization Act is a key step to provide continued support for rural health care in America,” said Senator Grassley.

“Rural hospitals are the lifeline of rural communities. They keep families healthy, support local economies, and make it possible for people to live and work in rural Colorado. At a time when many rural hospitals are already under significant financial strain, extending the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration program is critical to maintaining access to care. If Congress fails to extend this program, hospitals not only lose a vital source of funding, but rural Coloradans could face longer drives, delayed care, and fewer options close to home. I’ve heard directly from rural hospitals across Colorado about what’s at stake, and I’ll keep fighting to protect health care access for every Coloradan,” said Senator Bennet.

The most recent performance data found participating RCHD hospitals significantly improved their Medicare margins and had higher capital investments, resulting in stronger financial conditions and helping with staff retention. Participating hospitals are mostly paid using a reasonable cost-based methodology instead of the inpatient prospective payment system.

In addition to Senators Welch, Grassley, and Bennet, the legislation is cosponsored by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), as well as Sens. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Angus King (I-Maine), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), James Lankford (R-Okla.) and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.).

Senator Welch has led efforts to protect access to health care and support rural hospitals, providers, and patients in Vermont. The Senator led the introduction of the bipartisan Rural Hospital Technical Assistance Program Act to help rural hospitals that are at risk of being closed, and the bipartisan Fair Funding for Rural Hospitals Act to ensure that hospitals caring for large numbers of Medicaid and uninsured patients in rural states receive their fair share of federal funding. Senator Welch also introduced of the bipartisan Rural Hospital Support Act, legislation to prevent rural hospital closures by extending and modernizing critical Medicare programs. Senator Welch is a lead sponsor of the EMS ROCSAct, CARE Act, 340B PATIENTS Act, and the CONNECT for Health Act.

Read and download the full text of the bill.

###


Chairman Wicker Commends Pentagon for Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Program Expansion

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, (R-MS), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today commended Secretary Pete Hegseth and Pentagon leadership for directing the department to increase the number of Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) programs across the country, as stipulated in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

The Chairman released the following statement:

"Expanding Junior ROTC programs across our nation's schools has been among my top priorities, and it is one that I was proud to authorize through the NDAA. These programs instill core values of citizenship, leadership, and service in our youth. They also provide structure, mentorship, and opportunity in our communities. I commend Secretary Hegseth and his team for moving forward with implementation and expansion. I look forward to seeing these programs grow and strengthen the next generation of Americans."

Background:

Secretary Hegseth recently delegated authority to the Under Secretary for Personnel and Readiness to determine the number of JROTC units established by each military department. This delegation creates a clearer path to scale JROTC across the military services. The FY27 President’s budget request reflects renewed funding for JROTC.


Merkley, Wyden, Hoyle Concerned About Eugene’s PeaceHealth Transitioning Emergency Medical Providers

Lawmakers Urge Partnership with Physicians, Community to Best Serve Lane County

Eugene, OR – Oregon's U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, along with Congresswoman Val Hoyle (OR-04), expressed concerns about PeaceHealth’s decision to end its contract with local Eugene Emergency Physicians in favor of Lane Emergency Physicians, which is owned by an Illinois physician and managed by Georgia-based ApolloMD.

“We are troubled after hearing of PeaceHealth's proposed changes to emergency department (ED) physician staffing across three Oregon hospitals,” wrote Merkley, Wyden, and Hoyle. “These emergency departments are critical to the region, and we are deeply concerned that this approach may negatively impact patient care, workforce retention, and PeaceHealth's ability to maintain the efficiency necessary as the region's primary Level II trauma center.”

The change affects three medical centers across Lane County, including PeaceHealth’s Riverbend in Springfield – a Level II trauma center – Cottage Grove Medical Center, and Peace Harbor Medical Center in Florence. PeaceHealth Riverbend is the only Level II trauma center – which provides specialized care for severely injured patients – between Corvallis and the California border.

The lawmakers pointed out, “Rapid corporate staffing changes, particularly those driven by cost-cutting measures, private equity involvement, and third-party staffing firms, have been associated with increased ED wait times and reduced operational efficiency. Community members, physicians, and hospital staff have shared significant concerns that this decision could lead to inadequate staffing, which would result in serious disruption and deterioration of ED services at these critical PeaceHealth locations.”

“We urge PeaceHealth to work in partnership and transparently with physicians, staff, and the community to develop an emergency department staffing plan that ensures continuity of care and maintains the integrity and reliability of emergency services across Lane County,” Merkley, Wyden, and Hoyle concluded.

