Senators Kim and Welch Urge DHS Secretary Mullin to Improve FEMA, Protect Agency from Staffing Cuts, and Deliver Meaningful Reform

The Senators wrote: “As the agency turns a new page, under your leadership, we write to outline several priorities that we hope to advance together.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee that oversees FEMA, and U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-VT), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, urged Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin to pursue meaningful Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reform, including improving the agency’s disaster response and recovery timeline.

Senators Kim and Welch also encouraged Secretary Mullin to support the nomination of an experienced FEMA Administrator, ensure FEMA is adequately staffed, and cooperate with congressional oversight and Office of the Inspector General (OIG) investigations. The Senators also requested a meeting with their former Senate colleague to discuss these priorities.

In the letter, the Senators specifically:

Highlighted how delays in approving disaster aid requests were a persistent issue under former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem: “Former Secretary Noem instituted a policy requiring her approval of all expenses exceeding $100,000. Rather than improving fiscal efficiency, this policy all but paralyzed FEMA’s ability to serve the American people in a timely manner…We support your decision to eliminate former Secretary Noem’s approval threshold policy. We also look forward to working with you to find more ways to streamline FEMA’s funding approval process and ensure disaster aid reaches people in need in a timely manner.”

Continued to urge Secretary Mullin to swiftly support an experienced FEMA Administrator and improve staffing and culture at the agency: “A lack of consistent, qualified leadership at FEMA has compromised the Agency’s mission. FEMA is currently operating under its third temporary head in fifteen months, fueling widespread uncertainty among employees and policy whiplash that hampers the Agency’s ability to fulfill its mission…FEMA also requires consistent staffing to carry out its emergency management and disaster response duties. We have already seen the consequences of ill-considered staffing cuts carried out by former Secretary Noem.”

Underscored how, under former Secretary Noem’s leadership, DHS routinely ignored or delayed responding to legislative oversight inquiries: “Under former Secretary Noem’s leadership, DHS routinely ignored or delayed responding to legislative oversight requests—including requests related to the FEMA Review Council. Senators also have not received responses to questions for the record (QFR) from former Secretary Noem’s March 3rd hearing in the Senate Committee on the Judiciary. We ask that your Department promptly respond to these outstanding requests, which we have enclosed for your review. Finally, according to the DHS Office of Inspector General (OIG), your predecessor obstructed multiple OIG investigations. We urge you to reverse course and allow the OIG to complete its work.”

Demanded Secretary Mullin reaffirm FEMA’s independence within DHS as defined under the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act (PKEMRA) after the failed response to Hurricane Katrina: “PKEMRA limits the DHS Secretary’s authority over FEMA’s mission and responsibilities. Former Secretary Noem repeatedly violated PKEMRA by directing actions at FEMA that weakened our emergency management capabilities. We urge you to work with Congress and comply with PKEMRA, allowing FEMA to make its own necessary decisions to help our nation before, during, and after disasters. We are thankful for the actions you have taken so far to comply with this law.”

Read Senator Kim and Welch’s full letter to DHS Secretary Mullin.

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Amid Trump’s Affordability Crisis, Luján Pushes Solutions on Housing Affordability and Early Childhood Action

Luján Continues Spotlighting Rising Costs Across New Mexico and Efforts to Fight Back Against Trump’s Cost-Raising Policies

Santa Fe, N.M. – As costs continue to skyrocket under President Trump’s costly and chaotic policies, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) is holding events across New Mexico to hear directly from families, educators, housing leaders, and advocates about the challenges they are facing. During the forums, Senator Luján highlighted legislative actions he is taking to lower costs, expand access to early education, and fight for affordable housing.

In Santa Fe at the Flores Del Sol Head Start, Senator Luján – one of two Head Start graduates to serve in the U.S. Senate – brought together professionals and experts in Head Start, Pre-K, and early education to address the challenges stemming from funding freezes and cuts by the Trump administration. Senator Luján and the early education experts identified priorities to boost early education and legislative efforts to strengthen programs like Head Start in New Mexico and across the country. Senator Luján was joined by Head Start families, who shared how the program has benefited them and expressed concerns about recent efforts by the Trump administration to undermine it.

“As a Head Start graduate, I know firsthand the opportunities early education creates for children and families,” said Senator Luján. “That’s why I’m fighting back against the Trump administration’s costly policies and efforts to undermine programs like Head Start. Every child deserves access to a strong early education, and I will keep working to expand those opportunities and lower costs for families across New Mexico.”

Senator Luján also met with Santa Fe County and City housing leaders and advocates to address the housing affordability crisis and highlight actions to lower costs for New Mexicans. During the event, Senator Luján spotlighted the $1 million in federal funding he secured for Homewise Inc. to support housing projects in Santa Fe and discussed ongoing efforts to expand affordable housing access. Additionally, Senator Luján highlighted federal funding he secured for critical Santa Fe housing projects, including $2.5 million for trauma-informed housing, $1.2 million to re-stucco approximately 195 low-income rental units, and $500,000 to provide electrical upgrades to 183 low-income rental units. New Mexicans also highlighted how the Trump administration’s costly policies and attacks on rental assistance programs are driving up housing costs and putting affordable housing further out of reach for families.

“There’s no question we must continue working to address the housing affordability crisis and support families struggling to find affordable housing in New Mexico and across the country,” said Senator Luján. “While the Trump administration pushes costly policies that would gut rental assistance and affordable housing programs, working families are being priced out of the communities they helped build. That’s unacceptable. I fought to secure millions for housing projects in Santa Fe because we need real solutions that lower costs and expand affordable housing opportunities, and I will keep fighting to deliver for New Mexicans.”

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Luján, Markey, Schumer, Cantwell, Demand FCC Stop First Amendment Attacks on Disney, ABC

Senators call for FCC’s order for early license renewals to Disney be rescinded

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Media, U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) wrote to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr urging it to rescind last week’s order requiring Disney to file early license renewals for its eight ABC broadcast stations. The FCC order, at Chairman Carr’s directive, came just one day after President Donald Trump publicly demanded ABC fire late-night host Jimmy Kimmel and is the latest effort by Trump and Carr to weaponize the FCC’s authorities to target broadcasters.

In the letter, the Senators wrote, “The campaign against Disney and its editorial decision-making, culminating in last week’s early-renewal order, is an egregious abuse of power and a clear violation of the First Amendment. Although the FCC has the authority to ensure broadcasters operate in the public interest, it cannot serve as President Trump’s roving censor, threatening to revoke licenses against broadcasters whose editorial content — including a comedian’s jokes — displeases the President. In fact, before serving as chairman, you frequently recognized the importance of the First Amendment and the freedom of speech, including for comedians. As you previously explained: ‘From Internet memes to late-night comedians, from cartoons to the plays and poems as old as organized government itself – Political Satire circumvents traditional gatekeepers & helps hold those in power accountable. Not surprising that it’s long been targeted for censorship.’ Now, you are doing exactly that — targeting political satire for censorship.”