Full text of the letter can be found by clicking here.

###


Wyden, Merkley Lead Effort to Extend Legislation Improving Healthcare Access and Financial Stability in Remote Areas

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley said today they have introduced legislation that would extend the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration (RCHD) for five years.

The program improves financial stability for rural hospitals by paying the reasonable costs of Medicare inpatient services - including meals, rooms, and nurse care - to prevent hospital closures and maintain critical healthcare access.

“Rural communities in Oregon and throughout America need and deserve access to quality health care,” said Wyden, ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee. “This proven program has bipartisan support because it works to help provide that care for rural families and to support rural economies.”

“Rural communities face unique hurdles in providing and accessing basic health care, which is why we must fight to preserve the programs that support care for these families,” Merkley said. “As rural hospitals in Oregon and across the nation face even more challenges, our bipartisan effort will protect funding for rural hospitals nationwide, ensuring Oregonians in all corners of our state can access the care they need and deserve.”

In addition to Wyden and Merkley, the bipartisan legislation is led by U.S. Sens. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and co-sponsored by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), as well as Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Angus King (I-Maine), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.).


Houlahan Reintroduces Bill to Expand Donor Breast Milk Access, Support WIC

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, U.S. Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06), Stephanie Bice (R-OK-05) and Maria Salazar (R-FL-27) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to expand access to donated breast milk for medically vulnerable infants at nonprofit milk banks nationwide. The Access to Donor Milk Act would allow state agencies to support donor milk programs with Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), enable nonprofit milk banks to ramp up production in critical shortages, promote the benefits of and need for donor milk, and solve wonky regulation issues that impact access for our most vulnerable.

“This legislation started as a conversation with a lactation consultant in my home community at Paoli Hospital. After learning how parents are struggling to access safe donor breast milk for their vulnerable infants, I knew we needed to provide more support,” said Rep. Houlahan. “The Access to Donor Milk Act is the solution. This bill offers parents the safe, reliable nutrition options their babies need to grow and thrive.”

Donor milk is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics for high-risk infants when a mother’s own milk is absent or insufficient in quantity. But the FDA has left donor breast milk in a grey regulatory zone, limiting WIC’s ability to cover donor milk for medically vulnerable infants and leaving low-income women and families behind. The lack of official regulation has also caused a lack of awareness about the availability of this life-saving option. Women don’t know that they can donate milk, and many women, families, and medical professionals do not know they can access it when in need.

Through close collaboration with stakeholders, Houlahan championed the Access to Donor Milk Act to address these barriers and ensure no family is left without the food they need to feed their babies. The bill has a history of bipartisan support in both the House and Senate – and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is also advocating for expanded donor milk supply.

“As a parent of two children, I am pleased to help lead this bipartisan initiative that aims to provide vital nutrients for infants and guard against future shortages of infant formula,” said Rep. Bice. “Our community in Oklahoma’s Fifth Congressional District is fortunate to have the Oklahoma Mother’s Milk Bank, which enables mothers to provide safe, pasteurized milk to infants in need. I will continue working to advance efforts that support families throughout the nation and appreciate the support of Rep. Houlahan on this issue.”

“As a mother of two beautiful daughters, I know every baby deserves the healthiest possible start in life,” said Rep. Salazar. “When a mother’s milk is unavailable or supply runs short, safe donor breast milk can be a lifeline for families and be critical to the health and survival of premature and medically vulnerable babies. I am proud to help lead this bipartisan effort to expand access to donor milk, support nonprofit milk banks, and help more families get the nutrition their babies need.”

The Access to Donor Milk Act is supported by a wide-ranging coalition of organizations, including: 1,000 Days, an Initiative of FHI Solutions; 2020 Mom; African American Breastfeeding Network; American Academy of Family Physicians; American Academy of Pediatrics; Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs; Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA); Institute for the Advancement of Breastfeeding & Lactation Education; March of Dimes; Mom Congress; MomsRising; National Partnership for Women & Families; National WIC Association; National Women’s Health Network; NEC Society; Reaching Our Sisters Everywhere; The Lactation Network; US Breastfeeding Committee; United States Lactation Consultant Association and ZERO TO THREE.

“Donor milk is a safe, evidence-based intervention that protects premature and ill infants. Nonprofit milk banks have a long track record of providing safe, high-quality donor milk to hospitals and families at home,” said Lindsay Groff, Executive Director of HMBANA. “Expanding access ensures more medically vulnerable babies receive the care they need, and we appreciate the sponsors of the Access to Donor Milk Act for prioritizing this.”

“Far too often, infants who could benefit from donor milk – especially those with very low birth weight – lack access to it, which means they can miss out on vital nutrition support when they need it most. The bipartisan Access to Donor Milk Act would provide much-needed funding, resources, and education to help connect families to donor milk,” said Andrew D. Racine, MD, PhD, FAAP, President of American Academy of Pediatrics. “Pediatricians applaud Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.), Maria Salazar (R-Fla.), and Stephanie Bice (R-Okla.) for raising the awareness of infants' nutritional needs through their commitment to this issue and their vision in crafting this important legislation. We urge Congress to pass this important bill.”

The bipartisan Access to Donor Milk Act would:

Empower State Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infant and Children (WIC) Agencies to use excess funds to purchase coolers to collect and store donated milk before it is collected by a donor milk bank;

Provide $3 million in emergency funding to nonprofit donor milk banks to support donor milk demand following an event that causes an urgent spike in demand for donor milk;

Establish a donor milk awareness program at the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and a develop public awareness campaign at HRSA educate the public on donor milk from donor milk banks registered with the FDA; and

Require FDA to convene a public meeting of stakeholders to examine potential donor milk regulation and then develop guidance on the best practices for donor milk donation, processing, storage and distribution.

Read the full text of the bill here.


Press Releases

Rep. Aguilar Delivers $2 Million to Build New Animal Shelter in San Bernardino County

The new shelter will improve the well-being and management of stray animals, abused pets and other abandoned animals in the Inland Empire

BLOOMINGTON, CA – Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33) announced that he secured $2,000,000 in community project funding for San Bernardino County to build a new animal shelter in Bloomington, California. The Bloomington Animal Care Center will improve animal care and public safety in the Inland Empire by expanding shelter space and providing quality veterinary and animal control services.

Once complete, the Bloomington Animal Care Center will help the most in-need animals in San Bernardino County and support initiatives to decrease the spread of diseases like rabies, manage stray animals, and provide other preventive measures to keep animals healthy and the public safe. Additionally, the shelter will offer free or low-cost community resources such as pet adoptions, spaying and neutering, microchipping, dog licensing, vaccinations, animal shelter during local emergencies, volunteer opportunities and educational programs for pet owners. You can watch the full video of the press conference here and find photos from the event above and here.

“My top priority is improving the quality of life for everyone in the Inland Empire, and that includes animals who call our region home,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “Californians are incredibly passionate about the well-being of pets and animals and understand the unique challenges we face in San Bernardino County. That’s why I’m proud to deliver this federal investment to build an animal shelter that will provide not just space, but also essential veterinary and animal control services to prevent the spread of disease, keeping both pets and people safe.”

“This investment moves the county forward as we expand animal care services for our residents,” said San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Chairman and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe. “We appreciate Congressman Aguilar’s support in securing these federal funds to help build a modern facility in Bloomington that will improve care and give us the capacity to serve more animals. It’s a practical investment that supports public health, community safety and responsible stewardship of public resources.”

“This investment brings us closer to delivering a much-needed animal care center for Bloomington—expanding access to services, improving response times, and creating more adoption opportunities,” said Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. “It’s an investment in the health, safety, and quality of life of our community.”

As a Member of the House Appropriations Committee, Rep. Aguilar secured $19.7 million for 15 projects in California’s 33rd Congressional District in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026.


Congressman Allen Leads Colleagues in Demanding a Halt in Changes to EAMC

Today, Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) was joined by Representatives Joe Wilson (SC-02), Austin Scott (GA-08), Earl "Buddy" Carter (GA-01), Sheri Biggs (SC-03), and Brian Jack (GA-03) in sending a letter to the Honorable Pete Hegseth, Secretary of the Department of War, urging that changes to the Eisenhower Army Medical Center (EAMC) at Fort Gordon be halted immediately.

In the letter, Congressman Allen and the members write: "We are writing to share our strong opposition to the proposal by the Defense Health Agency (DHA) to downgrade the Eisenhower Army Medical Center (EAMC) at Fort Gordon to an ambulatory care center... While DHA has notified Congress about the proposed changes, it is required by law that DHA submit a report to the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) and the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) on the proposed plans to restructure EAMC and Congress has 180 days to review the proposal before any changes are made."