The Senators request answers by May 21, 2026, to questions including:

What internal legal review, including by the Office of General Counsel, was conducted before the order was issued?

Did you consider, but reject, any less aggressive enforcement steps prior to issuing the order?

The Commission issued a procedurally similar early-renewal order against Bridge News, LLC on April 27, 2026 — one day before the Disney order. Did you intentionally time the orders so that the Bridge News order would precede the Disney order in the public record?

What is the status update on each open FCC investigation into Disney or its ABC stations?

What is the FCC’s justification for issuing the early-renewal order amidst these ongoing investigations?

Between April 22, 2026, and April 28, 2026, did you, your staff, or any other FCC personnel communicate with the White House, any other component of the Executive Office of the President, or any individual acting on their behalf regarding Disney, ABC, Jimmy Kimmel, or the early-renewal order?

What are the prior instances in which the Commission has invoked 47 CFR § 73.3539(c) to call in the licenses of a broadcaster for early renewal, including a summary of the grounds for each instance?

Senators John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) also signed the letter.

Read the full letter here.

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Markey, Schumer, Cantwell, Luján Demand FCC Stop First Amendment Attacks on Disney, ABC

Call for FCC’s order for early license renewals to Disney be rescinded

Letter Text (PDF)

Washington (May 7, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, along with Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Commerce Committee Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), and Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) today led their colleagues in writing to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr urging it to rescind last week’s order requiring Disney to file early license renewals for its eight ABC broadcast stations. The FCC order, at Chairman Carr’s directive, came just one day after President Donald Trump publicly demanded ABC fire late-night host Jimmy Kimmel and is the latest effort by Trump and Carr to weaponize the FCC’s authorities to target broadcasters. Senators John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) also signed the letter.

In the letter, the Senators wrote, “The campaign against Disney and its editorial decision-making, culminating in last week’s early-renewal order, is an egregious abuse of power and a clear violation of the First Amendment. Although the FCC has the authority to ensure broadcasters operate in the public interest, it cannot serve as President Trump’s roving censor, threatening to revoke licenses against broadcasters whose editorial content — including a comedian’s jokes — displeases the President. In fact, before serving as chairman, you frequently recognized the importance of the First Amendment and the freedom of speech, including for comedians. As you previously explained: ‘From Internet memes to late-night comedians, from cartoons to the plays and poems as old as organized government itself - Political Satire circumvents traditional gatekeepers & helps hold those in power accountable. Not surprising that it’s long been targeted for censorship.’ Now, you are doing exactly that — targeting political satire for censorship.”

The Senators request answers by May 21, 2026, to questions including:

What internal legal review, including by the Office of General Counsel, was conducted before the order was issued?

Did you consider, but reject, any less aggressive enforcement steps prior to issuing the order?

The Commission issued a procedurally similar early-renewal order against Bridge News, LLC on April 27, 2026 — one day before the Disney order. Did you intentionally time the orders so that the Bridge News order would precede the Disney order in the public record?

What is the status update on each open FCC investigation into Disney or its ABC stations?

What is the FCC’s justification for issuing the early-renewal order amidst these ongoing investigations?

Between April 22, 2026, and April 28, 2026, did you, your staff, or any other FCC personnel communicate with the White House, any other component of the Executive Office of the President, or any individual acting on their behalf regarding Disney, ABC, Jimmy Kimmel, or the early-renewal order?

What are the prior instances in which the Commission has invoked 47 CFR § 73.3539(c) to call in the licenses of a broadcaster for early renewal, including a summary of the grounds for each instance?

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Senator Marshall Visits Six Counties in Southeast Kansas

Pittsburg – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), spent Friday traveling across Southeast Kansas, meeting with manufacturers, educators, healthcare leaders, and small business owners to see firsthand how recent policy wins, from full expensing to expanded childcare tax credits, are already making a difference for Kansas workers and families.

Highlights from the visit include:

Fort Scott Community College – Bourbon County

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Senator Marshall began the day at Fort Scott Community College, meeting with President Jack Welch and college leadership to discuss the institution’s recent progress and ongoing workforce initiatives.

Leaders highlighted the restart of CDL training, expansion of credential programs, and partnerships with local school districts to strengthen career and technical education.

Freeman Health System – Bourbon County

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Senator Marshall toured the newly opened Freeman Hospital in Fort Scott, which includes a 6-bed emergency department and 10-bed acute care wing – restoring full-service hospital access to the region for the first time since 2018. Hospital leaders discussed the multi-agency effort required to complete CMS certification and begin serving Medicare and Medicaid patients.

Throughout the process, Senator Marshall’s office played a direct role by engaging with CMS, KDHE, and other partners, by elevating concerns and push through delays to help to move the certification forward. That work helped get the final approvals completed so the hospital could open its doors and begin treating patients.

Pittsburg 150thBirthday Celebration – Crawford County

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Senator Marshall stopped in Pittsburg to celebrate the city’s 150th anniversary, recognizing its historic role in Kansas’ industrial development and its continued contributions to education and manufacturing.

Local leaders highlighted Pittsburg’s evolution from a railroad and mining hub to a modern regional center anchored by education, advanced manufacturing, and public investment. The community is currently marking its sesquicentennial with events and public displays marking its history and its future growth.

Grown at Eden – Labette County

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In Parsons, Senator Marshall toured Grow at Eden Early Learning Center with founder Kandy Rushing to discuss childcare access, workforce participation, and early childhood development. The center serves families across Southeast Kansas and provides care for children from a range of income levels, including those utilizing childcare assistance programs.

The discussion focused on recent expansions to the employer-provided childcare tax credit included in the Working Families Tax Cuts, which allows businesses to receive expanded credits for supporting employee childcare needs or investing in childcare facilities.

Monarch Cement – Allen County

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Next, Senator Marshall toured Monarch Cement Company, one of Kansas’ longstanding manufacturing employers, to discuss domestic production, supply chains, and recent tax reforms secured in the Working Families Tax Cuts.

The company expressed their appreciation for the recently secured policy wins, including permanent full expensing for capital investments, restored R&D expensing, and protections for manufacturing competitiveness.

Chanute High School – Neosho County

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At Chanute High School, Senator Marshall toured the new Animal Science Learning Center and met with FFA students and instructors to highlight hands-on agricultural education and career readiness efforts.

School administration showcased expanded CTE programming in agricultural science, including supervised agricultural experiences and industry-aligned coursework designed to prepare students for Kansas’s agriculture workforce.

Cobalt Boats – Wilson County

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Senator Marshall concluded the day in Neodesha with a tour of Cobalt Boats, a Kansas-based manufacturer known for high-end recreational boats, where he discussed pro-manufacturing provisions, including permanent 199A small business deductions, full expensing for capital investments, and restored R&D expensing, noting their role in supporting Kansas manufacturers and small businesses.

The company employs approximately 650 workers across Kansas and Tennessee and continues to invest in advanced production techniques and workforce training.