The members continue: "It is very concerning that DHA has circumvented the law and has proceeded to downsize the EAMC based on a previous administration’s plan to address their recruiting failures and lack of investment in the men and women of the military... Under these new circumstances, we urge DHA to reconsider the changes made at EAMC and to halt any further actions, with respect to delivery of care and staffing until Congress has assessed the plan."

The members conclude: "While our servicemembers and their families are our priority, there are real national security concerns sending servicemembers into the civilian healthcare system... We are grateful to represent servicemembers and their families who face unique and complex needs due to their service. Again, we urge DHA to follow the letter of the law and halt any further changes to EAMC."

BACKGROUND: On January 20, 2026, Congressman Allen sent a letter to the Honorable David J. Smith, M.D., Acting Director of the Defense Health Agency, seeking answers about potential changes in the scope of services provided at Eisenhower Army Medical Center (EAMC) at Fort Gordon.

To read the full letter to Secretary Hegseth, click here.


Bacon Office, State Department to Host Passport Fair in Omaha

Omaha, Neb. – The office of U.S. Representative Don Bacon (NE-02), in partnership with the U.S. Department of State, will host a passport fair on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. CT at Mutual First Credit Union to help constituents complete and submit passport applications.

The fair will be staffed by district office personnel and a team of U.S. Department of State consular specialists. Because the House of Representatives will be in session, Rep. Bacon will be in Washington, D.C. and not be in attendance.

The passport fair is open to the public and aims to make the application process more accessible for those seeking new or renewed passports. A team of nine consular officials will be on-site and expects to assist approximately 180 constituents through scheduled appointments.

Passport fees still apply. Payment must be made by credit card, and applicants are encouraged to bring a passport photo along with their application materials. The fair is intended to streamline the application process and provide in-person assistance.

Appointments are required and must be scheduled at the following link: https://www.jotform.com/build/261205947101045

Event Details

Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2026

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. CT (Last appointment slot at 2:30 p.m.)

Location: Mutual First Credit Union

14510 F St., Suite 101

Omaha, NE 68137

Directions

The event will be held in the basement of the building. Upon arrival, take the elevators down to the basement level, make a left, and proceed to the end of the hall.

###


Bergman, Correa Lead Letter Urging FDA to Expedite Review of Breakthrough Mental Health Therapies

Last week, Reps. Jack Bergman and Lou Correa, co-chairs of the Congressional Psychedelics Advancing Therapies Caucus, led 30 bipartisan colleagues in sending a letter to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Martin A. Makary urging the agency to advance its evaluation of rapid-acting novel therapeutics – including entactogen- and psychedelic-assisted therapies – for the treatment of serious mental health conditions.

Millions of Americans continue to struggle with complex mental health challenges, and for many, existing treatment options fall short. This gap in care is felt acutely among Veterans, who experience rates of PTSD, depression, and suicide far exceeding those of the general population, and it has contributed to a growing and urgent public health crisis affecting individuals, families, and communities across the country.

The letter follows President Trump’s April 18 signing of the Executive Order “Accelerating Medical Treatments for Serious Mental Illness,” which directs federal agencies to fast-track access to psychedelic treatments for patients with serious mental illnesses who have not found relief in existing treatment options.

You can read the full letter here or below:

Commissioner Makary:

We write regarding the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) ongoing evaluation of rapid-acting novel therapeutics, including entactogen- and psychedelic-assisted therapies, for mental health conditions affecting millions of Americans. For many individuals, current treatment options remain insufficient, deepening an already urgent public health crisis. As Members of the House of Representatives, we have heard from countless Veterans, clinicians, and families seeking evidence-based alternatives, and many of us joined a bipartisan letter to President Biden in 2024 urging his administration to support access to MDMA-assisted therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), pending FDA approval.

We are encouraged by your public statements recognizing these treatments as “a top priority for this FDA and this administration.”

We agree that the agency must conduct “an expeditious and rapid review” of promising treatments, especially those that address urgent unmet needs in PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and other neuropsychiatric conditions.

At the same time, we understand and respect the agency’s role in ensuring that any new treatment meets rigorous standards of safety and efficacy. Recent regulatory actions, including the issuance and public release of the Complete Response Letter (CRL) for MDMA-assisted therapy, highlight the complexity of evaluating innovative treatment modalities and underscore the need for clear, consistent expectations for this emerging field.

In that spirit, we respectfully request written responses to the following questions:

1. Special Protocol Assessment (SPA): How does the FDA communicate and apply any remaining data concerns beyond clearly defined primary endpoints and control conditions when pivotal trials are conducted under an SPA? Are improvements underway to make regulatory expectations more predictable for therapies in emerging fields?

2. Methodological Standards and Interagency Coordination: What steps is the FDA taking to clarify methodological expectations for entactogen- and psychedelic-assisted clinical trials – including strategies to mitigate functional unblinding and expectancy effects – and how is the agency coordinating with federal partners such as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to streamline research pathways for populations with urgent unmet needs, including Veterans with PTSD.

3. Review Integrity and Subject-Matter Expertise: How does the FDA ensure that qualified experts with relevant experience conduct reviews of entactogen- and psychedelic-assisted therapies? What steps are in place to ensure consistency, objectivity, and independence in the evaluation process?

4. Final Guidance Timeline: What is the expected timeline for finalizing the FDA’s June 2023 guidance on clinical trials involving rapid-acting novel therapeutics, including entactogen- and psychedelic-assisted therapies?

In addition, we encourage the FDA to provide further clarity in the final guidance around:

- Strategies to mitigate functional unblinding and expectancy bias;

- Standards for adverse event monitoring and safety reporting;

- Provider training, licensing, and participant safeguards;

- The evolving role of psychotherapy in conjunction with pharmacological intervention;

- Generalizability of findings across diverse patient populations; and

- Consistency in regulatory expectations across entactogen and psychedelic drug development programs.

We remain committed to ensuring that Veterans and others living with treatment-resistant mental health conditions have access to safe, evidence-based care.

We respectfully urge the FDA to continue its evaluation of entactogen- and psychedelic-assisted therapies with transparency, urgency, and scientific rigor as the agency carries out its statutory responsibilities.

Thank you for your leadership and ongoing commitment to addressing this critical public health issue.


Budzinski Convenes Agriculture Advisory Council Amid Rising Costs

EDWARDSVILLE, IL — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) convened her bipartisan Agriculture Advisory Council at the National Corn to Ethanol Research Center (NCERC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

The Congresswoman answered questions on needed improvements to the Farm Bill, upcoming USDA reorganization, protecting funding for agricultural research institutions, support for farmers facing tariff and export market issues and how Congress is working to address fertilizer costs.

“I convened my Agriculture Advisory Council to hear directly from producers about the challenges they’re facing,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “We had a candid conversation about the realities on the ground, like rising fertilizer prices, the fight to protect conservation dollars, and the importance of investing in agricultural research. We also discussed what can be done to better support our farmers, such as passing year round E15 and a stronger Farm Bill. I remain committed to ensuring the work we do in Congress reflects the needs of our growers at home.”

The Agriculture Advisory Council is composed of stakeholders from across Illinois’ 13th Congressional District, including family farmers, faculty from the University of Illinois, Southern Illinois University, Richland Community College, and Lincoln Land Community College, as well as representatives from leading commodity organizations such as the Illinois Corn Growers Association, Illinois Soybean Association, and Illinois Pork Producers Association. The council also includes leadership from the Illinois Department of Agriculture and members of the Illinois General Assembly.

###


Made possible through federal funding secured by SmithSmith, Manchester Twp. and Ocean County officials unveil Manchester Police Department’s new, federally funded police vehicles

Yesterday, Rep. Chris Smith (R-Manchester), Manchester Twp. Police Chief Antonio Ellis, Ocean County Commissioners Robert Arace and Jennifer Bacchione, Manchester Twp. Mayor Joseph Hankins, and other local elected officials formally unveiled Manchester Twp. Police Department’s nine brand-new police vehicles and animal control van, purchased with federal funds secured by Smith during the congressional appropriations process.

Manchester Township Chief of Police Antonio Ellis, who delivered brief remarks during Tuesday’s event, said: “Today is about more than new vehicles. It’s about commitment, partnership, and delivering for the residents of Manchester Township.

“At the end of the day, this is about people. It’s about our officers having the equipment they need to respond safely and ensuring they return home safely to their families,” he continued.

“Special thanks to Chief Antonio Ellis, then-Mayor and now-Commissioner Rob Arace, then-Chief Robert Dolan, Mayor Joseph Hankins, and the entire Manchester Town Council for their tireless efforts to identify concerns with Manchester Twp. Police Department’s aging fleet of police vehicles and spearhead this critical request to the finish line,” said Smith.

“Today is an amazing example of what good local governance can lead to. Their remarkable advocacy has reaped tangible benefits for the people of Manchester Township—the nine brand-new Chevy Tahoe SUVs and animal control van that stand before us will actively make Manchester safer and better equipped to fulfill the needs of its residents.”