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Bonamici, Merkley, Mannion, Underwood, Alsobrooks Launch Effort to Overturn Student Loan Rule

Washington, D.C. – Today Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Rep. John Mannion (D-NY), Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-IL), and Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) announced they will introduce a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution to repeal the Department of Education’s finalized rule that caps federal student loans and overhauls the student loan system.

The final rule unnecessarily limits the definition of a professional degree for the purpose of establishing federal loan caps, which will force future nurses, social workers, teachers, firefighters, physical and occupational therapists, and many others to turn to often predatory, high-interest private lenders to complete their degrees. It also officially eliminates the Grad PLUS program and creates new, less affordable loan repayment options for all borrowers. The CRA will be introduced as soon as the rule is officially received by Congress.

“I’ve spoken with nurses, teachers, firefighters, and many others who are concerned about how the Trump administration is making it even harder and more expensive for students to enter these critical public service jobs,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “It is also absurd to take away more affordable student loan repayment plans at a time when families are struggling to cover costs as prices skyrocket for gas and other basic needs as a direct result of Trump’s reckless economic policy. These changes to the federal loan system are unacceptable and I will do everything I can to oppose them.”

“Trump and Congressional Republicans’ ‘Big, Ugly Betrayal’ law is a direct attack on public service jobs across the nation, making it more difficult for hardworking Americans to access higher education,” said Senator Jeff Merkley. “By failing to classify nurses, teachers, firefighters, social workers, accountants, architects, and others as pursuing ‘professional’ degrees for student loans, the Trump Administration is undermining the future of critical professions. At the same time, this is driving up the cost of student loans for all professions by establishing costlier student loan repayment plans. We’re fighting like hell to roll back dangerous changes to federal student loans, so folks can continue to access the affordable loans they need to pursue their dreams.”

“The Trump Administration is making it harder for people to become nurses, social workers, counselors, and other essential professionals at the exact moment our communities need them most,” said Representative John W. Mannion. “This rule is arbitrary, short-sighted, and harmful to low- and middle-income students who do not have the luxury of paying out of pocket for an advanced degree, which is why I’m working with my colleagues on this legislation to repeal this shortsighted rule. We should be expanding access to educational opportunity, not creating new barriers to the workforce.”

“While working families struggle to buy groceries and put gas in their cars, the Trump Administration is sending a clear message to aspiring nurses, health care providers, social workers, teachers, and firefighters: If you can’t afford a high interest loan, then you can’t serve your community,” said Rep. Lauren Underwood. “This rule will undermine public health, and it’s a slap in the face to the millions of professionals who are doing critically important work to support the health and well-being of our families. It should be thrown out, and I’m proud to join my colleagues on this Congressional Review Act resolution to get it overturned.”

“The Trump Administration is once again actively targeting the public servants who make up the bedrock of our communities – nurses, teachers, and social workers – by taking away their opportunities to access affordable student loans and forcing them into the clutches of private lenders,” said Senator Alsobrooks. “This new rule creates a deep inequity that will exacerbate nursing and educator shortages and is an insult to the hard working professionals that sacrifice every day to serve others.”

The final rule establishes an arbitrary list of 11 fields that are eligible for an aggregate borrowing limit of $200,000. Borrowers in programs excluded from the definition of “professional” – including nurses, social workers, teachers, firefighters, physical and occupational therapists, and more – will have a $20,500 annual borrowing limit and a $100,000 aggregate borrowing limit. This will worsen healthcare workforce shortages and disincentivize students from entering high-need fields where they might not be able to pay back the high costs of private loans.

Millions of borrowers with outstanding student loans will also see their required monthly payment amounts increase by hundreds of dollars, dramatically exacerbating the affordability crisis. Changes to student loan repayment include significantly higher monthly loan payments and a mandated $50 minimum monthly payment under the Tiered Standard Repayment Plan, rather than allowing for lower amounts when the lender and borrower agree. Together, these changes will disproportionately affect low- and middle-income students and families.

The text of the CRA can be read here. It is supported by: AASA, The School Superintendents Association; American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN); American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA); American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP); American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM); American Nurses Association (ANA); National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNP); National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP); National Association of Social Workers (NASW); National Education Association (NEA); the National League for Nursing (NLN); the PA Education Association; National Rural Health Association; and American Academy of Physician Associates.

“It’s ironic that we find ourselves here at the start of National Nurses Week, a time when we are meant to celebrate and honor the very people who keep our health system running. And yet, the Department of Education has chosen to make it harder for nurses to advance their education and their careers,” said Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, President of the American Nurses Association. “I want to thank Rep. Bonamici, Rep. Mannion, and Rep. Underwood for introducing a Congressional Review Act resolution to repeal the Department of Education’s final rule. As nurses, we are used to using every tool we have to treat our patients, and we need to use every tool at our disposal to repeal this rule. Otherwise, the effects of this rule will be felt in communities across the country, especially in rural areas where nurse practitioners, midwives, and nurse anesthetists are often the only providers of core healthcare services.”

“AACN applauds Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, Rep. John Mannion, Rep. Lauren Underwood, and Congressional leaders for pushing back on the Department of Education’s final rule and taking decisive action to champion our nation’s nursing professionals,” said Dr. Deborah Trautman, President and CEO of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. “This joint resolution effectively suspends restrictive student loan caps for master’s and doctoral nursing students and keeps all options on the table to ensure federal support for meeting the nation’s nursing workforce needs.”

“The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is thrilled to endorse Congresswoman Bonamici’s Congressional Review Act in response to the Department of Education’s RISE Committee Final Rule. After receiving over 80,000 comments to their proposed rule, including NASW comments with a petition signed by nearly 30,000 social workers, the Trump Administration did not make any substantive changes to the designation of a professional degree. By instituting lower federal student loan limits for social work students, the Trump Administration cut off the access that makes it possible to educate and prepare social workers who are the largest providers of mental health services in the nation. Social work is a profession. It requires a graduate degree, supervised clinical hours, and state licensure. NASW, along with our Congressional champions, will continue to fight for the recognition social workers deserve and ensure that the cost of an education doesn’t prevent a dedicated professional from saving lives,” said Anthony Estreet, PhD, MBA, LCSW-C, CEO, NASW.

Additional statements of support can be found here.

In the House, the CRA is cosponsored by Representatives Nanette Barragan (D-CA), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), Janelle Bynum (D-OR), André Carson (D-IN), Troy Carter (D-LA), Joe Courtney (D-CT), Angie Craig (D-MN), Madeline Dean (D-PA), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Chris Deluzio (D-PA), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), Maxine Dexter (D-OR), Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), Dwight Evans (D-PA), Laura Friedman (D-CA), John Garamendi (D-CA), Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ), Jahana Hayes (D-CT), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Rick Larsen (D-WA), John Larson (D-CT), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA), Betty McCollum (D-MN), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Chris Pappas (D-N.H.), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Deborah Ross (D-N.C.), Andrea Salinas (D-OR), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Lateefah Simon, Mark Takano (D-CA), Dina Titus (D-NV), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Paul Tonko (D-NY), Frederica Wilson (D-FL), and Becca Balint (D-VT).

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Wyden leads Oregon Democrats to Fight To Protect Mifepristone Access, Women’s Health Care, And FDA Authority

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden said today he is leading Senate and House colleagues, including U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and U.S. Representatives Suzanne Bonamici, Andrea Salinas, Val Hoyle, Janelle Bynum and Maxine Dexter, in filing an amicus brief to the Supreme Court urging them to overturn a Fifth Circuit decision that would upend the FDA approval process and restrict access to mifepristone.

The lawmakers argued that mifepristone already undergoes a rigorous FDA approval process, and the medication has repeatedly been found to be safe and effective. A court overturning this decision would limit who could receive this vital and life-saving medication. This decision also undermines the longstanding, congressionally mandated, and evidence-based decision-making process at the FDA.

“For more than a quarter century, FDA has repeatedly and consistently affirmed that mifepristone is safe. Over seven million patients in the U.S. have safely used mifepristone. And as with other drugs, FDA continues to monitor the post-marketing safety data on mifepristone—data confirming that mifepristone is safe without regard to how it is dispensed,” the lawmakers wrote.

The lawmakers also argued that the Fifth Circuit ruling was clearly not based on the merits of the distribution method of mifepristone, or the scientific backing of the medication, but rather a desire to limit the ability of individuals to receive abortion medication. The emergency stay is necessary to ensure that Louisiana cannot deny medically appropriate care to patients far beyond the state’s borders.

“Decades after FDA’s initial approval of mifepristone and years after the in-person dispensing requirement was eliminated, the Fifth Circuit on an ‘emergency’ basis ordered FDA to re-impose this onerous nationwide restriction on all Americans. Allowing that decision to remain in place undermines the science-based statutory framework Congress commands and threatens patient access to reproductive health care,” the lawmakers continued. “As has been well publicized, many U.S. residents in states where abortion is legal live far from any reproductive health care provider. Reinstating an in-person dispensing requirement for mifepristone exacerbates an already significant reproductive health crisis by limiting access to the most common method of early abortion.”

“Preserving evidence-based access to mifepristone, including when dispensed by mail or retail pharmacy, is necessary to mitigate the imminent harm facing members of the public. Women deserve access to mifepristone for reproductive health care, and all Americans deserve integrity in the congressionally mandated, evidence-based process for FDA’s drug regulatory decisions,” the lawmakers concluded.

This brief follows emergency appeals from the manufacturers of mifepristone, the Supreme Court issuing a temporary stay of the decision Monday morning until next Monday, May 11, and the announcement that the Court has ordered briefing on the stay by this Thursday, May 7.

Oregon Democrats have long been champions for expanding access to women’s essential health care. In 1990, Wyden chaired the first ever congressional hearing on mifepristone. In 2023, Wyden introduced the My Body, My Data Act, which would have created a new national standard to protect reproductive and sexual health data. In 2025, Wyden and Merkley condemned the Trump administration’s politicization of the scientific review process at the FDA and the unnecessary call for review of mifepristone.

The amicus brief was led by Wyden and U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., Patty Murray, D-Wash., Dick Durbin, D-Ill., and U.S. Representatives Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., Katherine Clark, D-Mass., Frank Pallone Jr., D-N.J., Diane DeGette, D-Colo., Jamie Raskin, D-Md., and Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass. In addition to Merkley, Bonamici, Salinas, Hoyle, Bynum and Dexter, the amicus brief was signed by 43 Democratic U.S. Senators and 201 Democratic U.S. Representatives.

The full text of the amicus brief is here.

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After Murray Defeated Trump Efforts to Defund Legal Aid, Murray Meets with Northwest Justice Project in Seattle to Highlight a Lifeline for Workers, Veterans, Survivors, and More

Last year Trump fought to defund the Legal Services Corporation entirely, House Republicans fought to cut the program nearly by half; Murray protected nearly all of the funding in the bills she negotiated that Trump signed into law

Just last week, House Republicans passed a bill out of committee to cut funding for LSC by more than half and President Trump’s budget once again calls to defund the program entirely; As Murray gears up to once again protect LSC funding she will hear from Northwest Justice Project clients and lawyers about the important nonpartisan work this funding supports

Civil legal aid also has a dramatic return on investment; every dollar spent on legal aid generates an average of seven dollars in economic benefits.

ICYMI: Murray Secures $540 million for the Legal Services Corporation (LSC)

***PHOTOS AND B-ROLL HERE***

Seattle, WA — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, held a roundtable discussion with lawyers whose work is supported by Legal Services Corporation (LSC) grants and client storytellers who have benefitted from that work.

Senator Murray was joined by Abigail Daquiz, Executive Director, Northwest Justice Project (NJP); Karla Carlisle, Managing Attorney, NJP Tri-Cities and Walla Walla Offices; Christy, Client; Jennifer Budinick, NJP Attorney, Veterans Unit; Alan Myers, Client; David Tarshes, former NJP Attorney; Anita Belcher, Client; and Will Gunn; Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel for LSC.

“In this country—our courts and laws are meant to be a great equalizer, but we can only live up to that promise of equality when cost is not a barrier to justice,” said Senator Murray. “The funding from the Legal Services Corporation helps organizations like Northwest Justice Project keep that promise and live up to the values that make America great, helping tens of thousands of people every year. The Northwest Justice Project is a lifeline for farmworkers being denied fair pay, domestic violence victims trying to protect themselves and their families, seniors facing an unfair eviction, and so much more. President Trump already tried to completely defund federal legal aid last year—I stopped him. Trump wants to defund legal aid again and House Republicans are pushing to cut existing funding by more than half—that’s simply not going to happen on my watch. I’ll be ripping up Trump’s budget and writing a new one, one that invests in legal aid and protects this absolutely essential lifeline for working people.”

In FY26, Senator Murray protected $540 million for LSC and rejected President Trump’s proposal to completely defund the largest funder of civil legal aid for low-income Americans. Murray also beat back efforts by House Republicans to cut LSC funding by nearly half and made sure the FY26 appropriations bill included a provision to permit LSC recipients to operate with boards of directors that include more fiscal experts and community representatives—something Senator Murray has long advocated for. This change allowed LSC grantees to diversify their boards to include those with accounting, fundraising, and other kinds of expertise.

Just last week, House Republicans passed a bill out of committee that would cut LSC funding by more than half. LSC provides funding and support to legal aid organizations across the country to ensure Americans have the critical legal support they need to protect their families, advocate for veterans, prevent homelessness, and access their benefits. The primary responsibility of LSC is to manage and oversee the congressionally appropriated federal funds that it distributes in the form of grants to local legal services providers, which in turn give legal assistance to low-income clients in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories. LSC grantees have served over 6.4 million people, including 1.9 million who resolved housing, family, or other life-changing legal problems, and more than 30 million individuals used grantees’ online legal tools, websites, and self-help resources to navigate legal issues. Civil legal aid also has a dramatic return on investment; every dollar spent on legal aid generates an average of seven dollars in economic benefits.