Smith, who has represented Manchester Twp. in Congress for several decades, secured $1,148,000 in federal funding for Manchester Twp. Police Department’s fleet augmentation initiative through the annual congressional appropriations process.

###


Press Advisory:  Congressman Cohen to Hold Press Conference on Redistricting Thursday

MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) will return from Nashville, where he has been working to defeat a partisan redistricting plan that would disenfranchise Memphis voters, to hold a press conference on Thursday morning in his downtown office.

What: A press conference to discuss the General Assembly’s plan to disenfranchise the voters of a majority-Black 9th Congressional District Congressman Cohen has represented since 2007

When: Thursday, May 7th, at 10:30 a.m.

Where: The Odell Horton Federal Building 167 North Main Street, Suite 369, Memphis (38103)

Please RSVP to Congressman Cohen’s communications director at Bartholomew.Sullivan@mail.house.gov

# # #


Rep. Crane Joins Federal Agencies and Local Leaders to Advance Rural Priorities

Yesterday, Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) joined the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development at a Federal Partners Forum held in Prescott, Arizona. The event brought together local, state, and federal officials to address the unique challenges facing rural communities across Arizona.

More than 120 local and regional leaders attended the summit, which was hosted by Yavapai College’s Center for Learning and Innovation. The forum featured senior officials from several federal agencies, including the National Park Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Throughout the morning, agency personnel highlighted available federal resources and outlined opportunities to strengthen rural economies as well as quality of life. Topics included expanding health care access, supporting small businesses, modernizing infrastructure, securing affordable housing, and improving broadband access.

Attendees also had the opportunity to meet directly with federal partners to build stronger relationships, explore new collaborations, and identify programs that can support long-term community development.


Congresswoman Escobar Cosponsors Energy Bills Relief Act

This week, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) joined over 130 House Democrats led by the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) Clean Energy Deployment Task Force Co-Chairs Reps. Mike Levin (CA-49) and Sean Casten (IL-06) on the Energy Bills Relief Act, a family- and consumer-focused approach to United States energy policy that ensures Americans have access to the most reliable and low-cost source of power available – renewable energy.

“Hardworking Americans are already facing skyrocketing utility bills, so it’s no wonder rate payers are afraid of being saddled with utility cost increases that might come from energy-intensive data centers," said Congresswoman Escobar. "I'm proud to cosponsor the Energy Bills Relief Act, which would ensure consumers aren't on the hook for higher energy costs. Corporations have been unwilling to meaningfully engage with communities or be transparent about their data centers, so we can’t risk them passing on their costs to consumers as well; this legislation provides guardrails to prevent that from happening."

Electricity rates are surging nationwide, and millions of households are struggling to pay their rising energy bills. The most effective way to lower utility costs for American households is to expand access to renewable energy — the most reliable and low-cost energy source.

We have the tools to power America with abundant, reliable, American-made clean energy. The missing link between those tools and expanded access to that low-cost and efficient energy is a consumer-first energy policy.

For too long, U.S. energy policy has boosted the profits of energy producers at the expense of energy consumers. The Energy Bills Relief Act shifts our focus to lowering costs and increasing reliability for American homes and businesses by deploying more renewable energy. It is firmly rooted in the American values of choice and competition. It prioritizes consumers and ensures access to low-cost energy for our homes, businesses, and economy.

Specifically, the Energy Bills Relief Act:


Ezell Honors Student Artists at 2026 Congressional Art Competition Reception

Congressman Mike Ezell (MS-04) recognized the outstanding artistic talent of students from across Mississippi’s Fourth District during this year’s Congressional Art Competition Reception, celebrating the creativity and hard work of local high school students.

The annual competition provides students with an opportunity to showcase their artistic abilities, with the first-place winner’s artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year.

“Mississippi is home to incredible talent, and this year’s competition once again proved that,” Ezell said. “It was an honor to recognize these students and celebrate their creativity, dedication, and hard work. Their artwork reflects not only their talent but also the unique perspectives and stories of our communities. I’m grateful to every student who submitted their work and to the families and educators who help foster that creativity. Investing in the arts is an investment in the next generation, and I look forward to seeing what these talented students accomplish in the future.”

The 2026 Congressional Art Competition winners are:

1st Place: Zoey Margrave, Petal High School

2nd Place: Alicia Chavez, Petal High School

3rd Place: Kendyll King, Ocean Springs High School

Background:

Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school art competition to recognize the artistic talents of the nation’s youth. The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 and has had more than 650,000 high school students participate in the competition.