“Federal funding for civil legal aid is the foundation for our ability to serve our communities—to ensure that a mom facing eviction has someone in their corner, that veterans who have served in this country can access the benefits they have earned, and ensures that safety is possible for survivors of domestic violence. Northwest Justice Project is the LSC grantee in Washington State and we take that responsibility very seriously, making sure that this investment is effectively used to serve our community. Thank you, Sen. Murray for being a champion for civil legal aid funding—so we can continue to show up for our clients,” said Abigail Daquiz, Executive Director, Northwest Justice Project.

“My attorney managed the chaos of my divorce, the connection for legal help with the protection order, and navigated the hurdles of coerced debt and terrible credit that my marriage had left me with, causing housing burdens… I am here today to say thank you. Thank you for giving me my life back. Because of NJP, I am not just a survivor; I am a mother with a home, a future, and a fresh start,” said Christy, a NJP client who with her two young children had fled an abusive partner.

“After more than a year of diligent work, NJP did what I couldn’t do alone. I was awarded a 50% disability rating. These weren’t ‘handouts’—they were the benefits I had earned over decades of service,” said Alan Myers, a NJP client, and a veteran who had served for 25 years and sustained service-related disabilities, including partial blindness, hearing loss, and spinal fracture. Yet he was told by the Veterans Administration that he would not qualify for benefits.

“If NJP needs anything, I will be there to help. It still blows my mind that I was able to be represented by great attorneys and actually get a favorable outcome. It was amazing. Truly amazing,” said Anita Belcher, a NJP client whose paycheck was suddenly garnished by 50% without notice.

NJP is Washington’s largest publicly funded legal aid program and provides legal representation to tens of thousands of low-income Washingtonians each year for critical legal matters including family safety, housing rights, wage theft, access to healthcare, education, and more. NJP is the sole LSC grantee in Washington state. LSC provided about $11 million to NJP in FY25, which was 18% of their total annual budget. They also received about $2 million in other federal funding, meaning 21% of their total budget in 2025 was from the federal government. Over one million people visit their website, washingtonlawhelp.org, to access free legal resources annually. Across Washington state, they have 20 physical offices and about 340 staff, including nearly 200 attorneys. In 2025, NJP direct legal services benefited 31,206 Washington residents, including more than 800 veterans, 2,929 older Americans, and thousands of domestic violence survivors. However, in Washington close to one million residents qualified for assistance.

Services provided include a toll-free referral and intake hotline called CLEAR (Coordinated Legal Education Advice and Referral) that lets clients ask questions and get advice over the phone, the Washington Law Help public website that hosts free legal resources and self-help materials, and they coordinate volunteer attorney programs to ensure equal justice for people unable to afford an attorney. In addition to 20 offices statewide, specialized units serve farmworkers, Native Americans, veterans, and provide eviction and foreclosure defense.

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Reed Statement on Shekarchi Stepping Down as Speaker & New Assembly Leadership

PROVIDENCE, RI -- Today, after Rhode Island House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi announced he is officially stepping down as Speaker in order to apply to fill a vacant seat on the Rhode Island Supreme Court, U.S. Senator Jack Reed issued the following statement:

“Joe Shekarchi is an outstanding public servant who has honorably served the people of Warwick with integrity and independence. His experience in elected office and as an attorney were demonstrated throughout his tenure on issues ranging from affordable housing to health care to civil rights. He dealt with incredibly complicated budgetary matters in an even handed manner that resulted in progress on Medicaid rates and a host of matters. As Speaker, his innate decency, ability to create consensus, and legal acumen were on display daily. Joe Shekarchi’s record speaks for itself and I wish him the best as he seeks to continue to use his talents in public service.

“I also congratulate the State House’s new incoming leadership. Representatives Blazejewski and Kazarian are experienced legislators dedicated to helping Rhode Island move forward, and I look forward to working with them.”


Reed’s Bipartisan TEACH Improvement Act Would Increase Pay for Aspiring Educators

WASHINGTON, DC –? As Rhode Islanders celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, U.S. Jack Reed (D-RI) is teaming up with U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) on the TEACH Improvement Act (S.4415). This legislation would strengthen the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program by increasing financial support and training for future educators, while improving institutional accountability and reducing unintended loan conversions. The bipartisan bill aims to improve education outcomes for students and enhance and reform federal incentives that attract talented, effective teachers to classrooms where they are most needed.

In 2008, Congress passed the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA) creating the TEACH Grant Program in order to help address a nationwide shortage of highly-qualified teachers in high-need fields at underserved schools. TEACH Grants offer qualified, aspiring teachers in undergraduate and graduate education programs $4,000-a-year in exchange for a mandatory four-year teaching commitment in high-need areas within eight years of completing their coursework.

Since the program was launched, over 400,000 TEACH Grants have been disbursed. But for too many recipients the “grants,” came with complex strings attached, administrative burdens, or bureaucratic errors that ultimately caused them to function more like loans.

The Grassley-Reed bill would increase TEACH Grant awards for educators by up to $2,000 and ensure the program functions more reliably as a reliable grant program.

“As the son of a schoolteacher, I learned the value of education from an early age. I want to make sure we have enough teachers to foster the next generation of leaders. My bipartisan bill improves access to federal resources so more people can establish a meaningful career in education,” Senator Grassley said.

“Good teachers encourage students and help them unlock and achieve their full potential. TEACH grants encourage and incentivize promising young educators to take their talents to schools and areas that often have trouble attracting teachers. This bill will strengthen and streamline TEACH grants to ensure they work well for teachers and meet the needs of schools, taxpayers, and the communities they serve. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan bill with Senator Grassley to better support America’s teachers and help them go the extra mile for students across the country,” Senator Reed said.

The bipartisan legislation has been endorsed by the following organizations: the University of Northern Iowa, the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), Deans for Impact (DFI), the National Center for Teacher Residencies (NCTR), the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE), the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU) and the American Council on Education (ACE).

“Teacher preparation programs are at the heart of what it means to be one of the 520 regional public universities across the country. The TEACH Grant is an important tool that helps more students get the education they need to be excellent teachers. It increases the pipeline of highly effective teachers in communities that need them most. We commend Senators Grassley and Reed for their continued leadership in strengthening the teachers’ pipeline and for their commitment to this vital program,” said Charles L. Welch, President and CEO of AASCU.

“The TEACH Improvement Act is an important step toward making high-quality pathways into teaching more accessible. By holding teacher training programs responsible for lowering grant-to-loan conversion rates, the legislation helps ensure aspiring educators can count on TEACH grants without the fear of falling into repayment without support from their programs. At the same time, its focus on high-quality preparation through hands-on experience, effective coursework, and ongoing mentorship will help more teachers enter the classroom ready to support student success. Together, these changes will expand access to teaching while ensuring a more effective, well-prepared educator workforce for students and communities nationwide,” said Valerie Sakimura, Executive Director of DFI.

“Every student deserves a well-prepared, highly supported teacher—and that starts with meaningful investments in the educator workforce. Increasing the TEACH Grant through the TEACH Improvement Act is a critical step toward making high-quality preparation programs, including teacher residencies and apprenticeships, more accessible and affordable to aspiring educators. These investments not only strengthen the teaching profession but also help ensure that our most underserved schools can attract and retain talented educators who reflect and value the communities they serve,” said Kathlene Campbell, Ph.D., CEO of NCTR.

“For too many prospective teachers, financial barriers stand in the way of entering and completing preparation programs — particularly during the clinical experiences that are essential to becoming effective educators and are often unpaid. AACTE is pleased to endorse the TEACH Improvement Act, which strengthens financial support for teacher candidates at this critical stage and establishes clear, reasonable requirements to help ensure participants meet the program’s service commitments. We thank Senators Grassley and Reed for their longstanding support of the educator workforce,” said Cheryl Holcomb-McCoy, Ph.D., President and CEO of AACTE.

Background:

Over 400,000 teacher positions, or about 1 in 8 of all positions nationally, were either unfilled or filled by teachers who were not fully certified, according to a 2025 analysis from the Learning Policy Institute.

The TEACH Grant Program aims to fix this by providing grants to study and gain a certification in teaching. In addition, the program requires recipients to complete four years of teaching in a high-need field and in a school that serves low-income students within eight years of completing their coursework.

If a recipient does not complete the required teaching, their grant is converted into a Direct Unsubsidized Loan that must be repaid in full, including interest that would have accrued. A significant portion of recipients fall into this category. The Department of Education estimates 52% of students receiving a TEACH Grant in Fiscal Year 2025 will fail to complete their service obligation and see their grants converted to loans. Additionally, 63% of recipients who started their eight-year service period prior to July 2014 saw their grants converted to loans.

The TEACH Improvement Act would improve the TEACH Grant Program by:

• Increasing the total lifetime cap of the loans by $2,000 to:

$18,000 for undergraduates/post-baccalaureate ($4,000 annually in the first two years, and $5,000 annually in the last two years).

$10,000 for graduate level ($5,000 annually).

• Strengthening accountability measures for institutions by establishing performance thresholds tied to loan conversion rates:

If 50% of grants are converted to loans, institutions lose eligibility to offer TEACH Grants for a 3-year period.

If 40% of grants are converted to loans, institutions face restrictions and additional requirements. This includes additional financial aid counseling as well as establishing an improvement plan and task force.

The legislation also provides a pathway for institutions to regain eligibility based on performance improvements.

• Enacting improved protections for grant recipients:

If a recipients’ service obligations are partially unmet, the bill allows for pro-rated loan conversion, rather than full conversion.

It also creates a formal reconsideration process for wrongful or erroneous loan conversions.

• Allowing flexibility while maintaining clear service requirements:

The legislation expands and clarifies eligible high need subject areas, including in STEM, special education and bilingual education.

It also maintains the service obligation of four years of teaching within eight years of completing the course of study where the applicant received a TEACH grant.

• Requiring strong oversight and reporting through regular reports to Congress:


Rosen Releases Statement on Troubling Findings in ADL Antisemitism Report, Emphasizes Need to Combat Rise of Antisemitism

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV), co-chair and co-founder of the Senate Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism, released the following statement in response to a new report by the ADL, which found that 2025 represents the third-highest year for antisemitic incidents since the ADL began tracking them in 1979. The report also found that physical assaults against Jews were higher in 2025 than ever before, underscoring the need to meet this moment with decisive action.

“While it is sadly unsurprising to see yet another record-setting year of antisemitic incidents, the ADL’s findings are no less alarming and disturbing. There’s a serious epidemic of hate in our country against Jewish-Americans. Congress has a responsibility to do everything in its power to address this hatred head-on and meet the urgency of the moment before this type of bigotry becomes normalized,” said Senator Rosen. “No one should be threatened or made to feel unsafe because of who they are. It is critical that we work across party lines to stop and reverse this dangerous trend by enhancing physical security at Jewish communal institutions, increasing resources for education, and by speaking out against antisemitic hatred whenever and wherever we see it.”

Senator Rosen has been a leader in the fight against rising antisemitism, and Holocaust denial and distortion. She recently called out Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth over the use of an antisemitic trope when referring to the media and Democrats. Additionally, Senator Rosen successfully pushed back against one of Trump’s State Department nominees, forcing his withdrawal after she condemned his history of antisemitic and racist comments. Last year, Senator Rosen successfully pushed the Coast Guard to reverse course on a policy change that would have downgraded the classification of swastikas from hate symbols to “potentially divisive”, and introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen Holocaust education at public schools and increase awareness of Holocaust educational resources available to local communities.


Senator Rosen Holds Discussion with Small Business Owners in Historic Westside of Las Vegas About Impacts of Trump’s Policies

LAS VEGAS, NV – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) held a discussion with small business owners at Gritz Cafe, a Black-owned small business in the Historic Westside of Las Vegas, about the impact of Trump’s policies on small businesses in the area. Small businesses in Nevada make up 99 percent of all businesses across the state, and have been directly impacted by the Trump Administration’s erratic economic policies.

“Nevada is home to so many incredible small businesses like Gritz Cafe, many of which are struggling because of Trump’s tariffs and his economic policies that are making costs go up. As a result, Nevadans have less disposable income to eat out and tourists are skipping trips to Las Vegas,” said Senator Rosen. “During National Small Business Week, I reaffirm my commitment to continue fighting back against the administration’s reckless policies, which have only hurt Nevada’s small businesses and consumers.”

“Small business owners and their families have been hit hard by rising costs of business and the lack of certainty is making it hard to plan ahead,” said Kema Ogden, Secretary of the Las Vegas Urban Chamber of Commerce. “It was great to meet with Senator Rosen in the Historic Westside today to hear directly from her and small business owners about what can be done to protect Nevada’s entrepreneurs.”

Senator Rosen has been a champion for small businesses in Nevada. This year, she has introduced legislation to exempt small businesses and groceries from tariffs, as well as supporting Nevada’s tourism economy. She recently called for a Senate hearing on the state of tourism under the Trump Administration.


Following Request From Schatz, Education Secretary Agrees To Avoid Cuts To Native Hawaiian Education Program, Keep Millions In Federal Funding Flowing For Hawai‘i Kids

HONOLULU – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today spoke with U.S. Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon and reiterated his request that the department avoid cuts to the Native Hawaiian Education Program. In response, McMahon agreed to keep the program fully funded for current grant recipients for at least another year, which guarantees $46 million in federal funding secured by Schatz in Congress will continue to flow to the more than 60 early childhood education sites across Hawai‘i and sustain other critical education programs, including home visiting for children under 5, workforce development for parents, and Hawaiian language immersion programs. The federally funded programs serve more than 3,000 Hawai‘i families.

“This is good news for Hawai‘i. This money helps thousands of young kids develop learning skills and gives Native Hawaiian families more affordable child care options,” said Senator Schatz, vice chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. “I’m grateful to Secretary McMahon for working with us to protect this funding and will continue fighting every day to make sure Hawai‘i gets its fair share of federal dollars.”