###


Ukraine Caucus Supports Ukraine Ceasefire, Calls on Russia to Demonstrate Good Faith

Washington, DC – Today, Co-Chairs of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Congressman Mike Quigley (IL-05), and Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) issued the following statement in response to Ukraine’s ceasefire proposal and Russia’s continued strikes that undermine any credible path to peace:

“Ukraine has extended an olive branch: an immediate, temporary ceasefire grounded in the protection of human life and the pursuit of a just peace. In the face of Russia’s continued aggression, this proposal reflects the moral clarity of a free people: willing to seek peace, unwilling to surrender sovereignty, and determined to defend the dignity of their nation.

“For years, the world has watched Russia strike Ukrainian cities, energy infrastructure, and civilians while claiming to seek peace. Simultaneously, the Kremlin is only advancing a symbolic pause tied to its World War II Victory Day commemorations — an observance Dictator Vladimir Putin has increasingly weaponized as a tool of propaganda and imperial grievance. A ceasefire cannot be selective, conditional, or timed for political convenience. It must be real, verifiable, and honored in good faith.

“Putin should accept and fully respect Ukraine’s ceasefire beginning tonight. The choice before the Kremlin is clear: continue a war that has brought devastation to Ukraine and isolation to Russia, or take a meaningful step toward peace.

“The lesson is not distant history. It is the test before us now. Europe once again faces a war of conquest—an effort to erase Ukraine’s borders, extinguish its identity, and deny a free people the right to determine their own future.

“History has shown where wars of aggression lead when the world looks away. It has also shown how they end: aggression rejected, sovereignty defended, and peace secured through strength.

“We stand united— Democrats and Republicans — in support of Ukraine’s sovereignty, in defense of international law, and in recognition of the immense sacrifices already made by the Ukrainian people. We honor those who have fallen resisting tyranny and fighting for Liberty on the continent of Europe, just as we remember the lives of the 420,000 Americans and countless millions who gave their lives to defeat an ideology based on hatred and domination eight decades ago.

“The path to peace is open. The responsibility to take it rests with the Kremlin. And as one united front, we say clearly: America stands with the people of Ukraine.”


Rep. Fry, Senator Graham Introduce Logan’s Law to Stop Repeat Violent Offenders

Surfside Beach, S.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Russell Fry (SC-07) and Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) announced the introduction of Logan’s Law, in honor of Logan Federico. Logan was murdered at the hands of a repeat violent offender in Columbia, South Carolina in May 2025. Logan’s murderer, Alexander Dickey, is a career criminal who had been arrested 39 times, 25 of which were for felony charges, prior to murdering Logan. Dickey was never sentenced to serious prison time.

Rep. Fry and Senator Graham introduced the legislation alongside Logan’s parents, Stephen and Melissa Federico. Logan’s Law holds violent criminals, prosecutors, and judges accountable while closing loopholes that allowed Dickey to remain free. Representatives Mark Harris (NC-08), Pat Harrigan (NC-10), Ralph Norman (SC-05), and Tim Moore (NC-04) are original cosponsors of the legislation.

“Logan Federico was a bright, talented young woman with a whole life ahead of her,” said Rep. Fry. “Sadly, her life was stolen far too soon by a repeat violent criminal who was never held accountable. Logan’s Law is one small step Congress can take to ensure justice is served for Logan and her family, and to prevent such a senseless tragedy from happening again in the future. I’m proud to introduce this legislation and even prouder to stand alongside Logan’s family as they try to bring some purpose out of such a tragic loss.”

“A year after this senseless act of violence in South Carolina, my heart continues to break for the loss of Logan Federico,” said Senator Graham. “She was a talented and beautiful young woman, both inside and out. We owe it to Logan and her family to ensure justice is fully applied in this case and to prevent similar situations from reoccurring in the future.”

“Logan was just visiting friends in May 2025 at the University of South Carolina. But she left on a Thursday and never came home,” said Stephen Federico. “A career criminal, Alexander Dickey, was out on the street time and time again because of weak policy. With 39 charges and 25 felonies – aggravated assaults, robberies and parole violations – he should have been in jail. We have worked hard over the last year to recover. What I can tell you is there is no recovering from this. But there is hope for a better future and a safer society for innocent people. I hope when people read through Logan’s Law, they say, ‘why don’t we have this already?’ The drive down to Myrtle Beach today was long, but the Federico family appreciates everything Senator Graham and Congressman Fry are doing for Logan and the innocent people that are here after her.”