The agreement follows threats of cuts to Native Hawaiian programs across the federal government. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Schatz has been leading efforts to protect funding for Hawai‘i.

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Schatz Visits Site Of Future Hālau Of ‘Ōiwi Art On Maui

WAILUKU – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), vice chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, visited the site of Halau of ‘Oiwi Art in Wailuku to view the ongoing construction. The center will be dedicated to the study, practice, celebration and perpetuation of hula and associated arts and will also be used as a resilience hub for shelter and recovery in the event of a disaster. In 2022, Senator Schatz delivered $11 million in federal earmark funding for the project, which broke ground in 2024 and is expected to be completed in 2027.

“This will be a special place for people to come together, a first-of-its-kind home for hula halau across Maui to practice and share their craft and Native Hawaiian culture,” said Senator Schatz, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “It’s exciting to see a project like this begin to take shape. It took a lot of work from every level of government and from the Maui community to secure resources and begin construction. While there is still more work to do, we can’t wait to celebrate its opening.”

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NEWS: Sen. Schiff Outlines Farm Bill Priorities for California

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, released an outline of his priorities for the 2026 Farm Bill following the recent passage of a Farm Bill by the U.S. House of Representatives.

As the first U.S. Senator from California to serve on the Senate Agriculture Committee in over 30 years, Senator Schiff is advocating for a Farm Bill and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that reflects economic opportunity, health, sustainability, national security, and prosperity. He is also reiterating his opposition to a Farm Bill that includes language that would preempt California state law like Proposition 12.

“It’s time for a Farm Bill that addresses the mounting challenges that farmers, farmworkers, and rural communities are facing. As a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I’ll be pushing for a bill that that restores and strengthens nutrition programs, empowers California’s specialty crop producers, supports research investments, and provides farmers with increased opportunities to succeed in their businesses. Congress also needs to protect Proposition 12 and return to humane immigration policies for our farmworkers. I look forward to advocating for these priorities to bring the relief that California’s agricultural producers and families need,” said Senator Schiff.

Senator Schiff’s priorities for the next Farm Bill can be viewed here and below:

Strengthen nutrition programs so American families and the most vulnerable can easily access nutritious food: Deep cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the nation’s largest food assistance program, have posed serious threats to Americans’ ability to afford food, and fend off poverty and hunger; one estimate projects hundreds of thousands of preventable deaths due to SNAP cuts by 2040. We must reverse cuts to SNAP as well as bolster other federal feeding programs like WIC, which provides healthy food for women and children, and GusNIP, which increases low-income consumers’ purchasing power of fresh fruits and vegetables. We must simultaneously support small and mid-size farmers while providing fresh, healthy food to schools, food banks, and other centers by bolstering farm-to-institution programs.

Protect Proposition 12: Demand from consumers, food companies, and farmers propelled California’s voters to approve Proposition 12, enacting bare-minimum public health, food safety, and welfare standards for the in-state production of and sale of products from egg-laying hens, veal calves, and sows. The April 30 House-passed Farm Bill includes language to nullify Proposition 12 and other state laws. Poison pills like preempting Prop 12 must be excluded from any Farm Bill.

Make fruits and vegetables affordable and convenient for farmers to grow and for consumers to eat: Federal agriculture policy has often neglected farmers who grow some of our healthiest foods – fruits, vegetables, and nuts (otherwise known as specialty crops). These are the very foods behind the saying, “Food is medicine.” We must ensure that the accessibility of USDA programs for specialty crops is on par with that of commodity crops (e.g., corn, soy); this must cross a plethora of programs – insurance, disaster, conservation, marketing, procurement, research, and more. We must also ensure that the unique challenges of specialty crop production are addressed through robust and tailored science, research, and pest and disease mitigation.

Increase market opportunities for more farm and food businesses: Global events like the COVID-19 pandemic revealed the harms of a consolidated food supply chain. Creating new markets for local and regional foods, for small and diversified producers, and for sustainable proteins, will cultivate a more resilient, competitive supply chain. We must provide additional business opportunities so that more farm and food businesses have a means of selling their products to more people in more places and so that consumers have more options.

Invest in rural communities – their infrastructure, economies, livelihoods: Rural America is disproportionately impacted by persistent poverty, health care shortages, and economic challenges. We must level the playing field for rural communities by modernizing and increasing funding for federal programs that advance rural health care, housing, broadband, infrastructure, and business opportunities.

Protect farmworkers: Farmworkers are the backbone of the agricultural industry. They work day in and day out, often under significant exposure to heat and pesticides, to provide families in the U.S. and around the world with food on the table. We must give farmworkers the dignity they deserve, chiefly a pathway to citizenship and safe working and living conditions for them and their families.

In the coming weeks and months, Senator Schiff intends to introduce legislation for consideration in the Farm Bill that spans a number of topics: improved mechanization of specialty crops, enhanced fruit and vegetable procurement in federal food programs, increased nutrition incentives, artificial intelligence and innovation in agriculture, regional food systems development, organic agriculture, and more.

Background:

During the first year of the Senator’s term on the Senate Agriculture Committee, he has advocated for Californian and American farmers in various ways, such as:

Visiting farms across the entirety of California, learning about the Golden State’s countless agricultural industries, including strawberries, almonds, broccoli, celery, and leafy greens.

Advocating for USDA programs and proposals to reflect the vitality of California agriculture and of specialty crops in their organizational structure and disaster relief policies.

Successfully fending off efforts to close several key USDA offices open in California.

Pushing back on the Trump administration’s destructive trade and immigration enforcement policies, which have caused input prices for American farmers and food prices for American families to skyrocket.

Introducing an amendment that would have prevented the One Big, Ugly Bill Act from cutting food assistance for families with children under the age of 12. Cosponsoring legislation to repeal all the recent devastating Republican cuts to SNAP.

Pressing USDA to restore and continue its highly successful and popular programs to provide healthy, local foods to food banks, schools, and child care centers. Asking USDA to provide transparency regarding its cancellation of funding for farmers.

Cosponsoring legislation requiring USDA to release illegally withheld funding for its contracts and agreements.

Introducing legislation that would support school districts in serving more plant-based meal options and legislation that would make a strategic federal investment in protein innovation through boosted support for research, workforce development, and domestic manufacturing capacity.

Introducing legislation that would help rural communities prepare and recover from emergencies that threaten the availability of safe drinking water.

Cosponsoring legislation that would establish enforceable standards for workers in high-heat environments (e.g., farmworkers) with measures like paid breaks in cool spaces and water access.

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PHOTOS: Sen. Schiff Tours Catalina Island Conservancy, Highlights Continued Efforts to Preserve and Sustain California’s Natural Ecosystems

Santa Catalina, CA – This week, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) visited the Catalina Island Conservancy (CIC), an organization founded to protect and restore Santa Catalina Island. During the visit, Schiff discussed his support for the CIC’s conservation programs and their efforts to protect Catalina Island.

Schiff toured the Whites Restoration Area, a conservation and education center where the Conservancy explained their ongoing efforts to clear invasive species and replace them with native plant species to support fire resiliency and ecosystem health. Schiff also hiked around Catalina and highlighted the actions he has taken to conserve and protect the native land through legislation that backs conservation efforts, habitat restoration and wildfire prevention.

Background:

As a member of the Senate Environmental and Public Works Committee, Senator Schiff has championed conservation efforts to protect California ecosystems and mitigate wildfire risks. The senator has introduced legislation that would protect some of the last wild and open spaces in the Los Angeles area and allow the National Park Service to work with local communities to better protect natural resources and improve access to nature. Schiff has also led legislation to create a disaster resilience tax credit for Americans to protect their homes form natural disasters through fire and flood management upgrades.

View photos from the visit below:

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Slotkin Honors Students Nominated for U.S. Service Academies

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: Slotkin, Moreno Bill to Ban Chinese Vehicles and Protect American Auto Industry and National Security

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Slotkin, Fetterman Reintroduce Legislation to Support Urban and Innovative Farming Across Michigan

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Ahead of Armed Services Hearing, A Review of Hegseth’s Answers to Slotkin on Illegal Orders and Use of the Military Against Americans

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Slotkin Statement on Vote to Block Offensive Weapons Transfers to Israel

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Slotkin, Schumer, Baldwin Demand Trump Take Action Against Chinese Automakers, American Workers and National Security at Risk

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Slotkin, Peters, Walberg and Huizenga Call on President Trump to Deliver Aid to Michigan Communities Impacted by Deadly Tornadoes

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WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: Slotkin, Moreno Bill to Ban Chinese Vehicles and Protect American Auto Industry and National Security

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, U.S. Senators Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and Bernie Moreno (R-OH) rolled out the Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026, legislation designed to defend the American auto industry against the increasing threat of Chinese-manufactured vehicles.

By cutting off Chinese vehicles, software, and critical hardware at every stage, from the factory floor to the dealership parking lot, the bill ensures that American drivers’ personal data cannot be harvested on U.S. roads and funneled back to the Chinese government.

The Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026 has drawn broad support from across the American auto industry and national security community – with statements of support from labor, the car companies, and auto industry trade groups.

Watch Slotkin and Moreno talk about their bill on Bloomberg Balance of Power

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT THE CONNECTED VEHICLE SECURITY ACT OF 2026:

NBC: Senators introduce bipartisan bill banning Chinese vehicles and auto parts

Sens. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, and Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., introduced the Connected Vehicle Security Act, which would ban automobiles, parts and vehicle software made in China or in partnership with China, as well as other adversarial nations, from the U.S. market.

Detroit News: Slotkin, Moreno buck Trump with bipartisan Chinese car ban proposal

Democratic U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan and Republican U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno of Ohio introduced a bill Wednesday to solidify barriers to China building its U.S. automotive presence.

WJR: Sen. Slotkin Co-Introduces Ban on Chinese Vehicles in U.S.

Sens. Bernie Moreno (R-OH) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) introduced a bill that would also implement these bans to other nations hostile to the U.S. This comes weeks before President Donald Trump will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in person.

UAW President Shawn Fain: “Our national and economic security relies on a strong US auto industry. The American Dream was launched and sustained out of good union auto jobs here in the United States. If we want to rebuild US manufacturing and raise standards for the working class, we can’t keep offshoring and outsourcing our auto industry, driving a global race to the bottom for short term corporate profits. Our US auto industry must invest in cutting-edge technology and build affordable, high-quality vehicles for the American consumer, built by UAW autoworkers. We can’t keep selling out the US working class to transnational corporations that have no respect for labor rights. By building on and strengthening the existing connected vehicles rule, this legislation puts common sense guardrails on a major threat to our nation’s auto industry.”

General Motors: “GM commends Senators Moreno (R-OH) and Slotkin (D-MI) on the introduction of the Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026. General Motors supports policies that protect and strengthen American manufacturing and the global competitiveness of U.S. automakers, and we remain committed to long-term investments in our domestic workforce, facilities, and technology. As we have said many times, we can compete with anyone in the world when we are given a level playing field. We look forward to continuing to work with both offices through the legislative process.”

Ford Motor Company: “We commend Senators Moreno and Slotkin on their bipartisan work to protect the U.S. industrial base. We look forward to working with Congress as the bill moves through the legislative process.”

Stellanis: “The Connected Vehicle Security Act addresses important issues related to connected vehicle security and fair competition in the U.S. market. We look forward to working with Senators Moreno and Slotkin on the details as their legislation moves forward.”

MichAuto: “Senators Slotkin and Moreno deserve credit for tackling this complicated issue in a bipartisan fashion that reflects the urgency of the situation. Taking action to protect our domestic automotive industry from vehicles made by Chinese companies is especially critical for Michigan as well as all those Americans whose livelihoods, companies, and communities depend on it.”

John Bozzella, president and CEO, Alliance for Automotive Innovation: “China has a strategy to dominate global automotive and battery manufacturing that presents a challenge to American economic and national security,” “We need to make sure we’re all playing by the same rules, but Chinese automakers are flooding markets around the world with cut-rate vehicles. Sens. Moreno and Slotkin don’t want that to happen here. They’re right. The legislation they introduced today sends a clear message: The U.S. will not throw open the doors to Chinese automakers to manufacture or sell here. The details matter, and we’ll continue working with lawmakers to get this policy right, so all our member companies continue to succeed and thrive inside the U.S.”

Kevin Dempsey, American Iron and Steel Institutec president and CEO:“AISI applauds Senators Moreno and Slotkin for their leadership on introducing the Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026. The American steel industry’s success is inextricably linked to the health of U.S. automotive manufacturing. When U.S. automakers compete on a fair and secure basis, American steelmakers thrive alongside them. Chinese state-subsidized vehicles, produced outside the bounds of fair trade and with serious national security implications, threaten to undermine the entire domestic supply chain —from research and development facilities to steel mills to the assembly lines. This bipartisan legislation takes an important step toward ensuring that the future of American mobility is built with American steel.”

American Honda Motor Co., Inc.: “As the largest auto manufacturer in Ohio, Honda commends Senators Bernie Moreno and Elissa Slotkin on introducing the Connected Vehicle Security Act, which seeks to provide a fair and competitive marketplace for U.S. automakers. As global competition in the automotive sector intensifies, the bill importantly recognizes how American economic and national security are increasingly connected. Honda looks forward to working with the sponsors as the legislation evolves.”

Rachel McCleery, Executive Director of SAFE’s Coalition for Reimagined Mobility: “SAFE strongly supports the Connected Vehicle Security Act which expands current law to combat the growing threat posed by Chinese automakers and suppliers, and the risks they pose to America’s economic and national security. After gaining market access to Mexico and Canada, our geopolitical adversary is even closer to deploying vehicles on U.S. roads – vehicles that collect and transmit sensitive geolocation, infrastructure, and behavioral data at scale. This new legislation is a crucial step towards building secure and resilient supply chains, protecting our industrial base, and blocking real-time espionage and surveillance by foreign adversaries.”

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