If signed into law, Logan’s Law will:

Create A Publicly Accessible Violent Criminal Offender Database: This database includes both state and federal convictions and is designed to put the public on notice of violent criminals in their community, while also promoting accountability by making sentencing records publicly visible.

With this database, the public will also be made aware of judges and prosecutors who give career criminals a pass.

To be reportable under the database, an offense must be punishable by a sentence greater than 180 days and must involve the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against a person or property. The 180-day threshold is intended to exclude low-level offenses, as the goal is to capture more serious violent offenses.

If states refuse to participate in the database, they risk the withholding of DOJ grant funding.

Create a Fingerprint and Criminal History Data Report: Directs the U.S. Attorney General to submit a report to Congress identifying deficiencies in the sharing of fingerprint, warrant, and criminal history data between states and the federal government.

If the U.S. Attorney General lacks authority to remedy these deficiencies through Justice Department recommendations, the report must include recommendations to Congress.

Logan was a 22-year-old student from North Carolina, visiting friends in Columbia at the University of South Carolina. She was shot and killed by Dickey after he broke into the home where she was staying. Dickey had been arrested 39 times prior to murdering Logan. One of the reasons Dickey received lighter sentences is that his criminal record was incomplete because his fingerprints had not been properly sent to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).

In September 2025, Logan’s father, Stephen, testified at a House Judiciary Committee field hearing in Charlotte, North Carolina, on victims of violent crime. He testified that, but for record-keeping failures and plea deals that resulted in reduced sentences, the man convicted of murdering his daughter likely would have still been in prison.

"I sat across from Logan Federico's father in Charlotte as he described watching the justice system fail his daughter over and over again,” said Rep. Harrigan. “The man who killed her had 25 felonies on his record and never should have been a free man. Stories like Logan's are exactly why I am proud to cosponsor Congressman Fry's Logan's Law, which creates a publicly accessible database so judges, prosecutors, and the public can see exactly who they are dealing with before it is too late. We owe it to Logan and every family who has lived this nightmare to make sure it never happens again."


Rep. Garamendi, Castro, and 29 Colleagues Demand End to Ambiguity in Israel’s Nuclear Capabilities

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, joined Rep. Joaquin Castro and 29 House Democrats in demanding the U.S. Department of State hold Israel to the same standard as other countries and provide transparency on Israels’ nuclear capabilities, ending decades-long ambiguity. This request, amid the ongoing Iran War, would fulfill Congress’ constitutional responsibility to be fully informed about the nuclear balance in the Middle East and pave the way for coherent nonproliferation policy.

The lawmakers raised questions about the ambiguous U.S. policy regarding Israel’s nuclear capabilities while engaging in war alongside Israel against Iran, writing, “We are in the fullest sense, fighting this war side by side with a country whose potential nuclear weapons program the United States government officially refuses to acknowledge. American service members continue to be deployed throughout the region. Congress has a constitutional responsibility to be fully informed about the nuclear balance in the Middle East, the risk of escalation by any party to this conflict, and the administration's planning and contingencies for such scenarios. We do not believe we have received that information.”

The lawmakers concluded by demanding the U.S. apply its nonproliferation standards equally, writing, “We cannot develop coherent nonproliferation policy for the Middle East, including with respect to Iran's civil nuclear program and Saudi Arabia's civil nuclear ambitions, while maintaining a policy of official silence about the nuclear weapons capabilities of one party central to the ongoing conflict in which the United States is a direct participant. We ask that you hold Israel to the same standard of transparency that the United States expects from any other country that may be pursuing or retaining nuclear weapons capability.”

Members who signed the letter include: Joaquin Castro (D-TX), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), Greg Casar (D-TX), Mark Pocan (D-WI), James P. McGovern (D-MA), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (D-IL), Al Green (D-TX), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Jonathan L. Jackson (D-IL), Veronica Escobar (D-TX), Donald S. Beyer Jr. (D-VA), Nydia Velázquez (D-NY), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Lateefah Simon (D-CA), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Delia C. Ramirez (D-IL), Adelita S. Grijalva (D-AZ), Summer L. Lee (D-PA), Ro Khanna (D-CA), Sylvia R. Garcia (D-TX), Maxine Dexter (D-OR), Emily Randall (D-WA), Becca Balint (D-VT), Val Hoyle (D-OR), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ).

The full letter is available here.